Gu Xiaobei sighed, realizing that it all boiled down to poverty; nonetheless, devising an escape from their impoverished small mountain village seemed nearly impossible.
Having finished washing the sheets, Gu Xiaobei went downstairs to hang them up to dry.
While Gu Xiaobei was preparing lunch, Lu Zhanguo came back with Qin Ximei. Gu Xiaobei disliked Qin Ximei very much - if not for Yuan Ye and his group, Jin Cheng wouldn't have gotten into trouble, and Qin Li wouldn't be heartbroken.
Upon noticing Gu Xiaobei's thinning patience, Qin Ximei sourly said to Lu Zhanguo, "It's only a meal at your house, isn't it? There's no need to be so begrudging."
Gu Xiaobei heard her but didn't bother to respond. After all, how big could someone's conscience grow? She went so far as to meddle in other people's affairs despite her own daughter's transgressions.
Understanding why Gu Xiaobei was upset, Lu Zhanguo softly squeezed her hand after seating Qin Ximei in the room.