Chapter 345: Chapter 345
Ye He Ping stuffed the money back, smiling at his daughter with mixed emotions of joy and concern. Over the past six months, he had been recovering and transitioning jobs by himself. Initially, he didn’t want to leave the company, but he understood that things wouldn’t always go as he wished. Fortunately, thinking of his eldest daughter helped him persevere, and he gradually adapted at the new workplace, finally stepping out of the shadows.
"Take it, Shen Bin’s thousand yuan. When I changed jobs, the company gave some money, and although it’s not much, I’ve managed to repay some debts. At my current salary, I’ll be able to repay everything in a couple of years."
Seeing her father insist, Ye Ling finally accepted the money. Ye He Ping suggested, "Your Grandma Zhao hasn’t been well over the past six months. When you get a chance, visit her, leave ten yuan as a token of your care. The hundred and fifty yuan from Zhao Guodong will also be given to Grandma Zhao, just say it’s savings from Zhao Guodong, it’ll make her happy."
"Dad, I understand, I was thinking the same. You know Zhao Guodong’s temper, he wouldn’t take it even if given. Back when we were in school, whenever Weilai gave me money, I d it in his name. It’s hard for them to save money; I know refusing it isn’t feasible, so when I take it, I make sure it’s used properly." Mentioning Xiang Weilai, a hint of sadness flashed in Ye Ling’s eyes, fearing her father might notice, she maintained a smile, "Dad, I still don’t know what your workplace is like. How about I accompany you to work tomorrow?"
"Sure, we’ll eat at the canteen. Everyone at the workplace knows my daughter is a top scholar. They know I took a day off to pick you up and want to see you. It’s just right for you to come along tomorrow." Ye He Ping understood his daughter’s thoughts and did not mention Xiang Weilai.
Before Ye Ling could pocket the money, the door to the West Room was pushed open. Bai Xue glanced at the money in Ye Ling’s hands disdainfully and sneered, "I thought I was the only one in this family living off idle money. Turns out there’s one more, at least now my heart is at ease. But you, you’re spending your dad’s money. I spend my daughter’s earnings. Ye Qian didn’t go to college but is earning now and knows how to respect elders. You’ve gotten into a good university, yet still rely on family funds." Updates are released by novel(ꜰ)ire.net
"I spend money my dad earned," Ye Ling interjected, blocking her father, "If Ye Qian can earn to support the family, that’s a good thing. I envy her."
Not giving Bai Xue a chance to respond, Ye Ling turned to her father, "Dad, you bought the rice, didn’t you? If not, I’ll use the money you gave me to buy some, or I might not be able to cook at all."
"I bought it, go ahead and cook." Ye He Ping was angry, but seeing his daughter was unperturbed, he chose to ignore his wife’s remarks and joined in with his daughter.
Bai Xue glared, "Uncouth." Turning, she walked away.
Ye Ling sneered, and once her mother left, her demeanor softened, "Dad, is she on regular days?"
She recalled the doctor’s advice that her father shouldn’t get upset or have mood swings.
"Normally, besides being at work, when I return home it’s already night. After dinner, I sleep in the West Room, so there are no quarrels with your mom. You don’t need to worry about me. Seeing my health now, I hope to live a few more years. At least, I want to see you settle down before I can rest easy." Ye He Ping had truly come to terms with things, especially concerning his wife, long devoid of expectations.
Ye Ling teased, "You have to stay and help me raise my children, remember?"
Ye He Ping chuckled, and Ye Ling went out to cook. During winter in the north, there weren’t many vegetables, mainly cabbage and sauerkraut. Ye He Ping found a piece of pork belly in the small outer room. Ye Ling made stewed pork belly and, concerned about her father’s health, stir-fried cabbage with dried tofu and two-grain rice. The household had two large pots, just right as the West and East Rooms each had a connected stove. With Ye He Ping helping with the fire, the meal was prepared quickly.
Bai Xue sulked in the East Room but felt slightly comforted by the aroma of the dishes. Since her husband switched jobs, she hadn’t returned to the compound, feeling inferior compared to others. Even if her husband was a manager at a small bookstore, it couldn’t compare to working in a company, which offered far better benefits.
However, spending months alone tempered her character somewhat, and her temper, though still sharp, was no longer as explosive. Hearing her eldest daughter was home, after making a few sharp remarks and being retorted, she no longer had the energy to argue.
During dinner, Bai Xue didn’t show much warmth, but the meal passed without incident. Ye Ling cleared the table and invited her father to the West Room to talk. Later, she even made up a bed for him, finding it perfectly convenient since in rural areas, families often shared a single bed.
Early the next morning, Ye Ling and her father went to work. There, she received a fair share of compliments and, feeling shy, hid in her father’s office. By midday, after lunch, Zhao Guodong arrived looking furious. Ye Ling knew it involved the Liu and Xiang Families’ affair. Fearing a fuss at the bookstore would cause embarrassment, she signaled Zhang Linong and Wang Ping to lead Zhao Guodong out. The four of them wandered aimlessly through the streets, Zhao Guodong initially angry but deflated, realizing Ye Ling already knew. He couldn’t muster his anger and sulked quietly.
Ye Ling broke the silence, "I know you’re upset for me, but you also have to consider Weilai’s situation. He’s helpless; only the Liu Family can aid with his family’s issue, and they raised such conditions. What choice does he have? He can’t just watch his father be imprisoned, can he?"
Zhao Guodong complained, "Huh, how did Liu Family help? They merely persuaded the person who reported Xiang Family to recant. People think Liu Family are smooth talkers, wonder what means they used. Those unaware might think they’re colluding to send Xiang Weilai away."
Ye Ling paused, then smiled, "From what you said, has the Xiang Family’s matter been resolved? That’s good. If so, Uncle Xiang’s job won’t be affected, right? Seems like good news. How did you find out? Has it spread through the compound?"
"Spread out? Not at all. Liu Family stays very low-key. The Liu and Xiang Families have arranged the marriage alliance, planning the wedding for when Xiang Weilai graduates. Today is essentially an engagement; I even saw Ye Qian there." Zhao Guodong mocked. (To be continued. If you work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)