The tactic of acting spoiled had always worked wonders on Grandma Xie; there was nothing that couldn't be resolved with a little coaxing, and if one attempt failed, another would surely succeed.
Grandma Xie ended up having dinner at Xie Sui's place. The meal consisted of steamed white flour buns with eggs, stir-fried greens and shredded potatoes, and a corn porridge. They didn't have a refrigerator and hadn't bought any meat, so it was a simple meal.
Even so, Grandma Xie was delighted, constantly saying it was a waste and that cornmeal buns were filling enough.
After dinner, Xie Sui walked his grandmother back to his uncle's house. When they encountered villagers, Grandma Xie would proudly boast about him, "My grandson has made something of himself, he can earn money. He gave me white flour buns to eat, and this old woman is enjoying the fruits of my grandson's labor."
The villagers naturally chimed in, "Yes, you're blessed to have two promising grandsons. The elder one is a university student, and the younger one knows business. You truly have good fortune."
"Naturally," she replied.
There were also those who spoke with envy, "Your elder grandson is still better, a university student who will secure a government job in the future. You should dote on him more, this younger one, who knows if he'll stick with it? Is business really that easy? He might end up losing everything one day. If you go back a few years, doing business was considered speculation and profiteering, and if caught, you'd go to jail."
"Bah! I spit on you! You're just jealous, cursing my grandson! What era are we in, still talking that old nonsense? If doing business is a crime, arrest me first."
Xie Sui was touched and quickly interjected, "Grandma, don't be angry. The policy has changed now. The country encourages doing business and encourages people to get rich and live good lives. Aunt Chen San, you're outdated!"
Aunt Chen San didn't believe him. "I only know that being honest and farming is the most stable path. We'll see."
Xie Sui didn't argue with her. Historically, farming had never led to great wealth. If it ever did, the country itself would be in chaos. Of course, this excluded greenhouse vegetables.
Within ten years, people's lives would improve, and they would be able to eat fresh vegetables even in winter. By the time he died in his previous life, everyone was eating wild vegetables, and greenhouse vegetables were no longer a novelty. They were even air-freighted from Hainan, which was the epitome of freshness.
Aunt Wang Qiuju, his uncle's wife, had heard the old lady praising him from afar. She complained to his uncle, "How much food has your mother eaten from us? I've never heard her praise you once. She eats one meal at your nephew's and acts like she's had dragon liver and phoenix gall, wishing the whole village knew. Should we announce it at the village committee?"
Xie Dajiang said, "Say less, are you looking for a scolding?"
Women were strange. His mother would scold them until they dared not utter a word, yet they always insisted on provoking her. After being scolded, they'd feel wronged and fail to learn their lesson.
A phrase from later generations perfectly described Wang Qiuju: "Poor skills, big appetite for the game."
"Grandma is home, you go back. Take care on the road."
As they spoke, Grandma Xie returned and told them, "I ate at Xiao Sui's place, you don't need to cook for me."
Wang Qiuju retorted, "I know, the whole village heard it. You ate your grandson's white flour buns."
Grandma Xie's face darkened. "Do you have an opinion? That's the truth. How many white flour buns have you ever given me? You shallow-minded person, you'll never amount to anything in life."
Wang Qiuju was scolded and looked at Xie Sui aggrievedly, blaming him!
Xie Sui felt innocent. His aunt, though kind-hearted, had a terrible tongue. She was the one who provoked his grandmother first with her unpleasant words, and then blamed others when she got scolded.
"Grandma, don't say that. Aunt is also very filial. I'm going back now, don't argue with Aunt. Uncle, Aunt, I'll send some grain over another day. Grandma, please take care of her."
Wang Qiuju's mouth, as if uncontrollable, blurted out again, "If we don't take care of her, who will? You?"
Xie Sui: "..."
If he had a bad temper, he would have argued with her. Wasn't taking care of her mother-in-law her responsibility? How could a grandson support his grandmother?
Grandma Xie picked up a broom and started hitting her. "You gossipy woman! If you don't want to be filial, get out! Who says a grandson supports his grandmother? Eldest son, if you can't control your wife, I'll discipline her for you!"
"Mother, don't be angry. Qiuju just has a loose tongue. You still haven't started cooking. I told you to speak less, but you wouldn't listen. You deserve to be beaten!"
The aunt stomped off to the kitchen angrily. Uncle pacified his mother. Xie Sui forced a dry laugh and quickly slipped away.
The next day, Lin Wanwan got up early and, with Xie Sui—and his private savings—headed straight to the township police station. Coincidentally, Huang Tianliang was there. He greeted the couple, "You're here so early, what's the matter?"
Xie Sui was reluctant. Was it easy for him to save up his private money? He regretted showing off to his wife.
Lin Wanwan snatched his money and handed it to Huang Tianliang. "Comrade police, this is the money Xie Sui defrauded from Chen Qiang. It's considered ill-gotten gains, so we're here to turn it in."
Huang Tianliang looked at Xie Sui's pitiful expression and inexplicably wanted to laugh. "Comrade, your awareness is truly high. I'll take you to see the director. The station will reward you."
"Reward money?"
"A banner is possible. As for money, it would need special approval from above, and maybe that's possible too."
Xie Sui drooped his head. So, no hope.
Director Chen was also surprised. They could have kept this money, and Chen Qiang hadn't mentioned it. It also matched the description of ill-gotten gains. Such noble individuals were truly rare.
"On behalf of the entire Dawang Town Police Station, I thank Comrade Xie for his bravery and honesty. You will receive all the honor you deserve. Go home and wait a few days, and I will expedite the process."
"No need, Director Chen. As long as the villain is caught and the child can be saved, we are satisfied. You are all working very hard too." Lin Wanwan said apologetically.
Director Chen personally escorted them out. In the courtyard, he saw a little girl sitting timidly on a chair, looking lonely and pitiable.
"Does this little girl have no one to claim her?"
"Yes, if no one comes, she'll have to be sent to the orphanage." Director Chen said regretfully. They couldn't do anything either.
Xie Sui said, "She's Chen Qiang's illegitimate daughter. Her mother is Wang Xiaoli from the hair salon. I don't know why she hasn't come to claim her."
He had brought her here, so he recognized her. He was just surprised that Wang Xiaoli would abandon her own daughter.
"That's wonderful! It's good to find her family. Xie Sui, you've helped me out again."
"It's a coincidence, I've met her before."
Xie Sui gave an awkward smile, avoiding the little girl's clear eyes, and quickly left with Lin Wanwan.
Chen Qiang was not human, but the child was innocent. The little girl's future would likely be difficult.
"How do you know who her mother is? You even know her name?" Lin Wanwan's gaze was sharp, staring into Xie Sui's eyes. This guy was too dishonest.
Xie Sui, unable to dwell on the little girl's plight, focused on appeasing his wife. "I inquired. Wife, don't worry. I've never met anyone named Wang Xiaoli. I only heard from Huang San. I truly have nothing with her."