Gu Hanting smiled with satisfaction. "The more the better. After all, they are factories below. In the past, when they were dealing in coal, it was all about pulling strings and getting permits, which was quite troublesome. If possible, give them a year's supply. Don't worry about the money; they will pay you exactly what you owe. Let Wang Datou do the accounting."
Jiang Qiao nodded, "Okay, I'll take you there then, that will make things more convenient. You can stay here for a while longer and just say you're my grandfather's friend who's here for a medical checkup."
Gu Hanting affectionately pinched his granddaughter's nose. "You silly girl, how come you say the same thing as your Grandpa Qiao? Okay, then Grandpa will stay at home. I've prepared your brother's meals; he can just heat them up himself."
Looking at his granddaughter's thin frame that never seemed to gain weight, the old man felt sorry for her. "Girl, eat more. You can't be this thin. Studying is tiring, and you have to worry about things at home too."
Jiang Qiao said nonchalantly, "Grandpa, I'm perfectly healthy. I guess I've just grown taller, so I haven't gained much weight. I'll be fine after some rest. By the way, I'll take you to visit my eldest uncle's house tonight. It's your son's house, and you haven't been there yet. Also, my third uncle, who is my dad's third brother, broke his leg in the explosion in the county last time. Do you want to go see him?"
Gu Hanting nodded. "We should go and see. No matter what, the fact that this person came here means they're here for our family. Now that we know, we should bring something to visit them."
"What? I heard about the explosion? What happened?"
Jiang Qiao briefly explained what happened, "So, it was a close call, otherwise everyone in the building would probably have been in trouble."
Gu Hanting slammed his hand on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed) in anger. "These bastards! I've never seen them fight the Japanese with such vigor, but they're so energetic when it comes to dealing with their own compatriots!"
Jiang Qiao wanted to retort that she had contributed back then, and many people had lost their lives because of it, but she couldn't say it, much less explain it.
"Well, so, thank goodness amidst misfortune. Alright, you sit down first, I'll go help my Grandpa Qiao."
When Jiang Qiao arrived at the kitchen, Qiao Jie had already prepared the meal. Jiang Qiao washed her hands and quickly went over to help serve the food.
"Have you reached an agreement?"
Jiang Qiao smiled and nodded. "Yes, I can help. I'll take you to visit some neighbors tonight."
During the meal, Jiang Qiao casually mentioned that she had helped Wang Dahua find her daughter and shared her speculations.
Not to mention Qiao Jie, even Gu Hanting was dumbfounded. "My God, how are we supposed to get along with each other in the future? This is simply worse than an animal."
"Whether it is or not is none of our business. Anyway, I did my grandma a big favor this time. If she's smart, she should listen to her daughter. Otherwise, she'll suffer later."
Qiao Jie and Gu Hanting both shook their heads. "Wang Dahua isn't exactly smart, otherwise, she wouldn't have sent such a treasure like you to my side."
Furthermore, faced with a choice between her daughter and son, she would definitely choose the son, thus neglecting her daughter. Wang Dahua used up all her cleverness in her younger years; alas, she's getting senile.
There was plenty of food at home, and Qiao Jie is a good eater, so the three of them enjoyed their lunch very much.
Jiang Qiao cleaned up the dishes and quickly brewed some herbal tea for the two elderly people and brought it over.
"Grandpa, Grandpa Qiao, you two can enjoy your tea at home. There are snacks in your cupboard, so eat them if you get hungry. I'm going to school now, and I'll cook dinner when I get back. I'll also bring some food to my third uncle and eldest uncle."
Qiao Jie waved his hand, "No need, I can make it. It's just food, there's food in the kitchen at home."
Jiang Qiao didn't argue about it and was about to leave when Jiang Xintong walked over, looking preoccupied with her own thoughts.
"Aunt?"
"Jiang Qiao, I'd like to sit in your house for a while. Are you going out?"
Jiang Qiao nodded. "I'm going to school. There are people at my house. Let's go inside first."
Grandpa, my grandma's daughter has come over to sit down. Please keep her company and talk to her.
"Auntie, if you're upset, just talk to my grandpa. He's experienced a lot and has a long-term perspective; letting him give you some advice is much better than me, a young girl, offering my opinion."
Qiao Jie had already gotten up and, upon seeing Jiang Xintong, warmly invited her to come inside and sit down.
"Auntie, I have to go now, or I'll be late. You two can continue chatting."
No sooner had she finished speaking than Chunming and the others were already calling for help outside. Jiang Qiao quickly pushed her bicycle and ran outside.
“Girl, don’t be shy, come and sit down. If you’re having trouble thinking about something, talk to us two old men. This is my friend, he’s here to see a doctor.”
There were two old men in the house. Although they weren't familiar with each other, Qiao Jie and Gu Hanting were both good-looking and had a friendly attitude, which made Jiang Xintong lower her guard. As she chatted with the men, she started to cry.
"Grandpa, tell me, is there any mother like this? Her own daughter was sold by her son, and she asked me to forgive her. How can I forgive her? I suffered so much, and all they did was take the money from selling me and live a carefree life. But what about me? Who cared about me at all..."
Perhaps because she was facing two elderly people, Jiang Xintong was filled with grievances, and once she started talking, she couldn't stop.
Jiang Qiao didn't care how her two grandfathers tried to persuade Jiang Xintong. In her mind, Jiang Xintong had to get through this hurdle, unless she was completely heartless. But judging from her appearance, Jiang Xintong wasn't that kind of person. Otherwise, why hadn't there been any progress for several days?
The reason for asking the old man to persuade Jiang Xintong was actually to give this woman a chance to vent and confide in him, as she had probably been feeling stifled staying at Wang Dahua's house these past few days.
Upon seeing Jiang Qiao arrive, her deskmate Li Ling excitedly rushed over, and Jiang Qiao handed her the bag she was carrying.
"Hey, you like it, so I'll give it to you."
Jiang Qiao gave Li Ling a coat. After she wore it in the morning, the girl kept nagging her, saying that she would give it to her when it became too small.
Actually, Jiang Qiao has quite a few clothes like this. Besides, she's grown taller and thinner this year. Although this coat fits her well now, she feels it's still a little too big. She doesn't lack clothes and usually goes for a low-key style, so she might as well just give it away as a favor.
Li Ling hugged Jiang Qiao, so happy she didn't know how to express it.
"Little Qiao'er, Little Qiao'er, thank you, I'll remember it."
Jiang Qiao pinched her cheek. Compared to Li Ling, she was indeed thinner. This girl wasn't tall, but she was quite plump. Jiang Qiao wondered what good food her parents were feeding her. Anyway, she looked much more comfortable than Li Ling.
"Okay, then remember this. I'll pay you back when you're successful. Oh, and I also put two hair clips inside. Wear them if you like, or give them away if you don't."
Li Ling happily hugged Jiang Qiao and gave her a big kiss. "Our little Qiao is so sweet. From now on, I'll protect you."
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