I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s
Chapter 343: You’re Not Talking About Lu Zhengya, Are You?

Chapter 343: Chapter 343: You’re Not Talking About Lu Zhengya, Are You?

As soon as they entered the courtyard, Jiang Huan saw the busy people squatting there, frequently glancing over at the two sisters. The looks they gave Shen Meng were somewhat uncertain at first, but after realizing it was indeed her, their expressions turned to disbelief, as if they finally accepted that what she had previously said was true.

"Sister, it’s been a long time since you visited me, I’ve missed you so much. And that thing about you appearing in the newspaper, it made me incredibly happy. It’s truly amazing."

Just by looking at Jiang Huan’s expression, Shen Meng could guess her intent and naturally cooperated with her gladly.

"I missed you too, Sister. I’ve just been so busy lately. Thankfully we can write to each other, and that way we sisters can still talk frequently."

"That’s true. But I’ve been worried about you being so busy. Sometimes, I didn’t even dare to reply to your letters. Also, Sister, there’s something I have to criticize you for."

Shen Meng immediately withdrew her hand from Jiang Huan’s arm humbly.

"Sister, just say it. If there’s anything I didn’t do well, don’t be angry. Just tell me, and I’ll definitely change."

Seeing how serious she was, Jiang Huan felt a bit embarrassed, but also deeply moved. They had only met by chance, and she didn’t expect Shen Meng to value her so highly.

"It’s nothing to be angry about. I just wanted to say, next time don’t send so much stuff over, especially staples. I’m living quite well here; you don’t have to worry about me all the time."

Shen Meng chuckled and slipped Jiang Huan’s arm back into hers.

"No way, I’m so lucky to have found a sister like you. Of course, I think of you when I come across good things. Besides, our village is doing very well. Soon the new brick kiln will be built, and that’ll lead to a qualitative leap in the economy of Ning County. Everybody’s going to have more money and live better lives. Plus, our family has a large plot of retained land, lots of grain, and plenty of vegetables and fruits to spare. You and Brother-in-law, along with my nephews and nieces, are living in Provincial City and everything costs money there. I can’t just give you money directly, so if I give you grains, vegetables, cakes, and fruits and you still won’t accept them, what does that say about our relationship?"

"Alright, alright, I can’t argue with you. Let’s go inside. I’m off work today, and I’ve bought some meat, just in time to make dumplings for lunch. Let’s have a good meal."

Shen Meng lifted up the items in her hand, her bags were very transparent, filled with apples, bananas, shortbread, canned food, spicy strips, egg cakes, and candy. The other bag was full of vegetables and a large piece of pork with a mix of fat and lean, looking incredibly tempting.

"I can’t stay for lunch today, Sister. I came specifically to bring you some stuff, and the kids at home are waiting for me to return. I’m living in Provincial City now too, but I don’t come by very often. My husband has retired from the military and is now working as a Deputy Director at the Police Station. If you ever encounter any difficulties, just go to him."

"Oh my, that’s really great. After so many years, you and your husband can finally be reunited. Congratulations, Xiao Meng."

The two continued talking as they made their way to the room. Once they entered the house, the people in the courtyard were still in shock, unable to recover.

Several savvy aunts and elder sisters-in-law had already taken their laundry basins back home, rummaging through their belongings to try to establish a connection with Shen Meng. After all, she was not only capable herself, but her man was a Director at the Police Station. If they could get to know her better, what would they have to fear in the future?

Having shown off all that needed to be shown, now it was time for sisterly conversation. After entering, Jiang Huan closed the door tightly and refused to open it for anyone who knocked.

"Take a seat, Sister. Let me pour you some water. You must be exhausted from the trip?"

"Not at all, it’s not far and I wasn’t tired. Thinking of seeing you soon, I was filled with energy. I had such a smooth ride on my bike."

Jiang Huan couldn’t help grinning from ear to ear, feeling very pleased. Looking at the two full bags of items on the table, her heart was so warmed it nearly combusted.

"Sister, although you and your husband both have high salaries and good benefits, you can’t just spend money like this. I mean, for the past half a year or so, I’ve really been taken care of by you, especially those two months ago. Those fifty pounds of rice and fifty pounds of fortified flour you had sent over, oh dear, they were literally life-saving. My nephew came down with a fever and a severe cold. My brother-in-law and I both had to take leave from work. We were constantly running between the hospital and home, on top of taking care of the other kids. That month, we didn’t have any benefits, and I was even thinking of getting an advance on next month’s salary. Then, coming home and seeing those two bags of grains along with some vegetables..."

"Sister, you’re being too formal with me. I heard about it and wanted to come see you, but there was a meeting in Ning County and I couldn’t get away. I could only have someone send things over."

In reality, she had indeed asked around secretly and heard that Lu Zhengya didn’t have a good reputation, but she hadn’t expected Jiang Huan to also know her.

They’d talked a lot when Shen Meng suddenly let out a sigh and hesitated for a while before saying, "Sister, you’ve been in Provincial City for many years now and must know quite a few people. I, I’d like to ask you about someone."

Jiang Huan had already noticed Shen Meng pausing and hesitating during the conversation. She studied her sister’s face closely and saw she looked unwell, clearly not having rested properly.

"Little Sister, you can tell Sister straight. You know me; if it’s something I can find out, I’ll definitely tell you."

"Alright, between us sisters, I’m not ashamed to admit and won’t beat around the bush. After my man left the military service and started working here, he mentioned after a month that the station was holding a fundraiser to help a martyr’s widow with a child. He’s always had strong military comrade bonds and donated quite a bit of money. But that led her to cling onto him, showing up at work with her child, bothersome to the point of frustration. So he hurriedly moved me and the children to Provincial City. I’ve seen that woman and her child... it’s such a pity, such good children being led astray... What, what’s that look for, Sister?"

"Xiao Meng, this person you’re talking about, it isn’t Lu Zhengya, is it?"

Shen Meng was taken aback for a moment. There was no pretense in her reaction; she genuinely had been asking around in secret. Despite hearing that Lu Zhengya had a dubious reputation, she was surprised that Jiang Huan knew her too.

"Sister, you know her? That’s her. She, she claims there’s no ill will, that her children just miss their father and that’s why they keep coming to my husband. She also said she doesn’t aim for much and won’t let her children compete with my son and daughter for their father’s attention."

"Shameless, listening to that worthless woman’s words? Disgraceful creature."