Chapter 569: Qin Shu is Different

"The city is good."

Li Li Xuewu nodded, confirming this viewpoint.

"Li Xuewu..."

Qin Qin Huairu, afraid Li Li Xuewu would say something unpleasant, wore a bitter expression and tried to dissuade him.

At the same time, she shot meaningful glances at her younger sister.

But Qin Qin Jingru, at this moment, was about to grab onto this straw that could save her; how could she bear to let go?

Li Li Xuewu understood Qin Qin Huairu's worry and did not mock Qin Qin Jingru for pushing her luck.

In these times, which rural person didn't want to enter the city? This was a natural barrier in life.

Everyone has their pursuit and right to change their life, but Li Li Xuewu was not God, nor was he a human rights fighter.

"It's still the same statement."

Li Li Xuewu looked seriously at Qin Qin Jingru and asked, "If you stay in the city, what can you do?"

This question struck straight at the heart, laying bare Qin Qin Jingru's desires and worth for all to see.

Asking what you want, you say you want to stay in the city, so what can you do if you stay in the city?

The city lacks everything except people trying to enter it.

Of course, Qin Qin Jingru knew many things; she knew how to farm, hoe, raise seedlings, tend vegetable gardens, raise chickens, and...

Her parents had taught her many life skills, but they simply hadn't taught her the ability and opportunity to survive in the city.

It wasn't that her parents refused to teach her, but rather that her parents didn't know how themselves, nor did they possess such things.

The more she thought about it, the lower she hung her head; the more she thought, the less confident she felt; the more she thought, the more she felt unable to live in the city.

Qin Qin Huairu reached out, lightly pinched a corner of Li Li Xuewu's shirt, tugged it, and said, "Later I'll ask the neighborhood committee for some more work, see if we can get more matchbox pasting jobs; it's always a step up."

"Pasting matchboxes for a grown Miss?"

Li Li Xuewu grimaced; among the neighbors there were old ladies and children pasting matchboxes, but no long-limbed, idle grown Misses loafing around at home.

Qin Qin Huairu also felt it was inappropriate and said with difficulty, "Then what should we do? Finding work is so hard now; what method do I have!"

While speaking, she tugged Li Li Xuewu and whispered, "Do you know that the Second Uncle from the back courtyard has returned?"

"What about it?"

Li Li Xuewu naturally knew; although he had entered the courtyard quietly, where were there any secrets in this yard?

Even if he dug a tunnel to return, within ten minutes the gatekeeper would know.

Confined for a whole month in the detention room on the first floor of the Security Office, Liu Liu Haizhong could be seen to have lost more than a size.

The plump appearance he had cultivated before was gone, replaced entirely by a sickly listlessness.

This couldn't be blamed on the insufficient light inside the detention room, nor on the living conditions there; it should all be blamed on his son.

At first, it was fine; Liu Liu Guangtian, awed by his father's lingering authority, delivered meals on time every day.

Later, however, meal times became increasingly irregular, until eventually there was one meal but no next one.

When he remembered, Liu Liu Guangtian would jump with regret, but once accustomed, he would go back to playing cards or chasing young Misses.

See, Qin Qin Jingru hadn't been here long, and already quite a few young men in the courtyard had set their sights on her.

This was exactly what Qin Qin Huairu was talking about; she tugged Li Li Xuewu and whispered, "Last night the Second Aunt came to our home, saying she wanted to play matchmaker between Liu Liu Guangtian and Qin Jingru."

Li Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows, glanced at Qin Qin Jingru, and said, "Their ages are suitable, I suppose."

"Wuu~~~"

Hearing Li Li Xuewu say this, Qin Qin Jingru really couldn't hold back and was about to cry.

But seeing Li Li Xuewu's gaze on her, she forcefully held it back.

She knew very well that Li Li Xuewu couldn't stand to see women cry.

Actually, that wasn't quite right; she had misunderstood; Li Li Xuewu couldn't stand to see women he didn't like cry.

"I didn't say anything."

Seeing Qin Qin Huairu glaring at him, Li Li Xuewu twisted his mouth; he thought that if Qin Qin Jingru married Liu Liu Guangtian, it would be like a needle meeting wheat awn, a fierce tiger facing a lecherous wolf; a drama could be staged right across from their home.

Qin Qin Huairu glanced at her aggrieved sister and chided Li Li Xuewu, "That's enough; she has suffered enough bitterness and endured enough hardship; stop watching my show."

Looking at Qin Qin Jingru, who still had tender skin and a fresh, dewy appearance, Li Li Xuewu expressed deep skepticism regarding Qin Qin Huairu's words.

How exactly had she suffered and endured hardship?

"Are you willing to collect scrap?"

Li Li Xuewu rarely spoke up, yet his words left both sisters in a dilemma.

Qin Qin Jingru, with a wronged pout, cautiously asked, "Do I really have to dress like that?"

"Absolutely!"

Li Li Xuewu, with raised eyebrows, said, "This is a mandatory requirement; for someone like you..."

While speaking, he sized up Qin Qin Jingru, pursed his lips, and said, "Who goes collecting scrap looking this clean? Your face must be smeared with mud, and you can't bathe for two months..."

Before Li Li Xuewu could finish his sentence, Qin Qin Jingru burst into tears.

She didn't dare cry loudly; she wouldn't dare, but her tears fell pit-a-pat onto the ground.

Good heavens, Li Li Xuewu had turned into something like a human trafficker.

Qin Qin Huairu lightly punched Li Li Xuewu and chided, "Why tease her on such a hot day!"

After scolding Li Li Xuewu, she turned to comfort her sister, "Stop crying quickly; can't you tell he was just teasing you?"

Qin Qin Jingru, still pouting, stole glances at Li Li Xuewu, her gaze probing to see if he was indeed teasing her.

Li Li Xuewu kept his eyelids drooped; how would he let her discern his true intentions?

Qin Qin Jingru didn't dare stop her tears either; apparently, unless Li Li Xuewu nodded, she would keep crying right in front of him.

Pressed by the gazes of the two Qin sisters, Li Li Xuewu twitched the corner of his mouth and asked again, "Then could you work as a sales clerk?"

"Like Yu Li and Xi Lin and the others?"

Hearing Li Li Xuewu say this, Qin Qin Jingru's eyes immediately lit up; if it was a sales clerk position, she could do that.

Even though she didn't know how to sell or understand the techniques, it was respectable!

"I can do it, I'm capable! I can manage!"

Qin Qin Huairu was also surprised by Li Li Xuewu's sudden acquiescence; previously, she had begged him many times.

Whether in the courtyard or at home, whether on the sofa or on the kang...

Back then, Li Li Xuewu had not agreed, so how could he have agreed now?

At this moment, Qin Qin Huairu glanced at her sister, whose face was streaked with tears like pear blossoms drenched in rain, then looked again at Li Li Xuewu, her heart giving a sudden "thump."

Could it be that...

One sister was worried, the other full of hopeful expectation; their gazes were so intense they nearly melted Li Li Xuewu.

But in such sweltering heat, how could Li Li Xuewu bear to let them remain so fervent?

A basin of cold water was poured down: "Ah, your question actually reminded me; we already have Yu Li and Xi Lin and the others as sales clerks, and Diliya is there too; they don't lack sales clerks anymore~"

"..."

"Wu~..."

The faucet of Qin Qin Jingru's tears turned on again; listening to Li Li Xuewu speak words as biting cold as ice in thirty-two-degree weather felt like a cold shower in the midst of this scorching noon.

Qin Qin Huairu also looked speechlessly at Li Li Xuewu playing tricks; inwardly she breathed a sigh of relief, thinking this was the real Li Li Xuewu, knowing he had no such intentions.

But on the other hand, watching Li Li Xuewu tease her younger sister and seeing how pitifully her sister cried, her heart began to feel uneasy again.

"You grown man, is it appropriate to tease a young Miss like her!"

Qin Qin Huairu angrily pinched Li Li Xuewu and chided, "If you really don't want to help her, then don't tease her~"

Li Li Xuewu looked at Qin Qin Jingru, who stared stubbornly at him; even as tears streamed down continuously, she ignored her older sister's advice, leaving him feeling both amused and helpless.

Damn it, was he a magnet? Why did such die-hard fans always throw themselves at him?

"Do you know how to cook?"

"Yes!!!"

Seeing Li Li Xuewu looking her over with drooping eyelids, his tone completely different from when he was joking just moments ago, how could she not realize he was being serious now?

So after a slight pause, she quickly gave Li Li Xuewu her answer.

"What about washing clothes?"

"I can!"

"Doing housework, cleaning up, do you know how?"

"I can!"

"What about taking care of children?"

"I can! I can! I can! I can do it all!"

Qin Qin Jingru no longer cared about the tears on her face; for every question Li Li Xuewu asked, she gave an answer.

She had finally found a specialty that matched; these were all her strong suits!

Watching Qin Qin Jingru's excited appearance, as if she had seen the light again, Li Li Xuewu knew this eagle had been worn down enough.

How could any young woman from the countryside not know these things; these were all taught hand-in-hand by their mothers since childhood, including taking care of children.

Which family's daughter hasn't taken care of a younger brother? There are even six-year-olds taking care of three-year-olds; everything Li Li Xuewu asked about was her specialty, so how could she not be excited?

Qin Qin Huairu glanced at Li Li Xuewu; no need to ask further, she knew what Li Li Xuewu intended for her younger sister.

But looking at her sister's excited expression now, she wondered what her expression would be when Li Li Xuewu revealed the result.

Originally, she had set her sights on Li Li Xuewu, but she lost confidence after seeing Li Li Xuewu's partner.

If she really became a nanny in Li Li Xuewu's home and saw Li Li Xuewu's partner every day, what kind of mood would that be?

Right now, Qin Qin Jingru didn't care about what mood she would have in the future; anyway, she was very happy now; judging by how Li Li Xuewu was questioning her, there would surely be a place for her to stand in this city.

Li Li Xuewu, somewhat suspicious, sized Qin Qin Jingru up again and asked once more: "Do you really know how to take care of children?"

"I raised my younger brother!"

Afraid Li Li Xuewu wouldn't believe her, Qin Qin Jingru turned to look at her older sister, constantly tugging at the hem of Qin Qin Huairu's clothes, meaning for her sister to hurry up and explain for her.

Seeing Qin Qin Huairu nod helplessly, Li Li Xuewu smiled and said, "I have a job that requires washing clothes, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children..."

"I'll do it!"

Before Li Li Xuewu could even finish speaking, Qin Qin Jingru wiped the tears from her face and straightforwardly declared she would do it.

Li Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows; looking at her careless demeanor, he actually felt a bit distrustful.

She wouldn't raise his daughter into such a rough and wild state, would she?

Perceiving the doubt in Li Li Xuewu's eyes, Qin Qin Jingru quickly restrained herself and returned to an obedient appearance.

"Li Xuewu,"

Qin Qin Huairu glanced at her sister, pulled Li Li Xuewu's arm aside, and asked softly, "Is this convenient? You know her personality; don't let her cause trouble for you, or I'll feel too guilty."

The courtyard was only this big; naturally, Qin Qin Jingru could hear everything Qin Qin Huairu said.

But that was her older sister, and furthermore, she felt quite surprised that Li Li Xuewu was inviting her to be a nanny.

Now that her emotions had calmed down slightly, she felt even more surprised and even had a hint of wanting to retreat.

Li Li Xuewu turned his head to look at Qin Qin Jingru and said, "It's no trouble; it just happens to be the right time; as for causing trouble..."

He didn't finish the rest of the sentence, but the meaning was already very clear.

Given his status, if Qin Qin Jingru dared to cause trouble in his home, the consequences would be predictable.

Hearing this, Qin Qin Jingru couldn't help but shrink her neck; for some reason, she was just afraid of Li Li Xuewu, especially afraid.

Li Li Xuewu was also unwilling to stand under the big sun; lifting his chin, he asked Qin Qin Jingru, who had already heard, "Has the injury on your foot completely healed? Are you able to work?"

"I can, I'm all better now."

Qin Qin Jingru sniffled, her gaze drifting unsettledly toward Li Li Xuewu, yet she dared not meet his eyes.

Li Li Xuewu found her look amusing; this girl possessed a streak of stubbornness and a peculiar cunning, she just hadn't applied them to the right places.

"Then just pack up; I'll take you over tonight."

"Huh?!"

Hearing Li Li Xuewu say this, Qin Qin Jingru was startled, stammering in reply: "We have to go now?"

"Then when else should we wait?"

Li Li Xuewu glanced at her sideways, saying: "Do we need to pick an auspicious date? Perform a ritual?"

Having spoken, he paid her no further mind, glanced at Qin Qin Huairu, and headed for the rear courtyard.

"Um..."

Qin Qin Jingru called out hesitantly; seeing Li Li Xuewu turn to look at her, she again lacked the courage to speak.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu's impatient expression, she hesitantly pointed at the chicks in the coop and asked: "What about these... what should I do?"

"Why should I care? Am I supposed to manage your chickens too?"

Li Li Xuewu was baffled by this girl's train of thought; could it be that once she got home, she'd be useless at everything yet never full enough no matter what she ate?

"Talk to Manager Jia; we'll buy them out, ten fen per chick, deal?"

Li Li Xuewu had already spotted Banggeng and his grandmother standing at the doorway watching the spectacle.

So he kicked the ball to Banggeng, turned around, and went to the rear courtyard to sleep.

"Jia... Manager Jia?"

Qin Qin Jingru still didn't understand what was happening; what did it mean to talk to Manager Jia? She hadn't processed it, her ears still ringing with the matter of ten fen per chick.

At this moment, Banggeng felt mighty; deliberately sticking out his little belly, he swayed over with three steps per sway, looked up at the sky, and gazed at his aunt, saying: "I think Wu Shu offered too much; five fen per chick."

"Go on!"

Seeing her son acting this way, Qin Qin Huairu couldn't help but slap his big head, chiding: "Learn something good from your Wu Shu! Even teasing your own aunt!"

Seeing Banggeng's demeanor, Qin Qin Jingru finally realized that the Manager Jia Li Li Xuewu mentioned was actually Banggeng.

Previously, Li Li Xuewu had enclosed a chicken coop in the rear courtyard, a bonus gift from buying the house from Xu Xu Damao.

Of course, the bonus gift wasn't just those two chickens.

Li Li Xuewu had given one of those two chickens to Banggeng; Li Li Xuewu provided the feed, Banggeng provided the labor, making the two of them partners.

This was originally just a joke, yet Banggeng took it seriously and actually carried it out.

Since Li Li Xuewu had said it himself, he naturally had to honor his word, so he took only half of the eggs laid by the hen, giving them to Li Shu to eat.

Looking at Banggeng's appearance, Qin Qin Jingru truly felt this manager title wasn't held in vain; he had learned meanness and stinginess to perfection.

"Who's teasing!"

Banggeng craned his neck, glanced at his mother, shuffled a few steps away, and looked at his aunt, saying: "The chicks you raised aren't fed enough; they look sickly, and some are even losing feathers. Ten fen is the price for big chicks; for yours, I can only give five fen!"

"Hey! You unlucky child!"

Qin Qin Huairu finally witnessed her son kicking someone while they were down; she raised her hand as if to strike.

Jia Jia Zhangshi, who had been watching the fun at the doorway, hurried over and positioned herself between them.

It seemed that for something neither light nor heavy, she was relying on her status as grandmother to shield Banggeng a bit.

It wasn't any grave fault; her grandson was clever, knowing how to bargain.

Protected by his grandmother, Banggeng became even more excessive, saying: "Aunt, you'd better think carefully; once you pass this village, there's no such shop around here; I'm the only one nearby who can buy your chicks."

"I'll whip you!"

Seeing that Banggeng truly showed no mercy, turning the chicks Qin Qin Jingru had painstakingly hatched into something worthless in his mouth, and fearing her sister would lose face, Qin Qin Huairu quickly spoke up to protect her.

"Sister!"

Qin Qin Jingru glanced at the chicks in the coop, gritted her teeth, turned to look at Banggeng, and said: "Let's forget the ten fen or five fen; since I got the eggs from you, just consider this auntie helping you out."

"Qin Jingru!"

Qin Qin Huairu truly hadn't expected her sister to say such a thing; she looked at her with considerable surprise.

Jia Jia Zhangshi was the same; during these past days, she had shown Qin Qin Jingru no good looks, so naturally, she hadn't expected her to be so generous.

Saying these chicks weren't worth ten fen referred to the price Li Li Xuewu had set just now.

Actually, chicks aren't cheap nowadays; good ones should cost at least three or four fen each.

Just now, Banggeng was simply using the nonsensical price Li Li Xuewu mentioned as a lever to drive the price down; a child truly doesn't understand this.

With over twenty chicks in this coop, speaking of money, it's quite a sum; they've already hatched and are about to start generating income, yet she was saying she'd give them up just like that.

"Sister."

Although Qin Qin Jingru had a stubborn temper, she was not stingy by nature; these chicks might be considered a treasure in the eyes of city folk, but in the countryside, they were just ordinary.

In the village, if a hen isn't watched closely, it can hatch chicks on its own without any human intervention.

She awkwardly reached out and tugged Qin Qin Huairu's hand, saying: "Sister, don't be angry with me; I truly don't want to go back to farming. These past days have troubled you, and also troubled Big Mom."

Speaking thus, she also thanked Jia Jia Zhangshi, making the old woman feel awkward as well.

Jia Jia Zhangshi was the type who matched strength with strength, unafraid of confrontation, but she feared when people treated her gently.

"Qin Jingru, what are you saying?"

Qin Qin Huairu reached out and pulled her sister, glanced toward Sha Zhu's house, and said in a low voice: "Don't I know you? You've been stubborn since childhood."

"Mm~~"

Qin Qin Jingru gave an embarrassed response through her nose, then added: "Just consider these chicks as my meal expenses; I'll pay you back for the rest once I start earning money."

"Say that again and I'll hit you."

Qin Qin Huairu pretended to threaten her, tears falling from her eyes, yet she smiled as she said: "I was just afraid you'd overthink things; otherwise, would I really settle accounts with you? Am I the kind of sister who would charge you for meals?"

"Exactly."

At this moment, Grandma Jia's attitude had softened considerably; she smiled and advised, "This is good news. Going to work as a nanny for Li Li Xuewu, you're sure to earn quite a bit. Save diligently for a few years, and you'll surely find a good family to settle down with right here in Jingcheng."

"Yes, Auntie."

Qin Qin Jingru could also see this path; as long as she worked diligently for Li Li Xuewu, given enough time, he would surely lend a hand out of appreciation for her hard labor.

Besides, regarding money, which family in this courtyard lacks it? Li Li Xuewu's household certainly wouldn't be short of funds.

He is a Deputy Section Chief, his wife is a doctor; with both spouses employed, if it weren't for Li Shu, they wouldn't need to hire someone to look after the child.

"Ai, I was so caught up in my joy just now that I forgot to ask how much they're paying you per month."

As if only just remembering, Qin Qin Huairu said to Qin Qin Jingru, "Go pack your clothes; I'll go ask for you."

Having said this, she turned to head toward the rear courtyard, but at that moment, Bang Geng asked his aunt, "So, are these little chicks mine now?"

Qin Qin Huairu whipped her head around, glaring at her son and snapping, "Wait until I get back, and I'll deal with you!"

Bang Geng wasn't afraid of his mother's threats; as long as the beating stick hadn't landed on his body, it didn't count as a beating.

Seeing his aunt nod, he hopped off and ran toward the chicken coop.

Fearing her grandson might overheat, Grandma Jia called out, "What's the rush? Those chicks aren't going to run away while they're there."

"How do you know they won't!"

Without even looking back, Bang Geng ran to the chicken coop, lifted the wooden board, and prepared to build a shelter.

"That cat from Old Sun's family next door has been prowling around here for days; if it dares show up again, I'll beat it to death!"

While building a sunshade for the chicks, Bang Geng ordered Xiao Dang, who had followed him over, to fetch him some water.

Muttering under his breath, he said, "These chicks really have a charmed life; raised by my aunt like this and they still haven't died. No sunshade provided, no fresh wild herbs fed..."

Watching Bang Geng muttering about her on one hand while showing excessive concern for the chicks he had just criticized as worthless on the other, Qin Qin Jingru felt nothing but failure.

"If you knew this earlier, why didn't you build a sunshade for the chicken coop? Why didn't you give the chickens water or food? Why didn't you chase that cat away?"

Hearing his aunt ask this, Bang Geng turned his head and looked at her as if she were an idiot, saying, "They aren't mine."

"Shoo~"

Embarrassed, Grandma Jia waved her hand at her grandson; she had taught him how to bargain, but she hadn't taught him to be so heartless toward his own kin.

"Don't take him too seriously; he's just reached that age where everyone finds him annoying and even the dogs dislike him."

While verbally comforting Qin Qin Jingru, her eyes glanced toward the moon gate; just earlier, she had seen Li Li Xuewu signal Qin Qin Huairu when he said he was going back to rest.

The fact that Qin Qin Huairu had voluntarily offered to ask Li Li Xuewu about Qin Qin Jingru's wages meant they must have arranged this beforehand.

It was just unknown whether they were discussing Qin Qin Jingru's situation specifically, or perhaps negotiating a different price altogether...

Grandma Jia pulled Qin Qin Jingru inside to pack her things, speaking flattering words all the while, greatly fearing she might renege and refuse to leave.

Aiyo, this great Buddha is finally being sent away; day after day, the food she ate made my heart ache to death.

Never mind losing twenty-some little chicks; even if not a single feather remained, as long as she decided to leave, Grandma Jia would have wanted to kowtow to her.

As for whether her daughter-in-law went to the rear courtyard to kowtow to Li Li Xuewu, she didn't know.

Qin Qin Huairu did want to kowtow to Li Li Xuewu, but at this moment, Li Li Xuewu was lying horizontally across the kang bed.

If she kowtowed like that, Li Li Xuewu would surely jump up and spank her.

"What exactly are you thinking?"

Qin Qin Huairu still couldn't believe Li Li Xuewu would take in her sister to serve as his nanny; she felt there must be something fishy going on.

Perhaps what they agreed upon as being a nanny would turn into him leading her off to sell her in some deep mountain valley later.

With her silly sister facing Li Li Xuewu, she might even help him count the money after he sold her.

Gathering her skirt and sitting on the edge of the kang, fanning Li Li Xuewu with a fan in her hand like a senior maid, she cautiously probed with her words.

What she wore today was fashionable enough; a silk floral blouse on top and a cyan-blue skirt below, making her look very beautiful.

Back when Yu Li had received good fabric from Li Li Xuewu, she hadn't forgotten Qin Qin Huairu.

Li Li Xuewu lifted one of his closed eyes, glanced at Qin Qin Huairu, and asked, "In your eyes, am I particularly wicked? Do I do everything with some ulterior motive?"

"You said that yourself; I certainly didn't."

Qin Qin Huairu pursed her lips, put down the fan, reached out to rest her hand on Li Li Xuewu's face, and said, "She's just a bit willful; that reckless streak of hers has mostly been worn down. If you really find it inconvenient, I can support her for another two years."

Seeing this woman trying to play tricks, Li Li Xuewu quickly closed his eyes again.

"I've already said it; it just happened to work out. I can't cook, Gu Ning can't either; surely we can't expect Li Shu to cook for us?"

"Heh~~"

Qin Qin Huairu couldn't help but laugh out loud; Li Shu was notoriously domineering and mischievous in this courtyard.

Which family's child was as pampered as Li Shu? Yet her temperament was fierce; whoever teased her, she would dare to glare back at them while babbling.

It had been a long time since she had gotten close to Li Li Xuewu; stroking Li Li Xuewu's chin, Qin Qin Huairu looked down at him and said, "Then tell me, how much wages do you plan to give?"

"Still want wages?"

Li Li Xuewu knew this woman wasn't honest; suddenly opening his eyes, he glared at her and said, "Why don't you go out and ask around? Of those who work for me, how many actually manage to get paid!"

"Shoo! I'm not joking with you!"

Unbothered by the smell of alcohol on Li Li Xuewu's breath, Qin Qin Huairu leaned down and gave him a quick kiss, chiding, "Don't act like a tyrannical landlord; you already look enough like one. You're a cadre; you must be refined."

"Refined, is it?"

Looking at Qin Qin Huairu taking advantage of him, Li Li Xuewu said, "No money available, and no life to give either... take it or leave it; if you won't do it, just keep supporting her in your own home~"

"Support you!"

Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, Qin Qin Huairu cupped Li Li Xuewu's face and took another bite, scolding, "Are you going to say it or not? If you don't, I'm taking action!"

Rolling his eyes, Li Li Xuewu pointed with his finger and asked, "By 'taking action,' do you mean you've already done so?"

"Heh heh heh~"

Laughing, Qin Qin Huairu squeezed his hand tightly and said, "This is called administering severe punishment!"

"I think it's 'nothing to feed Bao, offering one's body to poke'."

Li Li Xuewu, with his eyes closed, said: "Fifteen a month, let's leave it at that for now; just do three months first, and later we'll see how things go based on performance—if it's good, we'll talk again."

"Food and lodging provided?"

Qin Qin Huairu lowered her head, looked at Li Li Xuewu, and pressed the question, as if afraid he would say meal costs were self-covered.

Li Li Xuewu opened his eyes, looked at Qin Qin Huairu, and asked: "Have you ever seen a nanny go home to eat and sleep?"

"Should I also equip her with a helicopter then? Otherwise, a round trip from their village to my home wouldn't even have enough time for the journey itself."

Qin Qin Huairu ignored Li Li Xuewu's sarcasm; she suspected Li Li Xuewu's motive was very simple, and that was Yu Li.

Back at home, it was mostly Yu Li who spent time coaxing Li Shu; if talking about bringing someone over as a nanny, it shouldn't have fallen to her younger sister anyway.

That Yu Li could cook, could take care of children, and most importantly, was good to Li Shu.

Clenching her fist, Qin Qin Huairu continued asking in a low voice: "Then are clothes provided too? I heard some..."

She just wanted to use this method to find out Li Li Xuewu's purpose, thinking that perhaps when Li Li Xuewu got impatient, he would say it.

"Provided!"

Li Li Xuewu tilted his head, looked at Qin Qin Huairu, and said: "I'll even pay for her university education, find her a job, find her a rich and powerful man, provide for her children and grandchildren, provide for her eight generations of ancestors—is that enough?"

"Go on, what did I say~"

Qin Qin Huairu pushed Li Li Xuewu with a coquettish air and said: "She came here solely for my sake; my second uncle had such a fuss with her, so if I don't care about her, who will?"

"Then keep her enshrined at home on a plaque."

Li Li Xuewu, provoked by this woman until he felt uncomfortable, began to sound impatient in his words.

Stop just moving your mouth; if you're going to move, move something real.

Qin Qin Huairu knew Li Li Xuewu had this kind of dog-like temper, so she stopped arguing with him about this, moved her hands, twisted her body, and began to suckle.

Hey, he said not to keep moving her mouth, yet she insisted on moving it!

It was the height of summer, and though the room wasn't exactly hot, Li Li Xuewu's family was used to lighting a fire at night to prevent the kang from getting damp.

The kang in Li Li Xuewu's house was covered with a kang quilt, so the heat had been retained.

Even during his afternoon nap, he dared not lie along the length of the kang, but rather lay along the direction of the kang's edge.

This truly gave Qin Qin Huairu an opportunity to seize the chicken.

It was broad noon with no wind; the white curtains blocked the sunlight, and even with the window open, they wouldn't flutter up.

Today was Sha Zhu's wedding; everyone had been lively all noon and were now somewhat mentally and physically exhausted, resting at home while digesting their bulging bellies.

After the banquet at the West Courtyard ended, Sha Zhu saw Master Master Qian and others off, then sent his wife home to rest, before running over again to help Seeing Gelin, Lao Lao Biaozi, and others clean up.

"Just clear the ash from the stove."

Seeing Yang Yang Erhai head to the kitchen, Lao Lao Biaozi instructed: "Number One still needs to be used; Master Master Qian gave instructions before leaving."

After instructing Yang Yang Erhai, seeing Sha Zhu about to help Seeing Gelin and the others carry out tables to scrub, he pulled him and laughed: "If you want to help, wait until Wu Ge gets married; today you're the groom, so hurry home and get to work."

"Get lost! ~"

Just now, Lao Lao Biaozi had been the liveliest of all; hearing him tease again, Sha Zhu tilted his head and cursed with a laugh.

At this moment, he glanced into the courtyard, saw the vehicle was still there, and asked: "Where's Li Xuewu?"

"He went back to the main compound; it's rare he gets a day off, and he said he's going out again tonight."

Lao Lao Biaozi explained helplessly: "If we're talking about being busy, who is busier than my Wu Ge? If we're talking about hardship, who works harder than my Wu Ge, worrying about an entire big family?"

Sha Zhu nodded understandingly and said: "Yes, anyone in this courtyard who has a good relationship with him, hasn't he helped them with all his heart and strength?"

Taking cigarettes from his pocket, he distributed them to Lao Lao Biaozi and the young fellows around, sighing emotionally: "I, He He Yuzhu, never expected there would be a day I could marry such a good wife."

"Hey, hey, hey! Talking and then going off-track, is that it?"

With a cigarette dangling from his mouth, Lao Lao Biaozi tugged up his waistband, looked at Sha Zhu with feigned disgust, and said: "Saying things like that in front of a bunch of bachelors, do you think that's appropriate?"

"Hahaha~"

Sha Zhu looked around at the unfriendly glares, only then realizing that he himself had once been a member of this little group.

It was just that his age was the greatest, commonly known as the old bachelor!

Seeing Sha Zhu's triumphant smile, the few of them rolled their eyes, wishing they could punch him.

However, Sha Zhu was truly loyal and righteous, and easy to get along with; after interacting these past few days, everyone knew what kind of person he was and sincerely wished him well.

Wishing him tonight goes soft!!!

"Hahaha~"

Amidst Sha Zhu's laughter, joyful as one is when happy events lift the spirit, regardless of whether others were joyful or not, everyone worked together to clean the storage room and the courtyard.

As the young fellows put the equipment into the storage room, today's wedding was truly concluded.

Sha Zhu felt too embarrassed to go home so early, so he followed behind everyone to the side rooms to chat for a while longer.

It was past three in the afternoon, nearing four, before amidst everyone's teasing, he went "ai-ai-si-si" as he walked home.

Actually, at this time there was no intention of entering the bridal chamber, because there was still a meal tonight.

Tonight's meal was to treat those who helped today, or the relatives, having another round as a token of gratitude.

This was also a compromise due to lack of wealth; according to old customs, one would eat for three days.

But nowadays, which family has the capability to host such a continuous banquet?

It's always inviting helpers the day before, inviting all who come to congratulate on the wedding day, and then on the night of that same day, using the leftovers to host a thank-you meal.

Some are willing to go, some are not; it all depends on oneself.

Seeing there was still plenty of time, Sha Zhu thought he'd go home, sit for a bit, check on his wife, and then go to the side rooms to start the stove a bit later.

During the day, Li Li Xuewu had invited Master Master Qian to help, but for tonight's meal, only the people from the side rooms remained.

At most, there would be the First Master and Li Shun and the like, but only the men would come; women and children would not come again.

It's also possible someone like the Third Master might come, but he wouldn't bring his family either.

As soon as he entered the middle courtyard, he saw Qin Qin Huairu walking out through the moon gate with her head slightly bowed, wiping her mouth with her hand.

Seeing Sha Zhu walked into the yard and greeted her, "Going to Li Li Xuewu's house?"

"Ah?!"

Qin Qin Huairu was startled by Seeing Sha Zhu; after recovering, she smiled and said, "Yes, he vomited. I went to ask him about Qin Jingru's matter and helped him clean up."

"I didn't think he drank that much?"

Seeing Sha Zhu scratched his head; he knew very well that Li Li Xuewu had a huge tolerance for alcohol. With only that much wine on the table, how could he have drunk enough to vomit?

"I'll go check!"

As he spoke, he moved to walk toward the rear courtyard, but Qin Qin Huairu blocked his path by standing sideways in front of him.

"Um, he's asleep; he might not be feeling very well."

Qin Qin Huairu pointed at the main house and asked, "Why did you only just get home? Leaving your wife to keep an empty room all alone?"

"Oh, oh, I was just having tea with them."

Seeing Sha Zhu smiled; he had indeed drunk quite a lot today and had been forcing himself to hold it in.

Distracted by Qin Qin Huairu's interruption, he no longer insisted on going to the rear courtyard.

He didn't even notice the mention of Qin Qin Jingru in Qin Qin Huairu's words; he simply pointed at his own home, exchanged a greeting, invited Qin Qin Huairu to come to the side-facing room for dinner that evening, then climbed the steps and entered the house.

Watching Seeing Sha Zhu return home, Qin Qin Huairu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

But as she exhaled, she felt a strange taste in her mouth and hurriedly walked toward her own home.

Once inside, she grabbed an enamel mug, took a large gulp of water to suppress the feeling, as she was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed.

They had just been talking about dinner, but now she wasn't hungry enough to eat anything tonight~

Seeing Qin Qin Jingru return, her sister asked, "Sister, why did it take so long?"

"Isn't it all for your sake!"

Qin Qin Huairu chided gently, "If I didn't ask clearly, how could I rest easy about you?"

"Thank you, Sister!"

Seeing her sister, who looked somewhat exhausted and unsteady even while standing, Qin Qin Jingru was deeply moved; all of this was for her!

Qin Qin Huairu supported herself on the table to sit down, drank another sip of water, and then said, "Have you finished packing? You don't need to bring thick clothes; if you need them, just rush back home to get them."

"I know, Sister."

Qin Qin Jingru agreed, sat down beside her sister, and asked hesitantly, "Sister, did you ask him?"

"I did."

Qin Qin Huairu glanced at her younger sister and said, "Food and lodging provided, work for three months first, fifteen yuan per month; after three months, your pay will increase based on performance."

"Really~"

Qin Qin Jingru smiled with pleasant surprise; this wage was for a temporary worker, and at this time, only men could find temporary jobs.

Moreover, her sister had said that after three months, the pay could increase; did this mean she would truly be like a regular worker?

She... she was only seventeen years old!

She was really going to earn a wage!

"Once you're packed, just wait; he'll come to find you shortly to take you to his house."

Watching her sister's excited expression, Qin Qin Huairu admonished, "As your older sister, let me tell you one last thing: when working in his presence, do not look at what you shouldn't, do not ask what you shouldn't, do not listen to what you shouldn't, and do not say what you shouldn't."

"I know, Sister."

Qin Qin Jingru's previously excited mood was instantly dampened by her sister; she now also recalled Li Li Xuewu's partner, that Miss who, even when standing far away, exerted pressure just by her presence.

"After he gets married, he will come back to stay one or two nights each week; when that happens, you will come back with him and stay at our home."

Qin Qin Huairu continued her instructions, "I won't lecture you on laundry, cooking, or housework; that all depends on being quick-eyed and quick-handed. What I want to speak to you seriously about is Li Shu."

"I know, Sister."

Qin Qin Jingru pursed her lips and said, "It's not like I've never taken care of a child before."

"But that is his child; he is not the same as our younger brother."

Looking into her sister's eyes, Qin Qin Huairu said, "However the Li family matriarch raised him, however Yu Li raised him, that is how you must raise him. Teach only what Li Li Xuewu tells you to teach; do not randomly teach what he tells you not to. Most importantly, the child must not be harmed."

"Understood."

Qin Qin Jingru felt her sister was making a fuss over nothing; weren't they all just children? Li Shu wasn't Nezha with three heads and six arms, so how precious could he possibly be?

Qin Qin Huairu knew her sister hadn't taken it to heart; she tapped her sister's forehead and said, "Was our younger brother raised on milk alone? Was our younger brother raised by the care of an entire large family? Does our younger brother have a father who is a deputy division chief, or a mother who is a doctor at a military hospital? Are you foolish?"

Seeing her sister speak like this, Qin Qin Jingru dared not talk back; thinking about these conditions, Li Shu truly was incredibly precious.

Especially since, as she knew, that child was even receiving child-rearing allowances.

Everyone knew Li Shu was not Li Li Xuewu's biological daughter; when people from the Waishi Force came, everyone in this courtyard knew about it.

Qin Qin Jingru had naturally heard this from Jia Jia Zhangshi as well; now she finally understood the meaning behind her sister's words, and the pressure on her shoulders suddenly increased.

It was past four o'clock when Li Li Xuewu finally came out from the rear courtyard; he had changed into a fresh set of Bai Jiahei clothes and had taken a bath.

"Let's go."

Seeing Qin Qin Jingru waiting on a small wooden stool at the doorway, he called out to her.

Without waiting for her to go inside to fetch her bundle, he walked straight outside.

After passing through the three gates, as he passed his own home, he made a funny face at his daughter through the open window, making Li Shu laugh "giggle giggle giggle"; afterward, he told his mother and the old lady that he was going to Haiyun Warehouse.

"Come back early; you have to go to work tomorrow~"

Have a little patience; some things cannot be judged by surface appearances alone; one must see the essence through the phenomenon; the essence lies in the next chapter.