NOVPUBChapter 79: Chapter 79 Bai Xiao’s Plan
Chapter 79 -79 Bai Xiao’s Plan
Bai Ju sighed as she watched An Zhiyuan walk away. “Xiao is truly blessed to have someone like Instructor An look out for her. He seems like a decent man who surely won’t let you down in the future. Xiao, you must listen to your sister. If you need living expenses or tuition fees for school, you’ve got your brother and us. Even if we have to cut back a bit, we can’t let you suffer. But no matter what, you can’t take Instructor An’s money. Remember, a woman mustn’t fall into debt; otherwise, when you marry, your in-laws could look down on you.”
Bai Xiao’s eyes were moist. Bai Ju was wholeheartedly looking out for Bai Xiao’s future.
Comfortingly pulling Bai Ju’s hand, Bai Xiao said, “Sister, don’t worry, I understand. College doesn’t cost much—the tuition is free, and they even give us a monthly living stipend. If it’s not enough, I can get a part-time job to make up for it. Don’t deprive yourself because of me and don’t let the kids suffer. Sister, I get it. Let’s not dwell on the past, our lives will only get better from now on.”
Bai Ju nodded, “Yes, better and better!”
The whole family was in good spirits. He Weng overheard their conversation and hung his head deep in thought, wondering about something.
For dinner, Bai Ju made porridge complemented with big steamed buns and a large bowl of mixed vegetables—this was the best meal they could put together. Usually, they only had steamed buns with pickled vegetables and thin porridge. Despite being a simple mix of cabbage, tofu, and vermicelli, it was a rare treat in their household.
Bai Xiao initially didn’t want her sister and brother-in-law to fuss over her; she didn’t come to be a burden. Seeing her sister and settling matters she no longer worried about Li Chunhua’s deceit. She was quite relieved, and by sorting out her brother-in-law’s family issues, she felt she had repaid him for his years of care, and she had lightened her sister’s load.
She planned to return home the next day. Of course, she had things to do before leaving. As for Fang Xiaoshan, whether he could live his carefree life as ‘the big boss’ depended on whether she would allow it.
What Fang Xiaoshan did to her in a past life was unforgivable, yet in a society governed by law, unless she wanted to go on a rampage and become an antisocial person, she couldn’t bring herself to act. But she wasn’t about to let Fang Xiaoshan get off so easily. With her around in this life, he wouldn’t continue to bully and boss others around.
After all, Fang Xiaoshan had no real skills, and his parents weren’t capable either. Had it not been for his uncle who had no sons and treated Fang Xiaoshan like his own, always ready to provide money, would Xiaoshan have had such a good life?
Unfortunately, Fang Xiaoshan’s uncle wasn’t particularly wise either. Despite having three daughters and being a shrewd businessman, if he hadn’t been fixated on his nephew to care for him in his old age, who knows how comfortable his life could have been?
Fang Xiaoshan’s bad habits stemmed from the belief that he had a wealthy uncle. In the countryside, not having a son means not just women, but men also can’t hold their heads high. People are deeply influenced by feudal thinking, firmly believing that no sons equal no one to carry on the family line, and no one to mourn after death.
In the village, not having a son means being a target for others’ bullying. It’s very different from gender equality. Fang Xiaoshan relied exactly on his status as someone with no male cousins.
After dinner, Bai Xiao and Bai Ju were tidying up the kitchen when guests arrived at the house! This time, it was Qian Cheng and Director Wei’s couple. Representing Liu Huiru and Wang Jianli, they brought milk powder, malted milk, canned chocolate, pastries, and fruits, expressing their gratitude to Bai Xiao and leaving behind a thick envelope, which Bai Xiao had no intentions of accepting.
However, they insisted she should keep it, suggesting that refusing would mean looking down on their gifts. These were just tokens compared to a life-saving act. Particularly Qian Cheng, who wished nothing more than to clear his own bad record. Bai Xiao’s hints were vague, but they understood well enough—that she didn’t take action lightly, and when she did, it was a life-saving matter, because she risked her own life to save others.
Moreover, with An Zhiyuan present that afternoon, they inquired further and learned that Bai Xiao did indeed cure other villagers. An Zhiyuan wouldn’t vouch for her otherwise, especially when people’s lives were on the line. This confirmed their thoughts.
Recalling Zhao Dachuan’s persistent pursuit of Bai Xiao, Qian Cheng understood Zhao Dachuan’s intentions. Zhao’s entire family worked in Director Wei’s factory, dependent on the leadership for their livelihood. Mingling with the hope of gaining favor and thus better treatment was only natural.
But Bai Xiao had no intention of currying favor. If not for Zhao Dachuan’s insistence, she would probably never have offered her help. They were strangers; why should she risk her life for someone else’s?
Seeing it from this perspective, everything aligned with what Bai Xiao had said—she kept a low profile.
On further inquiry, they discovered that Bai Xiao’s sister, Bai Ju, worked as a temporary worker in Director Wei’s factory. Bai Xiao came to visit her sister and brother-in-law. Had it not been for this visit, they likely wouldn’t have met her. Wang Jianli realized that Bai Xiao was not seeking any favors from them, and a divine doctor like her, surely, had her own temper. In the future, they might need her help again; it was critical to maintain a good relationship. They couldn’t overlook the connection with An Zhiyuan, so they acted cautiously.
Bai Ju, however, was an obvious choice. By maintaining a good relationship with Bai Ju’s family, they’d have someone to advocate for them should the need arise. Judging by Bai Xiao’s initiative to treat her brother-in-law’s younger brother, it was clear that she acted seeing Bai Ju’s hardship. Otherwise, why would she interfere in others’ affairs?
Considering this, Bai Ju became an excellent point of connection.
The next day, Director Wei had Bai Ju processed as a full-time employee, even securing her a workshop director position—a treatment only available to those with connections. Bai Ju was suddenly promoted overnight.
Director Wei’s wife, Wang Fang, grew very close to Bai Ju. Despite being directors in different workshops—one in the food workshop, and the other in packaging—that did not stop Wang Fang from treating Bai Ju with endearment. As a savvy person, Wang Fang knew exactly how to foster a closer bond with Bai Ju.
From then on, Bai Ju and Director Wei’s family truly became friends, envied by many factory workers.
