Chapter 30: Always Standing Up for the Original Body

A young man standing in the crowd spoke up, “Aunt Xiulan, that’s what they call ‘^[1]“Killing the chicken to scare the monkey” means punishing a smaller or less significant person or group as a warning to others who are more powerful or influential. It’s about using … Continue readingkilling the chicken to scare the monkey.'”

Li Xiulan chuckled, “Yes, yes, that’s the phrase! Da Liang, you’re quite sharp. Your education wasn’t in vain.”

Knowing that today’s ten kilograms of cornmeal were a settled matter, Zhao Pulin reluctantly said, “Alright, I’ll have the ten kilograms of cornmeal sent over later.”

Luo Qiao wasn’t naive. If she accepted this ten kilograms of cornmeal, all her previous efforts would likely be in vain. Tomorrow, she will be the subject of gossip and criticism.

Thinking quickly, she thought of the elderly couple surnamed Lin at the east end of the village, and spoke up, “Captain, I have something to say.”

Thinking Luo Qiao might not be satisfied with the outcome, the captain felt a bit uneasy but patiently asked, “Go ahead.”

Luo Qiao continued, “Uncle, since this ten kilograms of cornmeal is meant as a punishment, I won’t feel at ease consuming it. Instead, why not use it for a good cause? Please have the captain deliver it to the elderly couple surnamed Lin at the east end of the village. I’m still young and can gather wild vegetables on the mountain. Besides, I know about medicinal herbs and can collect some to trade for necessities in town.”

The commune cadre who had remained silent all along spoke up, “She’s a good comrade. We should all learn from this positive spirit.”

The captain echoed, “Director Wang is right.”

Luo Qiao said, “Captain, it’s getting late. Let’s not delay everyone any longer. Please take charge and have the cornmeal delivered to the elderly couple’s home.”

Then she turned to Zhao Pulin and Gao Suhua, “Since we have no relation, please don’t come to my door under the guise of looking after me and doing embarrassing things. Everyone has their limits, so please show restraint in the future.”

Zhao Pulin, feeling utterly humiliated like never before, blurted out, “Rest assured, if anyone dares to cause trouble for you again, I’ll break their legs.”

Luo Qiao nodded approvingly, “I hope you will keep your word.”

With no more spectacle to watch, the villagers dispersed in small groups. Gao Suhua, with an ugly expression, cursed at Luo Qiao, “No wonder Luo’s family didn’t want you. You’re just a viper.”

Luo Qiao replied calmly, “A viper is still better than someone who loses all sense of decency for their own selfish gain.”

Gao Suhua was taken aback for a moment. She had seen mockery in Luo Qiao’s eyes just now. If it weren’t for the fact that she was still a baby in swaddling clothes back then, she would have thought Luo Qiao knew everything.

Unable to stay any longer, she grumbled and walked away.

Luo Qiao turned and went back into the courtyard, closing the gate behind her. She had considered searching for the biological parents of the original owner of this body. Life wasn’t easy for her either, especially with Gao Suhua’s biological daughter making things difficult.

But upon further thought, if the original parents hadn’t recognized her after all these years, and their biological daughter had been raised by them from childhood, there was little hope they would treat her well if she were recognized.

Moreover, the emotional bond between that Zhao family’s daughter and her biological parents was surely strong. Even if she found her biological parents, they might not want their adopted daughter to return to rural hardship.

Living under one roof, she realized how masochistic it was to yearn for such recognition and acceptance. What’s more, even if she did reunite with her biological parents, she might not enjoy the freedom she had now.

Most importantly, they might not even want to acknowledge her, possibly suspecting ulterior motives if she tried to connect with them. Therefore, for now, she decided to leave things as they were. She could survive on her own.

However, regarding Gao Suhua’s daughter, she couldn’t let her continue to occupy the identity of the original owner. She needed to think about how to handle this in the future. It was always about standing up for the original owner.