Everyone was startled when the quiet person suddenly spoke up.
People instinctively turned to look.
“That’s quite a sum of money.” Equivalent to more than a month’s salary for an ordinary person, “Are you sure about this?”
Liang Rui felt uncomfortable under everyone’s gaze. He touched his face, his brows and eyes still carrying their usual defiance. “I made a mistake, so I’ll take responsibility. Is that wrong?”
Though his tone was fierce, he seemed somewhat embarrassed. “Where do I pay? I’ll go pay now and arrange for the filming immediately.”
He was still the same person, but his awkwardness made him somewhat endearing.
Secretary Chen looked up at him. “Liang Rui, unauthorized expenses without prior approval won’t be recognized by the Finance Section. Are you certain about this?”
“If you pay this money, it’s likely you’ll have to cover the filming costs personally.”
This was the Meatpacking Factory’s rule: all reimbursements required advance reporting. Otherwise, if everyone reimbursed casually, there would be no order.
Liang Rui pressed his lips together. His nose bridge was exceptionally high, accentuating his thick, dark brows and eyes, making him look defiant and rebellious. “I’ll pay it then.”
“This money should indeed come from me.”
He walked up to Jiang Chenliang and bowed to him. “I’m sorry. Because of me and Liang Feng, you got injured while putting out the fire. I will cover all your medical expenses.”
Liang Rui’s action was so sudden that everyone was caught off guard.
Jiang Chenliang felt flustered. He knew Liang Rui was Factory Director Liang’s child—someone of high status, different from ordinary people like them.
Realizing this, Jiang Chenliang instinctively tried to avoid the bow, but Jiang Meishu held him in place. Usually slow to react, Jiang Meishu was unusually clear-headed now.
“Dad, you deserve this.”
At these words, Liang Rui instinctively looked up.
Jiang Meishu stared sternly with her jade-like face. “What are you looking at? If you hadn’t started the fire, my dad wouldn’t have gotten hurt. If he hadn’t gotten hurt, he wouldn’t have suffered like this. You should pay this money, and you should apologize.”
To be honest, Jiang Meishu was somewhat angry. The more she valued her family, the angrier she felt toward the one who caused the trouble.
Hearing Jiang Meishu’s scolding, the usually rebellious Liang Rui didn’t retort for the first time. Instead, he admitted, “I was wrong. I apologize.”
At this, Secretary Chen was astonished. Having worked with Liang Qiurun for many years, he had known Liang Rui for a long time. He knew how proud and rebellious this kid was—getting him to say “I was wrong” was harder than reaching the sky.
Now, he had actually heard those three words from Liang Rui. It was as if the sun had risen from the west.
But even more surprises were to come.
Jiang Meishu crossed her arms. “It’s good that you know you were wrong.”
“Your bow wasn’t deep enough. Do you know how to bend at a ninety-degree angle?”
With that, she slapped Liang Rui’s back with a sharp crack. “Lower.”
It was a hard slap, striking Liang Rui with a mix of pain and itchiness.
In all his life, he had never been disciplined like this.
He gritted his teeth and stared at Jiang Meishu, disbelief mingled with a sense of humiliation in his eyes!
“What are you staring at?Jiang Meishu stood before him with a straight back, her condescending gaze tinged with distrust. “Is this your apology? You can’t even manage a ninety-degree bow? Remember, you’re only bending your waist, but my father’s arm is broken!”
“Or is your apology really that worthless?”
“Have you forgotten how to bow?”
The young man couldn’t stand being provoked. Jiang Meishu’s words and demeanor were practically dancing on his last nerve.
Liang Rui gritted his teeth, his face flushing crimson. True to his word, he lowered his head and bent his proud waist.
The moment he bowed, the whip marks on his back flared with piercing pain.
Instinctively, he cursed viciously in his heart, “What a malicious woman!”
Ding-dong. Ding-dong. Jiang Meishu’s ears rang with notifications.
[Villainy Points +1+1+1]
[Alipay payment received: 100,000, 100,000, 100,000]
Jiang Meishu nearly screamed like a groundhog internally, “System, is making money really this easy?”
“Three hundred thousand! Three hundred thousand!!”
She had earned three hundred thousand in less than five minutes!!
In her previous life, with a monthly salary of eighteen hundred, this was money she’d have needed a lifetime to earn!
Jiang Meishu never knew earning money could be so effortless.
The System glanced at Liang Rui, who was trembling with humiliation and flushed bright red. “Shushu, I’ve discovered you’re Liang Rui’s natural nemesis.”
It had been right to choose Shushu for binding!
Indeed, dullness restrains rebellion in this world!
Just as expected.
Jiang Meishu was still somewhat dazed. “Really?”
Her earlier reactions had been genuine—she was truly angry about Liang Rui setting the fire that caused her father’s injury.
“Look at Liang Rui.”
Jiang Meishu followed the gaze. Liang Rui remained half-bowed, head lowered. From her angle, she could see his jade-like ears turning blood-red.
The redness spread all the way down his neck.
Jiang Meishu felt satisfied. “Alright, not a bad bow. Go pay the fees now.”
Unaware of how infuriating her chin-lifted demeanor appeared.
Secretary Chen nearby had his heart in his throat, terrified the hot-tempered Liang Rui would erupt.
And beat Jiang Meishu up.
Unexpectedly.
Upon hearing this, Liang Rui merely straightened up, shot a fiery glare at Jiang Meishu, took a deep breath, and—surprisingly obedient—turned to head to the first-floor payment counter to settle the imaging fees.
Jiang Meishu spoke to her father behind him, “Dad, see that? The instigator glared at me! Don’t you forgive him, and don’t accept his apology!”
Liang Rui, walking on the corridor’s marble floor, slipped slightly, aggravating the pain in his back wounds. He gnashed his teeth, “Malicious woman!!!”
He had never encountered anyone more malicious than Jiang Meishu.
Ding-dong.
Ding-dong.
[Villainy Points +1+1]
[Alipay payment received: 200,000]
Jiang Meishu’s eyes shone so brightly they could almost serve as light bulbs.
“System, I think I’ve figured out how to provoke Liang Rui and earn Villainy Points!”
It couldn’t be simpler!
In just this short while, Alipay had received five hundred thousand.
Five hundred thousand ah.
The System: “…”
A moment of silence for Liang Rui.
Liang Rui left.
Jiang Meishu stood there completely unscathed, which utterly shocked Secretary Chen. “Comrade Jiang, you—”
are truly remarkable.
Even Liang Qiurun couldn’t achieve this.
“How did you manage that?”
Secretary Chen asked Jiang Meishu.
Jiang Meishu looked puzzled. “What?”
Secretary Chen: “…”
Never mind.
Perhaps Comrade Jiang was also unconscious of it.
However, he needed to remember this matter and report it to Factory Director Liang later.
Comrade Jiang was practically Liang Rui’s natural nemesis.
She was far too suitable to be Liang Rui’s stepmother.
“Alright, since someone has gone to pay the fees,” Doctor Li wrote out a slip, “in a moment, take my slip along with the payment receipt to Room 104 on the first floor. Go downstairs, turn left, and it’s at the very end. Once inside, hand the slips to the doctor there, and they’ll arrange for your X-ray.”
As soon as these words were spoken,
Jiang Meishu immediately nodded, took the slip from Doctor Li, thanked him, and then helped Jiang Chenliang downstairs.
Just as they reached the first floor, they ran into Liang Rui, who had finished paying the fees.
Liang Rui’s face was sour as he approached with the payment receipt. Jiang Meishu reached out to take it, but Liang Rui snorted and instead handed it to Jiang Chenliang. “Uncle Jiang, this is for you.”
He absolutely refused to give it to “Jiang Meilan”—that vicious woman!
Jiang Meishu didn’t mind. It was fine if he didn’t give her the slip.
She knew how to stir the pot.
She turned to Jiang Chenliang and said, “Dad, your hand is injured—don’t take it. Let the one who caused all this hand it to the doctor.”
Jiang Chenliang had already stretched out his hand, but upon hearing his daughter’s words, he paused. Meanwhile, Liang Rui was still holding out the slip.
The situation became awkward.
Jiang Meishu huffed angrily, “You’re handing the slip to my dad, whose arm is injured—are you doing it on purpose? Trying to make his injury worse?”
This was truly nitpicking.
Liang Rui, “…”
He really hadn’t meant it that way.
He just didn’t want to give the payment slip to “Jiang Meilan,” and now she was making such accusations.
If he handed the slip to Jiang Chenliang, wouldn’t that make it seem like he really was doing it on purpose?
Liang Rui gritted his teeth, took the payment slip back, clenched it in his hand, and led the way to find the doctor and hand over the slip.
Secretary Chen watched in astonishment.
Unbelievable!
Comrade Jiang had picked on Liang Rui like that, and he had actually tolerated it?
No, no.
He had to record this and report it to Factory Director Liang later.
As Liang Rui walked away,
Jiang Chenliang said to his daughter, “Sweetheart, you should tone it down a bit. After all, he is the factory director’s son.”
The gap between their status as ordinary people and his was just too great.
Jiang Meishu nodded, her fair chin tilting up slightly. “I know, Dad. He’s the one who caused your injury. It has nothing to do with his status.”
“He still deserves to be scolded.”
The harsher the scolding, the more Villainy Points she earned.
And the more money she would have.
Seeing that his daughter wouldn’t listen, Jiang Chenliang sighed. “You can’t act like this.”
Having worked in the workshop for nearly thirty years, he understood all too well the weight of status and hierarchy.
Looking at his daughter, with her clear, innocent eyes, it was obvious she had never experienced the harsh realities of workplace life and didn’t yet understand how status could crush a person.
He was afraid Liang Rui would seek revenge later.
But there was no way to say this now.
He could only sigh worriedly.
Jiang Meishu was somewhat puzzled. “Dad, if we’re nice to someone like him, will he be nice in return?”
“No, he won’t. If that were the case, you wouldn’t have gotten injured in the first place.”
She might be slow to react, but that didn’t mean she was foolish.
In some matters, she understood the dynamics better than her father.
Secretary Chen, overhearing this, glanced at her in surprise. “Great wisdom appears foolish.”
He made a note to report this to Factory Director Liang.
When they arrived at the X-ray room,
Liang Rui handed over the form, and the doctor glanced at him. “Are you the one getting the scan?”
“No.”
Liang Rui immediately stepped aside, revealing Jiang Chenliang. “It’s this uncle here.”
The radiologist looked at Jiang Chenliang. “The arm, right? Show it to me.”
Jiang Chenliang complied, while Jiang Meishu helped roll up his sleeve beside him.
“Alright, the patient can go in now. The rest of you wait outside.”
Jiang Meishu, familiar with the procedure, understood completely. In contrast, Jiang Chenliang grew nervous. This man who wasn’t afraid to slaughter pigs was now trembling uncontrollably. “Meishu, if I go in there… will I come back out?”
He’d heard this machine could see through flesh and bone—wouldn’t that be like being sliced a thousand times? Was this his retribution for butchering pigs? Now the hospital doctors would butcher him.
Jiang Meishu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Dad, just go in without worry. The doctors won’t slice you up. For an X-ray, you just need to place your arm there—you won’t have to move at all.”
This somewhat eased Jiang Chenliang’s anxiety.
“If the patient is too frightened, one family member may accompany him,” the doctor suddenly added. “But I should warn you—this thing is said to be harmful to humans. Anyone entering should think carefully.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Meishu immediately stepped forward. “Dad, I’ll go with you.”
She knew about X-rays and their radiation. But compared to being there for her father, that radiation seemed negligible.
Jiang Chenliang hesitated. “Forget it. The doctor said it’s harmful.”
“I’ll go.” Liang Rui stepped forward, crossing his arms with his usual cocky attitude. “So, are we going in or not?”
The moment he spoke, Jiang Meishu instantly looked up at him.
Liang Rui snorted. “What are you staring at? Never seen anyone this handsome?”
“With your skinny frame, you’d barely survive one slice from the X-ray machine.”
He truly didn’t care. He’d never been afraid of pain since childhood.
Well! Another semi-illiterate who thought the X-ray would physically cut him.
What surprised Jiang Meishu was that Liang Rui—despite misunderstanding the situation and believing he’d be sliced apart—was still willing to accompany her father inside.
Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all?
Just as this thought formed, she heard Liang Rui snap, “Are we going or not? Why are you dragging your feet like a bunch of women? How long does it take to get a simple scan done?”
Jiang Meishu immediately retracted her favorable impression.
“Dad, you should go in with Liang Rui then.”
Nearby, Secretary Chen seemed to want to object but held back. “Liang Rui, are you sure about this?” If anything happened to him due to radiation exposure, how would he explain it to Factory Director Liang?
Liang Rui pressed his lips together, his jaw tense. “Why are you so naggy? I said I’ll take responsibility, so what’s there to think about?”
It’s just getting cut a couple times—what’s there to fear?
He grabbed Jiang Chenliang’s uninjured arm and marched toward the room before anyone could stop them.
Watching Liang Rui and Jiang Chenliang disappear inside, Secretary Chen couldn’t help but marvel, “I never would’ve thought that kid had such a sense of responsibility.”
This time, Jiang Meishu surprisingly didn’t contradict him.
Bad temper, but good heart.
Worth paying attention to. At most, she’d try to annoy him less next time.
The scan was quick—in about ten minutes, Liang Rui emerged with Jiang Chenliang. Or rather, he was supporting the older man as they came out.
Jiang Meishu was somewhat surprised. She raised her eyebrows and immediately stepped forward. As she approached, Liang Rui released his grip as if touching a hot potato, saying, “It wasn’t me who wanted to support him—it was Old Jiang who insisted on holding onto me.”
How did he become “Old Jiang” after just one trip inside?
Nearby, Jiang Chenliang laughed heartily, “Yes, I told Xiao Liang my legs were weak and asked him to support me.”
“So he helped me.”
“Daughter, let me tell you, this kid Xiao Liang is really loyal. When we went in, he thought they’d be using a bone scraper, so he even asked the doctor to practice on him first to avoid making a mistake with me.”
But this was bone scraping!
At the time, Liang Rui had rolled up his sleeve, revealing his firm and toned forearm, and offered it for the doctor to practice scraping.
He even startled the doctor, who hurriedly explained that they were a legitimate hospital, not some shady clinic.
Liang Rui hadn’t expected Jiang Chenliang to reveal all his embarrassing moments from inside. He tugged uncomfortably at his ear and muttered, “Well, it wasn’t exactly like that.”
But he refused to elaborate on what really happened.
Jiang Meishu observed this and asked, “What did the doctor say?”
“They said we’d have to wait a bit for the results.”
The results came surprisingly fast. They had expected it to take half a day, but it only took about half an hour.
Of course, the main reason was that no one else was waiting for X-rays.
After Jiang Chenliang’s X-ray was taken, two doctors worked together on analyzing the same film, which naturally sped things up.
They brought the X-ray to Doctor Li, who examined it with a serious expression. “It’s a bone fracture.”
“Can you see it? Right here.”
He pointed, and everyone leaned in to look. Sure enough, there was a small crack where Doctor Li indicated.
“You’ll need a cast and to stay in the hospital for a few days. Also, avoid using the injured hand, and you’ll need some IV drips over the next few days.”
This—
“Stay in the hospital?” Jiang Chenliang was stunned. “Can’t I avoid that?”
Doctor Li pointed at the X-ray. “Normally, your arm would require surgery with steel pins. It’s already good that I’m not recommending surgery. You need to stay for observation for a few days.”
Hospital stays were expensive.
Jiang Chenliang wanted to refuse.
This time, however, Secretary Chen spoke up, “Stay. Otherwise, we won’t feel reassured.”
Although Liang Rui didn’t say anything, he nodded in agreement. Though usually unreliable, he now offered a sensible remark: “We’ve already come ninety-nine steps—why hesitate at the last one?”
With everyone having their say, Jiang Meishu found it hard to object. She simply whispered to Jiang Chenliang, “Don’t worry, Dad, it’s covered by public funds. Just stay.”
Jiang Chenliang sighed. “Even if it’s covered by public funds, we shouldn’t waste money like this.”
Jiang Meishu argued firmly, “Doctor Li said you need to be hospitalized. How is that wasting money? Wasting money would be checking into the hospital when you’re not sick.Surprisingly, Liang Rui didn’t refute. He nodded, but when he noticed Jiang Meishu looking at him, he twisted his neck away like a duck, turning his head to the side.
Jiang Meishu’s lips twitched slightly. She supported Jiang Chenliang’s arm and said, “Let’s go. The minority should submit to the majority.”
With that, Jiang Chenliang had no choice but to comply. There weren’t many patients in orthopedics, or perhaps, like Jiang Chenliang, most people tended to endure their injuries at home and manage on their own rather than seek hospital care.
Ordinary folks usually didn’t come to the hospital.
So, when Jiang Chenliang got his cast, just like with the X-ray, it was done smoothly without any waiting.
After he finished all this, his arm was wrapped into a cocoon-like shape.
Secretary Chen only proposed to leave after confirming he wasn’t seriously injured. “Comrade Jiang, rest well in the hospital. I need to head back first to submit your hospitalization fee application.”
His politeness made Jiang Chenliang feel both flattered and overwhelmed. He quickly nodded, “Secretary Chen, please attend to your own matters.”
Jiang Meishu disliked how submissive her father became. In the production workshop, he was so formidable – one strike of his knife could bring down the fiercest pig. Yet when facing people, he lowered himself excessively.
With Secretary Chen leaving, Director Yang naturally wouldn’t stay either.
As they were about to leave, someone finally remembered to remind Liang Rui, “You have classes today.”
It was Thursday, and Liang Rui had been skipping classes quite openly. Now he had no choice but to leave with them.
After they left, only Jiang Meishu and Jiang Chenliang remained when going to the ward. Jiang Chenliang’s arm still hurt, his face pale and spirits low. “Do you think your father is too spineless?”
Jiang Meishu pressed her lips together and sat silently beside him.
Jiang Chenliang leaned back on the pillow and closed his eyes, as if this could alleviate some of the pain.
“Dear daughter, we poor people must live cautiously. Otherwise, those above could crush us with just a flick of their fingers.”
He had lived his whole life being careful.
Otherwise, during the two major downsizings at the Meatpacking Factory, he would have been filtered out long ago.
Jiang Meishu didn’t quite understand. “But Dad, you’re the victim.”
Jiang Chenliang opened his eyes. Those usually overly honest eyes now held a hint of inexpressible wisdom. “I am the victim, but if the unit doesn’t take responsibility, what can I do?”
“Make a scene? If I cause trouble and leave a bad impression with the leaders, I might end up on the next downsizing list.”
“Dear daughter, being cautious in life prevents us from taking wrong paths. Treating everyone carefully may not earn their respect, but at least they won’t step on me.”
“Just like butchering pigs – do you know why I’m called the best knife in the workshop?”
Jiang Meishu shook her head.
“Because while I’m submissive toward people, I’m precise with pigs. One strike of my knife, and no pig survives more than three minutes in my hands. That’s my special skill, which is why I have so many apprentices under me.”
“Of course, I’m digressing.” Jiang Chenliang glanced down at his cocoon-like arm. “Actually, I think this injury was quite worthwhile.”
Not only did Secretary Chen come, but Workshop Director Yang too, along with the factory director’s son. Later, the factory director and Trade Union would likely get involved too.
This was a matter where pulling one hair could move the entire body.
From today onward, Jiang Chenliang’s name would be known among the leadership.
This was a side of Jiang Chenliang that Jiang Meishu had never known.
As they were talking, the nurse arranged for three more patients to be admitted to the ward, along with their family members – over ten people bustling in together.
Jiang Chenliang immediately stopped talking and closed his eyes to rest.
Jiang Meishu frowned slightly at the ward now as noisy as a vegetable market. “Dad, you rest first. I’ll ask the nurse if we can change rooms.”
Jiang Chenliang wanted to say it wasn’t necessary, but meeting his daughter’s determined gaze, he nodded and waved his hand, settling down to rest.
Jiang Meishu approached the nurse and said, “Comrade, our ward is too noisy. Could we switch to a less crowded one?”
The nurse glanced at her and shook her head. “All our wards operate on a full-capacity principle. We won’t open another ward until the current ones are fully occupied.”
“Alternatively, we do have High-ranking Cadre Wards available. Do you have connections? Admission to those requires official documentation.”
Jiang Meishu pressed her lips together. “No, we don’t.”
“Then we’ll have to stay in the original ward.”
Jiang Meishu thought for a moment, “Could you go in and remind the patients and their families? Please try to keep the noise down.”
This was something the nurse could handle, so she followed Jiang Meishu into the ward and announced loudly, “Please remain quiet. The patient needs more rest.”
However, the quiet only lasted about ten minutes after her reminder before the noise started up again.
Just as Jiang Meishu was about to go find someone again, Jiang Chenliang stopped her, “Let it be. Being able to get a hospital bed is already quite good.”
“Go ask when your mother will arrive. I’m getting hungry.”
Jiang Meishu didn’t have any food coupons with her – they were all at home. “I’ve notified Mom, but she hasn’t arrived yet.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Wang Limei walked in carrying numerous bags. When she saw her husband wearing a hospital gown, lying in bed with one hand connected to an IV drip and the other wrapped up like a silkworm cocoon, Wang Limei’s tears began falling steadily. “Old Jiang, you’ve suffered so much.”
They had met through a matchmaker in their youth and had supported each other through half a lifetime. Though their relationship wasn’t particularly passionate, they had grown accustomed to each other’s presence and well-being.
Hearing Wang Limei’s sobs, Jiang Chenliang wanted to raise his hand to wipe her tears, but his left arm was in a plaster cast and his right hand was receiving an IV. When he moved, the IV tube shifted with him, causing the needle in his vein to sting painfully.
Jiang Chenliang sucked in a sharp breath, “Alright now, I’m fine. We’re not young anymore, no need to cry so hard.”
Wang Limei set her bags down on the table, her heart aching even more. “What did the doctor say?”
Jiang Chenliang looked rather listless.
It was Jiang Meishu who took the bags and began unpacking them one by one, explaining, “Dad has a bone fracture in his arm. They took X-rays and put it in a plaster cast. The doctor wants him hospitalized for observation for a few days, and if there are no problems, he can be discharged.”
Upon hearing this, Wang Limei’s eyes reddened further. “What about the factory? What did the factory say?”
Jiang Meishu took out the noodle soup her mother had brought. Wang Limei naturally took it from her, and Jiang Meishu lowered her voice, “Secretary Chen and Director Yang from the factory have already visited. They said since Dad was injured on duty, the unit will cover the expenses.”
Only then did Wang Limei relax, “Well, that’s quite decent of them.” She opened the aluminum lunchbox containing the noodle soup.
The shallow container was filled with white dough lumps, chopped tender green cabbage, a drizzled egg flower, and sesame oil sprinkled on top.
The moment she opened the aluminum lunchbox, the room was filled with an overwhelming aroma.
Everyone turned to look, and the elderly woman in the bed next to Jiang Chenliang’s unconsciously swallowed.
The gulp echoed conspicuously throughout the ward.
Even Jiang Meishu couldn’t help but look over. The elderly woman was dressed quite properly in a Zhongshan suit, her silver hair neatly combed, appearing very kind.
Realizing her impropriety, the woman quickly averted her gaze. “My apologies.”
“Please excuse my behavior.”
Unlike the other beds crowded with visitors, the elderly woman’s bed stood lonely with just her alone.
No one had come to care for her.
This immediately stirred Jiang Meishu’s compassion, for she saw in this woman what might become of her own parents in the future.
If she didn’t wake up…
Would her elderly parents end up like this when hospitalized?
With no one to care for them?
Left alone to watch over their sickbeds by themselves.
Jiang Meishu didn’t dare to think about it, nor could she bear to.
Wang Limei seemed to notice something and whispered, “Your father barely has enough for himself.”
It was just a shallow lunchbox portion—made with two ounces of flour, one egg, and a few vegetable leaves. This represented nearly all the family’s fine grains and was the only sickbed meal available.
Jiang Meishu knew this, which was why she hesitated but didn’t reach for it. She hummed in acknowledgment and handed the lunchbox back. “I’ll go check if there’s anything for us at the cafeteria.”
They couldn’t afford fine grains, but even a Wo Wo Tou would do.
Wang Limei didn’t stop her this time. Jiang Meishu took one jin of food coupons and an additional fifty cents from her.
The hospital cafeteria’s food wasn’t particularly expensive.
Jiang Meishu spent twenty cents on four Wo Wo Tou, using half a jin of food coupons. The cafeteria offered free cabbage soup as a side.
Though called cabbage soup, it contained no actual cabbage—not even a drop of oil could be seen.
Jiang Meishu didn’t mind. Using an enamel mug as large as her face, she filled it to the brim with the free soup before carrying the Wo Wo Tou back.
In the past, she would have spent all the money without a second thought. But now, with her father hospitalized and ill, she had to budget carefully.
She finally understood why people said children from poor families matured early.
In her previous life, she never had to worry about such matters.
Carrying four Wo Wo Tou and a large enamel mug of cabbage soup, she returned to the ward around six in the evening. Most patients, assisted by their families, had already started their meals.
Only the old lady hadn’t.
Jiang Meishu handed two Wo Wo Tou to Wang Limei. “Mom, these are for you.”
“And here’s the cabbage soup—pour some out to drink.”
Without waiting for Wang Limei’s response, she took a small aluminum lunchbox, poured a portion of soup into it, separated one of her own Wo Wo Tou, and offered it to the neighboring old lady.
Pressing her lips together, she said softly, “If you don’t mind, please share this with me.”
She had two Wo Wo Tou and a bowl of cabbage soup. Even if she shared, she could still manage a watery fullness.
The old lady was taken aback, her eyes glistening with moisture. “Child, thank you.”
“Please eat.”
Jiang Meishu took a bite of her own Wo Wo Tou and passed the other to the old lady. Thoughtfully, she placed the lunchbox in front of her, urging her to take a sip of soup first.
After a long silence, the old lady murmured, “Little comrade, thank you.”
Wang Limei witnessed this but didn’t intervene. She knew her younger daughter’s nature—since childhood, she’d rather go hungry herself than withhold food from someone in need.
She sighed and asked, “Elder sister, why are you alone in the hospital?”
Old Mrs. Lu nibbled her Wo Wo Tou. “I fell suddenly and didn’t want to trouble my children, so I came for a check-up. Who knew it’d be this serious? The doctor won’t let me leave.”
“Didn’t you notify your family?”
Old Mrs. Lu choked up slightly. Jiang Meishu promptly handed her the lunchbox. After taking a sip of cabbage soup, the old lady said gratefully, “I told my good-for-nothing eldest son, but I don’t know why he hasn’t come yet.”
The phrase “good-for-nothing eldest son” said it all.
Clearly, he didn’t prioritize his mother—otherwise, he would have visited before dusk.
Another unfortunate soul.
Wang Limei didn’t press further. They had just finished their meal.
Jiang Meilan and Shen Zhanlie arrived. “Mom, how is Dad?”
The newlywed couple had just obtained their marriage certificate and returned home when they heard from neighbors in the Dazayuan that her father had been taken to the hospital.
The young couple was terrified and rushed from home to the hospital.
Wang Limei said, “He has a bone fracture and is in a plaster cast. He needs to be hospitalized.” She paused, then turned to Jiang Meilan. “Since you’re here, it’s good timing. Take over so Meilan can go back and rest.”
Before Jiang Meilan could respond,
Jiang Meishu refused on her behalf. “No, Mom. Meishu and her husband just got their marriage certificate today. It’s not appropriate for them to be at the hospital. I’ll take care of Dad tonight.”
“That’s not suitable either. You’re an unmarried girl—how can you take care of your father?”
Wang Limei directly vetoed the idea. “You go back and call your younger brother over. He’ll keep watch tonight.”
This time, Jiang Meishu didn’t object.
Jiang Meilan looked at Jiang Chenliang, her eyes red with heartache. “Dad, how did this happen?”
He had been perfectly fine that afternoon.
“I got hit while putting out a fire at the Meatpacking Factory. It’s nothing, daughter.” Jiang Chenliang was quite philosophical about it. “Since you’re married now, live well with Zhanlie. Go home.”
Jiang Meilan was unwilling.
“I’ll stay tonight.”
Jiang Chenliang glared. “Listen, Meishu. You’re someone’s wife now. How can you accompany your father in the hospital on your wedding day?”
“It’s not like our family has no one else.”
This—
Jiang Meilan looked at Shen Zhanlie. “I insist on staying.”
Having lived two lifetimes, she would never compromise her family for the sake of a lover.
This was her bottom line.
Shen Zhanlie had always been patient with “Jiang Meishu.” He immediately said, “I’ll stay here with Master too. There’s no need for younger brother to come—he has classes tomorrow.”
As these words fell, everyone looked over.
Clearly somewhat surprised.
Shen Zhanlie scratched his head. “You were my master before, and now you’re my father-in-law. By reason and emotion, I should stay.”
Hearing this, Jiang Chenliang was moved, and so was Wang Limei.
They felt they hadn’t chosen this son-in-law in vain.
“Alright, these two kids will stay. Meilan, you go home.” This was Jiang Chenliang speaking to Jiang Meishu.
Jiang Meishu was still hesitating.
Wang Limei said, “You go back first. I’ll return later too.”
There weren’t enough people needed here, and there wasn’t enough space to stay.
After Jiang Meishu left, Old Mrs. Lu in the next bed inquired, “Sister, are both those daughters yours?”
Wang Limei nodded. “Yes.”
“You’re blessed. Is the older one married? Is the younger one still unmarried?”
Old Mrs. Lu had watched from beginning to end, mistaking the married Jiang Meilan for the older daughter.
Of course, she actually was the eldest.
“This is the youngest.” Wang Limei said expressionlessly. “My youngest got her marriage certificate today.”
“What about your eldest daughter?”
The eldest.
Wang Limei somewhat regretted not asking Meishu about Factory Director Liang’s situation.
She shook her head. “The eldest isn’t settled yet.”
“She went on a blind date before, but the man didn’t show up. I assume it fell through.”
Hearing this, Old Mrs. Lu had an idea. Her kindly face broke into a smile. “How about I set up your eldest daughter with someone?”
At this, Wang Limei immediately became interested. Actually, she was quite anxious too—she was worried the blind date between her younger daughter and Factory Director Liang wouldn’t work out.
With the countryside assignment looming.
I can’t just stand by and watch my frail little daughter go to the countryside.
Seeing her interest, Old Mrs. Lu immediately became more serious and introduced her family background. “Although my family doesn’t work at the Meatpacking Factory, my eldest grandson does. He’s the deputy director of the Finance Section, twenty-six years old, and was assigned to the Meatpacking Factory after graduating from university.”
Just as she finished speaking, Jiang Lamei happened to push the door open to visit Jiang Chenliang and froze upon hearing this. “Old lady, are you talking about Director Lu?”
Director Lu could be considered the most sought-after bachelor at their Meatpacking Factory.
It wasn’t that she hadn’t considered him before, but their family circumstances were too far apart from the Lu family.
If Factory Director Liang had the shortcoming of Liang Rui, then Director Lu had practically no flaws at all.
Young, capable, highly educated, holding a high position, and handsome.
Wang Limei had never dared to entertain such aspirations from the start. His conditions were too good, almost unreal, and she worried he might prefer men.
Old Mrs. Lu didn’t expect the other party to know her grandson. She nodded, “Yes, Zhiyuan is my grandson.”
“You know him?”
“Of course I know him?” Wang Limei placed the fruit on the table. “I work in the Trade Union and have dealt with him before.”
This made Old Mrs. Lu even happier. She became enthusiastic, her previous sickly demeanor completely gone. “Then what do you think about me introducing my Zhiyuan to your Meilan for a blind date?”