Xiao Bing Zhang Ga was very happy and couldn't stop thinking about it the next day.
Aunt Zhao Guihua and a few other old ladies were still discussing the plot the next morning. The old ladies' views were not focused on the plot; everyone was deeply touched, wondering who would have such a clever child, that would be a blessing for eight generations.
Zhao Guihua was also among them, her eyebrows dancing with joy.
Li Junjun from Aunt Wang's family ran over and asked, "Grandma Zhao, where's Hutou?"
Zhao Guihua replied, "Isn't it the day before school starts tomorrow? He went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy stationery."
Today, only Zhao Guihua was at home; Hutou and Xiao Yanzi's kindergarten starts tomorrow, so Liang Meifen took the two children to buy stationery. Although it's a kindergarten, since Hutou will be in the first grade this summer, this semester's kindergarten curriculum has been increased a bit to help the children adapt to the primary school life that will begin in the second half of the year.
Things like pencils, erasers, and notebooks need to be prepared.
Xiao Yanzi is a bit younger and just follows the fun.
Zhao Guihua smiled and asked, "New semester, didn't you buy any?"
Li Junjun replied, "I still have some." Mentioning school, the child obviously felt a bit down; there isn't a single child in the world who loves going to school. Li Junjun didn't understand why they had to go to school! Why!
It's so bitter!
His originally happy mood suddenly felt very stifled. The holidays passed so quickly. It felt like they were over in a blink of an eye. He didn't get enough of the holidays at all. Li Junjun was very melancholy, thinking that he should indulge a bit more in the end, so he ran out.
The last day, he must go crazy with his buddies.
Aunt Wang sighed, "These kids don't want to go to school, but we didn't have such good luck back then. They really don't know how good they have it."
Others nodded in agreement, all feeling the same way. Back in their childhood, only the children of landlords could afford to go to school, unlike now. The kids don't appreciate the good life they have.
"By the way, you all..." Aunt Su was about to speak when she saw Director Chen from the neighborhood committee coming over. She immediately stood up, her eyes full of joy, and said, "Director Chen, why are you here?"
Then she added, "Please come over and sit."
Director Chen, about the same age as Zhao Guihua, was a woman in her late forties. She didn't stand on ceremony and found a stool to sit on.
Aunt Wang asked, "Director Chen, is there any notice this time?"
It was working hours, and if there wasn't something important, Director Chen wouldn't have come over at this time. Sure enough, Director Chen nodded and said, "Yes, wasn't there a thief caught in your courtyard earlier?"
Everyone nodded.
Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua both straightened their chests; they were participants and very proud.
Director Chen said, "The police station now has a verdict; this thief, Zhang San, was the mastermind behind the recent series of thefts. You've made a big contribution." Not only did they make a contribution, but their neighborhood committee also received praise from higher authorities.
After all, this person was caught by their patrol team, which showed that their work was not in vain and had real results.
This was a solid achievement, so Director Chen didn't hide her happiness at all. She said, "You've done very well. The neighborhood committee and the police station coordinated, and the neighborhood committee will provide rewards to all the comrades who participated in the arrest that night."
Aunt Wang's eyes lit up with joy and asked, "What are the specifics of this reward?"
Compared to Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua's happiness, Aunt Su's smile was very forced. As for Madam Zhou Li, her face was already very bad. Her family didn't participate at all that night and was even exposed for skipping the patrol.
Logically speaking, this matter wasn't a big deal, but the problem was that her family was robbed. So when people talked about this, they inevitably mentioned that her family used excuses not to participate in the patrol.
Bai Fendou, with his loose tongue, even said outside that her family got what they deserved. Although this is nonsense, many people think it's true. Isn't it just a coincidence that it happened to her family?
Whenever this matter is mentioned, Zhao Guihua and others always appear as positive characters, while Madam Zhou Li's family is seen as the "clown." Now that there's a reward for this, how could Madam Zhou Li be happy?
But she's shameless and said, "Director Chen, what about our family? We were the victims; shouldn't we get some compensation?"
Director Chen didn't like Madam Zhou Li either. She coldly said, "Your family was robbed, and the stolen goods were returned to you, didn't that recover your losses? What other compensation do you want? But you, Madam Zhou Li, some things I didn't want to say, but since you brought it up, I have to say it. Your awareness is really too poor. The neighborhood committee organizes patrols for the collective safety of everyone's property. You just don't participate when you don't want to. Is there any organization, any discipline? Do you think you can do whatever you want? How can that be? If everyone is like you, selfish and only cares about themselves, how will society develop? If everyone doesn't patrol and doesn't catch thieves like you, then the money you lost this time wouldn't be recovered. You really should reflect on yourself. I heard that Zhou Qun is diligent and hardworking at work. I hope you, as his mother, don't drag him down and embarrass him. You're a woman at home all day, not afraid of losing face. But also consider your son and daughter-in-law; don't bring them honor, but don't smear them either."
After a scolding from Director Chen, Madam Zhou Li's face became even more unsightly.
She pursed her lips, tightened her jaw, and said, "How am I embarrassing them?"
Director Chen said, "Not participating in the collective patrol is embarrassing. I know you're uneducated and don't understand the principles, but this is not your kang bed at home. It's not a place where you can do whatever you want!"
These words were very harsh, and the people who gathered around showed disdainful expressions.
Yes, because Director Chen arrived, everyone in the courtyard who wasn't at work gathered around to see what was going on. They just happened to hear Director Chen's rebuke of Madam Zhou Li and nodded deeply in agreement.
Madam Zhou Li is very unpopular.
In fact, the old ladies in this courtyard aren't very weak; they're not easy to provoke. But the most despised and unpopular is only Madam Zhou Li.
Apart from anything else, let's talk about the incident of her family being robbed. Everyone helped her family catch the thief, which wasn't without risk. Although nothing bad happened in the end, at that time, no one knew that.
Everyone was working hard to find that thief for her family.
But her family didn't thank them once; their words and deeds were full of complaints about the patrol team not catching the thief immediately but letting the thief enter her home. You see, such an ungrateful shrew, who would like her?
Moreover, she even said outside that if it weren't for her family being robbed, the patrol team wouldn't have caught the thief and gained a good reputation. So, everyone should thank her family. If the neighborhood committee or the police station has any rewards, they should all be sent to her family.
Her family was the victim.
Everyone has heard this to some extent, so they are very unfriendly towards this old shrew.
Zhao Guihua said with a smile that carried a hidden meaning, "Director Chen, you should speak less, otherwise, there might be rumors about you in our neighborhood tomorrow, saying you're bullying someone."
Madam Zhou Li immediately became unhappy and said sharply, "Zhao Guihua, what do you mean! Who are you talking about?"
Zhao Guihua smiled sarcastically and said, "Who I'm talking about, who knows in their heart. I didn't name anyone, but you came forward yourself. Could it be that you know very well what kind of person you are? I've heard of people picking up money, but I've never heard of someone picking up a scolding."
Madam Zhou Li said, "You!"
She said fiercely, "Don't think you can bully my family just because you have more people. Let me tell you, I, Madam Zhou Li, am not easy to mess with. You old hag..."
Zhao Guihua: "You're the old hag, so despicable, if it weren't for me leading the charge to catch the thief, you'd still be crying somewhere, not knowing what to do. We helped you recover your coffin money, and not a word of thanks, just blabbering nonsense in the courtyard and alleyways. What, do you think I, Zhao Guihua, am easy to mess with? Let me tell you, don't think your mean and unlucky demeanor, always badmouthing others, will be tolerated by everyone. I don't care if others can tolerate you, but I, Zhao Guihua, definitely can't. Get out of my way! Or else I'll slap you!"
Zhao Guihua pointed at Madam Zhou Li and said, "Director Chen, look at this person, always claiming she's being bullied. Look at her vicious appearance, who could bully her? We helped her recover her money, and instead of thanking us, she badmouths us. Is she even human? I've been holding back for days!"
Director Chen could see that Zhao Guihua was genuinely unhappy.
However, Director Chen could understand, as she was also unhappy.
They were doing good deeds, and Madam Zhou Li just didn't have any sense.
It wasn't surprising that people erupted, plus, Director Chen was well aware of Madam Zhou Li's issues, always thinking the whole world owed her. She coughed and said, "Madam Zhou, did you thank them for helping you?"
Madam Zhou Li widened her eyes and said, "Thank them? They should be thanking me."
As soon as she said that, everyone glared at her, but she was unfazed: "If it weren't for my house being robbed, would they have this chance to get rewarded?"
Although it was rumored that she had such views, some people had never heard it directly. But now, there was no doubt about it. She really thought that way, and she had just said it out loud. Everyone was filled with anger.
Although some people participated in catching the thief that night, some only participated in the search. Hearing this remark, those who didn't directly catch the thief felt particularly displeased.
"Your skin is too thick, isn't it?"
"Really, have some shame."
"This person's brain is not normal, right?"
Everyone chimed in, and Madam Zhou Li was furious, but seeing everyone hostile towards her, even Director Chen looked at her with disgust, she suddenly panicked. Although she wasn't a good person, she had been a widow since young and knew that angering the crowd was not wise.
Especially since there was a "weak and kind" widow in their courtyard as a contrast, her situation was even more difficult.
In the past, she had known how to rein in her thoughts, but her son was ambitious and found a daughter-in-law who was both rich and easily manipulated by her, so she gradually became more arrogant and less concealed of her true thoughts.
But now that everyone disliked her, she was a bit panicked. It wasn't that she was afraid of being ostracized; she wasn't afraid of that. She was worried about affecting Zhou Qun's reputation, especially since Director Chen's words were still fresh in her mind.
She was afraid that this incident would be reported to the factory by the neighborhood committee, affecting her son's promotion.
Her son was destined for great things.
In fact, this was overthinking on Madam Zhou Li's part. Their machinery factory had no connection with the neighborhood committee. Leaders of such state-owned large factories were even higher in rank than the neighborhood committee. The last time Zhuang Zhixi was commended and met the factory director was purely coincidental. But Madam Zhou Li didn't understand this, fearing that the neighborhood committee would complain, she panicked and, after some thought, quickly said, "Oh, my stomach hurts, I need to go to the restroom..."
With that, she quickly got up and walked out, thinking she could avoid trouble that way.
Zhao Guihua sneered, "Hmph!"
What a disgusting person.
Director Chen also shook her head, not having a good opinion of Madam Zhou Li. Zhou Qun was a good person, but how did he end up with such a mother? With Madam Zhou Li's ability to offend people, she was only dragging her son down.
She coughed and said, "Let's not talk about her. She doesn't understand anything. I'll explain the opinions of the neighborhood committee and the police station. After discussing, we decided that the eight people who participated in catching the thief will be notified by their units, and each will be rewarded with a porcelain teacup, one jin of rice, and one jin of flour. Additionally, everyone who participated in catching the thief that night will be individually notified by their units to express gratitude, and the neighborhood committee will provide a bundle of noodles."
"Oh, that's really great."
"We didn't do it for the reward; we value the honor."
"Exactly, exactly."
Although everyone said that, they were still very happy to receive the reward. Nowadays, everything is scarce.
And what is this? It's an honorary reward.
Is that just an ordinary thing?
Like the old lady from the back courtyard, when she heard about the teacup reward, she was so happy that her toothless mouth almost split open.
Everyone was extremely happy, and Director Chen was also delighted. Although the neighborhood committee had "spent a lot," this honor was also received by the neighborhood committee. For the year-end evaluations, their neighborhood committee would definitely have an advantage.
"Our neighborhood committee has more courtyards than buildings, and neighbors should be more friendly and harmonious, supporting each other to create a more united big family. Don't you think so?"
"Yes, yes, yes!"
Director Chen: "Madam Zhou... well, she's a bit clueless, but everyone should also be tolerant. Your courtyard contributed the most in catching the thief, and we remember that. Although it's still early, I'll put it out there: as long as your courtyard performs well and doesn't cause any trouble by the end of the year, the honor of being the 'Model Courtyard' in our neighborhood committee is very likely to be yours."
"Ah!"
Everyone immediately perked up, happily looking at each other. The honor of being the Model Courtyard was a good thing.
Their courtyard hadn't been awarded this honor for several years, and they were very envious every year when others received it.
You know, the family that gets this honor each year can also get a jin of fine grain, which is not just about the honor but also has practical benefits.
Aunt Wang suddenly felt a surge of ambition and said, "Director Chen, you can rest assured. I will lead everyone to perform well. We will definitely not cause any trouble for our neighborhood committee."
Zhao Guihua also nodded along, a jin of fine grain per household was quite a lot.
She said with righteous indignation, "Director Chen, please rest assured. We will definitely perform well. I won't speak for others, but our family in our courtyard will ensure we don't cause any trouble to anyone! We will not be a stumbling block for our courtyard to be selected as an advanced unit."
Everyone expressed their determination, whether for the honor or for the end-of-year benefits, it was hard to say. In any case, everyone put on a good show for the honor, which was a matter of face. Were they really doing it for a bit of food and drink?
Well, actually, yes.
But everyone said it nicely.
Seeing everyone's expressions, Director Chen was also pleased and nodded, "That's good."
She still had to inform the other courtyards, so she didn't stay long and got up to leave. Aunt Su quickly followed, putting on a weak demeanor and softly asked, "Director Chen, when can we collect the reward for catching the thief?"
Director Chen looked at her puzzled and said, "But you didn't participate."
Aunt Su was momentarily speechless, then quickly said, "Although I wasn't feeling well that day, Old Man Bai took my place on patrol. So, in essence, I was part of it."
She coughed a few times and said, "I'm not in good health, but I always fulfill my duties without fail. I genuinely want to do something for the courtyard and the neighborhood committee, but my body doesn't allow it. However, I'm not the type to break the rules. Old Man Bai helped me out."
Director Chen wasn't familiar with Aunt Su and only knew her as a weak and pitiful figure, so she felt sorry for her and said, "I understand, but this reward is not based on patrol duty but on actual participation in the search that night. Although Old Man Bai went on patrol for you, he didn't participate when everyone scattered to catch the thief."
Aunt Su: "What?"
She opened her eyes wide in surprise.
Director Chen: "This time, the reward is not based on the patrol team's recommendation, but on the actual people who helped. Old Man Bai didn't participate, so whether he replaces you or not, it's useless. This matter has nothing to do with him, let alone you."
Aunt Su was speechless, she said: "He... he didn't go?"
Her heart was filled with anger in an instant.
This old bastard, wasn't he just causing trouble for her? How useless, could he be relied on in normal times? But now, he didn't participate, the damn fool. Aunt Su's heart was filled with anger, but on the surface, she had to pretend to be surprised and unaware.
Director Chen, seeing her reaction, added: "However, his son Bai Fendou was one of those involved, as he accompanied the victim Zhou Qun to report the case."
In fact, this matter really had something to do with Bai Fendou. Old Man Bai was originally there, but when he saw Bai Fendou busy, he thought there was no need for two people from his family to participate. It wasn't necessary, so he went home to sleep!
This led to the situation where whether he replaced her or not had nothing to do with Aunt Su.
Director Chen: "Bai Fendou also worked until the morning that night, he couldn't be left out of this."
Upon hearing this, Aunt Su's mood improved slightly. Although they couldn't get the good reputation of this matter, at least Bai Fendou would get a bundle of noodles. But thinking of this, she became angry again. Bai Fendou was really a fool, why did he accompany Zhou Qun to report the case? Did they have a good relationship? There was no special affection between them, and now he did a good deed, but missed out on more honors.
If he hadn't accompanied Zhou Qun to report the case, he would have been with Zhao Guihua and the others. That would have been better, with a pound of rice and a pound of noodles! Plus, there was also a teacup, which would cost three to five yuan to buy.
Aunt Su cursed in her heart, but on the surface, she said softly: "I understand, I'm sorry to have caused you trouble."
She could maintain her persona not by being unreasonable. If she were unreasonable like Madam Zhou Li, it would be useless. She knew when to keep quiet. Just like before, when fighting for the rights of widows, she never jumped out. Anyway, Madam Zhou Li would definitely jump out, and as long as she did, Aunt Su wouldn't be left out.
She had no need to offend people or be disliked.
Anyway, she could get the same benefits.
Just watching others make a fuss was enough.
With a hint of shame, she said: "I misunderstood this matter, please don't mind."
Director Chen waved his hand: "What trouble, it's nothing."
She said: "Alright, I'll leave first, you all keep busy."
Director Chen left, and everyone immediately began to discuss enthusiastically. In fact, Madam Zhou Li had been waiting at the door, she just didn't want to deal with Director Chen directly, so she pretended to go out for a toilet break.
Now that Director Chen was gone, she naturally wanted to return, but she didn't want to bump into him. Seeing him come out, she quickly turned into the back alley to avoid being seen. She took a few steps back and just as she stood still, a hand landed on her shoulder.
Madam Zhou Li was startled and almost screamed.
She quickly covered her mouth and turned around, only to see an old lady smiling at her.
Madam Zhou Li was furious: "What are you doing! Are you sick! Why did you suddenly pat my shoulder! Fortunately, it's daytime, if it were night, you'd scare someone to death."
At this point, she suddenly thought of another way to get something out of this.
She immediately said: "Oh, oh, you scared me. I'm not feeling well, I'm really not feeling well. You have to take me to the hospital, you must take me to the hospital."
While pretending to cry out, she sized up this unfamiliar old lady, but... the old lady didn't seem to be afraid?
She looked at her and stopped shouting, puzzled: "You look familiar!"
This person looked kind of familiar, as if she had seen her somewhere before!
Just as she was about to cry out again to extort money, she suddenly remembered, and her expression changed: "You... aren't you the witch?"
Yes, this was none other than Auntie Lian.
Auntie Lian grinned, revealing a missing tooth. It was still there yesterday, but now it was gone, not sure where it went. But this wasn't important, Madam Zhou Li hadn't seen her in eight hundred years, so she didn't know this.
Auntie Lian wouldn't say that she used fake dog blood to trick people, and met a hot-tempered person who punched her, not respecting the elderly at all, causing her tooth to fall out. So, the good thing about getting old is that if you encounter something, getting scolded or punched is the end of it.
As for calling the police, that wasn't an option. At this age, it was really not easy to directly send someone to jail.
The good thing about being old!
Of course, it couldn't be ruled out that the person looking for her also wanted to engage in superstition.
Auntie Lian grinned, serious: "You see, how can you say that? What witch, we can't engage in superstition, that's not allowed. Just call me Ah Lian."
Madam Zhou Li's mouth twitched: "..."
Aren't you the one engaging in superstition?
Perhaps Madam Zhou Li's expression was too obvious, Auntie Lian smiled and said: "I can only be considered a wandering doctor."
She became more serious: "Although not a proper doctor, a wandering doctor is still a doctor, not a witch. Witches are frauds, I'm genuinely solving people's big problems."
Madam Zhou Li's mouth twitched again, she had never seen someone with thicker skin than hers.
She chuckled, looked around, saw only a group of children playing, and quickly pulled Auntie Lian to the side, saying: "I was just looking for you, my daughter-in-law drank the black dog blood, but her stomach still hasn't shown any signs, what's going on?"
Auntie Lian pretended to be profound, saying: "Has your daughter-in-law been to the hospital for a check-up?"
Madam Zhou Li shook her head: "No, how can we go to the hospital? What if someone sees us?"
Although her son and daughter-in-law hadn't had a child yet, Madam Zhou Li wouldn't let them go to the hospital. Her most secret thought was that once they went to the hospital and found out that the daughter-in-law was fine, what then?
Although this was impossible, it was still something she had to guard against.
It had to be said, this old lady was a bit shrewd.
So, although she scolded her daughter-in-law for being a barren hen every day, she never let her go to the hospital for a formal check-up, only taking various folk remedies.
Auntie Lian had seen many such old ladies, she understood at once that Madam Zhou Li wasn't that confident. The reason she could do this for so many years without getting caught wasn't just by selling things all the time.
Sometimes, she also had to use a tiger skin as a banner, and retreat to advance.
She pondered for a moment, saying: "I think the problem isn't with your daughter-in-law."
Madam Zhou Li's expression changed immediately, she said sharply: "So it's my son's fault, you mean...?"
Before she could finish, Auntie Lian interrupted: "Nor is it because of your son."
Madam Zhou Li was confused.
Auntie Lian spoke vaguely: "I think it's because of a ghost."
Madam Zhou Li: "Ah!!!"
Auntie Lian: "My skills aren't high enough, but I have a senior brother who said when passing through your area that it's not peaceful here. There's a female ghost in your area, hiding in the toilet, she doesn't have children, so she's pressing the atmosphere. I can't say what the situation was before or will be in the future, but recently, it should be because of this..."
She had heard long ago that there were ghosts here, but as an old charlatan, she didn't believe it at all!
What ghosts, she was a firm atheist, but to make money and survive, was it shameful to make things up? Not at all!
Otherwise, who would care about an old lady with no qualifications, no reputation, and no money?
She was quite particular, and if it were someone less scrupulous, they might have tormented the daughter-in-law of this household to death. But she was pushing the issue away entirely, which was already quite principled of her. We make money, but we don't harm people! We have that moral integrity, we don't do anything unscrupulous.
Particular!
Anyway, Madam Zhou Li of that age was still quite superstitious, even though everyone was saying not to engage in feudal superstitions, but for the elderly, it was really hard to say whether they believed or not. If they didn't believe, they wouldn't have come to her, right?
So Auntie Lian kindly pushed the problem onto the "female ghost."
Sure enough, Madam Zhou Li believed it and got excited: "Yes, yes, yes, the toilets in our area have indeed been causing trouble recently." She completely forgot that Auntie Lian had just said she didn't pretend to be a ghost.
Auntie Lian: "You see, it must have been men or children who fell in."
Madam Zhou Li: "Yes, yes, yes."
She got excited: "Why is that?"
"This female ghost, she needs it. Didn't I just tell you, the female ghost doesn't have children? So she can't stand seeing others with children, and she likes men and children too, so it's men and children who fall in. Look, why not old men? She likes strong men. And then it's the young men who fall in, she wants a son. Your son has fallen in before, so your family is suppressed. Otherwise, your daughter-in-law would have gotten pregnant after drinking black dog blood long ago. It's all fate!"
Madam Zhou Li suddenly understood and said: "You're so right. That's exactly it. So, do you have any solutions?"
Auntie Lian: "I don't have a good solution right now."
The more she said that, the more Madam Zhou Li believed in her, saying: "You have to think of a solution for me. You're so right, I know you're very capable."
She wouldn't let go of Auntie Lian, who hesitated and said: "I really don't have a good solution. After all, this line of work is declining. If I have to say, I can only suggest you buy some black dog blood. In fact, black donkey hooves are more effective, but I don't have any. It's hard to get and too expensive, not something ordinary people can afford. Now, I don't have a better solution, just temporarily suppress it. I think you should know, black dog blood is very effective against evil. For the short term, don't think about having children, just focus on safety. Otherwise, what if someone falls in again?"
Madam Zhou Li: "Ah!"
Auntie Lian: "I can't help it, you wait for me to consult with my colleagues later."
Madam Zhou Li: "Okay, give me two pounds!"
Auntie Lian: "..."
Indeed, she was rich.
She solemnly shook her head: "There's not that much, just give you a small bottle, you pay ten yuan."
"Okay, okay, okay!" She was about to take out the money.
Auntie Lian stopped her, shaking her head.
She said mysteriously: "Let your daughter-in-law come to my house at night. How can I carry such an important thing with me?"
Madam Zhou Li: "Okay."
She said: "Remember, it should be late at night, don't let anyone see. To tell you the truth, there are quite a few people in your area who come to me, with people falling into the toilet for no reason, who wouldn't be uneasy? It's inevitable to think more."
Madam Zhou Li nodded in agreement.
"You go back quickly, don't let anyone see, it's not good if someone catches you."
Madam Zhou Li: "You're right, I'll let my daughter-in-law go over at night."
After saying that, she quickly walked back, thinking that Auntie Lian was really capable, very impressive.
Auntie Lian made money and was satisfied. Although she came today to find Zhao Guihua, she didn't expect an unexpected gain. It seemed that pretending to be a ghost was still very sustainable. So, people should learn more skills.
She said all this, which anyone could know, but when she said it mysteriously, the effect was very good. Madam Zhou Li left, and Auntie Lian found a child, gave him a piece of candy, and said, "Go to that big courtyard and call Zhao Guihua for me."
If she hadn't met Madam Zhou Li, she would have gone straight to Zhao Guihua's house.
But since she met Madam Zhou Li, it was not appropriate to go directly to Zhao Guihua's house anymore. Otherwise, Madam Zhou Li might be suspicious, and Zhao Guihua might not feel at ease. She needed to have her own tricks in making money... ah, earning money.
The child got the candy and happily ran to Zhao Guihua's courtyard to call out: "Grandma Zhao, Grandma Zhao."
Zhao Guihua came out briskly: "What's up?"
The child: "Someone is looking for you."
Zhao Guihua followed the child with suspicion, turned a corner, and saw Auntie Lian. She immediately laughed and said: "Why didn't you come in directly? There's nothing to hide in our courtyard."
Auntie Lian smiled: "Not convenient."
She had other businesses in that courtyard.
Zhao Guihua looked like she understood, and indeed, she did.
Auntie Lian: "Last time we talked about the fabric scraps, I've made the arrangements. Are you sure you can go?"
Zhao Guihua nodded: "Of course!"
Such a good opportunity was not common, and Zhao Guihua was not a fool. She said: "I won't let you help for nothing."
Auntie Lian smiled and said: "Of course, I also need to eat and drink. I've arranged it, come to my place on Sunday night at eight, I'll take you there. I'll charge one yuan for the introduction. The fabric scraps are six jiao per sack, you bring your own sack. Any problems?"
Zhao Guihua: "No, do you have anything else to explain?"
This kind of thing, similar to speculation but not exactly speculation, she needed to ask everything clearly in advance.
After all, one yuan for the introduction fee was not cheap, a pound of meat was only eight jiao and five fen.
"We're going to the warehouse to get the fabric scraps, it will take about half an hour, you can pick whatever you want, big or small, it's up to you. If you're lucky, you can pick bigger ones, if not, smaller ones. It all depends on you. But you need to be quick, otherwise, if they chase you out and you only have half a sack, no one will care, you'll suffer the loss yourself."
Zhao Guihua nodded: "I understand."
That is, there's no saying half a sack is three jiao, you go in and it's six jiao.
"There are rolls of fabric inside, but just look, don't touch. Otherwise, they'll catch you, and you'll never have this opportunity again, even I'll be in trouble. Don't cause trouble for me, but I see you're a smart person, you definitely won't do that."
Do you think she, Auntie Lian, would dare to bring people in casually?
She also has her own judgment!
Auntie Lian: "Okay, I live at... Come to me on Sunday night, don't get the wrong place, and don't come too early. I'll tie a red cloth strip on the tree at the door, you'll know you've got the right place when you see it."
Zhao Guihua: "Okay!"
Both sides agreed and dispersed immediately.
Auntie Lian deeply felt that one should learn more.
Now, she has these two jobs, and if caught, the one doing feudal superstition is heavier than the one dealing with fabric scraps. So, in making money, it can be seen. Ten yuan from feudal superstition.
One yuan from speculation.
Indeed, the higher the risk, the more you earn.
Auntie Lian sighed and left happily, feeling that this place had good feng shui, she had developed several clients here. If someone else fell into the toilet, her business would be even better.
Auntie Lian sighed that this place was really a good place, while Madam Zhou Li was muttering at home that the feng shui here was not good.
Of course, for Zhao Guihua, she was happily walking home, thinking about how she should be more observant when buying fabric scraps.
"Damn it, who! Who put this sign here, so unscrupulous?" Zhao Guihua stepped into the courtyard with one foot, the other foot not yet in, when she saw Bai Fendou standing behind the toilet, jumping in anger.
It was like stepping on his tail.
Zhao Guihua stopped and said: "The words on the sign were written by my third son, but it was Old Baotou who asked for it!"
She was telling the truth: "You don't like it, but it doesn't matter. Last time, it was Old Man Bai who cleaned up the mess."
However, after saying that, Zhao Guihua looked at Bai Fendou with genuine curiosity and asked, "Hey, Bai Fendou, isn't it working hours now? Why are you back? And what were you doing behind the toilet?"
That sign, it's right by the latrine!
That's the back of the toilet. If you didn't deliberately go there, there's no such thing as passing by.
Bai Fendou's face turned as red as a pig's liver.
Zhao Guihua: "???"
She was just a bit curious before, but seeing his sudden change in expression, she became more intrigued and leaned in, saying, "Tell Auntie, what were you doing here?"
Curiosity is something everyone has. Zhao Guihua looked Bai Fendou up and down.
Bai Fendou: "I was just, you know, looking around."
Could Zhao Guihua believe that?
Absolutely not!
She smiled even more kindly: "Looking around, how exactly? What were you planning to do?"
She leaned in: "You weren't really thinking of swimming, were you?"
Bai Fendou roared: "Of course not!!!"
His heart was filled with bitterness!
Why did she say that about him!
Auntie Zhao, you're too mean!