Chapter 34: Am I in Trouble Now?
Sister Guiying said angrily, “I was just trying to help out of kindness!”
“My family doesn’t need your help.” Song’s mother set the basket down on the ground and waved her off, “Besides, if you were really trying to help, why would you be spying from outside? I think you’re just asking for trouble! Get lost!”
Sister Guiying was driven back several steps by Song’s mother and cursed angrily, “You don’t know how to be grateful!” But Song’s mother didn’t entertain her at all.
“You’re the one with bad intentions! Don’t think I don’t know that you’re the one who spread the news about Chengzi in our family! Get out!”
What annoyed Song’s mother the most wasn’t the people who whispered behind her back, but people like Sister Guiying, who would spread rumors as soon as they heard a bit of gossip. Her mouth was like a sieve and couldn’t keep a secret at all.
The more Song’s mother thought about it, the angrier she became. She casually picked up a stone nearby and threw it near Sister Guiying’s feet.
Startled, Sister Guiying quickly ran off, only shouting from a distance. Song’s mother ignored her completely, pushed open the door, and led Huanya into the courtyard.
Huanya entered a moment later, making sure no one was outside before closing the door. She asked Song’s mother, “Auntie, who was that woman?”
Song’s mother had been angry, but hearing her question made her laugh.
She said, “You don’t even know who she is and you dare to speak like that?”
Huanya was stunned and immediately became nervous. “Auntie, she couldn’t be some important person, right?” She didn’t seem like it—who important would behave like a petty thief?
But seeing Song’s mother silent, Huanya’s heart pounded, “Auntie, did I cause trouble? I’ll go apologize right now.”
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Saying that, Huanya started to rush out, but Song’s mother grabbed her and couldn’t help but laugh.
“You kid, I haven’t even said anything yet. Why are you in such a hurry?”
“I—I’m afraid I caused trouble,” Huanya scratched her head awkwardly. “Auntie, who exactly is she?”
“Nobody special, just the eldest daughter-in-law of the Meng family in the village. No bad intentions, just can’t keep her mouth shut,” Song’s mother said, spitting disdainfully. “Not very brave, just a little crazy in the head. Doesn’t do any real work all day, just likes to pry into other people’s business. It’s annoying to listen to.”
“Oh~” Huanya understood. “So if she does this again next time, can I scold her?”
“Pft.”
Song’s mother laughed before saying, “You can, why not? If she messes with you, just scold her. And if you get in trouble, Auntie’s got your back!”
Huanya was instantly delighted. “Thank you, Auntie!” But she wasn’t a child who would lose an argument—she wouldn’t tell on elders!
Song’s mother found her amusing and, while taking some perilla leaves out of the basket, said, “I didn’t know you have such a temper.”
Huanya blushed deeply and quickly shook her hands. “No, no, I’m very good-tempered. It’s just that that sister-in-law was being unreasonable.”
“All right, I’m not scolding you,” Song’s mother said, rubbing her hand. “Just get these out first.”
“Okay.”
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Huanya transformed back into the obedient girl she usually was, but Song’s mother knew this girl had thorns.
It made sense; a child who could cruelly scratch her own face couldn’t be that innocent.
But Song’s mother didn’t feel afraid—only heartbroken.
Only fourteen years old, and if she hadn’t been driven to the brink, who would willingly do such a thing?
“Mother.”
Song Tiancheng’s voice came from inside, breaking Song’s mother’s thoughts.
She quickly responded, “Here.”
Song’s mother lifted her skirt to wipe her hands, letting Huanya continue working while she went inside.
“Chengzi, what is it?”
Song Tiancheng carefully looked at Song’s mother to make sure she wasn’t hurt, then breathed a sigh of relief. “I just heard the argument earlier and was worried you might have been wronged.”