Chapter 20 Why is this a personal attack?

“That’s right. You wanted to eat it before, but I never dared to buy one. This time, you get to enjoy it thanks to Le Yao.”
“Yes, yes, you’re absolutely right,” the old man chuckled in agreement and didn’t mind his wife’s teasing.

“Xiao Pang is really thoughtful to bring out such a precious thing. It shows how much you care about Le Yao.”
“Auntie, to be honest with you, I’m good friends with Le Yao’s father. My brother passed away, and Le Yao is the only child left. How could I not look after her?”

“That’s what they say — time reveals a person’s heart, and hardship shows true feelings.” The old lady’s words were a bit complicated, confusing Xiao Pang a little. With only elementary education, he could barely recognize a few characters, let alone understand profound sayings. He just knew it was a kind thing to say.

Hearing his wife, the old man thought more long-term. Le Yao was talented and skilled in medicine. At his age, he should have had enough in life, but as long as he held his position, he could protect his descendants. Naturally, he wanted to live longer. Besides, having a good doctor as an ally meant endless benefits in the future…

With that in mind, the old man suddenly asked, “Xiao Pang, how many children do you have?”
“Uncle Cui, I have three kids. The oldest works at the production team, the second works in a factory in the county, and the youngest is in high school, graduating next year.”
“And what plans does the youngest have after graduation?”
“Well… none yet. You know how things are. Sending the second to work has already cost a lot, plus the youngest’s schooling… the family isn’t well off.”

“Xiao Pang, I have two factory openings in the county. You can pick whichever factory you want for your youngest. If your youngest wants to work in the county after graduation, I can arrange it next year.”
“Uncle… you’re serious??” Xiao Pang was stunned. He didn’t expect such a blessing to fall on him suddenly.

Le Yao clearly understood the situation. The Cui family wanted to get closer to her. Since she was still at the production team and needed the team leader’s protection, they wanted to offer some benefits to the team leader’s family. For Mayor Cui of Nanxing City, factory spots were trivial, but for Xiao Pang, this was a big deal.

“What’s wrong, Xiao Pang? Don’t want it?”
“No, no, Uncle Cui, it’s just… I don’t know why such a good thing is happening to me.”

Xiao Pang wasn’t overwhelmed by the news and carefully asked the reason.
“Le Yao is staying at the production team alone, and I’m in Nanxing City, so it’s hard to manage. That’s why I want you to take good care of her.”

The old man’s meaning was clear: I give you benefits, and you must take good care of Le Yao. Everyone present understood.

Li Fang was anxious inside, wishing she could immediately promise for Xiao Pang. Taking care of Le Yao was nothing, and even if Mayor Cui didn’t say it, they would do it anyway. But since her husband hadn’t agreed, she could only worry silently.

“Uncle Cui, taking care of Le Yao is my responsibility. You don’t need to do this.”
“I know, but I want this matter to be more assured.”
“Uncle, I know you’re doing this for me. I have no way to repay you. Luckily, Mayor Cui has this ability. Since you agreed, I’ll repay this favor in my own way. Don’t worry too much.”
“Yeah, Xiao Pang, since Le Yao hasn’t hidden anything from you, you probably know why I’m here. I’m asking for a favor, so I must show sincerity.”

Xiao Pang thought for a moment, then nodded decisively, “Alright, Uncle Cui, thank you for your help.”
“Not a problem. Tomorrow I’ll write a letter, and you take your eldest to the public security bureau to see Director Cui. That’s my youngest son; he’ll arrange things for you.”
“Thank you, Uncle Cui.”

That night, Le Yao gave the old man acupuncture and boiled a pot of medicine. After drinking it, he went back to rest with his wife. After a busy day, Le Yao finally returned to her room, took a careful hot bath in her space, then went to bed.

She slept soundly without dreams. Early the next morning, while cooking, Le Yao was still thinking about why there was no movement from the old manor recently. Were they hiding something? What was the manor up to? Naturally, it was busy with matters related to Ming Shi becoming the team leader.

Ming Shi was trying hard to improve his chances by bribing and networking. He had finally contacted a government agricultural official, who still had close ties to the commune and could speak with the commune director. The official’s son was interested in Ming Shi’s eldest daughter, Ming Yuehe. The two families were negotiating marriage and, incidentally, discussing the team leader position.

Ming Shi didn’t realize that he was blocking his own path. The appointment had to be approved by the commune director; without the director’s consent, even the county chief couldn’t help, let alone a small official.

After breakfast, Old Man Cui leisurely sat under a tree, eyes half-closed resting, while Old Lady Cui and Le Yao turned the soil, preparing to plant winter cabbage. Harvesting in September or October, they could store it in the cellar to add fresh vegetables for winter.

At this time, the team leader knocked on the door.
“You open the door. I’ll handle things here.”
“Okay.”

Le Yao welcomed Xiao Pang into the yard and wanted to find a chair for him, but he declined. After greeting the Cui couple, Xiao Pang looked worried and said,
“Your uncle recently connected with an agricultural institute official, whose son is interested in your cousin. Do you know about this?”
“Ah? He still hasn’t given up? Didn’t the commune director reject his application for team leader?”
“The director said so, but this has to be reported to the county chief. It needs the county chief’s approval.”
“My cousin must be thrilled. Her biggest dream is to marry someone from the city.”
“Le Yao, you’re really foolish.” Xiao Pang struggled before saying this.
Le Yao was speechless. Why the personal attack?

Seeing her dumbfounded, Xiao Pang continued,
“That official’s son is an idiot. Do you think she can marry him? In the end, they might just push you out instead.”
“What? So many idiots nowadays? Weren’t they trying to marry me off to that idiot son of Uncle Ming Qing’s younger brother? Now it’s changed?”
“What??” Xiao Pang was stunned, confused.

“I accidentally overheard their talk. They said when my grandpa’s birthday comes, I have to go home and be with that idiot…”
“You… you… you knew and still sat there?” Xiao Pang was speechless. What kind of people are the Ming family? So evil-minded. Le Yao is so young and orphaned—are they just bullying her for that?”