Yang Erni finally realized that what she had done behind the old couple’s backs had been exposed.
She shrank her neck and lowered her head: “It’s about her and Educated Youth Li’s marriage arrangement.”
Tan Guihua frowned: “What marriage arrangement could there possibly be between them?”
Seeing that she couldn’t avoid the topic, Yang Erni resorted to obstinacy: “How could there not be? That Educated Youth Li held and touched Meimei, so naturally they should get married.”
Now the whole family had switched to calling her Meimei, only Yang Erni, her own mother, stubbornly insisted on calling her ‘Ke Mei’ (the ill-fated girl).
“What nonsense are you talking? Educated Youth Li simply saved Meimei. What marriage are you talking about?”
Yang Erni touched her pocket and grew bolder: “When someone falls in the water, their clothes get soaked through. Ke Mei was carried up by Educated Youth Li. Since they were in that situation, wouldn’t it look bad if they didn’t get married and word got out?”
Tan Guihua was furious. What kind of mother would say such things?
“Stop your nonsense right now. This matter ends here. Don’t bring it up again.”
Yang Erni didn’t want to give up: “But Educated Youth Li is willing too.”
Yao Yunzhen, sharp-eyed, noticed Yang Erni’s furtive movements.
“Aunt, did you receive something from Educated Youth Li?”
Living under the same roof, Yao Yunzhen had some understanding of this aunt.
Only with sufficient benefits would she dare to argue with Tan Guihua.
“No, nothing.”
Panic flashed across Yang Erni’s face as she instinctively pressed hard on her pocket.
Tan Guihua, who clearly understood this daughter-in-law well, immediately changed her expression.
“What did you take from him? Hand it over now!”
“I really didn’t take anything.”
Yang Erni refused to admit it, though her flustered expression had already given her away.
Yao Daqiang tapped his fingers on the table: “Second daughter-in-law, take it out.”
Yao Daqiang usually didn’t involve himself in household matters, but whenever he spoke, none of his children dared to disobey.
Reluctantly, Yang Erni took out the contents of her pocket, her face full of reluctance.
She had just gotten it and hadn’t even warmed it up yet.
When everyone saw what it was, they were all shocked.
It was actually a small stack of big unity notes!
“Where did you get this?!”
Yao Yunzhen was both surprised and a little angry, feeling that she had been too soft in her dealings before.
This Li Yunqi could come up with so much money, yet he had only given her a few dollars.
What a loss, a huge loss.
Without the money in her pocket to bolster her courage, Yang Erni’s boldness shrank again.
She lowered her head and said guiltily: “It’s… the betrothal gifts from Educated Youth Li…”
Tan Guihua was so angry she could have died. This foolish woman had quietly gone and done such a thing without a word.
Without even thinking, it was clear this money hadn’t been obtained through proper means.
Tan Guihua felt utterly ashamed.
He had kindly saved their family member, yet Yang Erni went and threatened him, even accepting betrothal gifts directly.
“Did you take what I said earlier as empty words? You actually went to find Educated Youth Li. Return this immediately!”
Yang Erni couldn’t bear to part with it; this money was meant for her son.
“But… Educated Youth Li is willing to marry Ke Mei. Do we really need to return the money?”
Yao Yunzhen poured cold water on her hopes: “Aunt, even if Educated Youth Li is willing, Yao Meimei probably can’t get married now. She’s going to jail.”
The others, who had been avoiding the issue, were stunned by this reminder.
Yang Erni stared at the big unity notes on the table and said hesitantly:
“Isn’t Comrade Xie still here? She could hold Kemei, so Kemei could marry Li Yunqi.”
Upon hearing this, Yao Yunzhen didn’t know whether to be angry or not.
This second aunt really…
Yao Daqiang and Tan Guihua immediately looked at Xie Jingyue upon hearing this, a glimmer of expectation in their eyes.
Miao Cuilan also quickly looked over, her expression tense.
Xie Jingyue calmly observed everyone and smiled faintly, though the smile carried a hint of coldness.
“Have you considered this carefully?”
Yao Daqiang’s lips moved slightly, his eyes showing struggle.
In the end, he said dejectedly: “No, forget it. Let the public security handle her as they see fit.”
Tan Guihua grew anxious: “Old man!”
Yao Daqiang waved his hand, somewhat disheartened.
“Say no more. This is all Meimei’s own doing, and she should face the consequences herself. We Yao descendants don’t need to achieve great things, but we mustn’t commit crimes either. So there’s no need to plead for her.”
The old man had always been unremarkable throughout his life, just an ordinary rural elder, yet unexpectedly he possessed such awareness and integrity.
Tan Guihua didn’t argue further, forcing a strained smile.
“Comrade Xie, please take that foolish girl away later.”
The coldness in Xie Jingyue’s eyes softened slightly, and the warmth returned to her smile.
“Don’t worry, I’ll put in a good word for them. We’ll try to keep Yao Meimei’s matter from spreading.”
Mainly because if everyone knew the Yao family had produced a criminal, their situation would become difficult, and Comrade Zhenzhen would also be affected.
Thinking of Yao Yunzhen, Xie Jingyue’s gaze drifted unconsciously, stealing glances in Yao Yunzhen’s direction.
Yao Yunzhen felt somewhat satisfied upon hearing this.
Fortunately they didn’t try to shield Yao Meimei, otherwise she would definitely have made a scene.
Yao Daqiang then looked at the big unity notes on the table.
“Second daughter-in-law, take this money and return it.”
“Ah? Really return it?”
Yang Erni felt so heartbroken she nearly cried, agonizing over losing this money that never truly belonged to her.
“Go now!”
Yang Erni struggled: “But… since we already have it, why not keep it as compensation from Educated Youth Li for harassing Kemei?”
“Say one more word, and I’ll have the second son send you back to your parents’ home.”
Tan Guihua glared fiercely at Yang Erni, her gaze so vicious it seemed she wanted to devour her.
Already feeling upset, this woman was still causing trouble. If not for the outsiders present, Tan Guihua would have torn her apart.
Tan Guihua had long established authority over Yang Erni, who trembled under such a gaze and didn’t dare say another word. She grabbed the money from the table and rushed out.
That damned wretched girl, money-losing baggage. Should have strangled her at birth. My money…
Yang Erni cursed inwardly as she ran off.
“Comrade Xie, sorry for the embarrassment.”
Xie Jingyue shook her head without saying anything.
It wasn’t appropriate for him to stay any longer, so he stood up.
“Then I’ll take Comrade Yao Meimei back now.”
“Ah, yes, alright.”
Xie Jingyue stood up, nodded to everyone, couldn’t resist another glance at Yao Yunzhen, then strode out.
The others also stood up to see him off.
After leaving the house, everyone had expected to see Xie Jingyue escorting Yao Meimei away, and the elderly couple’s eyes were already moist with tears. However, Yao Meimei was nowhere to be found in the courtyard!
The old couple immediately grew anxious.
“Where’s Meimei? Where did Meimei go?”
Yao Yunzhen also became worried. “She must have overheard our conversation and ran off to hide.”
They absolutely couldn’t let her escape.