Chapter 183: It is estimated that it is difficult to leave

Cheng Jingmo needed to go to the township government to inquire about the divorce procedure, so Yu Xiangnian and Xiao Jie wandered around the street outside.

A loud “bang” caught their attention.

Several women were standing aside, covering their ears, while a middle-aged man was pouring freshly popped popcorn into a cloth bag. The iron pot he used for popping was covered in black soot, and a fire was burning nearby with wood.

“Do you want some?” Yu Xiangnian asked Xiao Jie.

Actually, she wanted some herself.

Xiao Jie also wanted some, “Yes.”

“Let’s go take a look.”

When Cheng Jingmo came out of the township government and found them, Yu Xiangnian and Xiao Jie were each holding a cloth bag, still chewing.

Xiao Jie opened the bag he was holding and offered it to Cheng Jingmo, “Uncle, have some popcorn.”

Cheng Jingmo asked, “Why did you buy so much?”

The cloth bag was the kind used to store flour, capable of holding over thirty pounds of flour, so it was quite large.

These two had bought two bags of popcorn, enough to make their mouths sore from eating.

Xiao Jie said, “Auntie said, we should eat as much as we want at once.”

Cheng Jingmo glanced at Yu Xiangnian. She was chewing the popcorn, intentionally avoiding his gaze, looking around.

He immediately understood. It must have been Yu Xiangnian’s first time buying such popcorn, and she didn’t know how much to get.

Popcorn tends to get stale after a few days and won’t taste as good. Usually, popping a small kettle’s worth is enough for a family’s kids to enjoy for a few days. By the look of it, they had popped at least two kettle’s worth.

Cheng Jingmo patted Xiao Jie’s head and said, “Uncle doesn’t want any. You two eat more.” Eat until you’re satisfied!

As soon as he finished speaking, he met Yu Xiangnian’s mischievous gaze.

“Cheng Jingmo, to thank you for taking us to the street, this bag of popcorn is your reward.” She said, handing the cloth bag in her hand to Cheng Jingmo.

The freshly popped popcorn was still warm, and holding the bag felt like hugging a hot water bottle.

Cheng Jingmo then bought fifty pounds of flour and a chicken. He checked the time and found it was about time to head back.

The three of them took the horse carriage home again.

The journey took quite a while, and by the time they returned, the family had already had their afternoon meal.

Seeing that they had bought flour, a chicken, and popcorn, Cheng Shuanzhu said, “If you wanted to eat chicken, just buy a chicken. We already have flour at home; you didn’t need to buy more.”

Yu Xiangnian understood Cheng Jingmo’s intentions; he didn’t want people like Zhang Hongli, who loved to gossip, to say they were freeloading.

Zhang Hongli scoffed and said sarcastically, “So you think the family’s food isn’t good enough and want to cook separately!”

Yu Xiangnian pretended not to hear. People like Zhang Hongli weren’t worth arguing with.

She beckoned the youngest sister, “Shuanqin, come here.”

Cheng Shuanqin ran over, and Yu Xiangnian handed her the popcorn, “I just bought this from the street. Share it with everyone.”

Cheng Jingmo ignored Zhang Hongli as well, merely saying to Cheng Shuanzhu, “We happened to come across some flour for sale today, so we bought fifty pounds.”

He deliberately mentioned the exact amount.

They were only staying at home for at most a month, and fifty pounds of flour was more than enough for their consumption.

Cheng Jingmo went to the kitchen to cook the chicken while Yu Xiangnian returned to their room.

She noticed her things had been tampered with.

She habitually used manuscript paper as bookmarks. She would place the paper on the page she was translating from a foreign book, so it would be convenient to pick up where she left off. Now, the manuscript paper was still there, but it was on a page she had already translated.

Fortunately, she had taken her bag, which contained her money, with her today, so nothing was stolen.

There were so many people in the house that it was hard to suspect anyone specifically, so she didn’t say anything.

Cheng Jingmo cooked the chicken and boiled some noodles.

It wouldn’t be polite for them to eat the entire chicken without sharing with the family.

Cheng Jingmo went to the main room and politely asked if anyone wanted some noodles.

As a result, except for Cheng Shuanzhu, his wife, and Cheng Huazi, who said they were full, everyone else joined in.

A five-pound chicken was completely devoured in one meal, with not a drop of soup left.

Unaware, Damao said, “Auntie, it would be great if you could stay at home every day, just like during the New Year.”

Usually, they only had dumplings and chicken during the New Year, but they had both these past two days.

Yu Xiangnian smiled and asked, “Do you all like me that much?”

The children all nodded.

Yu Xiangnian asked, “Did you go to my room today when I wasn’t here?”

The children all shook their heads in unison.

Yu Xiangnian glanced at Mu Huanzhen and Zhang Hongli. These two were highly suspect, but they ate their noodles without any change in expression, their mouths glistening with oil.

That night, as they were going to bed, Yu Xiangnian told Cheng Jingmo about it.

Cheng Jingmo’s eyes flickered, and he said, “From now on, take all your important things with you when you go out.”

If they bought a lock, it would make things awkward, as if they were guarding against the family.

“Okay.” Yu Xiangnian paused and then asked, “What did they say about the divorce?”

Cheng Jingmo replied, “It’s quite complicated. If we want to finalize the divorce while we’re here, it’s unlikely.”

Yu Xiangnian: “…”

Is getting a divorce really that troublesome now?

When she had wanted to divorce Cheng Jingmo before, she had thought it would be as simple as both of them signing and stamping some papers.

Cheng Jingmo continued, “Also, I’m worried that even if they get divorced, with Dong Xingwang’s shameless nature, he might refuse to leave. If we push him too hard and he resorts to violence, it could be dangerous.”

Yu Xiangnian had also considered this and agreed, “From what Dong Ju said, Dong Xingwang has nowhere else to go. If they get divorced, he might indeed do something extreme.”

Cheng Jingmo sighed lightly, “Let’s sleep. I’ll think of a solution.”

Yu Xiangnian asked, “Cheng Jingmo, do you really want to help Dong Ju?”

Cheng Jingmo responded, “Dong Ju’s parents were very kind to me, and I’ve never had a chance to repay them. Especially her father, who treated me very well when I was young. He was probably the kindest person to me back then.”

“Now that Dong Ju and her mother are in such a dire situation, I’m sure her father wouldn’t rest easy in heaven. Dong Ju asked for my help, and if I don’t assist them, I won’t be able to live with my conscience.”

Yu Xiangnian said, “Since you’ve decided to help them, let me think of a way.”

Cheng Jingmo looked at her eagerly, “Wife, you’re so kind.”

Yu Xiangnian raised her eyebrows in satisfaction, “Let’s sleep first. If I think of a solution, I’ll let you know.”

Cheng Jingmo hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead, “Goodnight.”

Cheng Jingmo had just fallen into a light sleep when Yu Xiangnian shook him awake, “I’ve thought of a way!”

Cheng Jingmo, half-awake, asked, “What is it?”

Yu Xiangnian leaned close to his ear and whispered her plan. The surprise jolted Cheng Jingmo fully awake.