Chapter 4:

After listening to Yu Qingshan’s words, Yao Cuifen pondered thoughtfully: “Yang Xizhi works at the food factory. The wages and benefits there aren’t the absolute best, but they’re definitely among the top. During this year’s New Year, every employee received a fruit can and half a pound of sugar.” These were rare treats.

Qin Fengmao thought for a moment: “Taking over a job without any connections requires some maneuvering. Last time, I overheard a staff member from the food factory who came to eat at the state-run restaurant mention that an accountant there is about to retire. Her children already have jobs, and Xiao An has a high school diploma. She could try for that position.”

Yu Xianghai was taken aback: “Uncle, is the food factory publicly recruiting?”

Qin Fengmao shook his head: “No, just one position. They won’t openly recruit. I remember he mentioned before that he has a nephew from the countryside with no education. There was a vacancy, but he wasn’t qualified to fill it, and there were no openings for temporary workers in other positions. Maybe now we can make some arrangements.”

Qin Qiang and Yao Cuifen both understood what he meant.

Yu Qingshan didn’t grasp it at first but figured it out after a moment.

With Zhou Boyang and Ding Minxiu’s disgraceful actions as leverage, they weren’t afraid Yang Xizhi wouldn’t give up the job. But directly taking over the position would always carry risks. It would be more secure to enter through a proper recruitment process.

However, under the current circumstances, no factory would openly recruit, as most positions were already filled.

The staff member wanted to get his relative in, but given the situation, it was difficult.

If the two families could come to an agreement, he could arrange a private interview to hire Yu Xiang’an, who had a high school diploma, as the accountant. Then, the vacancy left by Yang Xizhi’s retirement could naturally be filled by his relative. The relative could start as a temporary worker, and after a few years of good performance, it wouldn’t be hard to push for a permanent position.

Yu Xianghai looked at his grandparents, then at his father and uncle, confused: “What are you all talking about? I don’t understand.” His mind hadn’t caught up yet.

Yu Qingshan waved his hand, somewhat exasperated: “Think again. Two positions, two people.”

Yu Xianghai: “…” It seemed he understood, but was it really that simple? Was recruiting so straightforward?

Yao Cuifen couldn’t help but sigh: “We still need to investigate carefully. This can’t be delayed. They’ll graduate soon, and it’s best to secure the job before then. With a job offer, she won’t have to go to the countryside.”

Her words reminded Yu Xianghai of Zhou Boyang’s plan to add his sister’s name to the list. Yu Xianghai was furious.

It was a shame he already had a job; otherwise, he’d have loved to make Zhou Boyang experience the hardships of rural life himself.

Speaking of which, the Zhou family was relatively well-off. Zhou Boyang was an only child—no siblings at all. His grandfather retired at the right age, and Zhou Boyang took over his position right after middle school.

Apart from his grandfather, his grandmother and parents were all permanent employees. With four jobs among five family members, his grandmother’s position was originally reserved for his future wife.

Yao Cuifen sneered: “The Zhou family spoiled their only heir rotten. They’ll have plenty of headaches in the future.” The Zhou family had only one son in three generations, naturally coddling him like a precious jewel. But after such despicable behavior, who could say it wouldn’t happen again?

As for Ding Minxiu, she was still too young. Even if she managed to marry into the Zhou family by getting pregnant, she’d never gain respect from the elders. If she gave birth to a daughter, her suffering would only just begin.

Qin Qiang also thought of Ding Minxiu, his nominal granddaughter. He looked at his son-in-law: “What do you plan to do about her? It takes two to tango.”

Yu Qingshan felt heavy-hearted. He couldn’t understand why she’d do such a thing. With a deep sigh, he said, “I thought I’d been a decent stepfather. She didn’t consider me or the Yu family in this. She always seemed well-behaved, but now this. I don’t even know if Qiaoniang is aware of this.”

If she knew, it would be even more devastating.

Yao Cuifen also sighed deeply. It was a pity her Fenglan had passed, leaving behind an infant son with no one to care for him. Her son-in-law was still in his prime, and no one could fault him for remarrying. Back then, the Qin family had vetted Zhao Qiaoniang carefully—she was gentle and had no way out. As long as she wasn’t foolish, she’d take good care of young Yu Xiangju. As for her daughter, she was old enough to marry in a few years. Finding her a decent match would be fair to both mother and daughter. Who could have imagined Ding Minxiu, eating and living off the Yu family, would stoop so low as to steal Xiao An’s boyfriend?

Ding Minxiu’s household registration was still under her father’s name. Everything she consumed came from the Yu family. Yet after years of raising her, they’d ended up with a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Seeing Yu Qingshan’s grim expression, Yao Cuifen pressed on: “What if she knew?”

Yu Qingshan’s face twitched: “If she had a hand in this, there’s no way this marriage can continue.”

He still preferred to believe she was unaware. She wasn’t bold enough. Having lived under the same roof for so long, he trusted his judgment—she didn’t seem the scheming type. If she were involved, he was sure he’d have noticed.

Yao Cuifen didn’t pursue the topic further: “We can’t just take their word for it. Tomorrow, I’ll find time to look around.”

Qin Fengmao nodded: “I’ll visit the food factory.” As a chef at the state-run restaurant, the staff member there enjoyed his dishes and could be reasoned with.

Qin Qiang assigned himself a task: “I’ll check out the Zhou family.”

Yu Xianghai looked around: “What can I do?”

Yu Qingshan: “Pretend you don’t know anything for now. Don’t spread it, and don’t tell your wife either.” His son wasn’t seasoned enough. If he acted impulsively and leaked the news prematurely, it would backfire.

Yu Xianghai smiled bitterly: “Dad, I’m not stupid.” Couldn’t they have a little faith in him?

They didn’t want to break the jade while catching the rat. Those two would get their comeuppance eventually, but for now, he’d hold his temper.

It was getting late, and the two of them headed back separately.

Zhao Qiaoniang and the others were already asleep. When Yu Qingshan returned, she got up to fetch him bathwater.

After his bath, Yu Qingshan lingered outside Yu Xiang’an’s room. Hearing movement inside, he coughed lightly: “I’m back. Get some rest. Leave everything else to me.”

This was to reassure her.

Yu Xiang’an did feel somewhat at ease.

She needed to conserve her energy. Who knew when her moment would come?

Early the next morning, Yao Cuifen arrived with delicious date cakes. She gave a bowl to Yu Xiangju to share with his cousin Yu Mingjie, sending them outside so only she and Yu Xiang’an remained at home.

Sitting by the bed, she stroked Yu Xiang’an’s head with tender concern: “Xiao An, don’t worry. We’ll make sure justice is served. For now, just focus on recovering. Health is the foundation of everything else. Leave the rest to us elders.”

Even though Yu Xiang’an wasn’t the original owner, these words warmed her heart immensely. Coming to this era wasn’t without its anxieties, but it wasn’t without its perks either—her family here was just as harmonious as her modern one.

Yao Cuifen asked for details about what she’d heard, then left the date cakes and a handful of White Rabbit candies, whispering: “These are just for you. Don’t tell anyone.”

Yu Xiang’an smiled. The words felt so familiar they nearly brought tears to her eyes.

Back in the day, her grandfather would always sneak her treats, saying, “Here, try this. Don’t tell your siblings Grandpa gave you something special.”

After leaving Yu Xiang’an’s room, Yao Cuifen thoroughly searched Ding Minxiu’s room next door. Behind a loose floorboard under the bed, she found two letters.

Comparing the handwriting, it was unmistakably Zhou Boyang’s. The contents were explicit.

No wonder Ding Minxiu had risked keeping such things—they were love letters. And judging by the dates, this had been going on for nearly half a year.

Yao Cuifen trembled with anger. She’d once thought well of the Zhou boy, but he turned out to be such scum. Thankfully, her granddaughter had found out in time, or the consequences would have been dire.

They’d make sure the schemers paid dearly for this!

With that thought, she pocketed the letters and replaced the floorboard.

While Yao Cuifen had made progress, Qin Qiang hadn’t. He couldn’t enter the Zhou residence, so he could only gather information from the neighbors. Nothing substantial turned up, but the letters were evidence enough.

At noon, Yao Cuifen returned for another look at Ding Minxiu. There were subtle differences between a maiden’s and a married woman’s figure. Seizing an opportunity, she took Ding Minxiu’s wrist to check her pulse. She’d learned some basics long ago for her deceased eldest son—nothing advanced, but enough to tell if someone was pregnant.

Confirming the pregnancy was all they needed. No further discussion was necessary.

Ding Minxiu watched Yao Cuifen’s cold departure with unease.

Had she done something wrong? Was it about the fish porridge for Yu Xiang’an in her hands? Her grip tightened.

When she fell ill, only her mother showed concern. Such delicacies were never prepared for her without permission.

They were around the same age, both daughters, yet the disparity was immense. Why?

But Yu Xiang’an’s days were numbered. Thinking of her impending assignment to the countryside lifted Ding Minxiu’s spirits.

Yu Qingshan didn’t hide the developments from Yu Xiang’an. Given her maturity, understanding the intricacies now would benefit her in the long run.

Qin Fengmao had also connected with the food factory staff member, confirming his relative was still in the countryside and that the accountant would retire next month.

He wanted Yu Xiang’an to know the full story. While she wouldn’t need to intervene, learning from this experience and gaining insight into human relations would serve her well.

After hearing the details, Yu Xiang’an remained calm, earning Yu Qingshan’s reassurance. How could she not be heartbroken? She was just bottling it up. He promised: “You know how rare a permanent job is these days. Once we secure this position, I won’t let them off easily.”

Yu Xiang’an nodded. “Thank you, Dad.”

Precisely because she knew how scarce such opportunities were, she wanted this job. Otherwise, it would be too late. Once sent to the countryside, returning would be twice as hard.

Moreover, she wasn’t the original owner. While anger was present, true empathy was difficult.

Hence her rational analysis of gains and losses. Exposing them might bring momentary satisfaction, but what then? Better to secure concrete benefits first and plan the rest gradually.

There was plenty of time ahead.

“Don’t mention it,” Yu Qingshan sighed. “Does Qiaoniang know about this?”

Yu Xiang’an shook her head: “Probably not.”

Yu Qingshan nodded: “I tested the waters. She likely doesn’t.”

Her ignorance brought him some relief, but he didn’t share this with his daughter. What could she do if she knew?

Support Ding Minxiu? Or the Yu family?

Since she was unaware, there was no need to force a choice. He wasn’t ready to break up the family yet.

Better to keep her in the dark until the two families met.

The Zhou family received an invitation from the Yu family to discuss an important matter. All five members came.

An important matter—what else but the joyous union of their families? Yet upon arrival, the atmosphere felt off. Far from celebratory, it was tense and grave.