Zhang Cuiya had heard villagers say how beautiful He Jiuniang was, but she didn't take it to heart. She thought that a woman who was older than her, had given birth, and was busy running around for her family's business couldn't possibly be that good-looking.
But she's different; she's young and in the best condition. Standing next to He Jiuniang, she would definitely outshine He Jiuniang.
Now, looking at He Jiuniang in front of her, Zhang Cuiya was so shocked that she didn't know what to say.
This is no ordinary farm woman. Her looks, her figure, and her air of nobility are not something that ordinary people can possess.
Zhang Cuiya, who originally thought she could compare to He Jiuniang, was saddened to find that she seemed to have been humbled to the dust in front of He Jiuniang.
However, she quickly overcame her inferiority complex. She realized that He Jiuniang was able to do this because she was an official's wife and had access to the best things in life, so naturally she was superior to her in every way.
Clothes make the man. If I could use those good things, I would definitely be more beautiful and have more style than her!
Zhang Cuiya thought angrily to herself, determined to marry Lu Baichuan and become his legal wife!
He Jiuniang naturally saw Zhang Cuiya as well. After all, she was still a young girl with limited skills, and her emotions were written all over her face. He Jiuniang could see the jealousy and resentment in her eyes at a glance.
Resentful?
He Jiuniang smiled with a hint of disdain; where did she get the nerve to be resentful?
It wasn't that she looked down on the girl; it was simply that they were completely incomparable. She didn't care about such a person at all and walked right past her into the room.
It should be said that she doesn't care about anyone; she has absolute confidence in herself and in Lu Baichuan.
Upon seeing his wife approaching, Lu Baichuan was so busy explaining that he didn't care about anything else and jumped off the roof to try and appease her.
Zhang Cuiya was stunned by his impressive jump. He jumped down from such a high rooftop, and did it so gracefully, with movements that looked effortless.
Her love for Lu Baichuan deepened, and even with He Jiuniang present, she made no attempt to hide her lust. Even Lu Fugui and the others couldn't stand it anymore, and their faces turned ugly.
Zhang Cuiya is only slightly older than Lianhua. Lianhua is such a wonderful girl, Zhang Cuiya can't even compare to the hem of Lianhua's skirt, let alone He Jiuniang.
"Wife, what brings you here?"
Lu Baichuan stood in front of He Jiuniang with a fawning smile, but didn't even glance at Zhang Cuiya.
Zhang Cuiya thought he looked really good when he smiled. How could there be such an outstanding man who had no redeeming qualities at all!
"Come see if you're done yet. It'll be time to eat soon. But I think I've come at the wrong time and ruined someone's plans."
He Jiuniang's words were pointed, and she didn't think there was anything wrong with what she said; she just wanted to embarrass Zhang Cuiya.
Zhang Cuiya understood the implication in her words, but she didn't feel embarrassed. Instead, she seized the opportunity to show off: "Madam, you misunderstand. I was just grateful for the Lu family's care for my uncle's family, and seeing how busy you all are here, I brought some honey water to express my gratitude. There was absolutely no other meaning..."
That's really hard to fault; at most, it just emphasized that she brought honey water, not ordinary water.
But she continued, "Unfortunately, it seems that all of you benefactors have misunderstood me and are unwilling to drink the water I brought. Although we are a poor family, we are truly grateful to you all..."
It's one thing to talk, but she even started wiping away tears, as if she had suffered a great injustice. If someone saw this, wouldn't they think they were bullying her?
He Jiuniang looked at her with some confusion and said, "Since they said they don't want it, why aren't you leaving? Who are you? Who are your uncle and aunt? Have them come to my house tonight. I want to ask them if they've forgotten our agreement."
He Jiuniang's words were eloquent and direct, yet they struck a nerve with Zhang Cuiya, leaving her stunned.
How could this woman talk like that? She came to deliver water out of kindness, so why is she being called shameless?
Also, what does this have to do with her uncle and aunt?
Before Zhang Cuiya could react, He Jiuniang continued, "By the way, since you know so much about my family, you should know that I'm in charge of the family business, and that your uncle and aunt's family are living such a good life because of my help. If you really want to thank someone, you should thank me. What's with you fawning over my husband? Anyone who doesn't know better would think you have ulterior motives!"
Although it wasn't said too explicitly, that was the gist of it, and everyone present understood.
Lu Baichuan and the others on the roof silently gave He Jiu Niang a thumbs up. This was much better than what they had just said. It was truly insightful and hit the nail on the head!
Zhang Cuiya was so frightened that her face turned pale. How could this woman's mouth be so vicious? She was clearly trying to be kind, how could she slander her like this!
That's bad enough, but she also has to meet her uncle and aunt. If this gets to her uncle and aunt, how will she survive?
"You...you're going too far! I was just trying to repay a debt of gratitude..."
She pouted, looking like she was about to cry.
"I'm bullying someone?"
This time, not only He Jiuniang laughed, but everyone else laughed too. This wasn't how she bullied people.
"Girl, you should leave now. This is not a place for you. The Lu family is not a family you can scheme against. Don't cause trouble for your uncle and aunt."
Lu Fugui sighed and offered his sincere advice.
He had been in the village for almost two years. The people who worked for the Lu family were all kind and easy to get along with. He always treated them with respect and gratitude. Now that an outsider had come out and caused trouble, he really didn't want Zhang Cuiya to ruin her uncle and aunt's reputation.
Zhang Cuiya's face was very pale. She didn't want to leave and wanted to take the opportunity to get to know Lu Baichuan better. She believed that the more she got to know him, the better he would realize how good she was.
But no one here welcomed her. They even wanted her uncle and aunt to apologize. She couldn't swallow this insult and decided to go back and think of a solution. Anyway, she was going to stay for two or three days, so she would have another chance to get close to Lu Baichuan.
Thinking of all this, she covered her face and walked away sadly.
Lu Lao Er clicked his tongue and shook his head, sighing, "What's there to be so upset about!"
The eldest brother said, "This also proves that more and more people are targeting our family. It's not just our third brother, but also us and the children. We need to be careful and not let bad people take advantage of us."
He was always thoughtful, and he thought he would give instructions to the other children when he got back.
Everyone nodded solemnly. Although the family had become wealthy, the Lu family's traditions did not allow them to act recklessly. If anyone did anything outrageous, they would be kicked out of the house by their parents.
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