Chapter 73: Yi Zhonghai Regretted

Old lady, things aren't as simple as you think. Today the factory not only praised Dongxu, it also rewarded him with a bicycle. More importantly, the factory plans to arrange a job for Qin Huiru.

Little Yi, a person shouldn't be too selfish. Although you've cut ties with the Jia family, Dongxu is after all your disciple; his family is doing well, you should be happy for them. The deaf old lady thought Yi Zhonghai came to her because he felt unbalanced and wanted her to think of some idea to ruin the Jia family's good fortune.

Old lady, you've misunderstood me; I, Yi Zhonghai, am not that narrow-minded. Yi Zhonghai said this without blushing at all.

The deaf old lady didn't pick up on Yi Zhonghai's words; instead she raised her head and looked at him, as if saying, when you say that, don't you feel guilty?

When an accident happened at the factory, there wasn't even time to cover it up, how could they possibly make a big publicity about it? I felt uneasy, so I went to the hospital to check on Dongxu. Who would have thought he's now as lively as a dragon and tiger, no different from a normal person. Yi Zhonghai said this unwillingly.

So you regret it now? The deaf old lady finally understood why Yi Zhonghai came to see her.

Old lady, I never expected Dongxu to be fine; I suspect the doctor and the Jia family colluded.

The Jia family doesn't have that kind of brain; surely someone behind the scenes is guiding them. Having lived in this siheyuan for so long, the deaf old lady knows very well what kind of people they are.

Then who do you think it is? Yi Zhonghai asked through gritted teeth.

Who it is doesn't matter anymore; the thing is you did it yourself, the words are yours too. Can you eat back the shit you expelled? The deaf old lady glared at Yi Zhonghai and said.

Then what should we do now? Yi Zhonghai really had no idea at all.

What else can we do? Just forget it. I've long said Dongxu isn't the best choice for your old-age care; with Jia Zhangshi that girl around, she won't let Dongxu easily support you in your old age.

But after all I've put in, I'm unwilling.

Who do you blame? It's you who didn't clarify things and hastily cut ties with them. This matter, no matter how far you argue, is your fault. They won't even say the Jia family is wrong; instead they'll say you, Yi Zhonghai, are no good—your disciple got into trouble and you didn't think to help, but instead you severed ties and threw them under the bus. Saying something unpleasant, if this were the past, your behavior would be no different from a traitor. The deaf old lady gave Yi Zhonghai no face at all.

Then what do you say I should do now? Yi Zhonghai also regretted.

As the saying goes, a loss may be a blessing. Without the Jia family, isn't there still Zhuzi? Let your wife, when she's free, look after Zhuzi's family more; you both live in the central courtyard, which is convenient. Although Zhuzi's mother-in-law often comes over to help with the kids, it's not as convenient for you, but Zhuzi is a grateful person; over time he'll naturally remember your kindness. The deaf old lady still thought highly of He Yuzhu.

Is there really no other way? Yi Zhonghai truly couldn't bring himself to do it; after all, He Yuzhu had often opposed him before and even beaten him. Now to have him take the initiative to be friendly would be like bowing down. Yi Zhonghai is proud and arrogant; he really couldn't bring himself to do such a thing.

Then go adopt one; you're not that old either. In recent years many people have starved to death outside. Adopting one or two orphans is still easy, and besides, with your circumstances you're afraid you couldn't support two kids?

Let me think about it a bit more. Yi Zhonghai really didn't want to adopt; otherwise he wouldn't have dragged this out for so many years. He's the type who doesn't want to contribute, just wants to take what's ready-made; he doesn't think there's any free lunch in the world, why should good things come to you just because you're the Jade Emperor?

Alright, I'm tired, you go back. The deaf old lady, knowing Yi Zhonghai as she does, seeing him like this, didn't want to say anything more and directly ordered him to leave.

Okay, old lady, you rest first, I'm heading back. Yi Zhonghai also saw that the deaf old lady didn't want to deal with him.

What did the old lady say? Seeing Yi Zhonghai return with his head down, dejected, the big aunt asked.

She doesn't have any good ideas either. Yi Zhonghai felt embarrassed to say the deaf old lady wanted him to proactively mend things with He Yuzhu, or to go adopt someone; both options were not good strategies for him.

Then what are you planning to do? The big aunt knew Yi Zhonghai was definitely not telling the truth.

How about you make something tasty tomorrow and send it to Dongxu? Yi Zhonghai still didn't want to give up on Dongxu.

What good food can we make at home? The big aunt countered; indeed, that's the case—Yi Zhonghai, to prevent the Jia family from coming to borrow grain, has nothing at home but cornmeal.

Or I could go to the black market tonight to see if I can buy a chicken or some meat to bring back. Yi Zhonghai was also determined.

Suit yourself, the big aunt said. Last night, in front of everyone, she said they were cutting ties with the Jia family; today she's having herself go deliver tasty food to Dongxu—if you're embarrassed to go, does that mean you have no shame? The big aunt thought this to herself but didn't say it out loud, because she always felt that not having borne Yi Zhonghai a son or daughter was her failing the Yi family; in traditional thinking, not bearing children was considered a woman's fault, and no one would think it had anything to do with the man.

That night Yi Zhonghai bundled himself up tightly and sneaked out of the siheyuan, arriving at the black market nearest to South Gong and Drum Lane.

Buying or selling? the two youths guarding the black market entrance asked.

Buying, Yi Zhonghai said, lowering his voice.

One mao.

Yi Zhonghai handed over one mao to the other party; he wasn't a first-time visitor to the black market, knowing the rules: if you're there to buy, you pay one mao; if you're there to sell, you pay two mao, similar to an entrance fee.

Yi Zhonghai wandered the black market for a long time but saw no stalls selling chickens or meat. He didn't think that it's currently 61—although said to be the last year of natural disaster, it's also the hardest year to get through; starvation has appeared in the countryside, where would you even find chickens for sale? Even if chickens were sold, it'd be better to eat them at home—at least they could save a life; even if you sold the money and still couldn't buy grain, you'd starve just the same—who wouldn't know that?

Yi Zhonghai, unwilling to give up, walked the black market a few more rounds; just as he was about to head back, he noticed a young man in tattered clothes at a corner stall with two wild chickens set out—though not big, two jin would be decent.

How much for the wild chicken? Yi Zhonghai asked, crouching down.

Not for sale, the youth replied without turning his head.

If you're not selling, why put it out here? Yi Zhonghai also got angry, "You're not just playing with people, are you? Putting it out there and not selling—you're just showing off."

It's not for sale, but you can trade grain for it, the youth explained.

I can give you more money, Yi Zhonghai said, still not giving up.

Not for sale, only grain exchange, the youth repeated.

Yi Zhonghai had no choice; now he could only go see if he could find someone selling grain, buy some, and bring it over to trade.