When Jiang Yao got home, she happened to run into Dazhuang coming back from school. As she passed by, she gave him a piece of candy and asked if he knew the sales clerks at the supply and marketing cooperative.
Dazhuang thought for a moment. “One is Sister Xiao Juan, and the other is Aunt Yang Mei. Aunt Jiang, which one are you asking about?”
Jiang Yao instinctively felt it had to be the latter. “Yang Mei.”
“Oh, Aunt Yang Mei. Her older brother is Yang Jian, the deputy battalion commander of the Second Battalion in the First Regiment. Her family lives in the dormitory building. She got married a year ago to Teacher Zhang from our school…”
Jiang Yao listened with great interest. The two of them squatted by the wall, whispering like they were sharing secrets, and were directly spotted by Qin Mu and Wen Zhongcheng, who had come home early.
Dazhuang had sharp eyes. When he saw his father, he rushed over like a little cannonball. The seven-year-old was lifted up effortlessly with both hands and placed on his father’s shoulders.
“Dad, why are you back so early today?”
Wen Zhongcheng said, “I have a mission tomorrow, so I came back tonight to have dinner with you and your mom.”
Wen Zhiyuan planted a loud kiss on his father’s sweaty face without any disgust. “Okay! Be safe. I’ll take good care of Mom.”
The father and son walked off. Qin Mu stepped in front of Jiang Yao and took the bag from her hands.
An odd silence settled between them. Qin Mu spoke first.
“You went to the supply and marketing cooperative?”
Jiang Yao nodded. “Are you going on a mission again tomorrow?”
“Yeah. I’ll be going far.”
[Great! Xiao Hei, get ready—we’ve got work to do!]
She had been wondering when she’d get the chance to teach Yang Mei a lesson. Now the opportunity had come right to her.
Xiao Hei replied: [Got it. I’ve already scanned the location of Yang Mei’s ancestral grave back in her hometown. Once your husband leaves, we’ll go!]
Qin Mu: !!!
What exactly was this girl planning? Digging up someone’s ancestral grave? That absolutely wouldn’t do.
He quickly grabbed Jiang Yao’s hand, and an idea suddenly popped into his mind.
“There’s a literacy class being set up in the residential compound. They’re enrolling the first batch of students. Do you want to go?”
He remembered that Jiang Yao hadn’t even finished primary school. This would be a good way to keep her occupied.
Jiang Yao calmly pulled her hand back, her big eyes filled with confusion.
“Go to school? No thanks.”
[Is he crazy? Why would I go to school? One tomb run earns more than what a college graduate makes in two or three months. I’d rather save up and start a business when the economy opens up. Why bother studying?]
Back in the 21st century, she had only finished junior high, yet she still lived quite well relying on her own abilities. Academic credentials didn’t appeal much to her.
Qin Mu: …
“Aren’t you bored staying at home?”
Jiang Yao shrugged. “Not at all.”
[You go on missions, I go tomb raiding—earning money every day, keeping Grandma company. That’s a pretty fulfilling life.]
Qin Mu pressed his lips together and said nothing.
He couldn’t convince Jiang Yao, so he decided to ask Song Yulan for help.
Jiang Yao noticed his stiff expression and snorted inwardly, following him into the house.
During dinner, Qin Mu brought up the literacy class.
Song Yulan thought it was a good idea. She looked at Jiang Yao and said, “Didn’t you always say you wanted to learn more characters? Now there’s a literacy class—you can go and try it.”
Jiang Yao shot Qin Mu a glare and pouted as she acted coquettish. “Grandma, I can study at home too. If I go out to attend classes, what about you? Won’t you be bored at home? I should stay and keep you company.”
Song Yulan glanced at Qin Mu’s expression and immediately understood that the young couple had differing opinions and were asking for her help.
But…
“Yao Yao, how about we go together? Grandma knows a few characters too. I can accompany you and experience the learning atmosphere.”
Jiang Yao was completely defeated. If even Grandma wanted to go with her, how could she refuse?
By the end of the meal, Jiang Yao was so annoyed that she ate two steamed buns and a bowl of porridge—stuffing herself completely.