Chapter 26: Shen Yi's Family affair

A small bookshelf stood nearby, currently filled with only the school books Qin Ju used, but she anticipated it would be stocked with more in the future.

Qin Zhonghui and Su Yun were hardworking individuals. They had set up the breakfast cart in just one day and planned to buy noodles and prepare vegetable fillings the next day, aiming to start selling early the day after tomorrow.

Despite the substantial cost of the breakfast cart, they were pleased with their new venture. On their way home, they bought a fish and other vegetables, intending to prepare a delicious meal for their children.

When Qin Ju heard her parents had returned, she eagerly offered to help with the cooking. The family enjoyed a joyful meal together. Though life was challenging, they were content.

Though rumors about Qin Ju occasionally resurfaced in the village, they had faded since the family moved to the county town.

Meanwhile, rumors about Lin Nian were growing stronger. Lin Nian's mother had a sharp temper, and her father, prone to drunken violence, was difficult to live with. Unlike her two sisters, Lin Nian, who had packed up and left before school started, struggled to fit in.

As a result, Lin Nian harbored a deep resentment toward Qin Ju.

Upon arriving in the county, Lin Nian discovered that school had not yet started and called Chen Feng, feeling distraught.

"Chen Feng, can you help me? I can't take it anymore. I want to die..."

Chen Feng, already having a favorable impression of Lin Nian, was unable to ignore her distress. When she mentioned being at the station, he immediately said, "Wait for me."

After ending the call, he hopped on his bicycle but was stopped by his mother, Li Xiaomei.

"Xiao Feng, where are you going?"

"I'm going to a classmate's house to borrow a notebook. I'll be back soon."

Chen Feng felt a pang of guilt but was deeply concerned for Lin Nian. He rode his bike quickly.

Being from a single-parent family, with his mother Li Xiaomei working as a nurse, Chen Feng had always been practical and sensible. Yet, despite his youth and his innate desire to play the hero, he had a genuine affection for Lin Nian.

As a result, he hurried to the station, determined to help.

Upon arrival, Lin Nian, with red eyes, hugged him tightly. She sobbed, "Chen Feng, what should I do? My family won't let me go to school anymore. They won't pay my tuition and want me to get married! Wuuuuu!"

Holding the sobbing girl, Chen Feng was stunned and his face flushed.

With his remaining composure, he said, "Let's find a place to talk. It's crowded here."

Lin Nian, still crying, eventually nodded and led Chen Feng to a video hall.

Video halls, though rare leisure venues of the time, had a somewhat dubious reputation.

Chen Feng hesitated but, seeing Lin Nian's tear-streaked face, reluctantly followed her inside.

Qin Ju, having just finished selling wild vegetables and mushrooms, noticed the two familiar figures from behind. Her expression grew dark and thoughtful.

Xiao Shi, sensing something was amiss, whispered, "Sister, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Qin Ju smiled gently at her sister, then turned and continued walking home.

She knew that Lin Nian, determined to keep Chen Feng close, would inevitably clash with Shen Yi in the future. Although she had no interest in Chen Feng herself, she recognized that Lin Nian and Chen Feng's future interactions would intersect with Shen Yi's.

Shaking her head, Qin Ju decided it was best to leave Shen Yi's family affairs behind. She resolved to avoid any further involvement in his matters.

----

The summer vacation passed quickly, and September 1st arrived in the blink of an eye. All the wild vegetables and mushrooms in Qin Ju's space were sold out. She discovered that the wild vegetables, watered with spiritual spring water, were particularly juicy.

With no more wild vegetables or mushrooms, she considered selling other items, though those would be temporary.

Qin Ju added the spring water to the noodles made by her parents, and their buns sold out daily. Despite her desire to distance herself from Shen Yi, she still felt a deep sympathy for Grandpa Du. Every few mornings, she delivered steaming hot buns to his house, infused with spiritual spring water.

Grandpa Du, with a kind smile, remarked, "Xiao Ju, I feel like my health has improved a bit after eating your buns."

Qin Ju returned his smile. "That's great to hear, Grandpa Du. I'll be starting school tomorrow, so I might not be able to bring buns in the mornings. However, my mom and her friends will be selling buns. They'll pass by your place, and if you want some, you can just take them from my parents' cart."

"It wouldn't be right to always take from your house."

"Grandpa Du, you've given Xiao Shi and me so much during this time."

Grandpa Du had even gifted them a few potted plants, including a particularly well-grown Clivia that Su Yun adored. According to Qin Zhonghui, a few buns didn't cost much and it wasn't easy for the old man.

Qin Zhonghui and Su Yun were genuinely kind and generous. Yet, the Qin family had overextended their kindness. Qin Bogang, the eldest brother who lived in the county, had not contacted his second brother's family, a fact that made Qin Zhonghui fully aware of his relatives' true nature.

Before leaving, Grandpa Du handed Qin Ju a few pieces of foreign candy and said, "Your parents make delicious buns."

Qin Ju smiled. "They used to work outside, mainly cooking for others, and even worked in a restaurant for a while."

Curious, Mr. Du asked, "Have they ever considered opening a store?"

"I've thought about it," Qin Ju replied. "But we don't have the funds right now. I'll start with a small stall, and once we have more money and experience, we'll think about opening a store." Her smile was calm and composed, reflecting her confidence that her parents would eventually run a successful shop.

She knew she needed to find more ways to make money to open a store for her parents in the future.

Mr. Du seemed to ponder this. Qin Ju looked up and saw a young man in a white T-shirt and casual jeans stepping out of the house. His fair skin and cold eyes were unmistakable.

Qin Ju called out, "Shen Yi!"

The aloof boy's cold demeanor seemed to melt away instantly. His mouth lifted slightly, though the smile was faint. In his two lifetimes, he rarely displayed such a happy expression, but he was trying.

The girl he admired was running toward him, her eyes bright, holding out a twenty-dollar bill.

Shen Yi: "....."

Seeing his silence, Qin Ju said, "Shen Yi, I'm returning your money."

Shen Yi's mouth turned down, and he reached out to take the money from her hand. Without a word, he turned and walked away, his stride brisk and his expression angry.

Qin Ju was left somewhat speechless. Was there something wrong with him? Why wasn't he happy after receiving the money back?

(End of this chapter)