"It was me. They drugged me and sold me to human traffickers. I didn't even know I was worth so much. I was sold for two hundred yuan."
A hint of mockery lingered on his pale face.
"Half a year's salary, don't you think? That's pretty valuable, and it's much easier than going to work."
Mingzhu was supporting her from the side, unable to hide the shock on her face. Although her family had suffered a disaster, apart from her mother, everyone else was still harmonious. Even her uncle and aunt, who were not usually close to her, had secretly given her things. Compared to her, she was really much happier.
Seeing her feigned indifference, Jian Dan and Mingzhu felt a lump in their throats. Just then, Ling Weidong returned from outside and, seeing that everyone's eyes were red, didn't ask any questions.
"The car is outside, shall we leave now?"
He glanced briefly at Tan Yajun, who then immediately lifted her leg.
"Let's go home."
Ling Weidong is quite impressive; at this time, he can still find a small horse-drawn carriage, while Liujiatun only has oxcarts. Jian Dan couldn't help but take a few more glances at him.
Ling Weidong sensed something and tightened his grip. Just ahead were the supply and marketing cooperative and the state-run restaurant. Jian Dan was about to get off, and Ling Weidong followed, casually asking...
"What's wrong?"
Mingzhu turned around to look at this person and then at that person. The two figures looked harmonious from behind. Tan Yajun also secretly watched and whispered in Mingzhu's ear.
Do you think there's any chance?
Mingzhu gripped the quilt covering her legs tightly, her expression one of pure amusement.
"I find it difficult. Look at Dandan, has she figured it out yet?"
Tan Yajun paused, looking at the two figures, one tall and one short, and said softly,
"After this New Year, you'll be eighteen!"
"Yeah, she's eighteen, nineteen, or twenty, and she hasn't even figured it out herself, so what can you do?"
Besides, she has two younger brothers, an older brother, and two uncles.
"Hehe, they treat Cheng Chao like his own eyeballs," Mingzhu shook her head.
"Tsk tsk, this is tough!"
Tanya Jun seemed to be deep in thought.
"Do you think she's really clueless? I feel like she understands everything."
Mingzhu giggled.
"You noticed too?"
"Huh? Are you kidding me?"
Seeing a glimmer of life appear on her pale face, Mingzhu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and didn't hide it from her.
"Hey, how could I dare to tease you?"
I was just guessing. You see, before we came here, they said they were going to kill wild boars, which intimidated us for a long time.
Then, what happened to Tang Cui last year must have scared people again, right?
How long has it been? More than a year, and it's happened again.
I'm just guessing, do you think she might have the same idea this time?
Before, she was an orphan. Never mind anything else, she was indeed a little girl all by herself here, right?
Now, the whole village knows that she has found a relative, a military relative, and she is eighteen years old this year.
At this age, isn't she of marriageable age in the countryside?
Approaching her at this time isn't too much to ask, is it?
What was that saying again? Everyone says she doesn't mean it that way, but what if she does?
Who doesn't have a bit of wishful thinking, like, what if she takes a liking to me?
Look, this yard, it's not worth much money, but it's simple, strong, and good for work, right?
And given the current family dynamics, to put it bluntly, if she didn't want to keep a low profile, she could easily act arrogantly here, right?
Walking sideways?
Tanya nodded, suppressing a laugh.
"That's true. If something happens to Jian Dan, his family really can't just ignore it."
"However, it's just that his temper isn't very good; he'll resort to violence at the slightest disagreement."
"I think your analysis makes sense. She probably wants to establish her authority again this time. I don't think anyone will bother her in the short term."
Everything else is fine, it's just that he has a bad temper. I doubt any family could control him; wouldn't they all be afraid of their son getting beaten up?
Ahead, Jian Dan came out of the state-run restaurant, carrying a net bag in her hand. Ling Weidong raised his hand to lift the curtain, and only put it down after Jian Dan came out. He lowered his head and said something to Jian Dan. From this side, you could still see the soft lines of her face.
"I estimate that it can keep the village in check, but as for others, it's hard to say."
Mingzhu raised her chin, gesturing for her to look ahead.
"Look, isn't that a wolf cub?"
Tanya glanced at it, then looked away in disgust.
"Him? He's a complete idiot."
He's been thinking about this for so long, but he hasn't taken a single step out. He only dares to secretly help feed the dogs and do some chores. Look at him, with that little bit of courage. I dare say, in this state, he wouldn't dare to say anything for two years.
Do you believe it or not?
The two walked closer and closer. Mingzhu watched for a long time, while Ling Weidong followed behind Jian Dan, one step behind. He answered every question without saying a word more than necessary. She walked ahead while he watched from behind.
Mingzhu couldn't bear to watch either, because of her toothache.
Turning his head, he said,
"I believed him; he didn't have the guts."
She didn't seize the opportunity when she was on her own, and now she has Cheng Chao keeping her in check. Humph!
If we don't find someone else, things will get really tough.
Jian Dan and the other person also came back, having only caught half the sentence, and casually asked,
"Grind what? Grind cornmeal?"
Tanya Jun and Mingzhu exchanged a glance, and Tanya Jun then continued the conversation.
"Yes, I just remembered that I still have some corn that I haven't ground into flour."
"When we get back, I'll have Lin Dongfang go over there. He can carry it. Don't move around too much, or you'll strain it and cause trouble."
Ling Weidong took the job directly.
"Then why bother looking for him? I'll deal with him for you when we get back."
"Oh? Then, is that alright?"
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