Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio
Throughout the whole journey, she had her back hunched and was silent. It was only when the villagers decided to go on breaks that she could put down the eggs she was carrying to move her aching shoulders.
She continued her journey until she reached the foot of the hill where she sold the eggs to a restaurant. When the employees of the restaurant were paying her, she noticed a woman staring intently at her.
She was very uncomfortable due to the woman’s stare. It is only 100 yuan, what’s with the reaction?
She purposely asked the head chef about the time when cars or buses would leave this place and where to go when no one was around.
The head chef mentioned that it was better to leave the place when the weather becomes warmer for the roads would be cleared by then. As for why Changsheng and the rest could leave, it was because they left on foot. They could do so, but not Yan Huan as she was not familiar with this place.
She also asked about the frequency of the bus, but the head chef was unsure since the climate here changed quickly. It was almost spring, yet the change in the weather was rather extreme. It was snowing a few days ago, but the temperature seemed to drop even lower today.
All she could do was wait. Nonetheless, according to her calculations, she could leave by next month. As long as she had money with her, she could go anywhere.
Yes, the head chef said. One could travel anywhere as long as there is money. However, things were different for Yan Huan. She is not able to travel anywhere as she pleases as she did not even own an identity card. She was an immigrant and she could not prove her identity.
She was Yan Huan but then she was not Yan Huan as well. Even she herself could not explain what she was now.
She held the hundred yuan tightly in her hands, thinking whether she should buy some food home. She decided not to after much thought because there were still some left. Now, there was only Changsheng’s mother and her in that house, hence they have to be thrifty. They would eat what was harvested everyday, and that was sufficient. Even so, she dared not eat too much as she feared that Changsheng’s mother might call her a pig for eating too much and not providing for the household.
Everyone in the village began to head home once they were done with their grocery shopping. However, Yan Huan kept on feeling as if that middle aged lady was staring at her.
What did that kind of look look like?
Probe, curiosity, no, not those.
It looks like she is spying.
Spying? Why would they spy on her? She did not do anything wrong. She merely sat by the steps looking at the passersby as time went on.
Although she was carrying items on her back as she made her way downhill, it was relatively easier. However, going uphill was tiring and Yan Huan had to wipe the sweat off her forehead repeatedly. Regardless of going uphill or downhill, she would always be covered in sweat. When they finally reached the mountain top where the village was located, she was drenched in sweat. It was a relief that Yan Huan had built up a strong body. She was always sick in the past when she was under Lu Yi’s care. But now that she was exposed to such an environment, she rarely felt sick, except for the beginning when she was seriously ill. Nevertheless, she was very healthy and happy now.
Her skin was tanner and her body was much more firm.
As she reached her hand into her pockets, she proceeded to head to Changsheng’s house. Yes, that’s right, it was Changsheng and his mother’s house, not her house.
She pushed past the door and the old door creaked loudly, indicating the old age of the house. She didn’t know who lived here in the past. It could’ve been Changsheng’s father or even his grandparents. Nonetheless, all these people are no longer here, leaving only this ancient and shabby home.
Yan Huan walked in. There was something surprising about Changsheng’s mother’s house today. It was unlocked. She decided to change into a new set of clothes as her clothes were damp, yet she realised she had nothing to wear. Nevertheless, it didn’t matter, the weather would turn warm in a few days and she would be able to go home. Only after she leaves would she be able to think about her next step. It was impossible for her to buy anything for herself now. Otherwise, Changsheng’s mother would take it as the foundation of her marrying Changsheng.
However, as she walked further into her own house, she heard voices from within.
Is it a burglar?
Her eyes squinted together as they looked around uncontrollably, as if looking for something. If it was a normal burglar, she would not be concerned at all. Although her leg was injured, her kungfu could keep her from harm. Therefore, even if she encountered several burglars at once, she was confident that she could take them down.
As she was about to take hold of the shovel, she heard a woman’s voice coming from inside.
A woman, Yan Huan loosened her grip on the shovel and stood aside. She didn’t do this because it was a woman’s voice coming from within, but because it was a rather familiar voice.
It was someone from the village. She heard this voice countless times.
Moments later, another woman’s voice appeared. Yan Huan instantly knew who was in her house.
Indeed, people who steal will never stop stealing. The corners of her lips tugged lazily. Her predictions were right. Some people will become more greedy once they’ve gotten what they desire, and it drives them to want more.
Jin Gen’s mother has been searching long and hard in the area. She was feeling rather excited as she planned to pocket some money for herself once she found the money since there was no time for counting. Therefore, if Changsheng’s mother did not get the exact amount, she would not put the blame on her.
Despite the small area, they could not find a single cent ever since they stepped foot into the house.
“Changsheng’s mother, are you sure this is the right spot? Is there anywhere else we haven’t looked?
Jin Gen’s mother continued asking Changsheng’s mother, “Give it a good thought, Changsheng’s aunt used to live in this house that you and Changsheng’s father built. You must know everything about this house. Are there any rathole or wall cracks? Maybe the money is hidden in those places.”
“This…” Changsheng’s mother was feeling rather annoyed as well. She could easily find 500 yuan under a pillow last time. Yet, it was much more difficult this time as she could not find any money anywhere.
“Changsheng’s mother, think carefully, she must have hid the money somewhere? The money is hard earned money and belongs to the Changsheng’s family, so that makes it your money too. Changsheng was fooled thus all the money was given to her. You are responsible to guard this money safely because this is for you to build a big house and for your son to marry a daughter-in-law in the future. You cannot let this money go into the hands of someone unfamiliar.”
