Chapter 7.1

Jiang Yao didn’t expect to convince Lu Che in one go. After all, as a future tycoon in the business world, he couldn’t be a pushover, he must have a strong personality.

However, he refused too decisively, couldn’t he at least let her finish her words?

Jiang Yao, after being struck for ten seconds, gathered herself and said, “I know my request is a bit sudden…”

“If you know it’s sudden, then don’t make the request.”

“…” This person is truly as prickly as rumoured, but remembering that he had saved her that night instead of taking advantage of her vulnerability, Jiang Yao felt he was ‘redeemable’. Regardless of his attitude, she continued, “If I move into your house, I’ll keep to myself and definitely won’t disturb you…”

Before she could finish, Lu Che turned and went home, slamming the door shut.

“…” Jiang Yao, rebuffed, felt somewhat disheartened, but this move was crucial for her future endeavours and safety; she couldn’t give up.

Since Lu Che was a dead end, she decided to try Lu Qing.

Lu Qing had a gentle temperament and a kind heart; she would surely take pity on her.

Jiang Yao turned and left, exchanged two eggs for half a block of tofu at a nearby farmer’s house, and then headed straight for the village’s handmade paper factory.

A few days ago, when she exchanged pickled beans for pickled vegetables with someone, she happened to meet Lu Qing, and they chatted for a while. Lu Qing said she usually worked at the paper factory. Although she didn’t earn much in a day, it was less physically demanding than typical farm work.

In fact, her husband was a team leader, earning a decent monthly salary plus food subsidies and other coupons. She could easily stay at home and focus on raising her child, but she believed that a woman should be able to earn her own money no matter how much.

Jiang Yao admired Lu Qing even more. Despite her current status as someone from a bad background, she was still a woman born into a prestigious family, and her insights were extraordinary.

Jiang Yao didn’t walk far before reaching the paper factory. She walked in and saw Lu Qing in the corner.

Usually, few people were willing to greet her on the road, so Lu Qing was surprised that Jiang Yao came to the paper factory to find her without any taboo.

“Yao Yao, do you need something?” Lu Qing went out with Jiang Yao and asked after they were far from the factory.

“Yes.” Jiang Yao didn’t beat around the bush and said directly, “Sister Qing, did you attend today’s cooperative members’ meeting? I’ve come to you about the matter of borrowing a place to stay as a educated youth.”

Upon hearing Jiang Yao’s request, Lu Qing was first surprised, then paused before saying, “Yao Yao, it’s not that I’m unwilling to take you in, but you know, our family’s background isn’t good. If you associate with us, I’m afraid it might not be good for you.”

“Sister Qing, I don’t mind.” Jiang Yao said firmly, “As the saying goes, don’t ask heroes where they come from. Your origin isn’t something you can control, let alone your fault. You work diligently every day now, isn’t that the best proof of your willingness to reform?”

Since Lu Qing could remember, their Lu family had always been discriminated against and suppressed. Even though they had been striving for progress, they still couldn’t gain acceptance and respect from others. Now, Jiang Yao’s words were something she had never dared to dream of, and her eyes couldn’t help but well up with tears.

“Yao Yao, since you say that, what reason do I have not to help you?” Lu Qing held Jiang Yao’s hand and said, “But I’m already married now, and being straightforward, I’m no longer considered part of the Lu family. Borrowing a place to stay is not a small matter; I have to discuss it with my grandmother and Lu Che. Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to help you.”

“…” Sister, I only came to you because I had a falling out with your brother.

The matter of borrowing a place to stay had to be settled before tomorrow night, otherwise, if Lu Dazhou forcibly arranged for her to stay with other farmers, it would be difficult to turn back. Jiang Yao couldn’t afford to lose, so she said to Lu Qing, “Can I talk to Grandma Lu in person about this matter? This way, it can show my sincerity.”

“Alright, that’s fine.” After thinking for a moment, Lu Qing said, “But my grandma has had a hard time these years, and her personality is a bit stubborn. If she says anything unpleasant at the time, don’t take it to heart.”

“It’s okay, the elderly don’t mean any harm.” Jiang Yao felt secretly delighted. As long as she could talk to Grandma Lu face to face, this negotiation was already half won.

Lu Qing said, “Okay, it’s almost dinner time now. You should go back and eat first, then come to my house later.”

Jiang Yao happily carried the tofu wrapped in banana leaves and returned to the educated youth dormitory.

But just as she reached the door, she saw Zhao Pengfei coming out from inside.

Since the day they had a falling out, Zhao Pengfei hadn’t spoken to Jiang Yao again. Of course, Jiang Yao didn’t want to talk to him either; he treated her like she was invisible, which suited her just fine.

But the fact was, Zhao Pengfei hadn’t really let her go; instead, he had been waiting for her to apologise and speak softly.

But after waiting and waiting, nearly half a month had passed. Not only did she not apologise, but she also treated him as a stranger. He remembered that whenever he used to look for her, she would always be looking at him. But now, it seemed like she didn’t see him anymore.

So, he was even angrier. But no matter how angry he was, she was now facing homelessness, and he couldn’t ignore her. Of course, he also wanted to take this opportunity to mend their relationship.