I Became a Medical Genius in the 80s
Chapter 40: Discussion

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Discussion

Qiao Xianhong visits at least once a year, and each time he brings some food, most of which Qin Hongmei takes away under the pretense of Old Mrs. Luo’s name.

Luo Anguo has no solution, and even though Mrs. Qin is frustrated to death, there’s nothing they can do. The resentment in her heart accumulated bit by bit, which is why she often speaks harshly or shouts while talking.

Today, Mrs. Qin feels incredibly happy; she has never felt this joyful in all these years!

Luo Anguo is also pleased; he has shown filial piety to his mother without letting his greedy sister-in-law take advantage, and he can keep plenty of food for the whole family!

Beisitian is really different now; the child has a good head on her shoulders, and she dares to think and act, far better than the older folks like them!

On this day, Beisitian took Luo Anping out to herd sheep, while the couple sat in the eastern room talking.

"The kid is becoming more capable; with her embroidery skills, if she practices writing a bit more, she’ll do well not only in Kao Village but even in town," Luo Anguo said while rolling a cigarette.

Mrs. Qin nodded while playing with her braid, saying, "You said then that the hardship the child underwent might change her. I didn’t believe it, but now this old woman believes it!"

"People invariably change after experiencing major transformations," Luo Anguo said thoughtfully, not knowing if he was referring to Beisitian or himself.

"Dear, the money Little Tian’er gave me—I divided it into two portions. One we keep, and the other I saved for her," Mrs. Qin said releasing her braid, speaking in a negotiating tone.

Normally, Beisitian was bought by the Luo Family as a child bride. It wasn’t just money; even she herself belonged to the Luo Family. However, since no banquet was held between them, even though she bears the name of a Luo Family daughter-in-law, she remains an innocent maiden!

Luo Anguo kept rolling his cigarette, remaining silent.

Mrs. Qin also fell silent, about to speak after a while when Luo Anguo spoke up, "I understand your meaning. Didn’t we previously agree that once Ping’an is a little older and can manage the household, we’ll find her another family to marry into? We’ll act as her natal family then!"

Hearing this, Mrs. Qin quickly nodded. Luo Anguo agreed to her saving a dowry for Beisitian.

Beisitian has suffered a lot over the years. If their eldest son were still alive, it would be different; hardship would be endured. But since the eldest son is gone, she cannot be made to endure widowhood for life!

Mrs. Qin, being a woman, understands the difficulties women face. Little Tian’er is a fine child, how could she be made to suffer for life?

"The money earned is rightfully hers; it should be saved for her," Mrs. Qin continued.

Luo Anguo is not someone who lacks understanding, naturally agreeing with Mrs. Qin’s actions. Unlike others who calculate so clearly, if it were others in the village, even if they let Beisitian go, not to mention saving a dowry, they definitely would demand a significant bride price when she marries, having raised her for so many years.

At that time, a bride price would be mandatory due to village customs; otherwise, the bride’s family would be looked down upon. However, they would not make difficulties over the bride price.

While the two were talking, they heard a sound from the front door and looked out the window to see Zhang Dazui coming.

This Zhang Dazui has a gossipy mouth but isn’t particularly bad otherwise, nor avoids their family like others in the village. Being close in proximity, he often visits.

"Is Sister-in-law Qin at home?" Zhang Dazui greeted, making sure it’s safe to enter if just Luo Anguo is there.

"Yes, come in," Mrs. Qin replied loudly.

Zhang Dazui walked in, glanced at the west room with a smile, seeing no one, then turned towards and entered the east room.

"Sister-in-law Qin, did Little Tian’er go sheep herding?" Zhang Dazui, whose real name is Zhang Qiao Niang, asked. Her skillful hands make her one of few embroidery women in the village, capable of selling her embroidered pieces for an extra couple of cents.

"Yes, she’s gone sheep herding," Mrs. Qin replied.

Zhang Qiao Niang’s eyes darted around, and she smiled, "I heard Little Tian’er became an embroidery woman at the Bao Niang Embroidery Workshop. Is it true?"

"How could it be false? Initially, even I didn’t believe it, but I have seen Little Tian’er’s embroidered pieces—they’re truly top-notch!" Mrs. Qin praised.

Zhang Qiao Niang smiled widely on the outside but thought inwardly, you, blind as a bat, what can you see!

"You may not know, but Bao Niang Embroidery Workshop isn’t a place any embroidery woman can get into. Look at my skills, which are quite good within the village, yet the workshop didn’t even glance at my work. So, I’ve been wondering how Little Tian’er suddenly became an embroidery woman there."

Despite it all, Zhang Qiao Niang still refused to believe. Confident in her craftsmanship, she once recommended herself to Bao Niang Embroidery Workshop, only to be turned away after a quick look. She was persistent and visited several times, only to realize the significant differences when she finally saw the embroidery pieces displayed by the workshop’s women.

Beisitian previously seemed so meek and unimpressive—never heard she could embroider!

Mrs. Qin’s face slightly darkened upon hearing this. She sighed and said, "I also didn’t know before. It was due to her stepmother who forced her to practice well to sell the work for money. Can you expect her to advertise about making money!"

Zhang Qiao Niang surely knew Du Chunmei and understood Du Bapi’s stingy nature. She must have hidden it while always pretending to be poor. Whether they were truly poor could be seen from her little girl’s situation—being the first in the village to wear a floral printed cotton dress!

That dress cost over ten yuan!

Who would believe Du Bapi’s cries of poverty?

Zhang Qiao Niang believed it, even more perplexed. How good must Beisitian’s embroidery be to catch the workshop owner’s eye and be hired as an embroidery woman?

"Sister-in-law Qin, do you have any of Little Tian’er’s embroidered pieces so I can take a look? You know I’m also an embroidery woman, I crave seeing good things!" Zhang Qiao Niang laughed.

"All the embroidered pieces were taken to be sold. What’s the point of leaving them at home?" Mrs. Qin replied.

Zhang Qiao Niang wasn’t disappointed. Beisitian had just returned from town, likely no new embroideries yet. She’d come back in a few days, hoping to see them then.

Changing the subject, Zhang Qiao Niang mentioned that the Old Zhang Family was trying to propose a marriage for Zhang Lianqiao, yet she firmly refused, insisting that if she were to marry, she’d find a man from town.

"How utterly shameless is that girl, demanding a man herself! Li Fengzhi thinks she taught her daughter so well, it’s utterly laughable!" Zhang Qiao Niang giggled.

Mrs. Qin laughed hearing this. Li Fengzhi always believed she taught her daughter well. But anyone clear-eyed could see Zhang Lianqiao’s obedient demeanor was just an act—not everyone could see through it, though.

The two chatted for a while when they heard the front gate sound—Beisitian was back herding the sheep.

Seeing this, Zhang Qiao Niang’s eyes lit up; she eagerly went out to greet them, smiling as bright as a flower. After talking for a long time, thirsty from waiting, finally, the person returned.