Chapter 6: We're Counting on You This Time

Chapter 6: This Time, It’s All Up to You

Zhou Jiaojiao’s face turned ugly from the scolding. Lu Jiaxuan, who had been staring at her in the main room, immediately grew indignant when he saw her being berated.

"Mother, what are you saying? Wasn't Jiaojiao just being kind? Besides, when Eldest Sister-in-law was carried back, she was wailing 'oh, oh' and cursing Jiaojiao the whole time. You didn't see it? Hmph, it was Jiaojiao who stopped the bleeding on her forehead!"

Zhou Jiaojiao had been married into the family for half a year, and usually, no one even dared to say a harsh word to her. Now, being scolded by Liu Sanjin like this, her tears fell immediately, which made Lu Jiaxuan’s heart ache terribly.

Hearing his son talk back to her like that, Liu Sanjin’s face darkened.

Zhou Jiaojiao sobbed twice, and seeing her mother-in-law’s sour expression, she quickly said, "Mother, now is not the time to argue about this. We must hurry and look after Eldest Sister-in-law. As long as she pulls through, our family’s reputation can be saved."

Liu Sanjin gave a "cold snort" and was about to walk toward Shen Meng’s room when Zhou Jiaojiao tugged at her.

"Mother, wait a moment. Jiaxuan, you take some food to Eldest Sister-in-law’s parents. They came in such a rush, they surely haven't eaten. Once we’ve comforted them, Second Sister-in-law, Third Sister-in-law, and I will go with you to see Eldest Sister-in-law. We’ll bring some good things; Eldest Sister-in-law will listen to us."

Her words were well-spoken, causing Lu Jiaxuan to nod in appreciation before he lifted his chin toward Liu Sanjin with a hint of pride.

After thinking it over, Liu Sanjin decided that her method was indeed feasible. She immediately returned to the main room to discuss it with the other daughters-in-law.

Inside Shen Meng’s room, she had Wang Guizhi open her kang cabinet. Inside were sponge cakes and biscuits the original owner had secretly bought. It was the perfect time to eat something to pad their stomachs. Seeing their daughter in such a state, the elderly couple couldn't bear to eat; such rare treats, they wanted to save them for her to recover.

"Father, Mother, listen to me. You must eat first. I’ll need you to stand up for me in a moment, and if you’re hungry, you won't have the strength to help me."

Wang Guizhi looked at the sponge cake and biscuits in her hand, gritted her teeth, and took one sponge cake and two biscuits to hand to Shen Fugui.

"Old man, you eat first to pad your stomach. I used to listen to Xiao Meng say how good the Lu family was, and I believed it. Now look at the life our daughter is living. No matter what happens today, we must get justice for Xiao Meng. Hurry up and eat. When we get home tonight, I’ll boil an egg for you."

"I... this... old woman, you eat it. I’ll just drink some water. I’m not hungry, it’s the same if I eat tonight."

Watching the two old people pushing the food back and forth, Shen Meng quickly said, "Don't decline. You must eat. If you don't, it’ll just benefit the Lu family. Do you know why I can't live in my own three-room tiled house and am huddled here with the children? It’s because my mother-in-law is good at talking. When Lu Jiaxuan and Zhou Jiaojiao got married, they wanted a brighter house, so they borrowed mine first. I only let them stay because of the two yuan rent my mother-in-law promised. But it’s been over half a year, and I haven't seen a cent of rent, nor have they moved out. Today, I’m injured like this; if I die, wouldn't that be exactly what they want? Mother, listen to me. My grandmother used to be invincible in our village with just one walking stick. You suffered under her for years, you must have learned a thing or two. Mother, after you eat, let your hair down. Right, take some dirt and smear it on your face. Run all the way to the Lu Family Village production team, shouting as you go. Make the village cadres come over to judge this."

"What? How can their hearts be so black? Heavens, we didn't know about this! You silly girl, how could you agree to this? Those three tiled rooms were built when Zhenping got married, specifically so you and the children could live better. You... you usually seem so sharp, why... sigh!" Wang Guizhi burst into tears.

Shen Meng’s mouth stiffened. She also thought it was absurd. Not to mention that a house in the countryside wasn't worth two yuan in rent, but the fact that the original owner hadn't been able to get her house back after it had been borrowed for so long—and those children who were nowhere to be found...

"Now is not the time for this. Father, it’s been so long, and Mingyang and the others haven't come home yet. You and Mother, split up. One go to the production team, the other go find the children. Tell them I’m not going to make it, tell them to hurry over... for the funeral."

"Silly child, don't talk nonsense. Quickly, knock on wood."

Shen Meng: "..."

Feudal superstitions are no good, otherwise, she wouldn't have transmigrated, dear!!!

"Father, Mother, eat quickly. Eat while you listen to me. The Lu family will be here soon, we must hurry. Once this is over, I will live a good life and be filial to you. Only you can help me now. Be fast, or I might be killed by the Lu family. Mother, don't be afraid. When you cry and shout later, speak slowly. If you go too fast, you’ll make mistakes. Don't pay attention to what anyone else says, just keep saying that I’m being killed by the Lu family for the sake of those three tiled rooms. Right, the people of Lu Family Village are protective of their own. Mother, there is a piece of red paper in the kang cabinet. Dip it in water and smear it on the corners of your mouth and forehead, and say you were beaten. Mother, believe in yourself, you can do it!"

"Father, you dip some red paper water too. It’s fine. You’ve been to Lu Family Village a few times. I suspect Mingyang and the others are at Second Aunt’s place. Second Uncle and Second Aunt are kind and have looked after the children often. Just go find them and bring them back. No matter their attitude, you must bring them back. Mingyang is Lu Zhenping’s eldest son, the Lu family’s eldest grandson. If his mother is about to be gone, he must be here."

Watching the old couple, spurred on by her, wolfing down the food, Shen Meng apologized in her heart. There was really no other way. She had a splitting headache, and the lingering fear from the car accident still haunted her. No one could accept being in two car accidents within a year, and flying through the air for a moment each time.

After Wang Guizhi and Shen Fugui finished the sponge cakes and biscuits and drank some water, they quickly dipped into the red paper water. With their hair disheveled and faces covered in dirt, even Shen Meng thought the old couple looked incredibly miserable.

While they were still busy, there was a sudden movement in the courtyard. All three went quiet and glanced outside.

"Mother, you rush out first, then Father. Be quick. If the Lu family stops you, you won't be able to get out."

"Alright, daughter. Today, your father and I will risk our lives for you. But... but what about you? You’re all alone, Mother is truly worried!"

Shen Meng struggled to lift her arm and gently patted Wang Guizhi’s hand.

"Mother, don't worry. As long as you get out, they won't dare do anything to me. Let it go. They’re here. Father, Mother, whether your daughter survives this time depends on you."

Wang Guizhi and Shen Fugui looked at each other, both feeling the urgency of the time and the weight of the task. With the footsteps outside drawing closer, they hesitated no longer.

Wang Guizhi took the lead, quickly opened the door, and ran out, shouting as she went.

"Help! The Lu family is beating people! They want my daughter dead! These black-hearted things want to swallow my daughter’s tiled house and are just watching her die without calling a doctor!"

Dear friends, hello everyone, I am Er Fei 2. Thank you all for reading my work. Throw flowers, and please send some recommendation votes!