Before the siblings could answer, Chen Qing remembered that the toothpaste had run out. She called toward the kitchen, “He Yuxiang!”

“What!” he snapped back.

Ignoring his tone, Chen Qing asked, “How much is a tube of toothpaste?”

“Fifty cents, plus a daily necessities coupon.”

In reality, a tube of toothpaste cost forty-five cents.

But so what?

If she found out, the worst that could happen was a beating—but he could hide five cents!

Five cents could buy half a pound of cornmeal, and half a pound of cornmeal could make four steamed corn buns. That could keep them alive for two more days.

Chen Qing handed him the fifty cents she had taken back from Li Hehua and went to fetch the daily necessities coupon along with another fifty cents.

“Here’s another fifty cents for groceries.”

When He Yuxiang took the money, he secretly rejoiced—he could hide some money again! At the same time, he calmly reminded her, “We’re out of firewood at home.”

“Firewood?”

Chen Qing went to check the firewood storage.

Indeed, only a little was left.

She recalled the original host’s approach: making the two children walk ten kilometers to chop firewood, then carry two bundles back on a shoulder pole from afar. It was truly inhumane.

“Let’s use up what’s left first. If we run out later, I’ll figure something out.”

Although people at the factory avoided her, there were still kind-hearted comrades among them.

For example: Director Lin from the Women’s Federation.

Tomorrow, she would ask her which local villager sold good firewood.

The villagers were simple and honest, but some had ill intentions and liked to take advantage of young people, often selling damp firewood. Chen Qing didn’t want to be cheated.

“Okay,” He Yuxiang replied.

Remembering those days, his shoulders still ached faintly.

Chen Qing told the children to bathe first and returned to her room to do some sewing.

She had come out earlier because she had just finished making a set of girls’ clothing.

It was a pink-checkered cotton-linen blend. Fortunately, although the original host had mediocre taste, her spending power was good. The fabric was breathable and comfortable.

She had made a sleeveless dress with a loose cut, simple and elegant in design. The soft pink gave it a warm feel, perfect for the current weather and He Yuting’s complexion.

Chen Qing was now working on boys’ clothing: a sporty top with a false two-layer design and simple shorts, emphasizing a sporty style.

Making boys’ clothing was relatively simpler, as Chen Qing didn’t plan to design anything too flashy.

For the girls’ clothing, Chen Qing had added two small colorful flowers on the chest to make the dress prettier. The boys’ clothing didn’t need such details.

“Aunt, we’re done bathing. You can go take a shower soon,” He Yuting called out to her.

“Okay, I got it,” Chen Qing replied. After finishing the section of fabric she was sewing, she went to take a shower.

Although they had electric lights at home, electricity was expensive—even more so than candles—so most people were reluctant to use it.

Therefore, showers had to be taken while there was still light.

After her shower, Chen Qing placed her clothes in the laundry basin.

Although she intended to be good to the two children, she wasn’t prepared to spoil them all at once. They still had to do their share of chores.

As she lay in bed to sleep, she had no idea what major event would happen the next day!

Originally, Chen Qing planned to advance the evening event preparations and finalize the banquet menu with the head chef in the cafeteria. But as she passed by the logistics department, Yang Xiujin stopped her.

“Xiao Qing, I need to talk to you.”

“I’m busy right now,” she said.

As a debtor, Chen Qing wanted to avoid her creditor as much as possible.

There was no helping it—her pockets were empty. If he pressed her for repayment, she would be done for!

“A few minutes won’t make a difference. Let’s talk,” Yang Xiujin insisted.

Early that morning, many people had teased him with suggestive remarks like “you’re so lucky,” their strange expressions making him deeply uncomfortable.

After some investigation, he found out that Li Hehua had a crush on him, and Chen Qing had taken Li Hehua’s money to lead him on!

Yang Xiujin wasn’t surprised that Li Hehua liked him—after all, he excelled in every aspect, and it was normal for women to admire him.

But how could Chen Qing take his money while also accepting money from Li Hehua?

What did she take him for?!

Chen Qing massaged her temples: Sure enough, what was meant to come would always find its way.

The entire logistics department craned their necks to watch, buzzing with discussion as they saw Yang Xiujin and Chen Qing walk away side by side.

“Director Yang is really angry.”

“Who wouldn’t be? He spent so much money on Chen Qing, and she doesn’t even see him as a potential partner.”

“That woman is disgusting. Anyone who marries her would be doomed!”

……

Everyone looked down on Chen Qing’s behavior of accepting so many things from a male comrade without any intention of being in a relationship with him.

They all hoped Director Yang would come to his senses and not fall for the wrong person. Even if Chen Qing were as beautiful as a fairy, it couldn’t conceal her flirtatious nature!

Yang Xiujin, whom the logistics department was so concerned about, was indeed furious. He had thought he had Chen Qing firmly under his control, but who could have expected her to turn the tables on him so dramatically?

“Xiao Qing, why did you take Li Hehua’s money?”

“Director Yang, we’re not related, and you’re much older than me. Please call me Comrade Chen or Xiao Chen.”

Chen Qing corrected his form of address.

Yang Xiujin panicked and asked hurriedly, “Xiao Qing, what’s wrong with you?”

“I don’t want others to misunderstand our relationship, especially since you’ve lent me so much money. I’m actually very grateful to you and don’t want to hinder you from finding a new wife.”

Chen Qing’s words sounded noble and righteous.

Yang Xiujin didn’t believe a single word.

He had known Chen Qing for so long—how could he not understand her?

She was vain, arrogant, believed everyone in the world should adore her, and was utterly selfish. How could she possibly be so considerate?

Thinking of the recent rumors, Yang Xiujin’s expression darkened. “Have you fallen for Researcher He?”

“No.”

“Xiao Qing, perhaps our relationship has made you uncomfortable, but I’ve always cared for you like an older brother would his younger sister. You don’t need to overthink it. As for Researcher He, he might not stay at our machinery factory for long, and I’ve heard his background isn’t great—he comes from a capitalist family.”

Yang Xiujin spoke with feigned sincerity, as if his kindness to Chen Qing was entirely natural.

He even positioned himself as an “older brother” to offer heartfelt advice.

Chen Qing admired his mastery of language.

No wonder the original host had been so easily manipulated.

This man was a complete old fox!

“Director Yang, all my elders have passed away. For your daughter’s sake, I advise you not to offer to be my brother.”

Her gaze was earnest, leaving Yang Xiujin momentarily speechless.

“Don’t listen to those rumors. In my heart, you’ve always been a wonderful girl…”

“I know I’m wonderful. Besides, aren’t those rumors just feudal superstitions? Don’t you agree, Director Yang?”

Chen Qing smiled at him.

Yang Xiujin stiffened, adjusting his slightly slipping glasses with a finger. He replied with a gentle smile, “You’re right. It’s good that you think that way—you’ve really grown up. Actually, I’ve been facing some difficulties lately and was hesitating whether to tell you.”

Chen Qing: “What difficulties?”

Yang Xiujin: “My family is short on money recently.”