Chapter 29: Chapter 29

“Truly a bargain of a deal!”

An Ning couldn’t help but speak with a sarcastic tone.

“Host, don’t say that. Although twenty yuan is a bit little, at least it’s life-saving money!”

“Ahem, although in the end the life might not have been saved…” The system weakly replied under the increasingly obvious glare from its host.

“Fine, fine, whatever makes you happy.” An Ning nodded indifferently.

“However, even the 'benefactor' who helped the original owner received so many benefits, which shows that your family still cares about you a lot.”

“As long as you hold on until the Reform and Opening-up, Host, we’ll have backing and influence too!”

“In that case, how do you know if these people truly care about your original self as a cheap relative, or are secretly seeking a new business partner under the table?”

Ah, so that interpretation is possible too?

Glancing at the dumbfounded system, An Ning continued spreading moisturizer bit by bit all over her body, though this time, unlike before when she only applied it on her hands and some unseen parts, she used no less than three different kinds just on her face and hair alone.

The fact always proves: investing in anyone else isn’t as good as investing in yourself.

These were all researched in her old age during leisure time using medical books stored in her space. Even the inferior versions without added Spirit Spring Water were once priceless treasures among noble relatives and officials, showing how powerful these medical texts were.

Of course, under the guise of vanity, An Ning didn’t hesitate to splurge on herbs either; most of the bottles and jars in her space came from this.

This was the very reason why, as soon as she came over this life, An Ning dared to directly confront her scumbag father.

Jiang Yuhua acted quickly. The day after receiving her diploma, she took An Ning to the textile factory’s personnel department to handle the transfer procedures. Naturally, due to the earlier notorious scandal, there were plenty of onlookers along the way inside the factory.

But none of this concerned An Ning. Everyone knew that An Ning’s birth mother, Comrade Zhou Qingru, had died heroically while saving someone, and calling her a martyr was not an exaggeration. Both the hospital and the factory had awarded medals for it.

Anyone with a bit of sense wouldn’t randomly criticize her just because of a disgraceful stepmother.

Sure enough, after learning An Ning’s identity, the transfer process went especially smoothly.

At this time, the logistics department was relatively free, responsible for daily labor supplies and welfare distribution. Since An Ning was new, she mostly just sat in the office, occasionally filling out forms and signing requisition slips.

Life was very leisurely.

Besides An Ning and a few young ladies, most in the office were familiar faces from the tube-style apartment building, and everyone got along well.

The only downside was the cafeteria food was honestly mediocre.

Well, big-pot dishes never taste as good no matter how skilled the cook is.

With money in hand, An Ning didn’t skimp on herself. From time to time, she treated herself to meals at state-run restaurants, and openly bought various expensive snowflake creams. Often going out with her office girlfriends, her cheerful demeanor was visibly improving.

Though she couldn’t avoid being called wasteful and incapable of managing money behind her back, no one thought anything was off about An Ning’s increasingly radiant face.

However, the consequence was that Jiang Yuhua’s already tarnished reputation after the incident worsened:

“I told you, who in this world treats a stepdaughter better than their own? Look at Ningning, she just started working not long ago, and her whole spirit is completely different.”

“That complexion is good, like a peeled egg.”

“Shows she was treated badly before!”

“Even the clothes she wears look better. Hey, even though it’s the same white shirt, why does she wear it so well!”

An Ning naturally accepted these compliments with a smile.

In stark contrast to An Ning’s joyful life, Lu Qing visibly became much more haggard recently. Apart from the passbook under Jiang Yuhua’s name, the Lu family’s wealth was almost entirely scraped clean by An Ning. Later, because of her younger brother’s work, the already scant savings were forcibly deducted by 800 yuan.

Now, the only income for the family of three came from the fifteen-year-old Lu Xu, who was still grinding away in the workshop.

But what could that salary do?

Seeing An Ning buy a new skirt again, Lu Qing’s eyes turned red with anger. Especially since An Ning’s face looked fresh and dewy, while she couldn’t even afford snowflake cream. The autumn hadn’t even passed, yet her face already started to peel dry.

Seeing the streets beginning to urge people to move to the countryside, Jiang Hao no longer paid attention to her, and with constant anxiety and mental torment, Lu Qing’s once bright features now looked worn and tired.

Yet, even so, if she wanted to take advantage and do something to An Ning, honestly, Lu Qing didn’t dare.

Her mother was right: someone who could meticulously disguise herself for over ten years under their noses, and the moment an opportunity arises, immediately seize it to turn the tables and hold their family tightly in her hands—such a person is terrifying.

Moreover, the other party held their weaknesses in hand.

During this time, the vague gazes from people around made Lu Qing very uncomfortable. If her mother was taken away as a criminal, what awaited her and her brother? Neither Lu Xu nor Lu Qing dared to imagine.

Even when extremely angry now, Lu Qing only dared to glare at An Ning secretly when she was not paying attention, occasionally muttering curses quietly.

An Ning wasn’t surprised by this outcome.

In this world, truly stubborn and crazy people were rare. Most just bullied the weak and feared the strong. If you stand firm, these people naturally back down.

But An Ning would not let her guard down because of that. Seeing Lu Qing thinking she was being secretive in glaring at her, An Ning didn’t get angry. Instead, she suddenly remembered something.

Right, life had been too carefree lately, she almost forgot about that cheap childhood betrothal.

“What… what do you want again?”

Sensing the other’s gaze, Lu Qing instinctively stepped back, expression wary.

Was she really that scary? She was just bored and stirring things up a bit, nothing serious.

An Ning was a little speechless:

“Nothing. I just think Lu Qing, you’re really too stupid!”

“Lu Anning, what do you mean by that!”

“I just wanted to remind you.”

An Ning deliberately sized her up from head to toe, especially lingering on the obviously well-decorated parts, then said:

“Lu Qing, have you ever thought about it? Honestly, your looks are nothing outstanding. And Jiang Hao—who is he? The son of the deputy factory director, with an uncle working at the city bureau. He’s seen countless beautiful women. How could he suddenly be interested in you?”

“And this kind of person, after my father was hospitalized, didn’t even spare a shred of kindness and immediately ignored you? Honestly, even a dog would show some affection. Haven’t you ever wondered why?”