"How could there be such terrible people!"
Wang Huiting was furious after hearing the story, empathizing deeply with the military wife because her own family had experienced similar circumstances.
When her biological father passed away, many people had eyed their family covetously, treating her mother and her two sisters like pieces of fat meat.
Though she was young at the time, she remembered everything that happened clearly.
Relatives who had always looked down on their family came knocking, all wanting to take away her father's job.
There were also those who schemed to marry her mother, take over the job, and then send her and her sister to the countryside.
Her mother refused and found herself a gentle-tempered stepfather to marry.
At the time, many people whispered negative things about her stepfather in the sisters' ears, saying that once their mother married him, she would abandon them.
So initially, Wang Huiting had been resistant toward her stepfather.
However, after spending some time together, she discovered he treated them quite well—she never saw him lose his temper, and he never objected to anything their mother bought for them. He was even better than her biological father.
Wang Huiting's biological father had a violent temper. He would come home every day with a dark expression, and after drinking, he would resort to hitting her, her mother, and her sister at the slightest provocation.
Because they had no sons, her father felt he couldn't hold his head up in front of others, believing everyone mocked their family behind their backs for having no male heir.
He never showed them sisters a kind face, always either hitting or scolding them. Her older sister almost missed school several times because their father said educating girls was useless.
In Wang Huiting's memory, her father was always in a state of rage. Once, she merely walked past him wearing new clothes, and he kicked her so hard she slammed into the wall, leaving her sore for days.
Her mother suffered even worse beatings—sometimes her head would be bloodied, and she wouldn't dare go out for days.
This was her childhood trauma; sometimes she still dreamed of those scenes at night.
Wang Huiting never dared to tell anyone. When she learned her father was gone, what she felt most was relief.
She truly accepted her stepfather after Tong Yunyun was born.
At that time, she and her sister were terrified, worried their stepfather would be angry that their mother had given birth to a daughter. To their surprise, he didn't mind at all and personally took care of their mother, allowing her to complete her full month of postpartum rest for the first time.
Unlike her biological father, who had ignored them completely when they were born upon seeing they were girls. Their mother had to start working again the day after giving birth.
When her stepfather's family expressed dissatisfaction with her mother over this, he would stand up and shield her.
After Tong Yunyun was born, he didn't show favoritism and treated all three sisters as fairly as possible.
Thinking of her stepfather, Wang Huiting felt somewhat down. She quickly shook off these thoughts and asked:
"What about that military wife and her child now?"
Although they were rescued, they definitely couldn't stay in the village anymore.
Cao Fei: "They're working at our factory now. That sister-in-law is very capable—she can support herself and her child."
Wang Huiting was delighted to hear this. "That's wonderful. You've really been a great help."
Su Ruyi, however, thought of something else: "You've offended the local bullies. Won't your factory face trouble because of it?"
The factory was located very close to Apricot Blossom Village. In these times, running a factory came with various risks, one of which was the likelihood of being harassed by local bullies demanding protection money.
Now that they had offended someone, it was even easier for others to find fault with them.
Occasional petty troubles would be enough to cause significant headaches.
Lu Ting said nonchalantly, "I discussed a collaboration with them, so the matter is settled."
However, Su Ruyi sensed that it couldn’t be that simple, though she didn’t press further.
Their relationship wasn’t deep enough for him to explain everything in detail.
The car soon arrived at Apricot Blossom Village. As they entered the village, many villagers gathered nearby, speculating about which family had such affluent relatives that they arrived in a sedan.
Although Apricot Blossom Village had improved since the road was built, cars were still a rare sight.
Children ran after the car, their curiosity piqued all the way.
"Who are they visiting? It doesn’t seem like they’re here for the village chief."
At first, everyone assumed they were heading to the village chief’s house, but when the car drove straight past it without stopping, they grew uncertain.
The village chief’s house was the best in the village—if they were visiting him, they wouldn’t have missed it.
"If not the village chief, then whose family could it be? Who has such wealthy relatives?"
"The direction they’re heading… it looks like they’re going to Zhang Banshan’s house?"
"Impossible. What wealthy relatives could they have?"
As everyone buzzed with speculation, the car stopped right in front of Zhang Banshan’s house.
At this, everyone craned their necks even further, and then they saw two young, beautiful women step out of the car.
The commotion outside was loud. Zhang Dagui, leaning on a small stool, hobbled out of the house. Seeing the sedan parked at his doorstep, he grew visibly nervous and uneasy.
He was alone at home, with no one to consult.
Lu Ting dropped them off and drove away immediately without lingering.
Su Ruyi thought that since they would collaborate again in the future and this wasn’t her home, she didn’t feel the need to insist he stay for tea.
Wang Huiting watched the departing car and then glanced at Su Ruyi.
Su Ruyi felt puzzled under her gaze. "What’s wrong?"
"Sis, I think Brother Lu is a really good person."
Su Ruyi chuckled. "You’ve only met him once, and you already think he’s good?"
"You beat him, and even though people laughed at him, he didn’t get upset. He was still cheerful."
Wang Huiting had met many men who were overly concerned with pride and believed women couldn’t surpass men.
Strength was considered a man’s forte, yet when Su Ruyi defeated Lu Ting, he didn’t get angry or resentful. Instead, he seemed impressed. Wang Huiting felt he had a bright and open heart.
"It shows his confidence isn’t built on belittling women."
Wang Huiting only half-understood but added, "He’s also very kind-hearted."
Su Ruyi agreed with this point. It was rare for someone to succeed and still remember to help others.
"Why do you keep bringing him up?"
"Hehe, I just think he’s much better than those Zhang family people."
Su Ruyi tapped her head lightly. "What are you thinking about at such a young age?"
Over the years, Apricot Blossom Village had seen many changes, with numerous families building new houses. But her aunt’s home remained just as it was, only more dilapidated.
This made Wang Huiting certain it was indeed her aunt’s house.
Spotting the person in the yard, Wang Huiting waved and called out in greeting.
"Uncle, I'm Wang Huiting, Tingting! I came to visit you and Auntie. Is Auntie home?"
Zhang Dagui also recognized Wang Huiting and quickly responded:
"It's Tingting! Oh, come inside quickly. I'll have someone call your aunt right away. She took your cousins to work in the fields and hasn't returned yet."
Although Wang Huiting didn't have a good impression of Xinghua Village, she felt very close to her aunt's family.
Despite the poor conditions here, every time she visited, her aunt's family would warmly welcome her. Her cousins would take her to pick wild fruits and search for bird nests, creating many beautiful memories.
Zhang Dagui then looked at Su Ruyi beside her: "This must be Ruyi, right? Your aunt has mentioned you and has been talking about you these past few days. She'll be very happy that you came."
Zhang Dagui wasn't particularly eloquent, but he couldn't help feeling excited seeing Su Ruyi and Wang Huiting.
Their family had been eating particularly well these past few days, all thanks to Su Ruyi.
And those candies, along with dried fruits and pastries they had never seen before, had made the children especially happy.
The gifts were secondary; it was the thought that counted.
Over the years, they had given away countless things but received very little in return. Although relatives don't usually keep score, everyone has their own measure in their heart.
Only Tong Aihua's family was different, but now that Tong Aihua was gone, this relationship likely would have ended.
Unexpectedly, Su Ruyi turned out to be as sentimental and righteous as her father, which made the couple very happy.
While working in the fields, Tong Dahua heard someone calling her.
"Oh my, Sister Stone's Mom, what are you still doing here? Hurry back home! Your nieces came to visit you in a car!"
Aunt Liu rushed over, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Ah?" Tong Dahua didn't quite understand – what car?
Sister Wang nearby spoke with a hint of jealousy: "Aunt Tong, I never knew you could keep such secrets! Having such wealthy relatives and never mentioning them, afraid others might take advantage, huh?"
"What are you all talking about? What car?"
"What car? What car?" Zhang Sisi, with her sharp ears, couldn't focus on her work after hearing this.
Aunt Liu: "Don't ask questions, just hurry back and see. Your two nieces are here."
Tong Dahua finally understood, but how did her two nieces come by car?
She was quite familiar with her brother's family situation – they didn't have such wealthy relatives.
Tong Dahua could no longer concentrate on her work and hurried home.
Along the way, many people stopped her to ask about the car.
"Sister Tong, if your family becomes prosperous, don't forget about us!"
Tong Dahua had no mind for such talk, only giving perfunctory greetings before quickly moving on.
Someone behind her rolled their eyes dramatically – they hadn't even become wealthy yet, but already looked down on people.
When Tong Dahua reached her courtyard gate, she saw Su Ruyi and Wang Huiting and became very excited.
"Oh my, why didn't you tell me you were coming? I went to the fields and didn't know."
Su Ruyi had mentioned visiting before, but she thought it was just talk. She never expected they would actually come.
Tong Dahua felt very happy in her heart – this showed that Su Ruyi felt close to them.
"We had some business nearby and thought we'd stop by to see you," Su Ruyi said with a smile.
Zhang Dagui felt somewhat embarrassed, pointing to the table in the main room and saying, "Mother of the children, Ruyi and Tingting have brought quite a lot of things with them this time."
Tong Dahua looked over and saw the table piled high with goods.
"You really shouldn't have! Coming to visit is enough, why bring all these things?" Tong Dahua was both delighted and annoyed.
"You're still young, don't waste whatever money you have. Take everything back when you leave. Auntie has everything here, no need for you to worry about us like this. There's still plenty left from what you sent last time – we simply can't use this many things."
After getting on the bus, Su Ruyi had realized she hadn't brought enough gifts. Not wanting her first visit to appear inadequate, she had purchased numerous items when passing through town.
"Please don't say that. I have business to attend to later – it wouldn't be proper for me to carry these things around everywhere."
Besides buying meat and sugar, Su Ruyi had purchased daily necessities like bedding, blankets, washbasins, and thermos bottles. Partly for her own convenience, but also to make life easier for her aunt's family in the future.
According to Wang Huiting, her aunt's family had very few quilts, which was why she used to only visit with her stepfather during summer when bedding wasn't as scarce.
"But this is too much! How much money did you spend?"
Tong Dahua looked at the table full of items, her heart aching at the expense.
Su Ruyi waved her hand dismissively, appearing unwilling to discuss it further:
"What's bought is bought. If I can afford to buy it, I can afford to earn it back. Auntie, don't you trust my capabilities?"
Seeing Su Ruyi's impatient expression, Tong Dahua didn't dare to nag further.
Su Ruyi felt satisfied inwardly. She knew that as long as she remained assertive, she could have things her way. Otherwise, all the back-and-forth politeness would be utterly exhausting.
"I heard you came by car?" Tong Dahua changed the subject.
"Yes, those are my business associates. I need to discuss a deal with them, so they gave us a ride here."
Hearing this, both Tong Dahua and Zhang Dagui felt even more impressed by Su Ruyi's capability. So young and on her first visit to the provincial capital, yet already conducting business with people who owned cars.
Tong Dahua didn't dare ask about the specific business details – such matters were beyond her understanding as a farm woman – but she felt tremendous admiration.
"You're as capable as your mother – meant for big things."
Though both were women, Su Ying had always been exceptional, so Tong Dahua quickly accepted that Su Ruyi was different too.
That evening, Tong Dahua exerted all her culinary skills, cooking all the fresh pork Su Ruyi had brought along with previously preserved dried meat, preparing a table laden with dishes.
While Tong Dahua's cooking was average, the quality ingredients made up for it, and everyone's mouths watered at the sight.
Zhang Shitou jumped around excitedly, repeatedly calling out "sister, sister" to Su Ruyi.
Su Ruyi didn't eat to her full capacity – otherwise this entire table of food might have just satisfied her alone. She ate just enough to get by.
That night, Su Ruyi and Wang Huiting slept with Tong Dahua's two daughters, Zhang Qiaoqiao and Zhang Sisi. The two girls were clearly closer to Wang Huiting, having played together before. Wang Huiting had also picked out some items from her own stock to give them.
This quickly broke the ice between the cousins who had grown somewhat distant after not seeing each other for so long, and they soon became thick as thieves.
Zhang Qiaoqiao was thirteen this year, Zhang Sisi ten. For the first time in their lives, they owned such beautiful hair clips, elastic bands, and hair ribbons. Previously, they had only made their own hair ties by wrapping thread around elastic bands.
Although the sisters also liked Su Ruyi very much, she carried a unique aura about her. While her overall demeanor was gentle, there remained a certain distance when interacting with her.
"Sister Tingting, are these really for me?!"
Zhang Sisi stared at the beautiful hair accessories, unable to believe she could own such pretty ones—even prettier than what her deskmate wore.
"Of course! Do I seem like someone who goes back on my word?"
"These must be very expensive, right?"
"Not really. I got them at wholesale prices, much cheaper than what they sell for outside."
Wang Huiting beamed with pride. She wasn't one to keep things to herself and began telling them about the business she planned to start.
"If I can sell all of these, I could make two or three times the profit!"
"Wow!" Zhang Sisi exclaimed exaggeratedly, playing along enthusiastically.
After a moment of silence, Zhang Qiaoqiao said, "Sister Tingting, are you planning to take all these back to the county to sell?"
"Yeah, I'm not familiar with other places."
Zhang Qiaoqiao grew quiet again before speaking. "These would sell well in our town too. Many of these styles have never been seen before."
Heshui Town, where Xinghua Village was located, was a large town. Just passing through the outskirts today, they had already sensed the difference between towns near the provincial city and those in remote areas.
Wang Huiting recalled the bustling market days when she used to visit the town. "Do they still have market days in town now?"
"Yes, there's a big market tomorrow."
Wang Huiting's eyes lit up, shining brightly in the darkness.
"Sis…"
She had barely started when Su Ruyi understood what she wanted to say.
"Go ahead if you want to."
"But you need to go to the factory tomorrow. If I leave, you'll be alone." Wang Huiting hesitated.
"I'll be fine on my own," Su Ruyi said with a laugh. "You can test whether these will sell in town. If business is good, we can restock before heading back."
After thinking it over, Wang Huiting decided to try selling at the market tomorrow to test the waters.
Zhang Qiaoqiao immediately volunteered: "Sister Tingting, I know the town well. I can take you around. If they don't sell well at the market, I'll bring you to other places."
"Sounds good! If sales go well, I'll treat you to ice cream and pay you for your help."
Zhang Qiaoqiao: "No need, no need. You've already brought so many nice things today. I'd like to help you in return."
The bedding they were using now had been brought by Su Ruyi and the others earlier that day. Their old bedding had long become stiff and hard. During summer, it was tolerable—just a firm bed.
But in winter, the chill from below made it impossible to feel warm.
Zhang Sisi couldn't help adding: "Sister Tingting, take me along too! I've helped my mom sell vegetables in town before."
"Alright, let's all go together!"
Early the next morning, the girls set off for town together. Su Ruyi went along as well, planning to grab more food in town since the portion at her aunt's house had only been enough to tide her over.
There was no rush to go to the plastic factory so early—they probably hadn't finished their investigation and budget yet.
Besides, it wouldn't be good to keep mooching meals off them; the intention would be too obvious.
Not wanting her two cousins to go back and complain, Su Ruyi parted ways with them upon reaching town.
Wang Huiting worried: "Sis, will you be able to find your way?"
Su Ruyi laughed helplessly: "If I get lost, I can always ask for directions. Stop worrying so much and focus on your own tasks."
After parting ways with Wang Huiting and the others, Su Ruyi spent her time searching for food. Being able to eat without gaining weight was a physique many girls dreamed of.
But for Su Ruyi, whose pockets were a bit empty, eating made her heart ache with every bite.
If she didn’t start earning money soon, the little cash she had would surely be eaten away by her.
As Su Ruyi wandered around the town, she noticed children playing with Hula Hoops, and shops were selling them too—each costing ten yuan, which wasn’t cheap.
Still, business seemed quite good. In the short time Su Ruyi stood there, several Hula Hoops were sold.
This gave Su Ruyi more confidence. Although she had foreknowledge, this was, after all, a book—who knew if it would differ from reality?
While strolling, Su Ruyi ran into Wang Huiting and the others again. Their small stall was doing brisk business, surrounded by a group of girls.
Though the stall was very simple—just a wooden tray holding the goods, hastily made by Zhang Dagui that morning and still rough from lack of sanding—it still attracted quite a few people browsing.
By the time Su Ruyi circled back, only Wang Huiting remained.
"Where are Qiaoqiao and Sisi?"
"They took some of the goods to sell elsewhere," Wang Huiting replied, tending to customers, her face flushed with excitement.
Su Ruyi frowned. "They won’t get lost, will they?"
Wang Huiting laughed. "They know this town better than we do. Qiaoqiao goes to middle school here and runs back and forth every day."
Su Ruyi then remembered: children in this era were largely left to their own devices, and their independence was remarkable.
"Alright, but make sure you stay safe too."
Wang Huiting gestured with her chin toward the front. "The police station is right over there. I’ve already checked everything out!"
Su Ruyi didn’t say more and headed alone to the plastics factory.
Arriving at the factory gate, Su Ruyi noticed a new notice posted on the bulletin board.
It detailed the disciplinary actions taken against Zhou Huarong and others, clearly stating their offenses and emphasizing that their behavior had violated the law.
Posting the notice publicly was clearly meant to deter any other troublemakers lurking in the shadows.
"Boss Su, you’re here! Please, come in," the security guard exclaimed, hurrying out of his booth to greet her, his smile radiant and eyes full of admiration.
This was the woman who had taken down Lu Ting!
As Su Ruyi walked in, she met similarly respectful gazes from everyone. She, Su Ruyi, had become famous overnight.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Su Ruyi pretended to cough lightly. She hadn’t intended to be so conspicuous, but she was like a nouveau riche—and in terms of strength, she truly had become wealthy overnight.
How could she resist showing off? It would be like wearing fine clothes in the dark—what was the point?
Su Ruyi would have preferred to keep a low profile and catch others off guard, but at the moment, it was hard not to feel inflated.
As a woman who had once been followed and nearly assaulted, it was difficult for Su Ruyi to remain calm.
She still remembered the terror of being overpowered, unable to fight back.
Even sharing an elevator with a tall man used to make her feel immense pressure, making her want to flee.
But now she was different. She possessed strength that even men feared—roles reversed, and the feeling was exhilarating. It would take some time before she could dial back the swagger.
"Boss Su, you’re here," Ma Hui said, having received word and rushing out from her office to welcome her.
Su Ruyi: "Did I come too early?"
Her action seemed somewhat hasty, which was disadvantageous for her.
However, based on yesterday's interactions, the management of the plastic factory were all straightforward people who wouldn't mind such details.
"Not at all, we had already prepared the budget yesterday. No matter when you came today, it would have been fine."
Su Ruyi marveled at the efficiency of the plastic factory. If it were some state-owned factories nowadays, delays of several days or even a month wouldn't be unusual.
Having already met yesterday, they skipped the pleasantries, and Zhao Xianghong went straight to quoting prices.
"Large Hula Hoops are 2.2 yuan each, small ones are 2 yuan each, with a minimum order of one thousand pieces per batch."