Following Ma Xuemin, Mother Rui made her way to the meeting hall where the Chief had been waiting for her, unable to keep her nervousness at bay.
Despite wearing a straw hat, she was sweating bullets, her old and worn shirt clinging uncomfortably to her body. Along the way, people cast curious glances their way, seemingly intrigued by this strange combination, which caused Mother Rui to lower her head even more. Ever since getting pregnant with Rui Ye, she had always despised being the center of attention, even developing a psychological aversion to it. It was as though she could feel their scorn and ridicule burning a hole through her back.
"Let's go," Ma Xuemin's voice brought her out of her reverie. "The Chief has been waiting for you."
