"There's no need for pleasantries, if anyone should be saying 'thank you', it should be me thanking you." Qiao Xiong said amiably, "Hurry on home now, I've held you up nearly half the day, and I'm afraid it won't be easy to explain to Lady Hua."
Isn't that the truth? Hua Xiaomai grimaced inwardly, said her goodbyes to them both, and after taking a couple steps, turned back to give Meng Yuhuai another look before hurrying towards the west end of the village.
The closer she got to the Jing Family's small courtyard, the more anxious she became in her heart.
It was already the afternoon and, in order to prepare the reunion meal for Qiao's Paper Shop, she had snuck out without telling anyone, and she had no idea what second Lady Hua and Jing Taihe had eaten for the morning meal. Their tastes had become quite fastidious lately and her sister's muddled pot cooking skills probably couldn't even satisfy herself anymore.
Standing at the entrance of her home, she looked down at her clothes. Knowing she would be busy at the stove all day and it wouldn't be easy, she had intentionally worn an old jacket which now had some greasy spots on the sleeves and placket, making it look rather shabby. She tiptoed, nervously glanced in the direction of the east room, and seeing no movement, she tiptoed a little further inside, planning to sneak back to her room to change clothes before second Lady Hua noticed her.
As it turned out, such sneaky tactics never succeeded. Hua Xiaomai, like a mouse, slipped up to the door of the west room, and just as she was about to push the paint-peeling wooden door open and dart inside to safety, there came a chilling roar from behind her.
"Hua Xiaosan, you're courting death!"
Hua Xiaomai's scalp nearly split open, and she shuddered, turning around with a troubled frown to face second Lady Hua, who was glaring at her angrily: "Se... Second sister..."
"Don't call me, I don't have a sister like you!" Second Lady Hua waved her hand abruptly, cutting off her words, and stomped forward, grabbing Xiaomai's arm without a word and smacked her hard on the behind, "Tell me, where have you been all this time? Do you know how worried I've been? How can you be so inconsiderate at your age? You've really wasted all these years of your life!" Before she finished speaking, she followed up with two solid punches.
Hua Xiaomai grimaced in pain, sucking in a cold breath through her teeth. Thank goodness it was winter, with thick clothes to cushion some of the blows, otherwise her poor behind would swell up by tomorrow!
"Second sister, listen to me!" she struggled momentarily but couldn't free herself from Second Lady Hua's grip and had to pull out four strings of cash from her bosom, shrieking, "Look, look, I wasn't out fooling around, I was doing proper work!"
"Where did you get all this money... did you steal something?" Second Lady Hua was startled, her eyes widening, "You, Hua Xiaosan..."
"Second sister, can't you ever get it right?" Hua Xiaomai was incredulous, "This money was given by Uncle Qiao from Qiao's Paper Shop at the east end of the village; I helped him cook a meal today."
There was no point in hiding it any longer; she simply had to tell the whole story, detailing the reasons and consequences. Hua Erniang burst into fury upon hearing this, poking her on the forehead and exploding, "Who let you earn this money, huh? Did you consult with me, huh? Have I shorted you food or clothes, can't I provide for you? As your elder sister, letting my unmarried sister go out to earn money for me, how am I any different from that shameless Hua Dashan?"
Suddenly thinking of something, she pulled Hua Xiaomai close, her face inches from hers, fiercely demanding, "Did the villagers say something to make you feel bad, and you overheard? Tell me now, I'll fight it out with them!" Her tone was intense, but her voice trembled slightly.
"No, Erjie, calm down, can't you just listen to me?" Hua Xiaomai quickly soothed her, patting her shoulder, "I know you care about me, and my brother-in-law treats me well too. In all the time I've been here, he's never shown a hint of impatience, always smiling. But let's face it, our household is indeed under financial strain, aren't we? Even though it's just a small amount, these four diao can still cover some expenses. On one hand, I really did want to lessen your burden, but more importantly, I truly enjoy cooking."
"Nonsense, your arms and legs are so slender, can you really handle standing by the stove for half a day, still claiming you like it?" Hua Erniang spat dismissively, though she was not as furious as before.
Hua Xiaomai cracked a small smile: "You should have seen how happy Uncle Qiao was today. A whole table of dishes was completely devoured, not a scrap left. They sat at the table, too busy eating to even talk. This scene gives me a sense of accomplishment; I feel like I'm someone useful. It makes me happy to both make money and to do what I enjoy. I admit it was wrong not to discuss it with you first, but I was afraid you wouldn't agree."
"Do you really like cooking that much?" Hua Erniang sounded doubtful.
There's a chance! Hua Xiaomai's heart leaped, and she vigorously nodded: "Truly, it's more genuine than pearls!"
"Then…" Hua Erniang pondered for a long time, eventually sighing, "I know our family is struggling, with Taihe busy at the blacksmith shop all month barely making any money... If such an opportunity arises again and you're willing, I won't stop you, but you have to tell me first. Don't sneak around and make me worry, or I'll thrash you!"
"Okay!" Hua Xiaomai felt relieved and promptly agreed.
That evening at the dinner table, Hua Erniang flaunted the four diao, swinging it back and forth in front of Jing Taihe. With the household income increased, Jing Taihe was naturally happy and turned to Hua Xiaomai, saying, "My little sister is indeed capable. Just don't overwork yourself; these four diao alone will last us quite some time."
Hua Erniang pulled him aside, sweetly suggesting, "What I mean is, our little sister has grown up. We keep three diao, and let her manage the remaining one herself. Having some money in hand will make a young lady stand a bit taller. I..."
Before she could finish speaking, a rush of footsteps came from the courtyard, followed by an elderly woman's voice starting to call out.
"Taihe, Taihe, come and help me out!"