This scene made the people around look at Xu Qinghe with a bit more complicated eyes. How could such a pretty girl end up with such a bad reputation?
The most innocent person is her husband. Not only was he injured in the line of duty, but he also had to endure the outside world's criticism of his wife, while he himself was lying in a hospital bed unable to move. The helplessness and heartache are really something that ordinary people cannot bear!
As Xu Qinghe passed by, she vaguely caught the gossip about herself. Although she didn't know all the content, she guessed that it was not flattery. However, she didn't take it too seriously and went straight to the kitchen.
There, she managed to borrow a stove and cooking utensils through some pleading, and began to slow-cook chicken soup.
At the same time, she did not forget to help wash vegetables and cut ingredients as usual. Her skillful techniques and high efficiency won the praise of everyone in the cafeteria, and they all praised her for being both diligent and considerate.
One of them laughed and said, "You're lucky today. There's a free stove. If they were all occupied, we wouldn't be able to help you. After all, ensuring the normal operation of the cafeteria is the top priority."
Xu Qinghe responded with a bright smile: "It's okay, it's not a big deal. The weather is so cold, the soup won't go bad if it gets cold. If it really doesn't work, we can come back another day."
These words not only showed her easy-going nature, but also revealed a certain open-mindedness, making people feel that this girl was both sensible and considerate, and they couldn't help but feel a liking for her.
She said, her tone revealing a hint of determination and relief, "There's no need to pursue that person anymore. Please help me find out about my grandfather's family's recent situation. I should be able to go see them now. If I can really find them, I really want to go and see them."
Yin Yunjie agreed without hesitation. This promise had long been etched in his mind, but he hadn't received any news for a long time. After returning home, he decided to start immediately, mobilizing available resources to accelerate the search process.
Qin Chunmei saw her granddaughter's resolute attitude and felt relieved. She was most afraid that her granddaughter would be deceived because of her longing for her father's love. That would be a heavy blow to her mother.
Although this granddaughter was not related to her by blood, Qin Chunmei loved her as if she were her own daughter. She would never allow that irresponsible father to take the child away so easily.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, another year has passed. Yin Yunjie will be returning to the army in three days, and Xu Qinghe has already started packing his luggage.
Deep down, she longed to follow him to the army, but she was worried about her grandmother being alone at home. After careful consideration, she finally decided to stay.
At this time, Qin Chunmei slowly walked into the room and said gently: "Xiaoyue, pack your clothes and you two can go together. I have found someone to accompany me."
Xu Qinghe raised her eyebrows slightly and asked curiously, "Who is it? Grandma, when did this happen?"
Before he finished speaking, "It's me! Hehehe!" Zhang Xiaocui walked in from outside with a smile on her face.
"I will come and stay with you every night from now on. Grandma has agreed, so I will live in the empty room."
Zhang Xiaocui pointed to the guest room that had been vacant for a long time. Although the room was empty, it could be lived in after a little cleaning.
"But you're getting married soon..."
Xu Qinghe still felt a little uneasy, thinking that Zhang Xiaocui had sacrificed too much for him.
"Don't worry about it. Sanniu's sister is only twelve this year. We can take turns accompanying grandma from now on. Grandma is in good health, and we can take care of each other. Besides, grandma even gave me half a day's work points. Where can I find such a good thing?"
Initially, Qin Chunmei offered to give Zhang Xiaocui half a day's work points as compensation, but Zhang Xiaocui actually declined. After all, Xu Qinghe had helped her a lot, and while Xu Qinghe was away, it was her responsibility to help look after the elderly. It wasn't a big deal; it was just a matter of staying overnight in case the elderly needed help. However, Qin Chunmei insisted, firstly because she didn't want to accept help without reason, and secondly because she was considering long-term arrangements. As a result, Zhang Xiaocui received the work points and felt more at ease.
Xu Qinghe had never expected that her grandmother had made such thoughtful arrangements. Tears welled up in her eyes and she was so moved that she was speechless for a moment.
Zhang Xiaocui held Xu Qinghe's arm tightly and said softly, "Xiaoyue, we have a deep sisterly bond. It's a good thing that you're spreading your wings and soaring high. Just remember to come back and visit us when you have time. I will definitely take good care of grandma here, so you can go without worry."
Qin Chunmei continued, "Although I'm old, I'm still pretty strong. I eat well, sleep well, and I can still do the work in the workshop. If you miss me one day, you can take me to your place to stay for a few days. What do you think?"
After living for most of her life, she finally found the value of life. How could she give up so easily?
She couldn't bear to give up the business she'd worked so hard to build, and she couldn't be so selfish as to let her granddaughter make any sacrifices. It would be better for them to support each other and pursue their future paths with ease. Isn't that the best of both worlds?
"Grandma, thank you so much."
Xu Qinghe couldn't help but hug Qin Chunmei, grateful that she always considered him so carefully.
"Why are you thanking me? You shouldn't be trapped in this small village. You're still young, and the world outside is vast and wide, a better place for you to explore."
Qin Chunmei caressed Xu Qinghe's cheek lovingly. Although her granddaughter's departure would make her life seem lonely, what did this loneliness matter compared to her granddaughter's future? Besides, she herself had endless things to do.
"Oh, right, take Tuan Tuan and Rou Rou with you. You have a deep bond with these two little guys, and I can never take care of them as carefully as you do. I'll feel more at ease having them with you."
Xu Qinghe frowned slightly. "Grandma, let's keep the dogs at home. They were originally meant to guard the house. If we leave, I'm afraid some people will become restless. I'll feel more at ease with the dogs at home."
Zhang Xiaocui smiled brightly: "Oh, it's not a big deal! I have several dogs at home, and no one dares to come here during the day. When I come to visit grandma in the evening, I will bring two dogs with me to ensure that nothing goes wrong."
In the end, Xu Qinghe decided to take Tuantuan and Rourou with her on her journey. She had raised these two puppies herself, and the bond between them was undeniable.
Upon learning that she would be joining the army, her closest neighbors came to see her off, some bearing eggs, others holding pickles. Though small gifts, they carried a profound sense of friendship. Xu Qinghe declined their offers, simply pleading with everyone to take good care of her and notify her immediately if anything urgent happened. The villagers nodded in agreement, their laughter overflowing.
On the day of her departure, Xu Qinghe, carrying a bag filled with blessings from her fellow villagers, vowed to herself that once she reached her destination, she would uncover the long-standing mystery surrounding her grandfather's family and reveal the true face of her irresponsible father. Only by clarifying these past entanglements could she move forward without any worries.
Yin Yunjie was driving, Xu Qinghe was sitting in the passenger seat, and the two puppies were jumping excitedly in the back seat, sticking out their tongues, staring curiously at the scenery passing quickly outside the car window. A new life was quietly beginning.
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