Chapter 11: Refusal

Wu Jinhua handed the basket to Zhao Xiulan and said, “Xiulan, you saved my Goudan’s life. Auntie doesn’t have anything good to offer, so I brought this bit of sweet potatoes for you. Please don’t refuse!”

When Zhao Xiulan saved Goudan, she never thought about receiving anything in return from Wu Jinhua. Although Zhao Xiulan wasn’t very familiar with this era, she understood the value of food just by looking at what everyone else was eating.

Wu Jinhua brought her ten jins of sweet potatoes all at once. How could she accept it?

In the production team, everyone’s life was tough, and Zhao Xiulan didn’t want to take advantage of others.

Moreover, Zhao Xiulan had so much food stored in her space that she couldn’t possibly need Wu Jinhua’s coarse grains.

So, she quickly shook her head and refused, saying, “Auntie, there’s no need. Helping others is a virtue we advocate for. The team leader already rewarded me with ten work points yesterday. You should take these ten jins of sweet potatoes back home and enjoy them!”

However, Wu Jinhua was not easily persuaded. “The team leader’s reward is the team leader’s reward, but you saved Goudan, and Auntie must repay you. Otherwise, Auntie won’t be able to live with herself!”

Zhao Xiulan smiled and said, “Auntie, really, there’s no need! We’re all part of the same production team. If I help you now, I might need your help in the future. If you feel uneasy about it, then, how about this: if I encounter any trouble next time, and if you’re capable, you can help me!

“As for these ten jins of sweet potatoes, Auntie, you can take them back! Goudan was bitten by a snake and has been weak these days. He needs to eat well!”

“Well…” Wu Jinhua was obviously a bit embarrassed, but she didn’t insist on Zhao Xiulan accepting them.

In this era where food was scarce, Wu Jinhua was grateful to Zhao Xiulan. But since Zhao Xiulan refused to accept the ten jins of sweet potatoes, she didn’t insist further.

“Just fine! Xiulan, if you ever need my help in the future, don’t hesitate to ask. Auntie will definitely help you without hesitation!” Wu Jinhua said sincerely. Given Zhao Xiulan’s kind deeds, if she didn’t help Zhao Xiulan in times of trouble in the future, what kind of person would she be?

After refusing Wu Jinhua’s offer, the two chatted for a while, and then Wu Jinhua carried her things and left. Zhao Xiulan prepared to tidy up and then go to the production team to continue working.

Little did she know, she would soon face a scolding from Ma Yumei. “You foolish girl! Are you brainless? You don’t know to accept when someone brings ten jins of sweet potatoes? You actually returned them? We barely have any food left at home! I’m pregnant with your father’s child, and if I can’t eat well, then your brother in my belly will suffer too. Wait until I tell your father, he’ll teach you a lesson!”

Zhao Xiulan couldn’t help but sneer at Ma Yumei’s words. Her stepmother only knew how to use her pregnancy to demand things.

Zhao Weiguo didn’t have any sons; he only had two daughters, Zhao Xiulan and Zhao Xiu Zhu. In an era where sons were preferred over daughters, not having a son was looked down upon. Therefore, Zhao Weiguo hoped to have a son.

Since Ma Yumei became pregnant, Zhao Weiguo was very happy, hoping that Ma Yumei could give birth to a son for him. Recently, Ma Yumei had been demanding this and that for the sake of her pregnancy, and almost all the good food at home went into her mouth. Even if others were hungry, Ma Yumei’s portion of food must not be less.

(End of Chapter 11)