Chapter 71: Stealing Chickens, the Unwanted Bastard Child

Song Hongmei nodded in satisfaction at Chu Yue’s answer.

Though she didn’t often stay inside the compound, the wives always liked to gossip with her. Who argued with whom, which household had conflict—it all reached her ears.

What had happened between Chu Yue and Zheng Yue’e—neither too big nor too small—had, unsurprisingly, made its way to Song Hongmei.

She knew a lot about what went on, but due to her position, there were things she couldn’t step in to handle personally. Otherwise, a small issue could escalate and create a tense atmosphere in the compound, putting everyone on edge.

The best solution was for everyone to take a step back and live peacefully together.

Chu Yue’s previous approach had been just that.

At first, Song Hongmei had worried that Chu Yue, such a young girl, might be delicate and proud—unfit to endure such hardships. But to her surprise, Chu Yue not only stayed calm and unbothered, she had even managed to go up the mountain and stand on her own two feet in such a short time. It far exceeded expectations.

“Chu Yue, in this compound, we all come from different places, but living together makes us family. Families will inevitably have their bumps, but no one means any real harm. If you’re ever wronged, come straight to me. I’ll make sure you’re treated fairly.”

“Sister Song, I’m not feeling wronged or anything. But a few days ago, when I went down the mountain, I ran into a strange man. I actually came here today to ask you about him.”

Chu Yue followed up naturally, stating the purpose of her visit.

Song Hongmei took off her reading glasses and looked at Chu Yue with a worried tone, like a concerned elder.

“What kind of man? Did you run into trouble?”

Chu Yue shook her head.

“Nothing like that. Just a young man driving a black sedan, with a child in the car. He said his surname was Pei. Sister Song, you know I’m from the countryside—this is the first time I’ve seen someone driving a private car. I looked a little longer than usual… I was wondering, is he someone important?”

With her soft features and bright, innocent eyes, Chu Yue looked completely genuine when she said this. She came across just like a daughter from one’s own family.

The moment Song Hongmei heard “sedan” and “surname Pei,” she immediately guessed who the young man was—and also sensed the worry in Jiang Nian’s heart (from the context, likely referencing someone concerned about Pei Hanchuan).

She explained,

“The person you saw is from the Pei family. No need to be afraid. The Pei family is a red-line capitalist family…”

Song Hongmei then began to speak steadily, giving a concise overview of the Pei family’s century-long history, closely tied to the country’s political movements and reforms.

During the era of upheaval, the Pei family donated money and materials to support the army’s frontlines. Their textile factory made military uniforms, shoes, and blankets. Their machinery factory secretly produced weapons and ammunition. The patriarch of the family—even went as far as purchasing medical supplies abroad and smuggled them to the army, saving countless soldiers’ lives.

Once the country stabilized, the Pei family voluntarily handed over their assets and invested themselves fully into developing the national economy, creating thousands of jobs.

Now, the Pei family not only owned textile and machinery factories but also steel plants and department stores.

Even today, they maintain a good relationship with the military district and consistently donate funds and materials.

Song Hongmei said,

“These days, the old patriarch of the Pei family is quite elderly. The one running the family now is his granddaughter, the famous Pei family young miss. The man you met must be her younger brother. I think his name is…”

“Pei Hanchuan,” Chu Yue spoke softly from the side.

Song Hongmei nodded,

“That’s right—Pei Hanchuan. That’s the one.”

After listening, Chu Yue now had a thorough understanding of Pei Hanchuan’s background—far more detailed and trustworthy coming from Song Hongmei than from any rumors. And what she learned was even more astonishing than she had imagined.

With this level of political consciousness, the Pei family wouldn’t just last a hundred years—they’d thrive for a hundred more. They were a powerhouse that would not fall.

What surprised her even more was that such a prestigious family was currently led by a woman—a young miss. The vision and open-mindedness of the old Pei patriarch was truly remarkable.

No wonder the child Pei Hanchuan brought that day called him “Uncle,” even though he also had the surname Pei.

Chu Yue had a plan to make money in her heart, and if she could borrow the strength of the Pei family, it would absolutely be the best outcome.

When Song Hongmei saw that Chu Yue had fallen into deep thought, she wanted to ask more—how she had met Pei Hanchuan, whether she’d encountered any trouble. But just as she was about to speak, Chu Yue’s expression suddenly changed. She abruptly stood up from her chair.

Just a second ago she’d been a gentle, obedient young lady; the next, a sharp glint flashed in her eyes.

“Big Sister Song, something’s happened at my house—I have to go. Keep the pine nuts, take your time with them.”

Chu Yue didn’t wait for Song Hongmei to respond. She turned around quickly and left with long, urgent strides, unable to hide the worry in her heart.

That was because she had just heard noises coming from the neighboring courtyard—her home. Mixed in was the anxious voice of Lu Xiaobao:

“This is ours! Not yours! You’re not allowed to steal!”

In the yard, Lu Xiaobao was clutching a wild mountain chicken tightly in his arms, glaring at Li Jinhua who had barged into the courtyard.

To explain what happened, we need to go back three minutes.

Lu Xiaobao had been in the house cracking pine nuts. The tiny hammer went click, click, click, and he was fully immersed in the fragrant aroma. Suddenly, the sound of a chicken squawking came from the courtyard.

“Cluck cluck cluck! Cluck cluck cluck!”

The wild chicken sounded frantic and alarmed.

When Lu Xiaobao came out to look, he saw Li Jinhua in the yard trying to catch the chicken.

Originally, Li Jinhua had hoped to sneak in and grab the bird without anyone noticing. She’d raised plenty of chickens in the countryside—catching one should’ve been easy. But for some reason, the chickens at Chu Yue’s house were unusually alert. As soon as she got close, the bird started shrieking in alarm.

Afraid the noise would attract attention, Li Jinhua instinctively quickened her movements, eager to snatch it up.

But the more she tried, the faster the chicken ran. And the faster the chicken ran, the harder she chased. The more she chased, the wilder the chicken fled.

The courtyard echoed with frantic clucking.

When Lu Xiaobao stepped outside, he saw Li Jinhua running in circles after the wild chicken, her expression twisted with frustration as she tried to grab it.

What was this if not stealing?

There was no way Lu Xiaobao would allow someone to take what belonged to their family. Just as Li Jinhua was about to grab the chicken, he rushed forward and gave her a hard shove.

“You can’t steal my chicken!”

This chicken was one Chu Yue had brought back from the mountain. It was theirs.

Before she left, Chu Yue had reminded him to watch over the house carefully!

The wild chicken, as if sensing what was going on, stopped running and began circling near Lu Xiaobao. He scooped it into his arms and held it tight.

Li Jinhua, having been pushed, finally struggled up from the ground. Not only had she failed to catch the chicken, but she’d also ended up with a handful of chicken poop. Furious, her cloudy eyes locked on Lu Xiaobao with venomous hatred, as if she wanted to slap the child across the face.

Her mouth twisted into a snarl as she spat out, sharp and mean:

“You little bastard that nobody wants—how dare you push me?! I see you’ve got a death wish! Don’t think we don’t know—you’re just a foster child! You really think you’re the commander’s son?!”