Chapter 50

Ye Yao returned home and saw Zhang Qiufeng washing clothes. She frowned.

There were two large basins full of laundry, and the drying rack was packed.

At a glance, she could tell that these clothes didn’t belong to them.

“Mom, whose clothes are you washing?”

Only then did Zhang Qiufeng notice her daughter had returned. She smiled and said, “These were sent by the neighbors. They asked me to help…”

“Why are they asking you to help?”

Ye Yao’s expression turned sharp, and she immediately had a bad feeling.

“Yao Yao, don’t misunderstand. It’s not what you think. Everyone knows our situation, so they voluntarily brought these clothes over for me to wash. I get five cents per piece.

“I’ve already calculated—this batch will earn more than a yuan.”

Zhang Qiufeng hurriedly explained. Usually, to support their household, she had to go out and take odd jobs, and she didn’t earn as much as this.

Now, with the neighbors’ help, their days might become a little easier.

Ye Yao’s gaze flickered, but she didn’t relax just because of her mother’s explanation.

After a moment, she strode forward, pulled Zhang Qiufeng up from the stool, and rolled up her sleeves.

“Go take a break. I’ll wash the rest.”

Zhang Qiufeng was surprised for a moment, then filled with warmth.

“How can you do this kind of work? I’m not tired.”

“If you’re not tired, just watch from the side. If you really want to help, you can hang up the clothes later.”

Ye Yao’s voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

The words that were about to leave Zhang Qiufeng’s mouth were swallowed back. She stood beside her daughter, assisting her.

Watching Ye Yao’s clumsy movements, she couldn’t help but smile.

Her daughter had really grown up—she knew how to care for her and share the burden.

“Don’t do this kind of work in the future. I’ll find other ways to make money.”

Ye Yao lowered her head, scrubbing the clothes forcefully.

She had the ability to give them a better life.

“Yao Yao, you’re not thinking of going out to work, are you? I don’t agree. You’re just a young girl—you’ve never been out in the real world. It’s easy to get taken advantage of.

“Besides, finding a job isn’t as easy as you think.”

Zhang Qiufeng immediately objected without even thinking.

She knew her daughter well—she wasn’t well-educated, had no special skills, and even physical labor jobs would be difficult for her because of her small frame.

Rather than letting her struggle outside, it was better for Zhang Qiufeng to work harder herself.

“Mom, don’t underestimate me. Give me one month—I promise I’ll improve our living conditions.”

In the past, her grandmother had been overly protective of her, making her timid and incapable.

But now, she was no longer the old Ye Yao.

“I’m still worried…”

“How about this? For one month, I won’t stop you from doing these chores, and you’ll support me in earning money. Deal? I can’t be a freeloader my whole life, can I?”

Seeing her mother’s worried yet resistant expression, Ye Yao compromised.

Zhang Qiufeng couldn’t out-argue her daughter, so she could only nod.

“But you have to promise me—stay safe, and if something is too hard, don’t force yourself.”

“Mhm, I’ll do what I can.”

Ye Yao’s mind started turning. She needed to make a plan.

“So, what kind of job are you thinking of? Can you tell me first?”

Seeing Ye Yao’s determined expression, Zhang Qiufeng became curious.

Ye Yao was silent for a moment before saying, “Let me think it over. Once I decide, I’ll tell you.”