Chapter 140: Chapter 140

Ye He Ping stayed at home for a morning and then left again with the things his daughter usually used. Bai Xue locked herself in a room and cried for a while. She was in low spirits, and the next morning her eyes were dark circles. Ye Qian, feeling sorry, became even more obedient. She even got up early in the morning to help Bai Hehua in the kitchen and made a bowl of steamed egg pudding. Bai Xue couldn’t refuse and was fed by her daughter, bite by bite. Seeing how filial her daughter was, she felt somewhat comforted.

"Qianqian, you must have heard what your mom said that day, right? Don’t take it to heart. Your parents were just angry. You can see how much your dad usually loves and spoils you. Now that your sister is back, your dad, being a soldier, has to consider the eyes of everyone around, even if he wants to be partial. He has no choice. Mom doesn’t expect you to understand, just hopes you feel a bit better," Bai Xue didn’t hide her feelings in front of her niece, "Your dad and I are having these problems, isn’t it all because of your sister? Even between couples, things have gotten . There’s nothing left to be confused about."

These last few sentences, however, were Bai Xue comforting herself.

"Mom, don’t worry. I’m not sad," Ye Qian patted her mother’s hand, reassuring her, "Mom, you know, my sister grew up in the countryside. I’ve always felt guilty. Now seeing Dad treat her well truly makes me happy. I’m happy for her. As long as she knows we still care about her, I’m satisfied with everything."

"You silly child." Seeing her daughter still considering that heartless person, Bai Xue felt even more distressed for her younger daughter. After seeing her niece had cleaned the room, she called her over, "Hehua, come sit over here."

Bai Hehua answered timidly and only then sat down opposite her. Bai Xue, seeing the white bandage still wrapped around her niece’s forehead, felt a surge of pity, "Child, you’ve been through a lot. As you can see, your aunt doesn’t have much say in this family. But no matter what, your job is finally settled. Once your aunt recovers in a few days, she’ll take you to see work. With the family in such chaos these days, if you hadn’t helped your aunt with the chores, who knows what state this house would be in."

"Aunt, I’m sorry for being a bother. I know this little bit of work doesn’t repay your kindness to me. I’ll remember your kindness forever," Bai Hehua said softly, but when she raised her head to speak, her gaze was firm.

Bai Xue was pleased to see her niece was grateful, "Good child, your aunt doesn’t ask for you to repay anything, just for you to be well."

Ye Qian sat on the side, glancing at Bai Hehua. She couldn’t understand why her mother didn’t like her own daughter but favored her niece. When it came to favoritism between herself and her sister, Ye Qian could comprehend, but she simply didn’t understand the issue with Bai Hehua.

When Ye He Ping returned, he took Bai Xue to the clinic in the compound and accompanied her through an abortion, then immediately had a ring fitted. When they left the clinic, Bai Xue seemed as weightless as a piece of paper poised to drift in the wind. Ye He Ping gently supported her, letting her lean on him as they returned home.

It wasn’t long before word got around the compound about Bai Xue’s abortion. Wang Danhong and Ding Jie each brought over twenty eggs and a pound of brown sugar to see her. Before they left, they inquired about Ye Ling.

Bai Xue simply said she was staying at a relative’s house and didn’t dare mention she was living outside. It was clear Wang Danhong and Ding Jie weren’t fully convinced, but they didn’t push for answers. After all, the fact Ye Ling was found at least seemed to resolve the matter, which spared them the constant worry.

The Song and Jiang families were relieved, but for the Zhao Family, Zhao Guodong was still out searching every day. Eventually, on the street, he ran into Ye Ling, who was by herself eating ramen. In a fit of anger, Zhao Guodong stormed over, and when Ye Ling looked up and saw him, her eyes glared back at him.

Zhao Guodong recalled the things they’d said to each other before, and guilt crept in. With a cold snort, he sat at the adjacent table, "Boss, a bowl of ramen."

The elderly man recognized Zhao Guodong, and seeing he and Ye Ling sat separately and called out loudly, he assumed it was just a childish squabble and wasn’t upset. He nodded in response, and shortly brought out three large bowls of ramen.

Wang Ping looked on anxiously and secretly tugged at Zhao Guodong’s sleeve, "Do we have money?"

The last time they ate ramen, it was Ye Ling who paid.

Beyond anything else, Wang Ping was always aware that the three of them generally had no money in their pockets. Now, with Zhao Guodong brazenly ordering three bowls of noodles, they might be able to eat, but how would they pay?

Zhao Guodong’s expression stiffened. He picked up his chopsticks and, in a fit of temper, spooned several helpings of chili into his bowl. After a few bites, he was sweating profusely. Wang Ping didn’t dare touch his bowl until he saw Zhang Linong start eating. Only then did he join in.

Ye Ling, although having arrived earlier, ate slowly. By the time Zhao Guodong and his group had finished, Ye Ling still had half of her bowl left. With a snort, Zhao Guodong stood up and left in big strides, acting as if he paid no attention to Ye Ling. Wang Ping opened his mouth to remind him they hadn’t paid, but feared this might cause the owner to come over, so he steeled himself and followed Zhao Guodong.

Zhang Linong, however, took a few more sips of soup before sidling over to talk to Ye Ling, "Dongzi has been looking for you early and late these days. Now that he found you, he remembers your arguments, which is why he didn’t speak."

"Thank you," Ye Ling expressed her gratitude.

Surprised flickered through Zhang Linong’s eyes. Although Ye Ling was still so polite, he noticed she didn’t seem as indifferent and unconcerned about everything as she used to be, causing him to wonder what had occurred to bring about such a change in Ye Ling.

Watching Ye Ling pull out money for the four bowls of noodles and place it on the table, Zhang Linong felt a bit embarrassed, "Having you pay again."

Even though he had been about to ask Ye Ling to help pay for the noodles, or at least lend the money, seeing her pay without a word made him, a boy, feel embarrassed for letting a girl spend money. He finally understood why Zhao Guodong always shouted about wanting to earn money.

"Alright, since you consider me a friend, no need for formalities. Let’s go," Ye Ling noticed Zhang Linong’s unease and teased him with a smile, "Since you feel bad about eating using my money, then consider it a debt. Next time I need help, you can’t refuse."

Ye Ling was taken aback by his immediate consent but then smiled, not taking it to heart, "I’m currently staying at a guesthouse. School starts in a few days, and I’ll stay in the dorm. If anything comes up, let’s talk at school. No need to worry about me. I’m fine." (To be continued. If you work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)