After saying all this, Chen Fangfang lowered her head in shame, not daring to look at Xu Ningyan any longer, and stammered, "I... I really have nowhere else to go! That's why I came to you! Don't worry, I'm not trying to take advantage of you! I just thought that since you're more familiar with Beijing, could you help me find a place to stay? Just a place to live will do. I'll pay for it, and I can stay until the start of the semester!"
"I have about forty yuan left, and I need to ask if you could help me buy a set of bedding and a change of clothes. If it's not enough, I... I can owe you some, I'll give you an IOU! I'll pay you back after I receive my allowance when school starts! Really! I swear! I didn't mean to cause you any trouble—"
Xu Ningyan reached out and grasped Chen Fangfang's hand. "I know you're not that kind of person! I'm also glad that you thought of me and came to me when you encountered difficulties, instead of succumbing to reality and giving up your dreams!"
"Don't worry about where you'll stay, I'll figure something out!"
After thinking for a moment, Xu Ningyan gestured to Chen Fangfang: "As you can see, I gave birth to twins, and it's just me and Sister Mei at home. We originally asked the aunt next door to help take care of them, but her daughter-in-law also gave birth, and she has to take care of herself during her postpartum period. We're worried about not being able to find a trustworthy and suitable person to help take care of the children. If you don't mind, could you help take care of the children for two months?"
"After the New Year, we'll look for a good auntie. We should be able to find one around the time school starts!"
Chen Fangfang nodded excitedly, "You don't mind! As long as you don't mind me, I can do anything!"
Xu Ningyan patted Chen Fangfang's hand, signaling her to relax: "Sister Mei cooks and does laundry for our family, and takes care of the children. She earns 23 yuan a month. Since you just started working for her, you'll earn less. She provides room and board, and we'll give you 18 yuan a month. She also makes clothes for you for all four seasons. You'll be working until the start of the school year, which is more than two months. We can't skimp on your clothes, so we'll make you a set too."
Chen Fangfang knew that Xu Ningyan was trying to help her out, so she quickly waved her hand and said, "No need, no need! It's enough that you're taking me in and providing food and lodging! Really! I have enough money to buy bedding and luggage! If you have any clothes you don't wear anymore, just give me a couple! No need to make new clothes!"
"You've already solved my biggest problem by taking me in and providing food and lodging! I really don't need anything else! Once school starts and I get the stipend, I'll be able to live a more comfortable life! I was able to escape from the Tuanjie Brigade, if I can't even endure this little bit of hardship, what's the point of going to university?"
"Really! You don't need to pay me a salary, and you don't need to make me clothes!"
After some pushing and pulling, both sides eventually backed down.
Xu Ningyan will stop paying wages. Just prepare a set of bedding and luggage for Chen Fangfang. There's no need to make new clothes; just find two sets of old clothes for her.
The two reached an agreement, and Chen Fangfang was so grateful that she kept saying she didn't know how to thank her enough.
Xu Ningyan said, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "If you really want to thank me, let's go into business together after you graduate from university! I'll provide the capital, and you can manage it, okay?"
Chen Fangfang's eyes lit up immediately: "You, are you serious?"
Xu Ningyan nodded seriously: "Of course I'm serious! As long as you're willing!"
Chen Fangfang said excitedly, "Of course I'm willing! But I've only ever sold hair ties before, and I don't have any other experience. Aren't you afraid of losing money if you invest in me?"
Xu Ningyan smiled and said, "I can tell from your hair tie business that you have a talent for this. Of course I believe in you! Study hard in college and build your network. I might need you in the future!"
Chen Fangfang suddenly felt a sense of righteous indignation, like a scholar would die for one who understands him!
With Xu Ningyan's words, she will definitely study hard in college to learn how to do business and how to make money, so that she can make a lot of money for Xu Ningyan!
Only then would she be worthy of Xu Ningyan's affection for her today.
When Jiang Yuan and her colleagues got home from get off work, there was suddenly another person in their house.
Chen Fangfang has calmed down and regained her motivation and goals, and she has returned to some of her former self.
He introduced himself to Jiang Yuan in a very open and generous manner.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan looked at Chen Fangfang with more pity and approval, and smiled reassuringly at her: "In that case, you can stay at our house with peace of mind. Just spend your time with Xiaoyan and take care of the children."
Jiang Zhiyuan, on the other hand, was taken aback when he saw Chen Fangfang, but quickly remembered who she was. He simply nodded and didn't say anything more.
Mei Jie had already made up the bed for Chen Fangfang.
Chen Fangfang also lived in the west wing. Since only Sister Mei and the two children had a stove in their room, and the room was large, they simply added an extra single bed.
Although the sheets and duvet cover were neither new nor old, the quilt inside was indeed soft and thick.
Chen Fangfang had taken a long shower and changed into clean clothes in the afternoon. She even trimmed her nails and rounded the edges to avoid hurting the two children.
I thought the two children would be shy around strangers, but they stared at me for a while, as if trying to recognize me. Then they didn't seem uncomfortable at all when Chen Fangfang held them.
This relieved Chen Fangfang.
With Chen Fangfang helping to take care of the children, Sister Mei can have an easier time.
Back in the room, Sister Mei coaxed the two children to sleep while telling Chen Fangfang about their habits, daily tasks, and things to be aware of.
Chen Fangfang listened very attentively, showing the same dedication she had when preparing for the college entrance exam.
Not a single word should be missed.
With Chen Fangfang joining, not to mention Sister Mei, everyone felt much more relaxed.
Sister Mei can now cook with peace of mind every day and even has time to learn two new dishes from Xu Ningyan.
There's no need to rush when going out to buy groceries, in case Xu Ningyan can't keep an eye on things at home alone.
Moreover, Chen Fangfang is quick and efficient, always ready to help. Whenever she has a spare moment, she takes care of whatever comes to mind.
They eagerly volunteer to do the children's laundry, sweep the floor, and fetch water.
This made Sister Mei quite nervous. She was glad that Chen Fangfang would only work until the start of university next year, otherwise she would have been worried that Chen Fangfang would take her job.
The brigade leader later sent another letter, in which he mentioned Chen Fangfang's situation.
It is said that after Chen Fangfang left, her in-laws did not find out until evening and immediately chased after her.
First they chased him to the commune, but couldn't find him.
The next day, they chased after him to the county town, went straight to the train station, and asked around for directions.
Later, they heard that someone had seen a woman who looked similar to Chen Fangfang in their description, and that she had indeed boarded a train, specifically a train bound for Beijing.
The Xu family knew they couldn't catch up.
Chen Fangfang's man even wanted to follow her to Beijing, but he was severely scolded by his own mother.
Even setting aside the fact that we've arrived in the capital, which is so vast, finding someone there is like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Besides, train tickets to Beijing are so expensive, and finding someone isn't something that can be done in a day or two. Food, drinks, and lodging all cost money.
There's no mountain of gold or silver in the house to squander like this, so let him give up on the idea as soon as possible.
Anyway, they can't keep her, and Chen Fangfang hasn't given the Xu family a son or daughter all these years. Let her go if she runs away! Her heart isn't with her husband's family anyway. Even if they win her back, she might run away again next time!
In short, if you don't have money, don't go looking for it!
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