Chapter 23 - Rumours and Gossip

At first, Lin Nian was a bit panicked, but as the summer vacation wore on, her frustration grew. Why should she, a time traveler, be outmaneuvered by someone from this era?

Lin Nian understood that reputation was crucial in this society. To turn the situation to her advantage, she pulled the neighbor's sister aside and, in a seemingly casual manner, exaggerated the incident between Qin Ju and Shen Yi.

After her dramatic retelling, she added, "I'm telling you this in confidence, so please don't share it with anyone else."

As is often the case, the request for secrecy only made the story more enticing, and it quickly spread to the neighboring village of Sanjiazi.

Feng Lan heard the rumors and, as seen before, took the opportunity to criticize Qin Ju aggressively. Although Qin Ju didn't face the same severe consequences as in her previous life, the rumors began to spread.

Even if something isn't true, repeated exposure can make people start believing it.

Determined to handle the situation in her own way, Qin Ju prepared for her retaliation. Meanwhile, Lin Nian felt uneasy and forced a smile as she asked, "Uncle, who called just now? My teacher didn't mention anything about calling me during vacation, and she should be on holiday by now."

The shop owner replied, "I'm not sure. That's what the caller said."

"What else did they say?"

"Nothing much. Just that they'd call again."

Lin Nian's expression stiffened. She suspected that something negative about her had been said, but she remained cautious, leaving no evidence for her teacher to use against her. Could it be related to the incident with Qin Ju's student ID card?

Anxious, she handed the shop owner a dollar and said, "Uncle, I need to make a call."

"Alright, but don't stay on too long."

Lin Nian picked up the phone, hoping to check the caller ID, but to her frustration, the phone didn't have one or even a callback function. She nearly threw the phone in anger.

In the following days, rumors about Lin Nian began circulating in the village. Rumors often snowball, growing more exaggerated and inclusive of other details.

"I heard the girl from the Lin family was caught dating a boy at school!"

"I heard she's already... tsk tsk, I didn't expect that!"

Lin Nian's face turned a shade of blue.

Adding to her distress, the Lin family's daughter-in-law had given birth to four daughters before finally having a son. Lin Nian was the third child, with two older sisters. She had led a comfortable life at home and had not been required to work.

After the scandal, Lin's mother slapped her and said, "I paid for you to go to school, and this is what you've learned?"

Meanwhile, Father Lin, engrossed in a storytelling session with peanuts and drinks, merely frowned and told his wife, "Keep it down. I'm trying to listen to this story."

Lin Nian covered her face with her hands, her eyes flashing with anger.

Well done, Qin Ju. I truly underestimated you.

As Lin Nian was caught up in the gossip storm, Qin Ju's family was busy preparing for their move to the county town. They didn't have much to move, so Su Yun's second brother, Su Lei, arranged for a small three-wheeled truck with a bucket to assist them.

The steamed buns in Feng Lan's hand fell to the ground with a plop as she exclaimed, "Second brother and second sister-in-law, are you really moving to the county town?"

Su Yun ignored Feng Lan's remark, while Qin Zhonghui simply nodded in response.

His hands weren't in the best shape, but fortunately, their luggage wasn't too heavy. It was a bit disheartening that they had received so little from the family division. Had they not insisted on the 5,000 yuan used to build the house, the family of four might have struggled to make ends meet.

Of the 1,000 yuan they had received previously, 300 yuan was deducted for child support, which was considered their share for the year.

Despite their dissatisfaction, Qin Jiqun and Feng Lan proceeded with the move. Old Master Qin sat in the house smoking his pipe, while Old Lady Qin muttered beside him.

"The second child has always been the most sensible. What's happened this time?" she sighed.

Old Master Qin, irritated by her sighing, snapped, "Be quiet! If you want to sigh, go outside!"

The old lady fell silent.

**

Qin Ju and her sister rode in the bed of the tricycle, while their parents and second uncle sat in the front. The space in the back was cramped, filled with the family's belongings.

The ride was bumpy, so Qin Ju shielded her sister to prevent her from bumping her head. The thin little girl nestled in her arms, her eyes shining brightly.

"Sister, we really left that house!" Xiao Shi exclaimed.

Qin Ju stroked her sister's soft hair and nodded, "Yes."

With a significant age gap between them, Qin Ju hadn't been very close to Xiao Shi when they were younger and sometimes felt irritated with her. This detachment had led to overlooking the bullying Xiao Shi endured in their previous home.

By the time Qin Ju became aware, it was too late. The once lively and cheerful little girl had grown timid and distrusting of everyone, including her own parents and sister.

It wasn't until Xiao Shi got into trouble that Qin Ju fully realized the impact.

Holding her sister close, Qin Ju spoke softly, "Xiao Shi, that family wasn't good before, but trust me, our family of four will have a happy home from now on."

Xiao Shi's voice was filled with doubt as she asked, "Mom and Dad will never leave us again, right?"

This question reflected the insecurity of left-behind children, who see their parents only once or twice a year. Their initial hope often turns into disappointment, and those who were once closest to them become distant strangers.

Though her own heart ached, Qin Ju reassured her firmly, "We are a family of four, and we will never be separated again!"

The little girl smiled contentedly, leaned against her sister, and watched the wild grass and flowers by the roadside, humming a gentle tune. At that moment, there was a serene and peaceful feeling in the air.

The house Su Lei helped them rent was on the sixth floor of a cold building, over 50 square meters, with a small attic, and cost 20 yuan a month. The furniture was old and thick with dust.

Su Lei sighed and said, "Are you sure about renting this place? For a little more money, you could get a better option."

Qin Zhonghui replied, "Let's stay here for now. It's close to the children's school, and it'll be convenient for us when we start selling breakfast."

"Then you should have chosen the first floor; it's more convenient for moving in and out."

Qin Zhonghui, with an honest smile, said nothing. After all, the first floor was more expensive.

The attic was small but could be converted into a room for the two girls with some cleaning. It would be a bit cold in winter, but Xiao Shi was thrilled. She leaned against the window, pointed to the railing outside, and said, "Look, there are birds!"

"Indeed."

(End of this chapter)