Chapter 12: Misunderstanding

Liu Lanying was somewhat curious about what Lin Xia wanted to talk to her about.

However, she had always been popular at the factory, and she smiled at her colleague nearby, "Xiaozhang! You go back first! I'll have a word with Xiaolin!"

"Sure!" Xiaozhang glanced at Lin Xia, then turned and left first.

Lin Xia looked around, realizing that this wasn't a good place to talk.

So she suggested, "Sister Liu, let's go to the material area to talk!"

"Okay!" Liu Lanying felt she must have something important to discuss; otherwise, the usually quiet girl wouldn't have approached her.

Once they arrived, Lin Xia got straight to the point and asked if the garment factory was still hiring.

Liu Lanying looked around and said, "I'm not really sure, my mother-in-law didn't mention anything when she went home! How about this, Xiaolin, I'll ask her for you after work at noon!"

Seeing her reaction, Lin Xia realized that they were probably hiring. She gratefully said, "Sister Liu! I really appreciate it!"

"We're colleagues, it's nothing!" Liu Lanying paused, a worried expression crossing her face, "But, Xiaolin, as you know, there are quite a few people from the mountain areas wanting to transfer down here…"

Lin Xia quickly grabbed her arm, leaned in, and whispered, "Sister Liu! I understand! Just ask nicely for me, if it works out, I won't let you down!"

"Alright! Wait for my message!" Liu Lanying instantly beamed, and they returned to the workshop one after the other.

Lin Xia felt a huge relief, wanting her sister Lin Qiu to work at the garment factory not only to secure a job but also to learn how to use sewing machines and the like, so that when she had some money, she could help Lin Qiu start a small business.

After all, having a skill was essential at any time.

Although working in the garment factory might not teach her much, getting some basic knowledge was good enough for now, and later she could find her a proper teacher.

In the following time, Lin Xia kept busy at work while also considering what gifts to give when the time came.

At noon after work, Lin Xia rode her bike home for half an hour.

As soon as she pushed her bike through the gate, she saw Qian Chunli's son Lin Qiang in the courtyard, wielding a long stick.

"Hey! Lin Xia is back!"

Lin Qiu and Lin Dong inside the house heard it and rushed out.

The siblings shouted her name in unison, each holding a thick firewood stick.

Lin Xia was relieved to see this scene; it seemed her brother and sister had taken her words to heart, learning to fight back and to protect her!

Lin Qiang was not tall, but he was solidly built, dark and stocky.

His features might have followed Qian Chunli's deceased husband, as he didn't resemble Qian Chunli or Lin Yu at all.

A broad face with puffy eyes, not to mention the deep frown lines on his forehead and his buzz cut, made him look unfriendly.

But Lin Xia wasn't afraid of him, as she had already figured out how to handle Lin Qiang last night!

Her expression unchanged, she put down the bike and challenged, "What is it? Looking for a fight?"

Lin Qiang tilted his head, scoffing disdainfully, "With those skinny arms and legs of yours? And you, you! Just try acting tough!"

Just today, he had come back from his aunt's house and heard from Lin Yu about what had happened last night, and now they were all acting tough, daring to cause trouble!

Lin Dong glared fiercely at Lin Qiang, who had been scolding his older sister when he returned from school. He had wanted to confront him immediately, but his sister had forcefully held him back.

He knew his sister was worried he wasn't strong enough to take Lin Qiang on, and that he might end up getting hurt.

But Lin Qiang is really despicable! And there's Lin Yu, hiding in the Eastern House and enjoying the show, such a heartless lot!

Lin Qiang waved his stick and threatened fiercely, "I've heard all about it, Lin Xia, you think you're so capable? I'm telling you, if I had been there last night, I would have definitely slashed you!"

Lin Xia casually picked up a spade from the yard and sneered, "Now is not too late to slash! Come on! I'm waiting! Let's see if the three of us can chop you into a sorry mess!"

Lin Qiang looked at the three siblings glaring at him angrily. He was a bit surprised by their significant change, but living together over these years, he thought he had thoroughly assessed each of them;

Moreover, having never seen any of them show any fierceness or cruelty, he genuinely didn't consider them a threat.

Plus, with his large physique here, what is there to fear in dealing with two skinny women and a teenage boy?

"Every single one of you, don't think I underestimate you, but do you really dare to hit me with a stick?"

He just didn't believe it! He alone could handle all three of them!

Lin Xia moved a few steps closer to Lin Qiang with the spade, taunting, "Lin Qiang! Are you afraid of getting hit? Why don't you try and find out?"

She knew there would be a confrontation, so she had prepared herself last night!

Today, Lin Qiang returned from his aunt's place. If he dared to start a fight, she was ready to make him suffer, even at the cost of her life!

Let them all know, they siblings are no longer the pushovers they once were!

However, she didn't underestimate Lin Qiang, but he was usually only aggressive at home and merely obsequious outside; he probably didn't have the guts.

Lin Qiu had never fought before, but seeing Lin Xia's fearless demeanor greatly inspired her. She gripped the firewood stick in her hand, yet her calves trembled uncontrollably.

Lin Dong felt incredibly thrilled; as he grew older, he had wanted to rebel more than once.

But every time he tried to speak or act, his elder siblings would stop him, advising him for his protection, to protect him as the youngest.

Yet, what had their patience and submission brought them?

Seeing his elder sister awaken from illness as a changed person, Lin Dong felt a complete affirmation. He swung the firewood stick vigorously, his eyes shining brightly, as he shouted what he had always wanted to say, "Lin Qiang! If you dare to hit my sister, I will fight you!"

"Stop that useless talk!" Lin Qiang retorted defiantly, spitting on the ground, "Am I supposed to be scared of you? If you're capable, all of you come at once!"

Lin Xia thought about the hardships in her past life, and her eyes immediately turned cold and fearsome.

If Lin Qiang hadn't taken over, could her elder brother have died?

If not for Lin Aiguo insisting on Lin Yu going to school, could her younger brother have not been allowed to finish middle school?

All those incidents, though partly due to their own cowardice, weren't most of them forced upon them by these people?

Now, seeing Lin Qiang who disregarded them, Lin Xia truly hated that she couldn't flatten his head with a spade.

Facing Lin Xia, who seemed to hold great animosity towards him, Lin Qiang didn't know why his back felt chilly and his heart thudded uncomfortably; he lost the fearless composure he had before.

But, having spoken big words, it seemed wrong to back off now.

In the Eastern House, Lin Yu, who had been sneaking peeks through the window, saw the imminent fight in the courtyard and panicked.

Lin Qiu and Lin Dong might be nothing, but Lin Xia had been emanating an ominous vibe since yesterday.

If Lin Qiang really gets beaten by Lin Xia and her siblings, once her mother Qian Chunli returns, she would definitely find out that it was her doing.

No way!

Even if she wanted revenge, she couldn't let Lin Qiang actually fight them.