Chapter 209

Su Xiaoxiao and Jiang Yexun didn’t keep their voices low, and the people outside heard every word clearly, which irritated them even more. None of the twenty or so people wanted to be the first to confront Jiang Yexun, especially since Jiang Quansheng’s mother had been severely beaten by him during a recent engagement. Now, no one dared to step forward.
Yu Sipin’s family hoped to take advantage of their numbers to gain some benefits. They were especially cautious, knowing Su Xiaoxiao’s background; she had previously caused the downfall of the well-regarded team leader Jiang Guoli. Provoking her wouldn’t end well.
Jiang Yexun first went to the kitchen to bring out a brazier. He then fetched a chair, some sweet potatoes, potatoes, and two eggs, which he placed by the brazier to roast.
Su Xiaoxiao, now seated comfortably, noticed the yard had suddenly quieted. She looked at the two women on the ground, glaring at her with resentment.
“Keep crying! Why did you stop? I’ve set everything up and started roasting food. Don’t tell me you’re all bark and no bite,” Su Xiaoxiao said, her tone filled with disdain.
The two women exchanged glances. They felt foolish but knew that crying might be their only chance to get money. So, they covered their faces and began wailing again, albeit half-heartedly.
Satisfied, Su Xiaoxiao turned to Jiang Yexun. “Brother Yexun, could you get me some peanuts and sunflower seeds? These foods will take a while to cook.”
“Okay.” Jiang Yexun nodded and went inside. Su Xiaoxiao’s room had a small chest of drawers where most of the household’s snacks were stored. In contrast, Jiang Yexun and his mother’s storage was more sparse, a remnant of their previous life where such treats were rare, only enjoyed during festivals. Despite the improved circumstances, old habits die hard.
Jiang Yexun returned with a tray filled with peanuts, sunflower seeds, and Su Xiaoxiao’s favorite peach pastries from Shanghai. He placed the tray next to her, went back to the kitchen to make a cup of malted milk, and finally settled on a small stool beside her. He ignored the troublemakers completely, further infuriating them as they felt humiliated and helpless.
As soon as Jiang Yexun sat down, Su Xiaoxiao voiced her displeasure again, “Their crying is so fake! It’s been ages, and they’re just wailing without shedding a single tear. Do they really care about their dead children, or are they just trying to extort money from us?”
“In their eyes, money is worth more than their children,” Jiang Yexun scoffed, peeling some peanuts and placing them in Su Xiaoxiao’s hand.
Su Xiaoxiao ate the peanuts, her gaze fixed on the two women. Whenever their wailing lessened, she would express her dissatisfaction, “You don’t seem genuinely sad! Are you just putting on a show?”

The two women, feeling awkward, finally pleaded, “Su Xiaoxiao, Yexun, we’re not trying to extort you. We’re just worried about Quansheng and Sipin’s children. One is six and the other not even four. With their parents gone, how will they survive? You two are wealthy and have blood ties. Could you please adopt them?”
“Yeah right! Those kids were fine before, and you never bothered to check on them. Now, you’re just trying to use them as an excuse,” Su Xiaoxiao retorted, rolling her eyes dramatically.

The women felt embarrassed, “We didn’t worry before because they had their parents. But now we must find a good future for them.”
“You just want to foist those kids on us so you can come by whenever you want and mooch off us,” Su Xiaoxiao bluntly exposed their intentions.
The two women were stunned, not expecting such sharp insight from a young city girl. They forced awkward smiles.
“Now, now, how can you say such things?”