Chapter 46

If Jiang Ruan didn’t defend herself, in comparison, Han Qingqing’s frail appearance and tendency to get teary-eyed would easily make her seem like the victim to those unaware of the situation, leading them to think Jiang Ruan was bullying her.

But Jiang Ruan did defend herself. Her words were concise yet impactful, mentioning their childhood mix-up, the hardships she endured for Han Qingqing, her adoption, and Han Qingqing’s pretense, all of which provided plenty of fodder for the restaurant patrons’ speculations.

Han Qingqing’s face turned red as she held back tears and returned to the front counter.

Jiang Ruan finished her meal, and after Qin Yan paid, as they were about to leave, curiosity finally got the best of Lu Sijing. She asked Xu Zhongjin, “Qin Yan’s girlfriend seems to have a complicated background. She’s about the same age as the owner of the fish restaurant, and there was something about a mistaken identity. What’s their relationship?”

Qin Yan never spoke about his family in the dormitory; everyone only knew that whenever his girlfriend called, he would drop whatever he was doing to answer.

He shook his head, “I’m not sure, but that girl named Han Qingqing seemed pretty pitiful. Even if there was a mix-up, she’s an innocent party.”

Lu Sijing angrily replied, “No wonder you wanted to come here for fish. It wasn’t about the fish, was it? You just wanted to see that pretty owner!”

Xu Zhongjin hurriedly tried to placate her, “I only mentioned it because she seemed pitiful. If you don’t like the fish, we can go have beef noodles next door.”

Lu Sijing initially thought the fish was good, but now she lost her appetite. As she and her boyfriend went for noodles, they noticed Qin Yan giving half of the beef and noodles from his bowl to his girlfriend, making Lu Sijing think, “Qin Yan’s girlfriend sure can eat.” She then suggested they go for a rice dish next door instead.

At the fish restaurant, Jiang Ruan hadn’t eaten her fill and initially considered ordering more rice. However, Han Qingqing had dampened her mood, so Qin Yan took her for beef noodles.

“You mentioned over the phone that you had something to discuss. What is it?” Qin Yan asked.

Jiang Ruan lowered her voice, “Ke Xiu is working as a nanny for Xun Li’s family, doing the cooking and laundry. It’s a bit odd because the area she’s working in is far from where she lives. It seems like she’s going out of her way, maybe because she wants to marry him, like how I got engaged to my employer and went from being a nanny to a lady of the house.”

Qin Yan lightly tapped her forehead, “You’re not the same as her. Don’t make such comparisons.”

Ke Xiu was a few years older than Xun Li and had a child around ten years old. Xun Li had served four years in prison, and although people would say that even with her child, Ke Xiu was a good enough match for him, Xun Li had been deeply hurt emotionally and wouldn’t be interested in someone who approached him with an ulterior motive.

Mu Xuehui was a prime example. Even though she just wanted to partner with Xun Li in business, he had warned her away so harshly that she closed her braised chicken shop.

Qin Yan said, “Xun Li is very perceptive. If Ke Xiu is aiming to marry him and secure a stable life, she’s in for a rude awakening.”

Jiang Ruan asked, “Should I mention this to Qin Ao? Ke Xiu is his mother’s niece.”

“Is that why you called me?” Qin Yan asked, a hint of jealousy in his tone.

“No, I want to lease a plot of land on a hill in Xiahe Village for raising chickens.”

Jiang Ruan’s sudden switch to animal husbandry didn’t seem like a bad idea, so Qin Yan asked, “Weren’t you planning to open a massage parlor? Why the change?”

She explained her plan, “I intend to grow medicinal herbs and raise free-range chickens and ducks. The idea is to sell poultry fed with herbs I grow myself, creating a unique product.”

“Make sure to sign a thirty-year lease,” Qin Yan said. “Let me review the contract before you sign it.”

“Sure.”

After finishing their noodles, they saw Cheng Xinwang delivering black carp to the fish restaurant. Although he didn’t greet Jiang Ruan, he was chatting warmly with Han Qingqing.

Jiang Ruan found it odd, “Cheng Xinwang should know by now that it was Mu Xuehui who anonymously wrote the letter that indirectly led to his sister’s death. Why is he still supplying fish here?”

In her previous life, Cheng Chunying hadn’t died. Mu Xuehui’s actions led to a tragedy, and yet she still shamelessly allowed Cheng Xinwang to deliver goods.

The reason he could successfully acquire items in Dawang Township and sell them in the city was due to Xun Li’s assistance.

Xun Li was avoiding direct involvement, using Cheng Xinwang to get close to Mu Xuehui. They wanted to understand why she wrote that anonymous letter.

Qin Yan thought to himself that there were too many clever people in this era. Although he had some advantage from being reborn, he had to be extra careful. With the reform and opening-up just starting, the real boom wouldn’t come until the late ’80s. It was only 1979, so there was no need to rush.

He asked Jiang Ruan, “Do you still have time to help me with something?”

“Of course.”

Qin Yan whispered in her ear, instructing her to visit the Lu family whenever she had time, “Make sure the Lu family members don’t see you.”

“Alright, I’ll be careful.” It turned out that Qin Yan suspected Lu Zaiqiang was hiding at Lu Sijing’s house. Although she didn’t understand why, she had never failed at any task Qin Yan asked her to do.

“Do you need my help finding people for the hill lease?” Qin Yan added, “Xiahe Village is my grandfather’s hometown, so I know some people there.”

Jiang Ruan told him to go back to class and not to worry about her contracting matters, “I have a plan for finding the right people.”

The person Jiang Ruan was planning to approach was Qin Ao.

Qin Yan felt a bit disappointed, but it was better for Qin Ao, as the eldest son and grandson, to handle the leasing process.

When Qin Ao heard that she wanted to lease a hillside for thirty years, he thought it was a bad deal. Raising chickens had too many uncertainties, he suggested doing trading instead, where they could make money with each run.

The eel business was wrapping up, and after selling eel eggs this season, Qin Ao had made over 1,500 yuan. He had already picked his next business venture and was considering heading to Pengcheng, the reform pilot area.

“Why don’t we go to Pengcheng together and find something to trade?” Qin Ao had never traveled far, and the thought of going alone made him nervous. If Jiang Ruan came along, he would feel more reassured.

Jiang Ruan said, “Help me lease the hillside first.”

Qin Ao had no choice, “I’ve already booked my ticket. Can you wait until I get back?”

“Fine.” It worked out because Jiang Ruan had planned to visit the area near Lu Sijing’s house soon to do what Qin Yan had asked.

She started by visiting Xun Li’s house to treat his mother.

Ke Xiu, the part-time nanny at Xun Li’s, was doing laundry and preparing dinner. When she saw Jiang Ruan brewing a medicinal pouch, she was curious about the miraculous remedy that, along with massage, could alleviate rheumatism.

She hadn’t believed it before, but seeing how Jiang Ruan’s herbal baths and massages helped Qin Yan recover and hearing local elders speak highly of her treatments changed her mind.

Jiang Ruan wasn’t charging for the treatments, leaving no reason to suspect a scam.

Ke Xiu was intrigued and paused her chores to ask, “Jiang Ruan, do you sell these herbal pouches?”

Selling them was pointless, her true secret was her supernatural ability.

Jiang Ruan planned to use her ability to experiment with growing medicinal herbs on the leased hillside. She had done so during the apocalypse before her untimely death transported her to this world.

“This herbal formula is hard to make, so I don’t sell it,” Jiang Ruan replied.

“Which herbs are difficult to get? I can help you find them,” Ke Xiu offered.

Jiang Ruan declined, “I plan to make money from this formula in the future. If I reveal the ingredients, it wouldn’t be a secret recipe.”

Ke Xiu felt embarrassed. After Jiang Ruan finished the preparation, she eagerly offered to help pour the water, but Jiang Ruan took the herbal pouch for reuse.

Zhao Huaihua, Xun Li’s mother, later confided to Jiang Ruan, “Do you think Ke Xiu became a nanny here just to steal your herbal formula?”

Jiang Ruan, pretending to be unaware, replied, “I can’t figure out her intentions.”

Zhao Huaihua had hired Ke Xiu because she seemed in need of a job, mentioning she had a child and needed flexible hours. Although Zhao felt bad about dismissing her, she was beginning to have second thoughts.

Jiang Ruan was leaving while Ke Xiu lingered at the Xun household, seemingly waiting for Xun Li to come home. However, even on less busy days, Xun Li would usually only return after picking up his younger sister from school. Meanwhile, Zhao Huaihua, who always made Ke Xiu leave on time to cook dinner for her daughter, left little opportunity for Ke Xiu to encounter Xun Li.

…

Jiang Ruan happened to run into Xun Li today and asked, puzzled, “Why are you back so early today?”

Xun Li chuckled. “It’s my own home. Do I have to follow a schedule to come back?”

After a moment of hesitation, Jiang Ruan said, “I know you’re a smart person, so I’ll just be upfront. Ke Xiu is a cousin of my boyfriend’s older cousin. She once tried to have a child with my boyfriend. She came to your house not to be a nanny but to become your mom’s daughter-in-law. If you end up being taken advantage of, be clear about who to hold accountable, it shouldn’t be Qin Yan or Qin Ao.”

On her first day at the Xun household, Xun Li had already investigated Ke Xiu’s background and sensed her intentions, so he wasn’t at risk of being taken advantage of. He stroked the stubble on his chin and laughed, “Such a complicated relationship.”

“It’s not that bad. Just ignore her. She’s still at your house, by the way.”

After Jiang Ruan left, Xun Li decided not to go straight home and instead went to pick up his younger sister from school.

His sister had been punished by the teacher today and made to stand during class. When Xun Li asked why, it turned out she had been talking during class and disrupting her seatmate. The teacher had made her stand as a disciplinary measure. Due to their family situation, the girl had grown up headstrong and needed strict discipline, and Xun Li thought it was good that the teacher was being firm.

His sister mentioned something to him, a few days ago, Aunt Ke Xiu’s niece had told her that if her homeroom teacher didn’t like her, there was a way to get the teacher to leave their class.

“She said if I went to the principal and claimed that the homeroom teacher lifted my shirt and touched me, then he’d be dismissed, and I wouldn’t have to stand as punishment anymore.”

Xun Li was taken aback, immediately asking, “Did the teacher ever do such a thing?”

His sister shook her head. “No.”

Relieved, Xun Li was also shaken by how close he had come to falsely accusing his sister’s teacher. If she hadn’t asked him first and had acted on the suggestion, it could have ruined the teacher’s career and family.

Having spent time in prison himself, Xun Li knew well the pain of being misunderstood and judged. Even if the truth came out later, few parents would still trust the teacher.

Xun Li sternly said, “Xiangxiang, what you just mentioned is more serious than killing someone. You must never do that, understand?”

His sister, frightened, nodded quickly.

When Xun Li returned home, he paid Ke Xiu her wages and told her not to come back the next day.

But the matter didn’t end there. Qin Ao’s mother, Ke Mu Xiu, had an encounter on her way home from work. Several young men wearing masks collided with her head-on while riding bicycles, and it was clear they had done it on purpose. Ke Mu Xiu fell hard from the collision.

The attackers left a threatening message, “Keep your niece in check.”

Ke Mu Xiu hadn’t even seen their faces clearly.

She pushed her bicycle home and ran into her son, who was about to head to the train station. She told him about the collision and the threat, asking, “Did you or Jiang Ruan offend someone who might come after me?”

What did this have to do with Jiang Ruan? Her imagination was running wild.

The message had specifically mentioned “niece,” meaning the trouble must have been caused by Ke Xiu.

Lately, Ke Xiu had been working part-time at Xun Li’s house, and Qin Ao had experienced Xun Li’s ruthlessness before. This realization sent a shiver down his spine. He confronted his mother with his suspicion, “Did you suggest to Ke Xiu that she go to Xun Li’s house?”

Qin Ao’s mother denied it. “I wouldn’t dare suggest such a thing. I’ll talk to her and tell her to stay away from Xun Li. By the way, isn’t Jiang Ruan going to Pengcheng with you this time?”

“She’s got other things to do.”

Ke Mu Xiu was a bit disappointed. “That’s just like her—using you when she needs you, but slacking off when you need her. You should stop getting involved with her. People are saying you’re too close to your sister-in-law. Aren’t you afraid of angering Qin Yan?”

Qin Ao was speechless. “Don’t worry. Jiang Ruan only has eyes for Qin Yan, and besides, I’ve already got someone special in my life.”

“Who? Tell me!”

“I’m not telling you, or you’ll go and bother them.”

…

Jiang Ruan showed up at Lu Sijing’s house. The place was clearly the home of a wealthy family, a two-story building with front and back yards in a bustling area. Hiding out there wasn’t a good idea, and there was also a live-in maid. It was highly unlikely that they’d be hiding a wanted fugitive there.

Just as Jiang Ruan was about to leave, her older brother, Han Changfeng, caught her.

She grinned and asked, “Big brother, what are you doing here so late?”

Han Changfeng, looking annoyed, replied, “What about you? What are you doing here?”

“I was just taking a walk.”

Judging by the way she blinked, it was clear she was lying. When the maid from the Lu household came out to throw out the trash, Han Changfeng took the bag and asked Jiang Ruan, “Are you helping Qin Yan with something?”

The fact that he could guess left Jiang Ruan impressed. She quickly changed the topic, “Brother, what case are you working on? Is there a clue in that trash bag?”

She clearly didn’t want to talk, and Han Changfeng knew it. He let it go, as long as she wasn’t breaking the law.

He said, “Our aunt’s birthday is coming up. Let’s go together this weekend, and bring Qin Yan along.”

“Got it.” Jiang Ruan then added, “Han Qingqing also said she’s coming, so Shen Tianming might show up too.”

“Whatever. The host invited them, we’re just guests.”

For her sake, her brother had practically severed ties with his parents.

Jiang Ruan was touched but also saddened. She hugged his arm and said, “Brother, do you regret being adopted? She’s your mother, and you gave her up for someone like me, whom you hadn’t even met. I feel guilty.”

Even though she was the one who had been wronged by everyone, Jiang Ruan always considered the feelings of those who cared for her. Qin Yan was the first person to give her food, and that was why she was most loyal to him.

Han Changfeng patted her head. “Every time I see you, I have no regrets.”

Jiang Ruan smiled. Her brother was so good to her, and she wanted to be good to him too. “Brother, why haven’t you found a partner yet?”

Han Changfeng chuckled. “You should worry about yourself. Qin Yan is quite the catch. A lot of girls at school admire him. You better keep an eye on him.”

Jiang Ruan shrugged. “He’s not a dog, why should I keep watch? If I had the time, I’d rather make more money. If he ever does run off with someone else, I’ll just use the money to find someone even better-looking to annoy him.”

Han Changfeng was speechless. “Do you even like him?”

“Of course, I do.”

Jiang Ruan grinned. “Brother, are you worried that if Qin Yan stops liking me, I’ll be heartbroken? Don’t worry. I’ll find ways to keep myself happy. There’s no point worrying about an uncertain future. Can you take me home now?”

Han Changfeng, still holding the trash bag, looked troubled. “I still have work to do. Can you go home by yourself?”

Jiang Ruan was never afraid of walking alone at night and was curious. “Brother, what kind of case are you working on? Can you tell me?”

Han Changfeng was investigating Lu Zaiqiang’s wife-murder case. As Lu Qihong’s godson, it was natural to be thorough in checking for any potential connections.

Initially, the investigation should have cleared any suspicions, but Han Changfeng stumbled upon some clues, Lu Qihong and Lu Zaiqiang were biologically related. This could mean the Lu family had a motive to help Lu Zaiqiang hide, necessitating further surveillance.

Han Changfeng said, “You don’t need to know the details. Go home.”

Jiang Ruan agreed on the surface but continued to snoop around the Lu household over the next two days, taking care to avoid her brother.

By the weekend, she was preparing to meet up with Qin Yan when she saw Lu Sijing leaving the house looking frightened. Jiang Ruan, sensing an opportunity, followed her.

…

Qin Yan had been waiting at home for Jiang Ruan to return. They had planned to have a barbecue and even invited Qin Ao.

Qin Ao had gone to Pengcheng and hadn’t returned yet, nor had he made a single phone call.

While Qin Yan was preparing the food and getting the charcoal fire ready, Jiang Ruan finally came back. As soon as she stepped into the courtyard, the delicious aroma hit her, making her even hungrier.

Qin Yan handed her a skewer of lamb seasoned with cumin from the first batch, letting her eat it while he set the rest aside and grilled some vegetables. He asked, “Did you find anything?”

Jiang Ruan responded, “Yes, something strange, but I haven’t figured it out yet.”

She explained that she saw Lu Sijing leave the house in a panic, so she followed her. It turned out that Lu Sijing was following someone as well—the family’s long-time nanny, who had worked for them for over ten years and had practically watched Lu Sijing grow up. The housekeeper owned a small, empty cottage in the suburbs, as she lived with the family.

Jiang Ruan continued, “Qin Yan, you only guessed part of it earlier. The Lu family is indeed hiding Lu Zaiqiang, and the nanny knows about it. When Lu Sijing followed her, Lu Zaiqiang somehow got wind of it and escaped. I overheard the nanny confessing to Lu Sijing that Lu Zaiqiang is her cousin. Lu Sijing was furious and yelled at them. The nanny begged her repeatedly to keep it a secret, saying that if word got out, both her father and grandfather would be implicated.”

Qin Yan felt something was off. “How could the Lu family let a nanny know such a sensitive secret?”

Jiang Ruan found it odd as well. “Even though the nanny was begging Lu Sijing, there was a smugness in her tone and expression that made me want to punch her. She definitely hasn’t revealed the whole story. I searched the area thoroughly and found no trace of Lu Zaiqiang. I suspect that the nanny and Lu Zaiqiang are in cahoots and deliberately lured Lu Sijing there.”

“Lured her there on purpose?”

Qin Yan suddenly saw the bigger picture. If it was intentional, it suggested that the relationship between Lu Zaiqiang and the Lu family wasn’t solid. What were Lu Zaiqiang and the nanny planning to do by setting up Lu Sijing?