Chapter 10 Falling Chain

Removing the apron, Lin Xiaoguai came out of the kitchen.

"I told you grandma wouldn't agree, but you wouldn't believe me," Shen Xiu said, pouring her a glass of water.

Lin Xiaoguai smiled and glanced at the time before asking, "It's time for dinner, why hasn't grandpa come back yet?"

"He won't be back today," Shen Xiu replied. "Uncle Chang's barbershop is busy, and grandpa has been helping out there for the past couple of days, even eating his lunch there."

Shen Zhangming had learned haircutting from a widower in the village when he was younger. Though he hadn't practiced it for decades, his skills were still there, and Uncle Chang was a disciple he had taken on by chance.

When they moved to the county town, the elderly couple relied on Shen Zhangming's pension and their grandson's filial piety. With the ability to grow vegetables and raise chickens and ducks in their yard, life was quite comfortable, and the old gentleman was content to enjoy his retirement.

Even so, because all of their daughters' homes were facing difficulties and their son was unreliable, they inevitably looked for ways to give money to their daughters, leaving little in savings.

This time, with their granddaughter-in-law's mishap, although the child was saved, the elderly couple had their concerns—not to mention whether the child could be safely born. After their granddaughter-in-law had fallen seriously ill and been abused by the tigress from the Wang family for a month, it was clear her health was compromised. If a hemorrhage occurred... They already owed a debt to their granddaughter-in-law. If they were to cause her death, could they still live with themselves?

Therefore, the old couple had made up their minds; to be safe, they would have to gather a sum of money before their granddaughter-in-law went into labor, so she could go to the provincial hospital.

None of the younger generation knew of the elderly couple's plans, but that didn't stop them from guessing that Shen Zhangming's sudden help at the barbershop was for someone's sake.

Lin Xiaoguai felt bitter in her heart. Honestly, aside from Wang Zhaodi, no one in the Shen family was really a bad person. What had led her to such a state in her previous life?

She began to reflect but realized, due to her temperament, she had been young, spirited, naïve and prideful in her earlier years, preferring to break rather than bend—even knowing she could have made her place in the Shen family without children, she would still have chosen divorce.

Even now, if it weren't for her child still being there, even though she wouldn't lose her fertility like in her past life, she wouldn't choose any option other than divorce.

"Going to Licheng?" Lin Xiaoguai looked stunned.

Luo Yufang nodded. "Xiuxiu will stay to take care of you; we'll be back in at most three days."

"Is there something happening?" Lin Xiaoguai looked at Shen Chi.

She simply couldn't believe that such a large trip was just to visit their second aunt.

"The second aunt said their garment factory has a batch of defective goods to dispose of. Although they are defects, they are only minor. Even if they can't be sold in the county, they can be sold in the town. The clothes are at a disposal price, selling them should bring in a small profit, enough for your nourishment," Shen Chi explained. He had a two-month leave because he had completed a big task, and although it sounded like a lot, he couldn't invest in any big businesses and could only put effort into these small trades.

"Do you have enough capital?" Lin Xiaoguai asked directly.

"Enough," Shen Chi paused before replying. "Last year, a comrade borrowed two hundred yuan from me. Knowing my situation this time, he sent the money to me."

Two hundred yuan in the early eighties was not a huge sum, but it was still a significant amount.

Lin Xiaoguai nodded, "Then pay attention on the road and take good care of grandma and grandpa."

At her words, Shen Zhangming and Luo Yufang looked relieved, but Shen Chi felt somewhat bitter inside. Indeed, it was not an illusion. In this home, his wife cared about everyone else and was just dismissive towards him.

Lin Xiaoguai was unaware of Shen Chi's thoughts; right now, she was considering what to prepare for the three about to depart.

Licheng was not very far from their place; by train, it was just over two hours. The climate was also not much different from theirs, so clothes could be prepared just like the current ones they were wearing. Fortunately, it was summer, and the clothes were light and easy to carry.

As for other items, it was just about considering gifts. Although they were visiting her aunt's house, since they could get the factory's defective goods at a low price, the second aunt had offered considerable help, and they ought to show their gratitude.

After thinking, Lin Xiaoguai took a few yards of cotton cloth from the house and handed it to Luo Yufang. "Grandma, please take this to the second aunt."

"Isn't this for you to make clothes for the child? Why are you giving it away?" Luo Yufang looked disapproving.

"The child won't be born for another good half year. As long as we have money, when can't we buy this cloth?" Lin Xiaoguai said softly, "The second aunt has helped us so much this time, grandma, taking this shows at least some gratitude."