Chapter 235: Bustle

Luo Qiao originally intended to leave, but realizing that the injured person was Qu Lili’s brother-in-law, she turned and walked back: “Don’t move him again. I have some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, let me take a look.”

Jiang Bo and Jiang Hong, not daring to move their father any further, made way for Luo Qiao.

Luo Qiao said, “I need to check first. Excuse me, Uncle.”

She then examined Jiang Dongli’s ankle and asked a few questions, saying, “It might hurt a bit, Uncle, please bear with it.”

Before she finished speaking, she had already begun her examination. Jiang Dongli let out a loud “ah,” which startled Qu Meimei and her two sons.

Luo Qiao said, “Uncle, please try moving your ankle.”

Jiang Dongli was still in pain, doubtlessly moving his ankle. Although it was uncomfortable, it was not as painful as before.

With his sons supporting him, he stood up and said happily, “It’s much better, not as painful as before. Young lady, you really have a skill!”

Luo Qiao said, “Alright, it’s good that you’re feeling better. You should go to the hospital for a thorough check-up. I’ll leave now.”

Qu Meimei said, “Alright. By the way, this is my husband, Jiang Dongli, who works at the pharmaceutical factory. This is my eldest son, Jiang Bo, who works at the police station, and that’s my younger son, Jiang Hong, who just graduated from high school and will soon start university in Tianjin.”

Luo Qiao smiled and said, “Hello, I’m Luo Qiao. I’ll be starting high school at City No. 1 High School. The house I bought was introduced to me by Sister Lili.”

Qu Meimei smiled and said, “It’s indeed fate. Do come over to visit when you have time.”

Luo Qiao then said farewell and headed back.

Back home, she tidied up, soaked her feet, and prepared to rest, as she had to wake up early to catch a train the next morning.

Luo Qiao fell asleep early, unaware that Zhang Dezhen and his son, waiting until nearly five o’clock without seeing her come in or out of the family compound, decided to try searching inside.

However, they were spotted by people in the compound before reaching the Yao family’s home. Someone reported them to the police station, and they nearly got taken away.

The police station inquired about the situation and lectured them for a long time before letting them go. However, by the time they got out, the last bus had already left. The two of them realized that even if they found Luo Qiao, it would be pointless. In order to save on accommodation costs, they decided to walk back home.

They reflected on how they had already paid Luo Qiao eighty yuan and heard that the old cow had not been eating or drinking in the morning. The leg was also broken, and Dr. Gao said that even if it healed, it wouldn’t be able to work. They would still have to compensate for the cow, making it a year of wasted effort for their family.

In Qingshan Village, people generally went to bed early. But tonight, even after ten o’clock, there was still noise at Gao Shunyi’s house.

Gao Taohua’s marriage to Li Dahe was supposed to be a done deal, but now the Gao family was demanding a bride price of 150 yuan, which the Li family could not provide. The Li family had said they could only offer 50 yuan or pretend the matter never happened.

This made the Gao family angry. Gao Shunyi was embarrassed by Gao Taohua and gave her another beating.

Although Li Dahe felt sorry, his mother insisted, “The Gao family will agree. We won’t be at a disadvantage.”

Li Dahe couldn’t argue with his mother and resolved to treat Taohua well once she married him. However, Gao Shunyi still had a temper and went out in the evening.

When he returned, he told Gao Taohua, “You will marry the day after tomorrow, still with the same family. They are offering 200 yuan for the bride price, and you will bring 50 yuan as dowry.”

Gao Taohua was upset again, and she ran to Li Dahe’s house to explain the situation. Li Dahe was willing to offer 100 yuan, but he didn’t care whether the Gao family provided any dowry. However, his mother also had a temper, she would not agree, saying that since Taohua was already with her son, she had no choice but to marry him, and the family had no extra money.

Gao Taohua closed her eyes tightly and said to Li Dahe, “If you can bring 150 yuan by ten o’clock tomorrow night, we will get married. If not, I will follow my family’s arrangement.”

After this incident, Gao Taohua had come to terms with things. Li Dahe was decent and capable, but he always listened to his mother. She feared that even if she married him, life might not be easy.