Chapter 84
Shen Family was the first to arrive in the morning.
As soon as the car entered the production team, it immediately attracted the attention of the villagers.
"Tsk tsk tsk, Qiao Family's god-relatives are here again. Truly enviable!"
"This is their fate. No point envying them! In my opinion, it's actually pretty good that Da Qiao didn't go to Hu City with Fang Xiao Juan. Fang Xiao Juan used to treat that child badly. If she is taken away, who knows how she'll treat the child?"
"That's right. So far away, Qiao Family has no way to know if she beat her to death!"
When Qiao Xiu Zhi saw the arrival of Shen Family, she went with Xue Chuan to ask for leave from the production team leader.
Wang Family and Qiao Family were now somewhat in-laws. It went without saying Wang Shui Sheng approved very straightforwardly.
Arriving at Qiao's old house, Qin Xiao Mei got off the car and looked around for Da Qiao's figure: "Where's Da Qiao? She doesn't live in the old house, right?"
Just as Qiao Xiu Zhi was about to shake her head, she saw Da Qiao carrying a small bucket with three tails trialing after her.
"Oh, my dear Da Qiao. Come and give Godmother a hug. Godmother misses you!" Qin Xiao Mei instantly perked up.
"Godmother, why are you here? I miss you too!"
Da Qiao ran over. Qin Xiao Mei hugged her and showered her little cheek with kisses. Her cheeks were soon reddened.
Seeing his wife's behavior, Shen Shi Kai shook his head at this too much to bear sight: "Look how red the child's face is. Such a grown person and still don't know how control yourself!"
Da Qiao smiled with curved eyes and softly spoke, "Godfather, don't reprimand Godmother. I don't feel any pain at all!"
In fact, it really didn't hurt. Qin Xiao Mei loved her so much. She naturally knew how to control her strength. Still her skin was too tender. It would turn red from the slightest force.
Qin Xiao Mei raised her head and rolled her eyes at her husband. She harumphed, "Did you hear that? The child said it's all right. Actually, you're jealous of me, right?"
Although Shen Shi Kai was Da Qiao's godfather in name, to put it bluntly, the two weren't related by blood. So he never hugged or kissed Da Qiao. At most, rubbing the child's hair.
Seeing his wife's mischievous appearance, Shen Shi Kai couldn't help shaking his head and burst into laughter. His eyes were full of doting.
"Elder Sister Da Qiao, what are you going to do with the bucket?" Shen Tian You squeezed over and asked curiously.
After not seeing him for a month or two, he seems to have gained a lot of weight again.
Da Qiao turned to him and answered, "We're going to catch loach. Younger Brother Tian You, you want to join?"
"I want! I haven't caught a loach before!" Shen Tian You's eyes were as bright as the stars in the sky, "By the way, what about my Elder Sister Ying? Why haven't I seen her?"
Speak of the devil and the devil comes. As soon as his voice fell, he saw Qiao Dong Ying walking out of the old courtyard with two cages in her hands.
The cages were made from bamboo strips. About 30 to 40 centimeters long with the ends shaped into conical funnels. In the past, these cages could be used to catch eels.
"Elder Sister Ying, I miss you so much!" Shen Tian You saw his boss and immediately ran over. He took out all the white rabbit candies he brought from home.
Qiao Dong Ying took one before telling him to share the candies with the others. She scanned him up and down and spoke, "Why do I feel that you have gained a lot of weight? I think you should stop eating candy!"
When Shen Tian You heard this, he didn't become unhappy. Instead, he nodded like a pecking chick. "Elder Sister Ying is right. I won't eat candy in the future!"
Qin Xiao Mei only felt her eyes hurt at the sight of her son's unpromising lackey behavior. Then again, if she really make him eat less sweet, she would gratefully thank her later.
After getting the consent of the adults, the few children set out to catch loaches.
Walking halfway, Da Qiao said to everyone: "I have to find a friend. You go to the river first. We will go to find you soon."
Qiao Dong He knew that she was going to find Huo Chi. She didn't say anything and took the initiative to hold her three tails.
The three tails became teary-eyed. Little Yi Ming blinked his eyes and spoke, "Elder Sister Da Qiao, you must come!"
The other two followers nodded their heads like chopping onion: "You got to come!"
Seeing this, Qiao Dong Ying couldn't help rolling her eyes to the sky. If stranger saw this, they would have thought that this was some kind of large-scale life and death scene!
Da Qiao pinched the three little dumplings' faces and solemnly promised: "Don't worry. Elder Sister will come over soon. You have to listen to the other elder brothers and sisters, understand?"
"Understand, we will be very good." The three little ones responded in unison.
After parting, Da Qiao went to the pigsty to find Elder Brother Huo Chi.
In the past, Huo Family was responsible for shoveling pig dung as well as cleaning other dung pit. During the peak farming period, they had to go to the field to help. There was no free time from morning to night.
But after Huo Chi showed you the way last time and helped grow Chinese herbs, Huo Family only need to be in charge of the pigsty and guidance in raising Chinese herbs. They didn't need them for other things now.
When Da Qiao dropped by, Huo Chi was helping his grandfather shoveling pig dung. She watched a bit before turning to quietly slip away. However, she was stopped by Huo Hua Qing.
"Qiao Family's girl, why are you silently leaving upon arrival?"
Hearing his grandfather's words, Huo Chi raised his head to find Da Qiao. He immediately put down the shovel in his hand and washed his hands before walking over: "Why are you here? Are you looking for me for something?"
Seeing that she had been discovered, Da Qiao had to turn around and jollily responded: "Hello Grandpa Huo, I originally wanted to come over and ask Elder Brother Huo Chi if he wanted to catch loach with us. But seeing that Elder Brother Huo Chi is busy, I don't want to disturb him."
"Chi'er, go play. There's not much work here. Grandfather can do it alone."
Huo Hua Qing liked the girl in front of him very much. She was fair and clean. She had a very kind heart. If it weren't for her, this poor old man might have died of illness before. Thanks to her, Chi'er was able to systematically learn the knowledge from the textbooks.
Huo Chi hesitated for a moment and said, "Wait for me. I'll go with you after I shovel the remaining pig dung."
Da Qiao nodded with a smile, and went to talk to Grandpa Huo while waiting for brother Huo Chi.
...
Qiao's old house.
After Shen Shi Kai sat down, he went straight to the point: "I've heard from my dad about Second Brother Qiao's dismissal. I wanted to turn it around, but the surnamed Qiu didn't want to let go."
Qiu Xin Yong was worried that his nephew messing around would spread to female party. So it was better to strike first and let the food factory dismiss Qiao Zhen Jun. Then confine Qiao Family to the countryside. This way, they wouldn't have the opportunity to talk nonsense everywhere.
If it wasn't for their relationship with Shen Family and Qiao Hong Xia's marriage to Wang Yan Sheng, he would definitely not be so gentle. Qiao Family was so close to ruin because of this!
Qiao Xiu Zhi didn't expect Shen Family to come here specially for this matter. She was very grateful: "I've made you worry. You don't have to get involved in this matter. I'm afraid it will implicate you at that time!"
Qin Xiao Mei responded: "What are you saying, Aunt Xiu Zhi? We are one family. Your business is our business. Surnamed Qiu has a lot of power in the town, we can't pull him down any time soon. Can only let you be aggrieved!"
The most aggrieved one in this matter was Qiao Zhen Min. He wore such a big green hat. Not only can he not be angry, but now he had to worry about his family. Now his family was implicated, he was going mad from fury.
Shen Shi Kai nodded and spoke, "Fifth Brother Qiao, I know that you have been wronged, but an arm can't twist the thigh. Once you offended the Tian Family, it's Qiao Family who will suffer. So in this matter, don't act upon your anger. You have to think about the long run!"
Qiao Zhen Min nodded with an ugly expression: "Don't worry. I won't be impulsive!"
When the incident occurred, he really wanted to do a murder suicide with the adulterer. But he hollered awake by his mom.
He wasn't alone. He had a family and a daughter. If he acts impulsively, he will only endanger his family!
So he endured this breath. He didn't believe that surnamed Qiu could still be domineering for a lifetime. If surnamed Qiu could really conceal the sky for a lifetime, it could only be said that he was too unlucky!
At this moment, a man's voice sounded from outside: "Is this Qiao Zhen Min's house?"
Qiao Zhen Min was stunned when he heard the voice. He abruptly stood up: "Why do this voice I hear sound like Chu Family's Eldest Brother?"
Qiao Xiu Zhi said: "It sounds like it. Go out and have a look."
Qiao Zhen Min acknowledged, turned around, and ran out.
Qin Xiao Mei said: "The Chu family you mentioned is the Chu Family that adopted little Wan'er?"
Qiao Xiu Zhi nodded: "It is that Chu Family. Just don't know if they are the ones who came."
It took a few days to get here from Nanshan Count by bus. Very inconvenient. It wasn't the New Year or a festival at the moment. They can't think of why Chu Family came here.
Qiao Zhen Min ran out and saw Chu Tian Bai standing at the door. His eyes lit up and he merrily smiled: "Eldest Brother Chu, why are you here?"
Seeing Qiao Zhen Min, Chu Tian Bai also grinned, "Finally found the right place! Our trip this time is for Sheng Mei's wedding. I thought I didn't have time to come here. So didn't notify you in advance. But Dong Xue has been missing little Wan'er these two days. She couldn't sleep or eat properly. We had to come here."
Qiao Zhen Min quickly welcomed Chu Family in.
This time around, it wasn't just Chu Tian Bai and his wife. There was also Chu Sheng Mei and her fiancé, Du Zhuo Cheng.
Du Zhuo Cheng looked to be in twenty-four or twenty-five. He seemed well-mannered with a thin body and a pale face. In short, he didn't seem to have a particularly healthy body.
Still, the talented man and beautiful woman were a good match.
As soon as Dong Xue came in, she immediately sought for little Wan'er: "Where is little Wan'er? Isn't she at home?"
When little Wan'er was taken away by Qiao Family, she couldn't eat or drink well. Every time she held the photo of little Wan'er with them, she felt her heart was empty.
This trip's schedule was very tight. Still, she dearly missed little Wan'er. If she didn't see her, she will definitely lose sleep when she goes back.
Qiao Zhen Min thought of his daughter and the smile on the corner of his mouth became deeper: "Little Wan'er went to catch loach with her siblings. I'll bring her back later."
At these words, Dong Xue's eyes lit up and exclaimed, "Little Wan'er is willing to play with other children?"
Qiao Zhen Min nodded and said proudly: "After little Wan'er came back, her personality has open up a lot under the care of her siblings. Now she can occasionally answer other people's questions!"
Chu Tian Bai and Dong Xue looked surprised.
They had heard from friends about little Wan'er's condition. They knew that it was a mental developmental disorder called autism. It was very difficult to treat. Most likely, she'll live in her own world for the rest of her life and never interact with others.
They didn't expect that there was such a big change in half a year. This was really exciting news. It was the right decision to make this trip!
Noticing Qiao Zhen Min didn't mention his wife at all, it seem there was something wrong.
Chu Tian Bai and his wife exchanged glances and politely chose not to touch this topic.
Entering the main room, Shen Family stood up when they saw Chu Family.
Although Shen Family and Chu Family's couple had never met each other, Chu Sheng Mei was a friend of Shen Lin Lin. The girls went to play at each other's home before. And with little Wan'er matter, both families knew of each other's existence. So they didn't have a sense of unfamiliarity when seeing each other now.
After the greeting, Qiao Family and Shen Family thought of Chu Sheng Mei's upcoming wedding and congratulated her. They asked when the banquet would be held.
Chu Sheng Mei's cheeks were stained with a crimson blush. She shyly responded: "The wedding banquet is set in September. You must come to participate then!"
Du Zhuo Cheng worked in Nanshan County, but his family lived in Baocheng County. So the banquet will be held at the male's side.
Both Qiao Family and Shen Family quickly agreed to go.
Qiao Zhen Min stood up and spoke, "You guys sit down for a while. I'll bring little Wan'er back."
As he said that, he turned around and prepared to leave. However, he was stopped by Du Zhuo Cheng: "Qiao Family's Fifth Brother, I'll go with you."
Qiao Zhen Min was stunned for a moment. Soon he recovered, nodded and responded, "Okay. You probably rarely come to the countryside. It's a good opportunity to walk around."
When Chu Sheng Mei heard these words, she stood up and voiced her desire to look around.
Naturally Qiao Zhen Min wouldn't refuse. So the three of them went out together.
As soon as the three of them left, Shen Shi Kai felt a little awkward.
Halfway through through their conversation, Chu Family had arrived. Although Qiao Zhen Min and Chu Family were god-relatives, this matter involved a man's face. He can't make the decision on his own and leak it out.
However, Qiao Xiu Zhi told him to continue on. Old Fifth wasn't at fault in this matter. There was no need to hide it. Besides, it was definitely more important to think of countermeasures to deal with Tian and Qiu families than the face.
Soon, Chu Family knew what happened to Qiao Family recently. They were shocked and furious after hearing it.
Dong Xue gritted her teeth, "Simply a bully! Just a deputy director of the Revolutionary Committee! Does he really think he can conceal the sky for a lifetime with only one hand?"
Chu Tian Bai frowned and asked, "Brother Shen Shi, what do you think of this matter?"
Shen Shi Kai nodded: "Qiu Xin Yong is invincible. He can freely kill people at any time. If he's always like this, he must have offended a lot of people over the years. There must be many people who want to kill him. I have recently instructed people to quietly collect his criminal evidence. Then find a way to report it to the top!"
When Chu Tian Bai heard this, he nodded: "This is a good method. I'm afraid someone above is protecting him!"
Otherwise, how could the deputy director of the Revolutionary Committee in a town commit evil for many years without any punishment?
Shen Shi Kai frowned, "You're right. They and the county magistrate of Baocheng County will soon become in-laws. It was heard the vice-governor had some connection with him. But I can't find anything."
Chu Tian Bai pondered for a while and spoke, "I have some connections at this side. After I go back, I'll find someone to clear up the way. If we work together, I don't believe that this bastard can't be killed!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan were very moved when they saw the two families spared no effort on a solution for Qiao Family.
Xue Chuan stood up and went out to ask his eldest son to come back with some meat. He was preparing to cook for the two families at noon.
...
Qiao Zhen Min walked towards the stream with Chu Sheng Mei and Du Zhuo Cheng.
The last time Chu Sheng Mei came to the production team, she left quickly. She didn't have time to appreciate the scenery. She curiously looked around now.
When passing by the field, the villagers saw Qiao Zhen Min walking with two stranger. The man and the woman didn't look like they were from the countryside by the way they dressed and their air. They became curious.
"Old Fifth Qiao, is this your relative? Why haven't I seen them before?"
Qiao Zhen Min vaguely responded. He didn't intend to tell everyone the true identity of Chu Family or let them know that they recognized little Wan'er as their goddaughter.
After they walked away, everyone was working and talking at the same time.
"Qiao Family is really different. The deputy chief came here in the morning. Now there were relatives from the city. Tsk tsk tsk, I really envy them to death!"
"It's not just Qiao Family. Fang Family is becoming better off, no? Look at Fang Xiao Juan now. No longer working in the fields. She's preparing to nurture her complexion fairer before going to the city to become an official wife!"
"By the way, by the way, do you know why old Fifth Qiao divorced his wife? I've been inquiring about it for a long time, but I haven't found any news at all!"
"Now you say that, I really don't know!"
"Yeah, why did they get divorced? When little Wan'er was lost, they didn't get divorced. Now that the child have been back for so long, they get divorced out of the blue?"
Everyone couldn't help make wild guess. Some even suspected that the matter had something to do with Tian Jian Ming. Otherwise, why would Chen Qiao Qiao get a divorce as soon as Tian Jian Ming left. It wouldn't be such a coincidence, would it?
Only when someone mentioned that Tian Jian Ming's maternal uncle was the deputy director of the Revolutionary Committee and that his fiancée was the niece of the county magistrate, no one dared to talk nonsense anymore.
When Qiao Zhen Min trio passed by the door of Fang Xiao Juan's thatched hut, Fang Xiao Juan happened to be walking out of the house. She saw the trio and couldn't help but be startled.
Qiao Zhen Min noticed Fang Xiao Juan's ugly expression and kept walking forward with a straight face.
Fang Xiao Juan's eyes fell on Chu Sheng Mei and Du Zhuo Cheng. After staring at them for a long time, she found that she didn't know them. So she threw them to the back of her mind.
A while ago, she got Xiao Qiao to write a letter to Meng Hong Guang about her and Da Qiao's severed mother-daughter relationship. After calculating the time, she should be able to receive a reply in the next two days.
Although she put all the blame on Qiao Family, she still felt a little uneasy; fearing Meng Hong Guang would be displeased.
When passing by the private plot, Chu Sheng Mei became curious when she saw that the plot wasn't growing vegetables.
Qiao Zhen Min patiently explained to her: "These small saplings are wolfberry, which can be used as both medicine and food. If they can be grown in large scale, it will be a good development path for the production team in the future."
As he spoke, he told her what Wang Yan Sheng had said.
Chu Sheng Mei listened with relish. She nodded her head again and again with appreciation: "Ingenious! To be able to think of this method, that Regiment Leader Wang must be a very knowledgeable person. I'm so glad that he is engaged to Qiao Family's Third Elder Sister!"
Qiao Zhen Min smiled and nodded. He was also delighted that Third Elder Sister found a good marriage.
Du Zhuo Cheng, who was following behind them all the way, had a smile on his lips. He hardly made a sound.
...
When they came to the stream, they could hear the laughter of the children in the distance.
"Elder Sister Ying Elder Sister Ying, look. I caught a loach... ah... don't run away, loach!"
Shen Tian You caught a loach and proudly showed it to his boss. To his surprise, happiness would soon become sorrow. The loach twisted and slipped out of his hand.
He stomped his feet in anger. His fleshy face was flushed with vexation.
An Ping gleefully laughed. Unexpectedly, his feet slipped and he fell into the water with a "bang". His whole body suddenly became a drowned rat.
This time, the entire Qiao Family burst into laughter.
The best season for catching loach was actually in autumn and winter. However, the children were on vacation now. They had nothing to do at home. So they end up fishing and catching shrimp everywhere.
There were also children at the other end of the stream chasing the loach. But the loach was too 'cunning'. Everyone didn't catch much.
Huo Chi was different from other children when it came to catching loach. He didn't need a cage.
He took out the small net bag he usually used for fishing, put the earthworms in the net bag to lure them, and spread the net bag in a place with less aquatic plants.
In fact, he was skilled in picking out the loach's accommodation. Not long after the small net was put down, the net caught a good few loaches. What's more, they were all plump.
"Elder Brother Huo Chi, you are really amazing!" Da Qiao adoringly looked at him with bright eyes.
It was unknown whether Huo Chi's face was heated by the sun or because of embarrassment as two suspicious blushes appeared.
Though he had a cool-guy expression on his face, the corners of his mouth were raised. He patiently instructed her: "When catching loaches, you should pinch their heads with your fingers. That way, they won't slip away. Try it. "
"Elder Brother Huo Chi, you know a lot. You are amazing!"
Da Qiao nodded her head. She imitated Elder Brother Huo Chi; holding the head of the loach with her thumb and forefinger. Sure enough, the loach couldn't run away.
Da Qiao went all out in her rainbow-licking. The blush on Huo Chi's face became more and more obvious. The curvature of the mouth corners became more and more deep. He was clearly basking in it.
Xiao Qiao came to look for Fang You Liang and Fang You Rou. When passing by, she saw Da Qiao and Huo Chi close together. The corner of her mouth couldn't help but raise a sarcastic arc.
Really worthless. Staying with the wicked ones every day as if she wasn't afraid of being reported!
If she wasn't going to Hu City, she would definitely go to the community to report Qiao Family!
But who was this Huo Family? They didn't come to the production team in their last life.
She pondered as she walked. Suddenly, she stopped, turned around, and her eyes fell on Huo Chi.
She remembered that the richest man in her last life was surnamed Huo. She heard that his wife and child were once locked up on the farm as wicked ones. The family was reunited after the reform and the opening up.
Could this Huo Chi be the son of the richest man?
Huo Chi felt that someone was staring at him. He raised his head and encountered Xiao Qiao's eyes. His brows frowned and a chilly light flashed in his eyes.
No matter how chilly his gaze was, he was still a child. So it wasn't any deterrent in Xiao Qiao's eyes.
After thinking about it, she was still uncertain. She could only quickly find the two Fang Brothers and ask her mom when she got home.
After Xiao Qiao left, Huo Chi looked at her back with disgust in his eyes.
At this time, a child's cry suddenly came from the other side of the river: "Someone come! Someone has fallen into the river!"
Shen Family was the first to arrive in the morning.
As soon as the car entered the production team, it immediately attracted the attention of the villagers.
"Tsk tsk tsk, Qiao Family's god-relatives are here again. Truly enviable!"
"This is their fate. No point envying them! In my opinion, it's actually pretty good that Da Qiao didn't go to Hu City with Fang Xiao Juan. Fang Xiao Juan used to treat that child badly. If she is taken away, who knows how she'll treat the child?"
"That's right. So far away, Qiao Family has no way to know if she beat her to death!"
When Qiao Xiu Zhi saw the arrival of Shen Family, she went with Xue Chuan to ask for leave from the production team leader.
Wang Family and Qiao Family were now somewhat in-laws. It went without saying Wang Shui Sheng approved very straightforwardly.
Arriving at Qiao's old house, Qin Xiao Mei got off the car and looked around for Da Qiao's figure: "Where's Da Qiao? She doesn't live in the old house, right?"
Just as Qiao Xiu Zhi was about to shake her head, she saw Da Qiao carrying a small bucket with three tails trialing after her.
"Oh, my dear Da Qiao. Come and give Godmother a hug. Godmother misses you!" Qin Xiao Mei instantly perked up.
"Godmother, why are you here? I miss you too!"
Da Qiao ran over. Qin Xiao Mei hugged her and showered her little cheek with kisses. Her cheeks were soon reddened.
Seeing his wife's behavior, Shen Shi Kai shook his head at this too much to bear sight: "Look how red the child's face is. Such a grown person and still don't know how control yourself!"
Da Qiao smiled with curved eyes and softly spoke, "Godfather, don't reprimand Godmother. I don't feel any pain at all!"
In fact, it really didn't hurt. Qin Xiao Mei loved her so much. She naturally knew how to control her strength. Still her skin was too tender. It would turn red from the slightest force.
Qin Xiao Mei raised her head and rolled her eyes at her husband. She harumphed, "Did you hear that? The child said it's all right. Actually, you're jealous of me, right?"
Although Shen Shi Kai was Da Qiao's godfather in name, to put it bluntly, the two weren't related by blood. So he never hugged or kissed Da Qiao. At most, rubbing the child's hair.
Seeing his wife's mischievous appearance, Shen Shi Kai couldn't help shaking his head and burst into laughter. His eyes were full of doting.
"Elder Sister Da Qiao, what are you going to do with the bucket?" Shen Tian You squeezed over and asked curiously.
After not seeing him for a month or two, he seems to have gained a lot of weight again.
Da Qiao turned to him and answered, "We're going to catch loach. Younger Brother Tian You, you want to join?"
"I want! I haven't caught a loach before!" Shen Tian You's eyes were as bright as the stars in the sky, "By the way, what about my Elder Sister Ying? Why haven't I seen her?"
Speak of the devil and the devil comes. As soon as his voice fell, he saw Qiao Dong Ying walking out of the old courtyard with two cages in her hands.
The cages were made from bamboo strips. About 30 to 40 centimeters long with the ends shaped into conical funnels. In the past, these cages could be used to catch eels.
"Elder Sister Ying, I miss you so much!" Shen Tian You saw his boss and immediately ran over. He took out all the white rabbit candies he brought from home.
Qiao Dong Ying took one before telling him to share the candies with the others. She scanned him up and down and spoke, "Why do I feel that you have gained a lot of weight? I think you should stop eating candy!"
When Shen Tian You heard this, he didn't become unhappy. Instead, he nodded like a pecking chick. "Elder Sister Ying is right. I won't eat candy in the future!"
Qin Xiao Mei only felt her eyes hurt at the sight of her son's unpromising lackey behavior. Then again, if she really make him eat less sweet, she would gratefully thank her later.
After getting the consent of the adults, the few children set out to catch loaches.
Walking halfway, Da Qiao said to everyone: "I have to find a friend. You go to the river first. We will go to find you soon."
Qiao Dong He knew that she was going to find Huo Chi. She didn't say anything and took the initiative to hold her three tails.
The three tails became teary-eyed. Little Yi Ming blinked his eyes and spoke, "Elder Sister Da Qiao, you must come!"
The other two followers nodded their heads like chopping onion: "You got to come!"
Seeing this, Qiao Dong Ying couldn't help rolling her eyes to the sky. If stranger saw this, they would have thought that this was some kind of large-scale life and death scene!
Da Qiao pinched the three little dumplings' faces and solemnly promised: "Don't worry. Elder Sister will come over soon. You have to listen to the other elder brothers and sisters, understand?"
"Understand, we will be very good." The three little ones responded in unison.
After parting, Da Qiao went to the pigsty to find Elder Brother Huo Chi.
In the past, Huo Family was responsible for shoveling pig dung as well as cleaning other dung pit. During the peak farming period, they had to go to the field to help. There was no free time from morning to night.
But after Huo Chi showed you the way last time and helped grow Chinese herbs, Huo Family only need to be in charge of the pigsty and guidance in raising Chinese herbs. They didn't need them for other things now.
When Da Qiao dropped by, Huo Chi was helping his grandfather shoveling pig dung. She watched a bit before turning to quietly slip away. However, she was stopped by Huo Hua Qing.
"Qiao Family's girl, why are you silently leaving upon arrival?"
Hearing his grandfather's words, Huo Chi raised his head to find Da Qiao. He immediately put down the shovel in his hand and washed his hands before walking over: "Why are you here? Are you looking for me for something?"
Seeing that she had been discovered, Da Qiao had to turn around and jollily responded: "Hello Grandpa Huo, I originally wanted to come over and ask Elder Brother Huo Chi if he wanted to catch loach with us. But seeing that Elder Brother Huo Chi is busy, I don't want to disturb him."
"Chi'er, go play. There's not much work here. Grandfather can do it alone."
Huo Hua Qing liked the girl in front of him very much. She was fair and clean. She had a very kind heart. If it weren't for her, this poor old man might have died of illness before. Thanks to her, Chi'er was able to systematically learn the knowledge from the textbooks.
Huo Chi hesitated for a moment and said, "Wait for me. I'll go with you after I shovel the remaining pig dung."
Da Qiao nodded with a smile, and went to talk to Grandpa Huo while waiting for brother Huo Chi.
...
Qiao's old house.
After Shen Shi Kai sat down, he went straight to the point: "I've heard from my dad about Second Brother Qiao's dismissal. I wanted to turn it around, but the surnamed Qiu didn't want to let go."
Qiu Xin Yong was worried that his nephew messing around would spread to female party. So it was better to strike first and let the food factory dismiss Qiao Zhen Jun. Then confine Qiao Family to the countryside. This way, they wouldn't have the opportunity to talk nonsense everywhere.
If it wasn't for their relationship with Shen Family and Qiao Hong Xia's marriage to Wang Yan Sheng, he would definitely not be so gentle. Qiao Family was so close to ruin because of this!
Qiao Xiu Zhi didn't expect Shen Family to come here specially for this matter. She was very grateful: "I've made you worry. You don't have to get involved in this matter. I'm afraid it will implicate you at that time!"
Qin Xiao Mei responded: "What are you saying, Aunt Xiu Zhi? We are one family. Your business is our business. Surnamed Qiu has a lot of power in the town, we can't pull him down any time soon. Can only let you be aggrieved!"
The most aggrieved one in this matter was Qiao Zhen Min. He wore such a big green hat. Not only can he not be angry, but now he had to worry about his family. Now his family was implicated, he was going mad from fury.
Shen Shi Kai nodded and spoke, "Fifth Brother Qiao, I know that you have been wronged, but an arm can't twist the thigh. Once you offended the Tian Family, it's Qiao Family who will suffer. So in this matter, don't act upon your anger. You have to think about the long run!"
Qiao Zhen Min nodded with an ugly expression: "Don't worry. I won't be impulsive!"
When the incident occurred, he really wanted to do a murder suicide with the adulterer. But he hollered awake by his mom.
He wasn't alone. He had a family and a daughter. If he acts impulsively, he will only endanger his family!
So he endured this breath. He didn't believe that surnamed Qiu could still be domineering for a lifetime. If surnamed Qiu could really conceal the sky for a lifetime, it could only be said that he was too unlucky!
At this moment, a man's voice sounded from outside: "Is this Qiao Zhen Min's house?"
Qiao Zhen Min was stunned when he heard the voice. He abruptly stood up: "Why do this voice I hear sound like Chu Family's Eldest Brother?"
Qiao Xiu Zhi said: "It sounds like it. Go out and have a look."
Qiao Zhen Min acknowledged, turned around, and ran out.
Qin Xiao Mei said: "The Chu family you mentioned is the Chu Family that adopted little Wan'er?"
Qiao Xiu Zhi nodded: "It is that Chu Family. Just don't know if they are the ones who came."
It took a few days to get here from Nanshan Count by bus. Very inconvenient. It wasn't the New Year or a festival at the moment. They can't think of why Chu Family came here.
Qiao Zhen Min ran out and saw Chu Tian Bai standing at the door. His eyes lit up and he merrily smiled: "Eldest Brother Chu, why are you here?"
Seeing Qiao Zhen Min, Chu Tian Bai also grinned, "Finally found the right place! Our trip this time is for Sheng Mei's wedding. I thought I didn't have time to come here. So didn't notify you in advance. But Dong Xue has been missing little Wan'er these two days. She couldn't sleep or eat properly. We had to come here."
Qiao Zhen Min quickly welcomed Chu Family in.
This time around, it wasn't just Chu Tian Bai and his wife. There was also Chu Sheng Mei and her fiancé, Du Zhuo Cheng.
Du Zhuo Cheng looked to be in twenty-four or twenty-five. He seemed well-mannered with a thin body and a pale face. In short, he didn't seem to have a particularly healthy body.
Still, the talented man and beautiful woman were a good match.
As soon as Dong Xue came in, she immediately sought for little Wan'er: "Where is little Wan'er? Isn't she at home?"
When little Wan'er was taken away by Qiao Family, she couldn't eat or drink well. Every time she held the photo of little Wan'er with them, she felt her heart was empty.
This trip's schedule was very tight. Still, she dearly missed little Wan'er. If she didn't see her, she will definitely lose sleep when she goes back.
Qiao Zhen Min thought of his daughter and the smile on the corner of his mouth became deeper: "Little Wan'er went to catch loach with her siblings. I'll bring her back later."
At these words, Dong Xue's eyes lit up and exclaimed, "Little Wan'er is willing to play with other children?"
Qiao Zhen Min nodded and said proudly: "After little Wan'er came back, her personality has open up a lot under the care of her siblings. Now she can occasionally answer other people's questions!"
Chu Tian Bai and Dong Xue looked surprised.
They had heard from friends about little Wan'er's condition. They knew that it was a mental developmental disorder called autism. It was very difficult to treat. Most likely, she'll live in her own world for the rest of her life and never interact with others.
They didn't expect that there was such a big change in half a year. This was really exciting news. It was the right decision to make this trip!
Noticing Qiao Zhen Min didn't mention his wife at all, it seem there was something wrong.
Chu Tian Bai and his wife exchanged glances and politely chose not to touch this topic.
Entering the main room, Shen Family stood up when they saw Chu Family.
Although Shen Family and Chu Family's couple had never met each other, Chu Sheng Mei was a friend of Shen Lin Lin. The girls went to play at each other's home before. And with little Wan'er matter, both families knew of each other's existence. So they didn't have a sense of unfamiliarity when seeing each other now.
After the greeting, Qiao Family and Shen Family thought of Chu Sheng Mei's upcoming wedding and congratulated her. They asked when the banquet would be held.
Chu Sheng Mei's cheeks were stained with a crimson blush. She shyly responded: "The wedding banquet is set in September. You must come to participate then!"
Du Zhuo Cheng worked in Nanshan County, but his family lived in Baocheng County. So the banquet will be held at the male's side.
Both Qiao Family and Shen Family quickly agreed to go.
Qiao Zhen Min stood up and spoke, "You guys sit down for a while. I'll bring little Wan'er back."
As he said that, he turned around and prepared to leave. However, he was stopped by Du Zhuo Cheng: "Qiao Family's Fifth Brother, I'll go with you."
Qiao Zhen Min was stunned for a moment. Soon he recovered, nodded and responded, "Okay. You probably rarely come to the countryside. It's a good opportunity to walk around."
When Chu Sheng Mei heard these words, she stood up and voiced her desire to look around.
Naturally Qiao Zhen Min wouldn't refuse. So the three of them went out together.
As soon as the three of them left, Shen Shi Kai felt a little awkward.
Halfway through through their conversation, Chu Family had arrived. Although Qiao Zhen Min and Chu Family were god-relatives, this matter involved a man's face. He can't make the decision on his own and leak it out.
However, Qiao Xiu Zhi told him to continue on. Old Fifth wasn't at fault in this matter. There was no need to hide it. Besides, it was definitely more important to think of countermeasures to deal with Tian and Qiu families than the face.
Soon, Chu Family knew what happened to Qiao Family recently. They were shocked and furious after hearing it.
Dong Xue gritted her teeth, "Simply a bully! Just a deputy director of the Revolutionary Committee! Does he really think he can conceal the sky for a lifetime with only one hand?"
Chu Tian Bai frowned and asked, "Brother Shen Shi, what do you think of this matter?"
Shen Shi Kai nodded: "Qiu Xin Yong is invincible. He can freely kill people at any time. If he's always like this, he must have offended a lot of people over the years. There must be many people who want to kill him. I have recently instructed people to quietly collect his criminal evidence. Then find a way to report it to the top!"
When Chu Tian Bai heard this, he nodded: "This is a good method. I'm afraid someone above is protecting him!"
Otherwise, how could the deputy director of the Revolutionary Committee in a town commit evil for many years without any punishment?
Shen Shi Kai frowned, "You're right. They and the county magistrate of Baocheng County will soon become in-laws. It was heard the vice-governor had some connection with him. But I can't find anything."
Chu Tian Bai pondered for a while and spoke, "I have some connections at this side. After I go back, I'll find someone to clear up the way. If we work together, I don't believe that this bastard can't be killed!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan were very moved when they saw the two families spared no effort on a solution for Qiao Family.
Xue Chuan stood up and went out to ask his eldest son to come back with some meat. He was preparing to cook for the two families at noon.
...
Qiao Zhen Min walked towards the stream with Chu Sheng Mei and Du Zhuo Cheng.
The last time Chu Sheng Mei came to the production team, she left quickly. She didn't have time to appreciate the scenery. She curiously looked around now.
When passing by the field, the villagers saw Qiao Zhen Min walking with two stranger. The man and the woman didn't look like they were from the countryside by the way they dressed and their air. They became curious.
"Old Fifth Qiao, is this your relative? Why haven't I seen them before?"
Qiao Zhen Min vaguely responded. He didn't intend to tell everyone the true identity of Chu Family or let them know that they recognized little Wan'er as their goddaughter.
After they walked away, everyone was working and talking at the same time.
"Qiao Family is really different. The deputy chief came here in the morning. Now there were relatives from the city. Tsk tsk tsk, I really envy them to death!"
"It's not just Qiao Family. Fang Family is becoming better off, no? Look at Fang Xiao Juan now. No longer working in the fields. She's preparing to nurture her complexion fairer before going to the city to become an official wife!"
"By the way, by the way, do you know why old Fifth Qiao divorced his wife? I've been inquiring about it for a long time, but I haven't found any news at all!"
"Now you say that, I really don't know!"
"Yeah, why did they get divorced? When little Wan'er was lost, they didn't get divorced. Now that the child have been back for so long, they get divorced out of the blue?"
Everyone couldn't help make wild guess. Some even suspected that the matter had something to do with Tian Jian Ming. Otherwise, why would Chen Qiao Qiao get a divorce as soon as Tian Jian Ming left. It wouldn't be such a coincidence, would it?
Only when someone mentioned that Tian Jian Ming's maternal uncle was the deputy director of the Revolutionary Committee and that his fiancée was the niece of the county magistrate, no one dared to talk nonsense anymore.
When Qiao Zhen Min trio passed by the door of Fang Xiao Juan's thatched hut, Fang Xiao Juan happened to be walking out of the house. She saw the trio and couldn't help but be startled.
Qiao Zhen Min noticed Fang Xiao Juan's ugly expression and kept walking forward with a straight face.
Fang Xiao Juan's eyes fell on Chu Sheng Mei and Du Zhuo Cheng. After staring at them for a long time, she found that she didn't know them. So she threw them to the back of her mind.
A while ago, she got Xiao Qiao to write a letter to Meng Hong Guang about her and Da Qiao's severed mother-daughter relationship. After calculating the time, she should be able to receive a reply in the next two days.
Although she put all the blame on Qiao Family, she still felt a little uneasy; fearing Meng Hong Guang would be displeased.
When passing by the private plot, Chu Sheng Mei became curious when she saw that the plot wasn't growing vegetables.
Qiao Zhen Min patiently explained to her: "These small saplings are wolfberry, which can be used as both medicine and food. If they can be grown in large scale, it will be a good development path for the production team in the future."
As he spoke, he told her what Wang Yan Sheng had said.
Chu Sheng Mei listened with relish. She nodded her head again and again with appreciation: "Ingenious! To be able to think of this method, that Regiment Leader Wang must be a very knowledgeable person. I'm so glad that he is engaged to Qiao Family's Third Elder Sister!"
Qiao Zhen Min smiled and nodded. He was also delighted that Third Elder Sister found a good marriage.
Du Zhuo Cheng, who was following behind them all the way, had a smile on his lips. He hardly made a sound.
...
When they came to the stream, they could hear the laughter of the children in the distance.
"Elder Sister Ying Elder Sister Ying, look. I caught a loach... ah... don't run away, loach!"
Shen Tian You caught a loach and proudly showed it to his boss. To his surprise, happiness would soon become sorrow. The loach twisted and slipped out of his hand.
He stomped his feet in anger. His fleshy face was flushed with vexation.
An Ping gleefully laughed. Unexpectedly, his feet slipped and he fell into the water with a "bang". His whole body suddenly became a drowned rat.
This time, the entire Qiao Family burst into laughter.
The best season for catching loach was actually in autumn and winter. However, the children were on vacation now. They had nothing to do at home. So they end up fishing and catching shrimp everywhere.
There were also children at the other end of the stream chasing the loach. But the loach was too 'cunning'. Everyone didn't catch much.
Huo Chi was different from other children when it came to catching loach. He didn't need a cage.
He took out the small net bag he usually used for fishing, put the earthworms in the net bag to lure them, and spread the net bag in a place with less aquatic plants.
In fact, he was skilled in picking out the loach's accommodation. Not long after the small net was put down, the net caught a good few loaches. What's more, they were all plump.
"Elder Brother Huo Chi, you are really amazing!" Da Qiao adoringly looked at him with bright eyes.
It was unknown whether Huo Chi's face was heated by the sun or because of embarrassment as two suspicious blushes appeared.
Though he had a cool-guy expression on his face, the corners of his mouth were raised. He patiently instructed her: "When catching loaches, you should pinch their heads with your fingers. That way, they won't slip away. Try it. "
"Elder Brother Huo Chi, you know a lot. You are amazing!"
Da Qiao nodded her head. She imitated Elder Brother Huo Chi; holding the head of the loach with her thumb and forefinger. Sure enough, the loach couldn't run away.
Da Qiao went all out in her rainbow-licking. The blush on Huo Chi's face became more and more obvious. The curvature of the mouth corners became more and more deep. He was clearly basking in it.
Xiao Qiao came to look for Fang You Liang and Fang You Rou. When passing by, she saw Da Qiao and Huo Chi close together. The corner of her mouth couldn't help but raise a sarcastic arc.
Really worthless. Staying with the wicked ones every day as if she wasn't afraid of being reported!
If she wasn't going to Hu City, she would definitely go to the community to report Qiao Family!
But who was this Huo Family? They didn't come to the production team in their last life.
She pondered as she walked. Suddenly, she stopped, turned around, and her eyes fell on Huo Chi.
She remembered that the richest man in her last life was surnamed Huo. She heard that his wife and child were once locked up on the farm as wicked ones. The family was reunited after the reform and the opening up.
Could this Huo Chi be the son of the richest man?
Huo Chi felt that someone was staring at him. He raised his head and encountered Xiao Qiao's eyes. His brows frowned and a chilly light flashed in his eyes.
No matter how chilly his gaze was, he was still a child. So it wasn't any deterrent in Xiao Qiao's eyes.
After thinking about it, she was still uncertain. She could only quickly find the two Fang Brothers and ask her mom when she got home.
After Xiao Qiao left, Huo Chi looked at her back with disgust in his eyes.
At this time, a child's cry suddenly came from the other side of the river: "Someone come! Someone has fallen into the river!"
Ugh, I hope Xiao Qiao doesn't sink her stinky paws on Huo Chi... I wonder who fell into the river... Thank you for the chapter!
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