Sure enough, when Uncle Xia heard Xia Mian talking about his plan to go to Yan City, his first reaction was to disagree, "Why do you suddenly want to go to such a far place?"
He thought Xia Mian wanted to compete with Xia Li, and said, "Don't learn from Lili. Even if she goes to Yan City, she will work part-time. You will definitely be better at studying than her."
"No," Xia Mian explained patiently, "The study conditions in Yan City are better, and there is Xiao Feng. As you can see, he is very smart. So I think it would be better for him to go to a big city."
She looked at Ning Shaoyun.
"Uncle," Ning Shaoyun said, "this matter was actually proposed by you."
"I don't know if Xia Mian told you that she saved my and Chenchen's life." Ning Shaoyun still felt scared when she talked about this incident. "If it weren't for Xia Mian, Chenchen would have fallen into the hands of human traffickers, and my life would have been over."
Uncle Xia looked at Xia Mian in surprise. What Xia Mian said just now was just a casual remark and Uncle Xia thought it was just some trivial matter. He didn't expect that it could really be considered a life-saving favor.
"Xia Mian doesn't ask for revenge, but I always want to do something for them."
"What a coincidence. We live upstairs and downstairs in the staff quarters. I see Xia Mian likes to study, and Xiao Feng is also very smart."
"I think it's vulgar to talk about money, but it's just right to give children a good education. It's better for them to learn a book by themselves than to give them anything else. Uncle, what do you think?"
Ning Shaoyun spoke softly and had a convincing aura, and Uncle Xia was obviously shaken.
It has to be said that the desire to help children succeed is a temptation that every normal parent finds hard to resist.
Ning Shaoyun then told her plan, "Our family has an empty small courtyard in Yan City. There is a high school affiliated with Yan University and a bilingual kindergarten nearby. The teaching staff is very good. Xia Mian and Xiao Feng can go to school at the same time."
"The admission rate of Yanda High School is quite good. Every year, more than a dozen students are recommended to Yanda. Fifty percent of students can be admitted to key universities nationwide, and most of the rest are ordinary universities. Very few people fail to get admitted."
Ning Shaoyun said, "As long as Xia Mian is willing to study, even if he can't go to Yanda, he can still get into a good university."
This attack hit the nail on the head. Except for Second Uncle Xia who was stingy and unwilling to spend money on his children's education, everyone else in the Xia family tried their best to let their children receive education.
However, given the educational level of Mingxi County, only a few graduates can be admitted to universities every year, let alone key universities and top institutions such as Yanda University.
Uncle Xia rubbed his hands and said, "Will it be too much trouble for you? Two children always require worry, and there is also tuition. Is the tuition expensive over there?"
Uncle Xia slipped in from the doorway at some point, and couldn't help but say, "I'm so..." Rich...
"Second brother." Xia Yueyue interrupted him with a stern expression on her face and a warning look in her eyes.
Second Uncle Xia shrank his neck and dared not speak any more.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief quietly, as they really didn't want to expose their family's shame in front of the Ning siblings.
Uncle Xia tried hard to save his image, "His second uncle also wanted to say that you guys are so concerned, it really makes us embarrassed."
"Actually, I don't really care." Ning Shaoyun said, "Xia Mian is a very capable girl. Look how well she takes care of Xiao Feng."
Everyone agreed with this point. Every time she dealt with Zhang Qiming, she showed that her ability was no less than that of an adult. This was also the reason why Uncle Xia did not deny it immediately.
"To be honest, I have some selfish motives behind this proposal."
Ning Shaoyun smiled and said, "I like Xia Mian. She is smart and capable. When she finishes her studies, she can also be my helper."
"Then there's Xiaofeng. Chenchen is an only child, and he doesn't plan to have any more children. He and Xiaofeng get along well, and he wants them to grow up together, and in the future they can be like brothers and take care of each other."
After Ning Shaoyun said this, the so-called repaying a favor was more like people who got along well helping each other.
The Xia family felt much more relaxed. Ning Shaoyun finally gave them some reassurance, "In fact, it doesn't cost much for them to go to school. Our country attaches great importance to education. The tuition fees for high schools in Yan City are similar to those in Ming City. Xiaofeng's elementary and junior high school education is compulsory, so it only costs some money for books."
"If they study well, they can get scholarships, which is enough to support them to finish their studies."
Uncle Xia and his friends had never been outside, and they didn't know that Ning Shaoyun was talking about local students. They only heard that they could afford to go to school, and they felt relieved.
Unless it is absolutely necessary, they don't want their children to accept financial support from others for schooling. If that happens, the children won't be able to say anything even if they are wronged and will always be restricted.
Xia Mian added, "The money your mother left for you is enough for you to go to college. You don't have to worry about Xiaofeng. When Zhang Qiming is sentenced, the factory will tell you that the apartment will be given to Xiaofeng."
"When the time comes, we can sell the house for about 50,000 or 60,000 yuan, which is enough for Xiaofeng to finish high school."
Xia Mian did not mention the matter of the stamps. As for human nature, she did not want to test it unless she had no choice.
"Go!" Xia Xiyue made the decision. She knew too well the importance of studying and opportunities in life.
She said to Ning Shaoyun, "Miss Ning, I'll trouble you to take care of Xia Mian and Xiao Feng."
"If they have a future, they will fight for it on their own. If they have no future or are not suitable in some way, you can send them off with you."
Then she said to Xia Mian, "When you go there, just study with peace of mind. If you have any problems, call home. No matter what happens, Second Aunt will find a way for you!"
Grandma Xia, who had been quiet the whole time, suddenly spoke up, "It's not a good idea for the two children to go by themselves. Someone needs to take care of them. You're all too busy to leave, so why don't you go with them?"
Everyone was stunned and looked at Grandma Xia who was sitting in the middle.
Grandma Xia smoothed her clothes and said to Ning Shaoyun with a kind face, "It's a bit inconvenient for the two children who are not yet adults. We can't trouble you too much. You are their grandmother, and you will go with me to take care of them."
Everyone frowned at the same time.
Except for the Ning siblings, everyone present knew what she was planning. It was just that since the two children were going to Yan City, she wanted to go there with them to enjoy life.
Xia Mian and Xiao Feng have to study every day, and the Ning family will obviously not treat them unfairly. If she, an old lady, relies on Xia Mian and Xiao Feng's status and acts like an old lady, who would have the nerve to say anything to her
Help? Just don't cause trouble.
Uncle Xia didn't want to expose the family's shame in front of outsiders, so he said tactfully, "Aunt, you are so old now, and Yan City is not close. When the time comes, the children will have to take care of you, and we will be even more worried."
"Yan City is not far away. Isn't Mian Mian going with Doctor Ning and the others?" said Grandma Xia. "With your body, you can go up and down the mountain without any problem. You can cook for them and clean the place. It's not too tiring."
I have made up my mind to go.
Xia Mian was about to refuse directly, but Xia Xiyue grabbed her and gave her a look to stop her.
Xia Yueyue didn't want Xia Mian to have a bad impression of talking back to her elders in front of the Ning siblings, so she said, "Mom, that's great. Please help me."
"You know, although we have separated our family, we are both busy and have no time to look after the three children. Our mother-in-law always mistreats them. The children are young and cannot talk back to their elders, so they can only suffer injustice. I really feel sorry for them."
"It doesn't matter if you help much. Huimei and Huilan can do the heavy work such as cooking and cleaning. Huizhu is seven years old and can run and jump. There's no need for you to worry about her. You just need to keep an eye on her."
"Your mother-in-law is very proud. If she dares to mistreat your child again, she will never dare to do it again if you tell her so."
Xia Yueyue looked at Grandma Xia with a smile, "You have been married for almost twenty years, let me be filial to you."
Grandma Xia didn't look into Second Aunt Xia's eyes. She lowered her voice a little, but still insisted, "Anyone can help you at home, but it's different for Mianmian and Xiaofeng. They are in Yan City, and there is always someone to take care of their eating, drinking, defecating and urinating. Especially Xiaofeng, who has to be picked up and dropped off at kindergarten..."
Xia Yuyue's eyes were cold, but she said, "If you say so, you really need someone, but you are too old, and by then it may be your children who will take care of you, so don't go and make trouble."
Grandma Xia wanted to say something else, Xia Yueyue said, "It's settled. I have an idea in my mind. I'll tell you when I think it through. Anyway, I'm worried about you, Mom!"
The aunt took the opportunity to say, "You are still very thoughtful. Okay, the meal is ready, let's eat quickly."
"Doctor Ning has been driving for half an hour, you must be exhausted."
"Second aunt," Qiangqiang suddenly ran in from outside like a gust of wind, "Aunt Huimei and the others are here!"
As soon as he finished speaking, three girls of different sizes came in from behind. From their looks, it could be seen that they were sisters.
"Mom." The leader looked to be around twenty years old. It was the eldest daughter Huimei. She had a big black braid and worry in her eyes.
The little girl she was holding was about seven or eight years old, with pigtails and red eyes. When she saw Xia Xiyue, she burst into tears, "Mom, grandma is so mean!"
"Huizhu, mommy holds you," Xia Xinyue took the little girl in her arms with a distressed look on her face and asked, "What happened? Why did you run away?"
The second oldest, Huilan, was fifteen years old, with short hair cut to her ears. She seemed to have inherited Xia Yueyue's fierceness. She said quickly, "It's grandma! Grandma wants to marry off our eldest sister, and she even brought people to block our door!"
Xia Xiyue's face changed. She herself was forced to marry early and suffered a lot. She was determined not to let her children repeat the same mistakes. "Why didn't you do that?"
Huilan said angrily, "It was that Hao Youtou who was pestering me. Didn't you refuse before? I guess his family heard that you were not here, so they brought a lot of good things to grandma's house. Grandma was so happy."
Huimei was a little worried, "Mom, the Hao family is the richest family in Ming County. If grandma..."
Xia Yueyue said firmly, "Even if you are the richest man in the world, no one can do anything to you unless you get past my mother!!"
Then he asked, "How did you survive?"
"We took the bus." Huilan said, "Grandma wanted to lock my sister at home and not let her go to work, so we ran away."
Xia Yuyue smiled and praised, "Well, our Huilan is smart. You must be hungry. Eat something first. Mom will contact your dad."
The eldest aunt-in-law hurriedly went with her eldest daughter-in-law to prepare food for the children.
Seeing that her aunt's family was too busy, Xia Mian took the Ning siblings to her own home to settle down. Anyway, she and Xiao Feng's arrangements for going to Yan City had already been finalized, and the arrangements for the Mao sisters might be more important now.
There are two rooms in the Xia family. Ning Shaobai lives in one, and Ning Shaoyun Chenchen and Xia Mian Xiaofeng sleep together.
At this time, Xia Mian was very grateful to Xia Yueyue for cleaning the house every day, otherwise she would be embarrassed today.
Thinking of Xia Yue, Xia Mian felt a little worried.
After Ning Shaoyun fell asleep, Xia Mian got up quietly to look for Xia Yueyue.
But they saw the four of them, mother and daughter, sitting in a corner of the courtyard of their uncle's house. Xia Xiyue was teasing the youngest, Mao Huizhu, who was nestling in her arms and giggling. Mao Huilan was also chattering away, and it was unknown what she was saying to Xia Xiyue. Xia Xiyue tapped her head lovingly.
If you didn't see the worry in Mao Huimei's eyes, you would think they were just worried and had no worries.
But the two little ones probably really have no worries, because Xia Xiyue has provided them with a good support.
Xia Mian left quietly.
In the evening, everyone gathered in the courtyard of Uncle Xia's house to prepare for dinner. Qiangqiang obviously knew that no matter what he did today, his family would not beat him, so he could have fun.
Xia Hai couldn't believe it when he saw Chenchen and Xiaofeng following Qiangqiang like mud monkeys.
Thinking of how Chenchen, a fair-skinned and gentlemanly young master, was brought to this state by his own son, Xia Hai could not help but burst out in dismay, "Qiangqiang, you little bastard, what have you done with your brothers?!"
He didn't even care that there were guests there, and was so angry that he turned around and looked for a stick to beat someone up.
Seeing Ning Shaoyun's surprised expression, Xia Hai was so ashamed that he wanted to find a hole to hide in. "I'm so sorry, I'm going to beat this brat up right now!"
Ning Shaoyun hurriedly stopped him. She couldn't help but laugh and said, "I'm just surprised at your Qiangqiang's infectiousness. This child is so reserved, but he can have so much fun. It shows that he is very happy. I have to thank your Qiangqiang."
Xia Hai knew that people were trying to rescue him, and his face turned redder, but he could only let Qiangqiang go temporarily, with a secret warning in his eyes.
Qiangqiang shrank his neck and escaped the disaster. He didn't care about what would happen tomorrow. He made a face at his father and smiled at Ning Shaoyun, "Thank you, Aunt Fairy!"
Ning Shaoyun was amused by his energetic expression.
Xia He obviously felt that he was embarrassed, so he grabbed him by the back of the collar, lifted him up, and threw him into the large basin of water in the yard, cursing angrily, "Cheng Xiao, Cheng Xiao, can't you give me some peace of mind?"
"It's fine if you're just being wild, but why didn't you bring your brothers with you?!"
Qiangqiang didn't take it seriously. After Xia He took off his clothes, he raised his hand and splashed water on Xia He's face again. Xia He was so angry that he slapped his bare butt a few times.
Chenchen had never seen such a scene before and was stunned. Xiaofeng couldn't help but smile, but when she saw Xia Mian, she felt a little embarrassed, "Auntie."
Xia Mian smiled and touched his little face, "Auntie will find two basins for you, and we will take a bath too."
Chenchen also stole a glance at Ning Shaoyun, "Mom, I went to catch loaches with my brother Xiaofeng."
Ning Shaoyun smiled and said, "Did you catch him?"
"I caught it!" Chenchen's face lit up when he saw his mother wasn't angry. "It's so slippery, it just slipped out. Brother Qiangqiang is the best. We caught two bottles of wine! Let's eat them tonight!"
While Xia Chuan was getting hot water, Xia Mian brought two large wash basins from home. After adding water, she said to Chen Chen and Xiao Feng, "Hey, take one each and wash them all."
Chenchen had already found Qiangqiang's behavior amusing, and now he was not opposed to it. He actively ran to the basin and stretched out his hand to Ning Shaobai, "Uncle, wash me."
Ning Shaobai's presence only became felt at this time. After arriving here, he spoke less and most of the time it was Ning Shaoyun who talked with the people from the Xia family.
When he doesn't speak, others don't dare to talk to him. This guy just thinks he is a driver.
The Xia family also thought that Ning Shaoyun was the one in charge, so they felt at ease to hand Xia Mian over to them.
Ning Shaobai pinched the corner of Chenchen's clothes and took them off with disgust, and Xia Mian also went to help Xiaofeng.
After a while, the three naked children each took a basin and started to take a bath, and soon they started a water fight led by Qiangqiang.
Of course, it was mainly Qiangqiang and Chenchen. Xiaofeng did not participate. Only occasionally when Chenchen could not beat Qiangqiang, Xiaofeng would take the opportunity to give Qiangqiang a surprise attack.
The three of them were having a lot of fun, but the adults who were giving them a bath were inevitably affected.
Qiangqiang saw that he couldn't splash the water on Chenchen, and seeing that Xiaofeng didn't move, he rolled his eyes and scooped up a big spoonful of water and splashed it at Xiaofeng.
Xia Mian closed her eyes subconsciously, but didn't feel much coolness. When she opened her eyes, she saw Ning Shaobai stretching out his arms to block her.
He looked back at Xia Mian and said, "Go wash them. I see your second aunt seems to be looking for you."
Xia Mian's gaze inadvertently fell on his chest. His white short-sleeved shirt was completely wet and stuck to his body. Xia Mian couldn't help but whistle. She didn't expect this guy to have such a great body.
Ning Shaobai raised his hand and knocked her, saying disdainfully, "You are so young, why don't you learn well?"
Xia Mian laughed, "We are all sisters, why are you shy?"
Then, before Ning Shaobai could react, she stood up and slipped away.
Xiao Feng didn't react much, which showed that he was relaxed with two favorite brothers around.
Xia Mian hadn't taken two steps when she ran into Mao Huimei coming over with a towel. She looked at Xia Mian and said in surprise, "I thought you were wet."
As she spoke, she glanced behind Xia Mian and her face suddenly turned red.
Xia Mian looked down at the clear flesh color before she reacted. She took the towel from Sister Huimei and put it on Ning Shaobai's shoulders, "Thank you, but men should protect themselves too."
Ning Shaobai rolled his eyes in anger when he saw someone slipping away again.
Although he was worried that she would get wet and expose herself, Ning Shaobai was not talking nonsense. Xia Xiyue really intended to look for her.
Xia Yueyue pulled Xia Mian to the quieter Xia family courtyard, and then expressed her thoughts, "Mianmian, can you take Xia Huimei with you?"
"Second Aunt, you really want to go. You do need someone to take care of you. You have met your sister Huimei. She is steady and capable. She can cook for you and pick up Xiaofeng from school."
Xia Mian did not agree directly, but asked, "What exactly is the Mao family doing? Second Aunt, what are your plans?"
Xia Yuyue thought she was asking about Huimei's situation this time, and said with a wry smile, "The Hao family is indeed rich and powerful in the county. If they really collude with that old hag, Second Aunt will be in trouble. Apart from risking her life, Second Aunt has no other choice."
Xia Yueyue sighed, "But I'm afraid that even if you try your best, you still won't be able to protect her, and there are two little ones..."
At this point, Xia Yuyue took a deep breath and smiled, "Well, you are still a child, why is Second Aunt telling you all this? As long as Huimei goes with you, they won't have any choice but to stop making trouble."
"When your grandmother said she wanted to go with you, Second Aunt thought of your sister Huimei, but she didn't expect it to happen at this time."
"This is probably Second Aunt's selfish desire." Xia Yueyue said, "Second Aunt knows that you are a promising person. If Huimei follows you diligently, maybe you will also have some luck in the future."
"Second Aunt's life is ruined. Now her only wish is that her children can grow up without restrictions. As long as Mei, Lan, and Zhu in her family are successful, Second Aunt won't be considered a loser!"
Although Xia Yue was smiling, there were tears in her eyes.
Xia Mian really admires this woman. After going through so much hardship, she is still optimistic and strong and can always bring a sense of security to others.
These people deserve better.
"Second aunt, have you ever thought about going with me?" Xia Mian asked.
Xia Yue was stunned for a moment, "Ah?"
Xia Mian expressed her thoughts, "I and Xiaofeng are going to Yan City to study, and we really need help. Sister Huimei is too little to go alone, so why not take you and the children with you to Yan City."
"Second Aunt, you are only 37 years old. It's too early to say that you are still young. Nowadays, many men start to make a fortune in their 40s or 50s. You are much more capable than them."
Xia Yuyue laughed, "Stop joking, what can a rural woman like Second Aunt do?"
Xia Mian was not acting on impulse. She told him about her plan. "Sister Huimei is 20 years old. She can definitely find a job in Yan City. The development of self-employed people is very fast now. It is not difficult to find a job in a big city."
"Sister Huimei is working part-time while attending night school. Maybe she'll have a good job in the future."
"Huilan and Huizhu, since Xiaofeng and I are studying, the four of us can study together."
"Why do you want to seize the opportunity to go to a big city? The teaching staff is so poor."
"You heard what Sister Ning said today about the high school admission rate. Let's talk about Chenchen. He is only in kindergarten, and Qiangqiang is still playing, but Chenchen already knows many words, many idioms, and can speak English. It is impossible for the schools here to excel."
"Don't worry too much about tuition. I have some money, which should be enough for you to study. I'll just lend it to you."
"There are many opportunities in Yan City. You can also start a small business, whether it's selling clothes or opening a restaurant. In big cities, self-employed people can earn much more than workers, and some can earn thousands of yuan a month. You will definitely be able to pay it back in time."
How could Xia Xiyue not hear that Xia Mian was helping her? How could it be as easy for a woman like her, with no knowledge, to take care of three children as Xia Mian said
But the future that Xia Mian described to her was so exciting.
Especially for the children. She graduated from junior high school and knew too well the importance of knowledge. The future she had dreamed of was forcibly cut off by her relatives and she no longer had any chance, so she had been gritting her teeth to give her children freedom.
Moreover, with the Mao family's ideology of favoring boys over girls and the old lady's tyranny, only when the children make a good future can they confidently control their own destiny.
Xia Xiyue, who used to act decisively, hesitated.
She could confidently suggest that Huimei go with her because Huimei could really help if she went, but if all four of them, mother and daughter, went, it would definitely be a burden to Xia Mian...
"Let me think about it carefully..." She needed to think carefully about whether there was a way to have the best of both worlds.
"Don't think about it, just go!" an androgynous voice interrupted.
When Xia Mian looked up, she saw a very thin man coming in from the door. It was Xia Xiyue's husband, the second son of the Mao family: Mao Zhishan.
In an era when men were considered beautiful if they were muscular and masculine, Mao Zhishan was called the second-rate guy mainly because he looked like a girl. His weather-beaten face and thin cheeks barely concealed his former beauty. Coupled with his neutral voice, he was easily mistaken for a woman.
What in later generations might be called the beauty of a young and handsome man was mocked and despised in this era.
But Xia Mian was a little surprised by Mao Zhishan's words. She thought he would object.
Xia Mian's understanding of her second uncle all came from the discussions among the elders. The only positive impression she had of him was when he stood up for her second aunt after she had a severe hemorrhage and almost died.
Oh, yes, one more time.
It seemed that when Xia Yueyue went back to her natal family, Second Uncle Xia's nature of taking advantage of others did not change, which angered Second Aunt, and then the two of them had a big quarrel.
Second Aunt Xia attacked Xia Yue directly. After this uncle was beaten, he picked up a carrying pole and beat Second Uncle Xia until his head was broken and bleeding and he was sent to the hospital.
Therefore, when Second Uncle Xia saw Xia Xiaoyuecai was like a quail, he didn't dare to mess with her at all.
Xia Mian had never taken it seriously. Chi Xiao's deep affection was cheaper than grass and had imprisoned Xia Xiaoyue for nearly twenty years. If Xia Xiaoyue had not been strong and optimistic enough, she would have died long ago. What was the meaning of this kind of compensation
But everything that happened before her eyes told Xia Mian that she might have been wrong, and the situation did not seem to be what she thought.
Mao Zhishan walked up to Xia Xiyue, took out a passbook and handed it to her, "Take the children with you. This money is enough to support you for a while."
"I'll go back home to fend off a few enemies and pack up our things," Mao Zhishan said. "Then I'll come find you. When I go to earn money, we'll definitely hand over all the children."
Xia Yuyue didn't look at the passbook, but first looked at Mao Zhishan and said, "Aren't you in Liangjiawan? Why are you crossing the river now? There must be no cars crossing the river there."
Mao Zhishan smiled, his face was full of vicissitudes but there was light in his eyes, "I asked the foreman for half an hour's leave, took a ride with a fellow villager, and walked a few steps to get across. You know, I am fast on my feet."
Xia Yuyue felt a little distressed, "I'm just telling you, I can't do anything to you even if you run away."
Mao Zhishan smiled and said, "I would be worried if I didn't take a look at the children. I wanted to send Huimei away, but I didn't expect to have the opportunity."
"If you can go, all of you should go. The money should be enough."
Xia Yueyue said, "With the little private money you have hidden, can you..."
Xia Yuyue couldn't help but pause when she saw the number on the passbook and exclaimed, "Where did you get so much money?"
"I saved it." Mao Zhishan touched his head and smiled shyly, "I started saving it when you gave birth to our Huimei."
"Originally, I wanted to leave here as soon as we saved enough money, but I was always afraid of mistreating you and the children. I always felt that the money was not enough."
Xia Mian remembered that when Xia Xiyue gave birth to Mao Huimei at the age of seventeen, she had a difficult labor.
In other words, Mao Zhishan, who had been submissive in the Mao family before, began to plan to leave the Mao family when Xia Yue had a difficult delivery.
Although due to lack of ability, knowledge and the despised social environment, the preparation of this plan took nearly twenty years.
But no one has the right to despise someone who only has one dollar but keeps trying to give you a hundred dollars of sincerity.
Xia Xiyue's eyes were red. The mother who was always so weak in front of her children showed her vulnerable side in front of her husband, "Zhishan..."
Mao Zhishan was also upset. He raised his hand and patted Xia Yueyue on the shoulder. "It's because I didn't have the ability to make you and the kids suffer with me. I originally thought that Huizhu would be older in the next two years, so I could arrange things, but I didn't expect to run into such a good opportunity."
Mao Zhishan finally looked at Xia Mian, and seemed a little afraid of embarrassing Xia Yuyue. He looked a little embarrassed, and his voice was a little rougher:
"Mianmian, right? I'm leaving your second aunt and the children in your care. Once I've settled things here, tell me the address and I'll go find them. I'll make money, so don't worry."
This is also a person who is oppressed by society but still lives seriously.
Xia Mian smiled and said, "That's great. Second uncle, you are a man after all. You can support us. I have always been worried that you are a bunch of women and children, and I am always worried."
Mao Zhishan was stunned, his eyes sparkled, then he nodded heavily, trying his best to suppress his sobs and said, "Well, your uncle will support you when the time comes!"
Mao Zhishan did not stay long. Before leaving, he searched his pockets again and said, "I just thought that if anyone gets an advance on wages from the foreman, you can take it all."
Xia Yueyue pushed the fifty yuan away and said, "You keep this. We took all the money out of the house. We don't have any money left. Won't you have to spend money to buy tickets from us later?"
"Poor at home, rich on the road," Mao Zhishan forcefully stuffed the money into Xia Yueyue's hand, "Everything is fine at home, you just take good care of the children, there's no way to clean up the things at home, otherwise it will be troublesome if they find out, you can use this money to buy new things."
"As for the rest, wait until you settle down. Tell me your address and I'll pack it and send it to you."
After Mao Zhishan left, Xia Xinyue looked at the passbook and suddenly burst into tears. She choked up and said, "He is so busy and has to support his children's education. That old hag has to trouble him from time to time. How did he save so much money?"
To be honest, Xia Mian was also shocked when she saw the number on the passbook. Ten thousand yuan. In this era when a dual-income family has an average savings of several thousand yuan, a farmer in a county town who only relies on odd jobs and farming can save so much money while supporting his family. Xia Mian thought of her second uncle who had become so thin, and it was obvious that he was risking his life.
Having decided to let Xia Mian and Xiao Feng go to Yan City with him, the Xia family began to prepare quickly. After all, Xia Mian and Xiao Feng both had to go to school and could not afford to waste time.
Xia Mian and Xiao Feng didn't have many items in their luggage, but they did prepare a lot of food. It seemed that the elders were unified not only across the country, but also from ancient times to the present.
Before leaving, Uncle Xia forcefully gave Xia Mian five hundred yuan, "Poor family but rich journey, don't be too frugal."
"Also, although we helped the Ning family, it is the Ning family's duty to remember their kindness. Mianmian, you must not act rashly."
Uncle Xia advised earnestly, "Just like when we see someone fall down, we help them up, or when we see someone's bike can't go up a slope, we help push it. These are what we should do. If we remember the favor ourselves, that would be wrong."
Xia Mian nodded solemnly, "Don't worry, uncle, it won't happen."
"No matter what happens, just call home." Uncle Xia couldn't help but remind him again, "If it really doesn't work, I'll pick you up. We have a home, don't you know?"
"Um."
The car finally started and was on the road. Qiangqiang seemed to know that this was a long journey, and he burst into tears, "Don't let Xiaofeng go, don't let Miangu go!"
Xiao Feng also leaned on the window to look at Qiang Qiang, and said in a crying voice, "Brother, don't cry..."
It’s a pity that Qiangqiang is not Xiaofeng. He cried even harder. If Xia Hai hadn’t held him, he would have held the wheel and wouldn’t let it move.
Xia Mian saw from the rearview mirror that her aunt was secretly wiping away tears. Her uncle and the three cousins of the Xia family kept looking at them. It seemed as if something was growing in her heart.
This is her home, and she has roots in this world.
After arriving in Ming City, Ning Shaobai and Ning Shaoyun and Chenchen went to the family compound together, while Xia Mian still took Xiaofeng to stay in the hotel.
Zhang Qiming's affair must have caused a lot of uproar, and Xiao Feng had just recovered. Xia Mian didn't want him to recall any bad things. Although the neighbors in the family compound were all nice, there were inevitably some who were thick-skinned and could not take it into consideration.
They simply stopped talking and Xia Mian took Xiao Feng to play everywhere. The child had never been to anywhere in his life. The previous trip to the zoo was interrupted because he saw Chenchen being kidnapped, and a series of unexpected events followed.
Now that everything has been settled, and knowing that they are going to Yan City, Xiao Feng seems to have taken off a layer of shackles, and he feels relaxed.
Holding Xia Mian's hand, I finally felt a little more lively than a child.
The little guy likes the zoo more than the park. Xia Mian saw the child lying on the railing, staring at the monkeys; running with the handkerchief Xia Mian gave him to tease the peacock to spread its tail; and then being frightened by the big snake in the glass house and crawling into her arms. Xia Mian couldn't help laughing.
When Xiao Feng saw Xia Mian smiling, he was no longer panicked. He just held Xia Mian's neck and refused to let go. Xia Mian then took him to see pandas, which healed his young heart.
The two days of happy time passed in a flash. One day before departure, Xia Mian went to the bank to get the stamp album and then picked up Xia Yue and her mother from the bus station.
Xia Xiyue was still as energetic as ever. The three children were by her side. Huimei and Huilan, the two older ones, took care of the youngest, Huizhu. The whole family was in high spirits and had no worries about leaving home at all.
Yes, as long as Xia Yue is around, I think they will never be afraid.
Xia Yueyue looked around, took a deep breath, and said with a smile, "The food outside is different from that in Mingxi County."
Upon hearing this, Huizhu also looked around like her mother and asked in confusion, "Mom, one?"
Xia Yuyue smiled and touched her head, "It's different. You'll know later." She asked Xiaofeng who was staring at her, "Xiaofeng, do you think it's the same?"
Xiao Feng's eyes curved, "Not really." Then she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "It's really big."
Xia Mian was almost amused by him, "Little boy, I have to send you to kindergarten soon." Otherwise, his vocabulary could not keep up with his romantic artistic cells.
The seven people stayed in the hotel for one night, and the next day two cars stopped downstairs to pick them up.
After Xia Mian decided to take Xia Xiyue and her daughter with him, he had told Ning Shaobai that they should take the green train together, after all, one train couldn't carry so many people.
But Ning Shaoyun said that the Huo family would send a car to pick up their mother and go, so that the car could accommodate four more people.
Xia Mian thought that Huo Xueyan would pick her up personally. After all, Ning Shaoyun and Chenchen had been kidnapped, which was a terrible thing. And if she remembered correctly, Ning Shaoyun had run to Ming City because she had a quarrel with Huo Xueyan. No matter how you look at it, he should pick her up personally.'
She was still struggling with how to assign seats. If Xia Xiyue and her mother and daughter were to separate, they would probably feel uncomfortable. But if they wanted to go, they had to separate.
Xia Xiyue had been instructing sisters Mao Huimei and Mao Huilan all night, but she didn't expect that the Huo family would only send a driver and a car.
Xia Mian subconsciously looked at Ning Shaoyun. The other party was still smiling gently and there was no sign of unhappiness on her face, but how could she be happy
Xia Mian secretly sighed, it seems that the ice is three feet thick and it is not just a single freezing cold. In the previous life, Chenchen being kidnapped was just a □□.
In this life, Ning Shaoyun and Huo Xueyuan don't know if they will have the same ending.
But there is no need to worry about the seating situation.
Xia Xiyue and her daughter rode in the Huo family's car, while Xia Mian, Xiaofeng and Ning Shaoyun's mother rode in the car driven by Ning Shaobai.
Xiao Feng leaned on the car window and watched the car drive away from Ming City bit by bit. There was sparkling in his eyes and the smile on his lips never disappeared.
The little body leaned against Xia Mian's arms, swaying and bubbling with joy.
Ning Shaoyun couldn't help but laugh, "It's rare to see Xiaofeng so happy."
"Do you like going to Yan City so much?" Ning Shaoyun asked him.
"I like it." Xiao Feng nodded heavily, and said in a clear voice: "Buy a house, register as a resident, and live with my aunt and her family!"
Xia Mian had never expected that her initial casual fantasy would become Xiao Feng's belief in regaining her life. She was a little glad that she did not break her promise.
Although Ning Shaoyun didn't know the reason why Xiaofeng said that, she knew that this must be the hope in his heart that allowed him to persevere in the difficult times of the Zhang family.
Ning Shaoyun looked at Xia Mian, "Are you really planning to buy a house?"
Seeing Xia Mian nod, Ning Shaoyun did not question whether Xia Mian had money or not, but only asked, "What kind of house do you plan to buy?"
Xia Mian lowered her head and asked Xiao Feng, "What kind of room does Xiao Feng like?"
I was just trying to tease the kid, but Xiao Feng blurted out, "Old Fang!"
"Ah?" Xia Mian was stunned for a moment.
Ning Shaoyun was also curious about the answer, "Why buy an old house? Doesn't Xiaofeng like new buildings?"
Xiao Feng shook her calves, her eyes sparkling, "The old house is being demolished, there is money!"
Xia Mian covered her face silently. She would never talk nonsense again. Who knew that this little guy remembered it so clearly? She herself had forgotten it.
Ning Shaoyun couldn't help but laugh, "I didn't expect that our Xiaofeng knows about investment at such a young age."
Ning Shaobai, who was driving in front, saw Xia Mian's embarrassed expression in the rearview mirror, and felt that this girl still had something to lose, so he asked, "Besides the demolition of the old house, what else do you have to make money?"
Xia Mian wanted to stop him, but seeing that Xiao Feng was so cheerful and talkative, she couldn't bear it, so she just listened to him babble, "Lottery tickets, antiques, stocks, five million!"
Ning Shaoyun saw Xia Mian and smiled. Ning Shaobai also looked at Xia Mian's embarrassment in the rearview mirror and said with a smile, "This is what your aunt said. She really has a good idea." He just wanted to get something for nothing.
Xiao Feng has always been very sensitive to people's emotions. He always felt that these words were not a compliment, so he looked up at Xia Mian in confusion.
Xia Mian felt embarrassed when the fairy teased her, but when facing Ning Shaobai, Xia Mian straightened her chest and said confidently, "What's wrong? Which of the above doesn't rely on luck? Don't you know that luck is the greatest strength!"
Xiao Feng immediately nodded seriously in agreement.
Ning Shaobai shook his head and laughed. He didn't know where this girl got so many crooked ideas from.
Ning Shaoyun said, "In fact, I think this is a good idea. Regardless of whether the house will be relocated or not, you still have to focus on studying. Although the courtyard of Yanda High School is a bit shabby, it is close to the school and the price is a bit cheaper than the new building."
"Most importantly, we can still be neighbors."
Xia Mian blinked. The courtyard near Yanda High School was dilapidated... Xia Mian held her pounding heart. Was it what she thought