Chapter 383
Chapter 383
As evening approached, Zhao Da'e and the others were heading back to Dongtaizi Village, while Qi Bin was going back to the staff dormitory to rest.
Qi Bin watched Zhao Dage get into the van, and then reminded him, "Dage, don't forget to come back tomorrow at noon. We still have to train the models for the fashion show."
Just as Zhao Da'e was about to get into the van, she heard Qi Bin's words and almost tripped. Luckily, Cheng Jinxiang helped her up and prevented her from falling.
"Be careful, he's seven years old already, why is he still so reckless?" Cheng Jinxiang couldn't help but say.
Zhao Da'e was on the verge of tears. She had to hire such an enthusiastic and motivated employee. Qi Bin could have handled this by himself, so why did she have to drag her into it?
But this was just the beginning. Zhao Da'e couldn't bear to refuse. It would be bad if the employees were disappointed and quit. So she could only agree with a dark face. For the next few months, she would do as Qi Bin said. After a few months, hehehehe, she would just be a hands-off boss.
On the way back, the group chatted.
Cheng Jinxiao said, "Big Goose, your idea of a fashion show is really good. I dare say it can attract the attention of a lot of people, and then all those people will come to your store to buy clothes."
Zhao Da'e chuckled, "I came up with this idea by chance. I went to Jinzhou before, and I saw that the pictures that Zhimeng Garment Factory showed us were all of models wearing the clothes. At that time, I thought that if the people in our shop wore them, the effect would be amazing. Customers could see it clearly and could also see the effect of these clothes on them."
Zhao Da'e is already looking forward to it. The store opens tomorrow, and there should be a lot of people coming after the fashion show. Hopefully, nothing goes wrong.
Cheng Jinxiao casually suggested, "Speaking of fashion, my second sister was the most beautiful girl in our village when she was young. Although she didn't have many pretty clothes, she knew how to match them and often spent some pocket money to buy pretty jewelry, which made all the men in the village want to marry her."
Cheng Jinxiao spoke with a hint of pride, while Zhao Da'e listened with curiosity, though she was also puzzled, "Auntie, how come I've never heard Mom mention this before?"
Cheng Jinxiang covered her mouth and chuckled, saying, "That was so many years ago. Back then, I loved to dress up. After all, I was eighteen, and every girl loves to dress up. But my family wasn't well-off, and I only had one nice piece of clothing. So I could only focus on accessories. I've tried everything, like belts and big red flowers. Although I'm almost thirty now, I have to say that the fashion tricks that young girls use now are all things I did when I was young."
Cheng Jinxiao said from the side, "Back then, I was very envious of my second sister's pretty clothes, and I would sometimes steal her clothes to wear. But I was still young and not tall enough, so the clothes were too big for me. My second sister found out after a while, and she and my eldest sister laughed at me for a long time."
Zhao Da'e's eyes lit up when she heard this; it was the first time she had heard her mother and aunt talk about their younger days.
Zhao Da'e couldn't help but ask, "And then what? What happens next?"
As she continued, Cheng Jinxiao's expression turned somewhat dejected. "And then that was it. Your maternal grandparents were very satisfied with your father. They thought he was honest, a family man, and a down-to-earth person who knew how to live a stable life. So your mother married your father, and I never saw your mother wear pretty clothes again."
After that, Cheng Jinxiang's life consisted only of farm work. Most of her money was handed over to Wang Guixiang and her parents. Moreover, if Cheng Jinxiang dressed up a little nicer, she would be gossiped about and accused of seducing people. After that, Cheng Jinxiang dressed as simply as possible.
However, Cheng Jinxiao never expected that her second sister's daughter, Zhao Da'e, would open a shop at such a young age, and it was a clothing store. It was quite a coincidence that her second sister loved to wear beautiful clothes when she was young, and now that her daughter had opened a clothing store, she would never be able to wear all the beautiful clothes.
Cheng Jinxiang gave a bitter smile, her expression somewhat forlorn. Her youthful days were gone forever, and there was no point in saying anything more now. However, she was very grateful that she still had such a daughter. With her daughter by her side, she felt that everything was worthwhile.
Zhao Da'e felt a little sad. Thinking about how much her mother had suffered over the years, Zhao Da'e became even more determined to work hard and give her mother a better life.
The road to Dongtaizi Village is not far; it only takes an hour and a half.
After getting off the bus, Cheng Jinxiao and Cheng Jinxiang went to the Cheng family home, while Zhao Da'e went to her aunt's house with her two older sisters. When they parted, Cheng Jinxiang said to Zhao Da'e, "Da'e, do you still need Mom to come over and help tomorrow?"
Zhao Da'e shook his head and said, "No need, Mom. I have enough people on my side. You can stay home and rest well with Xiao Juan."
Cheng Jinxiang thought it over and over but still felt uneasy, so she said, "Big Goose, I'll go with you tomorrow. After all, the store opens tomorrow, and I know a bit about styling, so I might be able to help you."
Cheng Jinxiang felt uneasy if she didn't go along, fearing that her young daughter might be easily bullied.
Seeing that she couldn't persuade Cheng Jinxiang, Zhao Da'e had no choice but to agree. She felt that it wouldn't hurt to have her mother come along, as the next few days of opening the shop would indeed be quite busy, and having another person to help would certainly alleviate some of the pressure.
Afterwards, the group discussed it and decided that Cheng Jinxiang and Cheng Jinxiao would go to the shop tomorrow, and Zhou Chunwen would also go. Originally, Zhou Chunwen wanted to go, but when she learned that the shop would be opening tomorrow and she would have to deal with customers, she became a little timid and decided not to go.
Zhou Chunwen was actually quite nervous about dealing with customers, but she still chose to go. She wanted to practice and interact with the store's customers, as this might be a good opportunity.
That night
Cheng Jinxiang was busy coaxing Zhao Xiaojuan to sleep in her arms. While soothing Zhao Xiaojuan, she talked to Cheng Jinxiao, "Jinxiao, I've felt a bit guilty towards my sister-in-law these past few days. We've been going to the county town constantly, leaving not only Mom in your care but also Xiaojuan. I'm planning to go to the county town for one more day tomorrow and then stay in the village the day after. We're about to start preparing to build a new house, and I can supervise the construction here and help ease your burden."
Cheng Jinxiang thought so, while Cheng Jinxiao was packing her clothes on the side, nodding as she listened, "With you and sister-in-law taking care of our mother, I can rest assured. Tomorrow I won't stay with sister-in-law anymore, I'll move directly to the staff dormitory, so as not to trouble sister-in-law by staying here."
Hearing this, Cheng Jinxiang shook her head helplessly and said, "Look at what you're saying. Do you think I'll kick you out if you stay here any longer? Ask yourself honestly, have I mistreated you these past few days? You heartless wretch, how dare you say such things about me."
Cheng Jinxiao sighed, "Second sister, this is eldest brother's house. I can't stay here forever, and it's not comfortable either. I know that. When the family sent someone to pick me up, my sister-in-law objected at first. She was afraid that I would stay here and take up the wedding room that her son was going to use. Besides, this is someone else's house after all. I want to go to the county town to work. I can earn enough money to buy a small house, and then I will have a home."
As Cheng Jinxiao spoke, her eyes were full of longing. Cheng Jinxiang couldn't help but sigh, "You, you, even if you go out to work hard, you should come back to visit more often. Mom misses you all the time. By the way, if you can't make it out there, come to your second sister's house. The new house will be built by then, and you can choose one of the many rooms to live in, no problem."
Cheng Jinxiao felt a warmth in her heart when she heard this, and nodded with a smile, "I understand, Second Sister. You should go and coax my little niece to sleep. I haven't seen her all day, and she misses you so much that she keeps holding your hand."
Another day passed quickly. Cheng Jinxiao got up early and tidied up her clothes, towels, and other personal items.
Before leaving, Cheng Jinxiao went to Wang Shi and said, "Mom, I'm going to work hard in the county town now. I will come back to visit you often in the future. I am unfilial for not being by your side to take care of you these days."
Wang was lying in bed, feeling weak and limp. Only when she heard her most beloved youngest daughter speak did she manage to open her eyes. Looking at her daughter, Wang felt a mix of heartache and relief. She gently patted Cheng Jinxiao's hand and said, "Our daughter is all grown up now and has her own ideas. Seeing you like this, I feel at ease."
Originally, Wang was worried about what would happen to her youngest daughter if she were gone. With her around, the Cheng family could still have their youngest daughter come back, and her son and daughter-in-law couldn't say anything. But if she were gone, and her youngest daughter stayed at home for too long, her son and daughter-in-law would definitely have complaints. Even if they didn't show it openly, her youngest daughter would definitely not be comfortable living there.
Wang was hesitant. She thought that while she could still hold on a little longer, she wanted to find a good marriage for her daughter. Finding a husband who could take care of her would be ideal. However, given her previous failed marriage, Wang was also afraid that the husband she found would be someone who would bully her daughter. She couldn't put her mind at ease no matter what.
Now that she heard that her youngest daughter was going to the city to make a living on her own and had even found a job and a place to live, Wang felt relieved and thought that her youngest daughter wouldn't have to suffer in the days to come.
“It’s better to be busy in the county town. There are more prospects in the city than in the village. I’m in good health and don’t need to come to see me often. What if it affects my work? Besides, it’s troublesome to travel back and forth. Don’t worry, your second sister and sister-in-law can take good care of me. You don’t need to worry.”
Cheng Jinxiao's eyes were a little moist. "Mom, I'm leaving now. I'll come see you after I'm done with this busy period."
Wang nodded, feeling a pang of sadness seeing her youngest daughter's eyes welling up with tears. She simply turned away from Cheng Jinxiao and said, "You should hurry up and leave, lest you miss your train."
Cheng Jinxiao picked up her backpack, which contained all her clothes. She turned to Wang Shi and said, "Mom, I will definitely come back to see you after I'm done with my work."
After saying that, Cheng Jinxiao went out the door. Zhu Yufeng, who was outside the door, watched Cheng Jinxiao carrying his backpack. She felt a little complicated. She didn’t expect Cheng Jinxiao to leave so soon. She thought that Cheng Jinxiao would stay here for at least half a year. She didn’t expect that he would be preparing to leave after only two months.
"Have you decided to go to the county town?" Zhu Yufeng asked.
Cheng Jinxiao nodded and honestly replied, "Yes, I've made up my mind. I'm going to the county town to work hard with Da'e. I have a place to stay in the county town now. Although the room is quite small, at least I have a place to live."
After saying that, Cheng Jinxiao looked at Zhu Yufeng and said from the bottom of her heart, "Sister-in-law, thank you so much for taking care of me these days. I've caused you a lot of trouble."
Zhu Yufeng felt somewhat helpless. "No, we're all family, why are you saying thank you? It's me, the elder, who still argues with you from time to time. I'm quite childish too."
"Have you packed everything? Are you going to the county town today?" Zhu Yufeng felt a little reluctant to part with him, to be honest, after all, they had spent two months together.
Cheng Jinxiao nodded and said, "Yes, we'll be leaving soon. Xiangzi will come to pick us up in his car."
Zhu Yufeng murmured to herself, "I see..."
After sighing, Zhu Yufeng said, "If you can't stay in the county town, come back. I'm not that petty."
Cheng Jinxiao felt a warmth in her heart after hearing this, and said, "I understand! I'm leaving now, sister-in-law."
Seeing Cheng Jinxiao walk away, Zhu Yufeng couldn't help but say, "You heartless little thing."
Cheng Jinxiang watched from the side and couldn't help but find it amusing; her sister-in-law was just that kind of person—stubborn on the outside but soft on the inside.
"Sister-in-law, Jinxiao and I are going to the city to take care of things. Please take care of Xiaojuan. I'll only be busy for one day. I won't be going to the county town tomorrow."
Zhu Yufeng nodded, indicating that she understood. "I understand, I understand. You go quickly. Xiangzi's car is parked outside. Xiaojuan is my niece after all, and I will take good care of her."
Moreover, Zhao Xiaojuan has grown up now, with fair and tender skin, big eyes, and a particularly cheerful personality. Zhu Yufeng's heart melted when she looked at Zhao Xiaojuan.
Moreover, Zhao Xiaojuan is easy to take care of and doesn't cause any trouble or noise. Zhu Yufeng is also quite happy to help take care of Zhao Xiaojuan.
Xiangzi's rickshaw was parked outside the door, with Zhao Da'e, Zhou Chunwen, Cai Xiaofeng, and others inside. Zhao Da'e called out through the window, "Mom, Auntie, are you done yet!"
Hearing Zhao Da'e calling for help, Cheng Jinxiao quickened her pace, with Cheng Jinxiang following closely behind, not wanting to keep anyone waiting too long.
"Here we are. We brought quite a lot of things, so we were a little slow."
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