RYEY – Chapter 90 Planning

“Auntie, hello. I’m Cheng Qiao.”

“Cheng Qiao, my child… what can I even say to you? Your father’s been reported, and now they’ve even produced your mother’s English books. Your father’s in serious trouble this time.”

“That was Xia Fen who brought them up, right? But who can prove these books belonged to my mother? Are there even any names written in them?”

Yang Mei was momentarily stunned. That’s right—Zhao Min treasured her books above all else. She would never write in them, let alone put her own name on them.

“Old Han, look…”

Yang Mei’s husband, Han Qiusheng, had been somewhat of a local troublemaker in his youth. He fell in love with Yang Mei, and when he went to propose, her mother publicly agreed—but secretly, she had promised her off to an older man from the steel mill for a high price.

When Yang Mei discovered the truth, she tried to throw herself into the river—but was rescued by Zhao Min, who happened to be passing by. After learning the full story, Zhao Min investigated Han Qiusheng and realized that the man genuinely loved Yang Mei.

Yang Mei had long since developed feelings for Han Qiusheng, but unfortunately, he was too poor to afford the bride price. In the end, with Zhao Min’s help, Yang Mei’s mother lowered the bride price slightly, and Zhao Min contributed privately, ensuring that the two lovers could finally be together.

Han Qiusheng was forever grateful to Zhao Min. Now that Cheng Liguo was in trouble, Han Qiusheng, who had finally managed to get a minor position in the Revolutionary Committee, stepped forward without hesitation.

“Cheng Qiao, it’s not that your uncle doesn’t want to help. I had originally planned to secretly destroy these books, but I didn’t expect someone from the steel mill to interfere. There was nothing I could do.”

Cheng Qiao understood internally. The position of deputy director her father held had certainly long been coveted by others; it was only because her father was too diligent that no one could touch it. Now that the opportunity had arisen, how could it be wasted?

“Auntie, Xia Fen’s daughter went to the countryside, right? Do you know where she’s gone?”

Yang Mei’s eyes lit up. The reason Xia Fen reported Cheng Liguo was that he had helped Wang Qin register for the rural assignment and even restored her surname to Wang, which had fueled her resentment.

She now understood Cheng Qiao’s plan. The couple exchanged a glance, both knowing what needed to be done. As long as Xia Fen admitted to framing Cheng Liguo, everything would be settled.

“You should take these things with you; leaving them here isn’t safe.”

Yang Mei handed Cheng Qiao a box. Cheng Qiao recognized it immediately as her mother’s keepsake. Thinking back to her previous life, she remembered how she had cried and begged Cheng Liguo for these items, only to hand them directly to Xia Fen—she could hardly bear the thought of her past mistakes.

“Thank you, Auntie. I apologize for my past ignorance.”

“Silly child, your mother is my sister. You are my niece. We are family; there’s no need for formality. Today, go secure these things, and tomorrow, I’ll come see you.”

“Auntie, I’m staying nearby at the Laike Guesthouse, room 101.”

“Got it. Let your uncle take you back.”

“No need. My husband is waiting for me outside.”

“What!”

Yang Mei and Han Qiusheng’s faces changed at the mention of a husband. Cheng Qiao was still so young; if the university entrance exams hadn’t been disrupted, she would now be attending college as a student.

“I was framed in the countryside, I became pregnant, and my husband saved my life. In that rural area, if I hadn’t married him, life would have been extremely difficult.”

“What happened exactly? Who harmed you? And you’re pregnant? Divorce isn’t an option then.”

“It was Xu Laidi. She gave me some medicine. I didn’t even know where she got it, but I know she and Wang Qin were close. And my husband treats me really well.”

“Xu Laidi… I told you that girl wasn’t trustworthy. I warned you to stay away, but you didn’t listen. See? You suffered. And your husband really treats you well, huh? Not lying to me?”

“Yes, just like how my uncle treated you back then.”

Yang Mei froze. She glanced at Han Qiusheng, realizing Cheng Qiao must have genuine feelings. Yet, knowing Cheng Qiao’s naïve sweetness, they couldn’t help but worry.

“Cheng Qiao, marriage is the most important thing in your life. Don’t be confused anymore. Since you’re married, live properly. But remember, keep your finances safe and hidden.”

Yang Mei tapped the wooden box in Cheng Qiao’s hands, speaking earnestly. Cheng Qiao nodded. Inside the box were her name on the passbook, nearly thirty thousand yuan, and over a dozen gold bars—these needed to be hidden.

“I remember. I won’t give these things to anyone.”

Cheng Qiao packed the small wooden box into her backpack. As she prepared to leave, Han Qiusheng shook his hand; of course he wanted to meet his niece’s husband from afar.

“Auntie, Uncle, hello.”

Cheng Qiao went out briefly and brought Li Huan inside. As soon as Yang Mei saw him, she understood why Cheng Qiao liked him.

Human genetics are truly remarkable. Zhao Min had bright eyes and clear teeth, loved the handsome and refined Cheng Liguo, and their child Cheng Qiao inherited those beautifully framed features.

And Cheng Qiao had likewise fallen for this handsome, dashing man. Indeed, beauty paired with a handsome man is a sight to behold.

“Now that you’ve married Cheng Qiao, can you treat my girl well? If not, leave now.”

Han Qiusheng glared at Li Huan with sharp eyes, though inwardly he admired Li Huan’s appearance. He was even more handsome than Cheng Liguo had been in his youth.

“I swear, if I have any ill intentions toward Cheng Qiao, may lightning strike me dead.”

Li Huan thought to himself: Cheng Qiao is like a little fairy on earth; having lightning strike for a promise seems far too convenient—but he made the oath anyway.

Han Qiusheng hadn’t expected such a bold oath, and all the words he had prepared couldn’t be spoken. He just glared at Li Huan and went to the kitchen to make tea.

Yang Mei felt a little awkward—her husband’s temper was flaring again. Just as she prepared to smooth things over, Li Huan smiled and pulled two bags of milk powder, two pounds of brown sugar, and a bottle of wine from the cloth bag.

“Auntie, thank you for raising Cheng Qiao all these years. You and Uncle are her elders, and now my elders too. These modest gifts are Cheng Qiao’s way of showing filial respect.”

Cheng Qiao secretly rolled her eyes at Li Huan. Clever guy, she thought—no wonder he had her prepare these gifts; now it all made sense.

Yang Mei’s eyes suddenly grew moist. If her short-lived sister Zhao Min had been alive, Cheng Qiao would never have had to suffer like this. Alas, fate had its plans.

The next day, Cheng Qiao and Li Huan returned to the steel mill’s residential compound. The yard was quiet. Cheng Qiao retrieved the spare key given by Yang Mei and opened the long-unseen home.