USWHC -Chapter 324 Fooling, Then Continuing to Fool (Part 4)

“Mother, it’s nothing. From now on we’ll be together, and life will get better!” Zhu Jie comforted her lightly.

But then Zhu Laotai let out a faint sigh and said, “Ah, it’s all just putting on a show! Don’t laugh at me, but after paying for what you bought just now, we don’t even have enough money left for tomorrow’s meals or lodging!”

After saying this, she immediately looked up at Zhu Jie, as if waiting for her to respond.

A clever smile flickered in Zhu Jie’s eyes. Good—sister will show you how she responds. She said with exaggerated sentiment, “It’s all my fault, daughter didn’t realize that mother had such difficulties, and still made unreasonable demands, causing mother and father so much trouble!”

“It’s nothing. You finally came back, you should get yourself some new things!” Zhu Laotai forced a smile through the pain.

She sighed again helplessly and asked, “But how are we going to manage from now on?”

“Should I go back to the Ji family?” Zhu Jie said with apparent helplessness.

Go back to the Ji family? That won’t do! They’ve spent so much money on them and not earned anything in return—just sending her back now would be hopeless!

Zhu Laotai quickly said, “If you go back, I’m afraid the Ji family won’t let you go easily! I just don’t want you to suffer with them!”

Suffer with them? Zhu Jie chuckled inwardly, but pretended to be shy, lifting her handkerchief and sniffing, “It’s a pity that I, a weak girl, don’t even have the ability to help at home!”

Hearing this, Zhu Laotai was a little excited! After all this time, she finally understood! She could finally respond. Hesitating, she said, “Well… it’s not that you can’t!”

Zhu Jie had already guessed this was the line she was waiting for. Seeing her say that, she immediately chimed in, “Really? I can help at home? That’s great! Mother, tell me quickly!”

Seeing her earnest expression, Zhu Laotai couldn’t help but smile secretly, though her face remained solemn. She pretended to be hesitant, sighing, “No… even though your father suggested it, no matter how I think about it, I just can’t agree!”

“Mother, what is it? Just tell me! Maybe I’ll think it’s okay?” Zhu Jie pressed, of course all in pretense.

Hearing this, Zhu Laotai’s eyes lit up. Ah, this girl really treats herself as her own daughter! This is good!

She let out a long sigh. “Your father was foolish to think of letting you perform for money! But of course, it’s just performing!”

“Perform? Me?” Zhu Jie exclaimed. “Mother, you must be mistaken. I can’t sing, and I can’t dance!”

“But you’re pretty!” Zhu Laotai praised. “My daughter is recognized as a beauty for miles around! You don’t need any skills—just standing on stage is enough to outshine everyone else!”

Heh. Zhu Jie sneered inwardly. Pretty is considered a talent now? Though full of contempt, she had to feign helplessness, “Even if I am pretty, there’s nowhere for me to perform!”

“See!” Zhu Laotai said, still pretending to be concerned. “I also think such a place isn’t for a good family, but your father said it would only be for a few days. He’s spotted a business opportunity and just needs some capital. Once he earns from it, he’ll come back for you!”

“Come back for me? Where?” Zhu Jie furrowed her brows.

“The Yingchun Pavilion up ahead!” Zhu Laotai admitted, somewhat guilty. Then she hurriedly added, “It’s your father’s idea—I don’t agree with it at all!”

Hmph. Zhu Jie sneered again. Just as she guessed—they’re planning to sell her! Looking at Zhu Laotai’s eager eyes… fine, they want her to sell herself!

Zhu Jie’s eyes glinted. Good! Let’s show them what I can do!

Hesitating, she asked, “Mother, father really said that?”

“Yes, but I really don’t agree! Truly!” Zhu Laotai continued to distance herself from the idea.

“Alright, I’ll go!” Suddenly, Zhu Jie agreed surprisingly easily.