Chapter 7.1

The Li family’s house was located on the west side of the county town, where old houses were prevalent and the economy was relatively backward. A wide main road ran through the middle, surrounded by large residential houses that, despite their size, appeared chaotic and disorderly.

In recent years, the government has set its sights on development. The northern and southern streets gradually flourished, giving rise to tall and beautiful buildings. The southern street even boasted a new market and a station. Those with means flocked to these areas to purchase houses and shops.

In the vicinity of West Street, there were many people engaged in business. When Li Xiao’s grandpa was still alive, he was a carpenter with good skills and took on a lot of work. Unfortunately, his less diligent son failed to inherit Grandpa Li’s woodworking skills, and he squandered the lifetime wealth accumulated by his father, leaving behind only this house.

As for Li Xiao, he perhaps inherited his grandpa’s talent. Li Xiao’s daughter mentioned in her childhood essay that her father created many toys and carts for her, which made her classmates envious. However, it seemed he had no intention of continuing his grandpa’s craftsmanship.

Adjacent to the Li family, there were two neighboring houses—one belonging to the Wang family and the other abandoned, seemingly vacated. However, a Liu family resided behind.

The Wang couple had only one daughter, who had recently started university. Father Wang rented a shop in the market selling pork, occasionally working part-time in the countryside slaughtering pigs. Mother Wang occasionally goes to the market to help watch the shop. Their business seemed to be thriving, making them the first in the neighborhood to acquire telephones and televisions.

However, because Jiang Rou rarely goes out, her encounters with neighbors are limited. When Aunt Wang came over, calling for Jiang Rou, she felt somewhat unfamiliar. Anxious, Aunt Wang looked at Jiang Rou and said, “Hurry over, Xiaoxiao called you, and the call is still connected.”

Upon hearing these words, Jiang Rou obediently closed the door and followed Aunt Wang to the neighboring house.

Aunt Wang, a middle-aged woman with a rich figure, had a round face with yellowish-red skin and a healthy complexion. As they walked along the road, she amiably chatted with Jiang Rou, “Your belly has grown quite a bit. It must be five or six months now.”

Jiang Rou obediently nodded and replied, “It’s been over six months.”

Aunt Wang heard it and said, “Yoyo yo.”

Aunt Wang exclaimed, “Oh, oh, oh,” with a hint of concern on her face. “You’re too thin. Xiaoxiao is really something; the child is already this big, and he still goes out. Later, you must talk to him and try to come back early. As it progresses, your body will become less convenient, and some even give birth early.”

Jiang Rou smiled upon hearing this. She knew Li Xiao’s daughter’s birthday was on October 17, which was why she agreed to let Li Xiao go out.

As for pregnancy depending on a man, she hadn’t really thought about it. Perhaps it was because the women around her were all formidable. Her university counselor scolded them on the day of childbirth; the older sisters in the bureau raced cars even when eight months pregnant; and even her sister-in-law conducted business negotiations with makeup on during pregnancy.

Everyone worked hard and lived diligently, which allowed her to quickly adapt after coming here.

Aunt Wang walked and discreetly sized up Jiang Rou. Although their families lived close by, she didn’t know much about the situation between Li Xiao and Jiang Rou. She only knew that this girl suddenly moved into the Li family one day, kept the door tightly shut, and remained silent. Those who didn’t know might think that no one was at home. The few times she saw her go out, she noticed her belly growing.

Li Xiao’s reputation has not been good since childhood. It was normal for him to impregnate a girl. No matter how bad that child might be, at least his appearance was decent. When they were kids, many girls liked him enough to chase him to his doorstep.

Aunt Wang’s impression of Li Xiao is even less favorable because she found out that her chubby daughter also liked that child. However, now that Li Xiao has a child, she has nothing to worry about. After all, Li Xiao’s grandfather had been kind to their family, and a little care was reasonable.

Now, closely observing Jiang Rou, Aunt Wang found that not only Li Xiao was good-looking, but the girl in front of her was also outstanding. She had a small oval face, fair skin, delicate eyebrows, bright apricot eyes, and a very sweet and gentle smile.

She seemed completely incompatible with the leader of the thugs, Li Xiao.

Feeling a bit uncomfortable for some reason, Aunt Wang thought that Li Xiao was not suitable for her chubby daughter. However, seeing Li Xiao with such a beautiful girl, she felt somewhat unwilling.

But she also knew that thinking like this was not good. They were neighbors, and it was good for others to live well. Moreover, the better the young couple lived, the less she would be worried for her daughter.

No matter what, Li Xiao is just a thug, doing manual labor for a living, unlike her daughter, who had gone to college.

With this thought in mind, Aunt Wang felt much more comfortable, and her face became even more enthusiastic. After pulling Jiang Rou into the house, she asked her to quickly answer the phone, afraid that she wouldn’t know how to use it. She picked up the phone and whispered, “Just speak directly, he can hear it.”

Jiang Rou felt awkward.

On the other end of the phone, Li Xiao probably heard Aunt Wang’s voice and spoke directly, “Jiang Rou?”

A low magnetic voice sounded in Jiang Rou’s ear, causing half of her scalp to tingle. She pursed her lips and whispered, “It’s me.”

The other side also gave a gentle hum, and then it seemed like he didn’t know what to say, falling into silence.

The two were not familiar with each other, especially after spending a few days together. Jiang Rou had a rough understanding of his character as a quiet and reserved person.

Continuous silence was not a solution. The key was that Aunt Wang didn’t leave, pretending to be busy wiping the table while eavesdropping. Jiang Rou could only awkwardly turn her body and take the initiative. “When did you arrive? Was the journey okay?”

“This morning, it’s okay.”

He answered succinctly.

Jiang Rou seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. “That’s good. But it’s so far, isn’t it? Wasn’t it supposed to be in the neighboring city?”

“The project has been completed over there, and now it’s in a different location.”

Jiang Rou’s heart tightened as she listened. “Different location? Is it far away?”

She doubted if Li Xiao had been deceived, but if he had been deceived, he shouldn’t be able to make this call. In the end, she couldn’t bear it and hesitated, “Why don’t you come back? I’ve been worried these days. The environment on construction sites is not good. There are many ways to make money, and this one isn’t worth it.”

The man on the other end chuckled lightly and said, “It’s okay. The environment here is quite good, with food and drink and decent earnings. Don’t overthink it.”

Jiang Rou wasn’t entirely convinced. “Really?”

“Mmm”

Jiang Rou couldn’t persuade him, so she could only say, Well, be safe out there. It’s okay if you can’t earn much money; as long as you’re safe, that’s what matters. Come back early.”

Maybe due to the delay in the phone line, the man on the other side remained silent for a while before answering with a muffled voice, “Okay.”

“I’ll hang up then.”

“Hmm.”

——