USWHC -Chapter 8 Morals Shattered All Over the Ground, Want to Pick Them Up? (Part 8)

Old Madam Ji looked at her daughter in disbelief. Had she developed a fever today?

To her shock, Ji Mei actually took the bowl of hot porridge that Sister-in-law You had served to Old Madam Ji and handed it directly to Zhu Jie! This was simply madness!

“Girl, what’s wrong with you? That’s my food!” Old Madam Ji shot up from her chair with a start, nearly jumping in anger.

Ji Mei was still smiling cheerfully. “It’s the same, it’s the same, Mother!”

How could it possibly be the same? Normally, Old Madam Ji’s bowl always had the most rice in it. And now, it had been given straight to that brat who came from who-knows-where! Old Madam Ji was so angry her nose almost twisted crooked.

But Ji Mei leaned over and quietly pulled her mother aside, whispering, “Mother, do you want me to marry a good husband?”

The moment Old Madam Ji heard that, her eyes widened. “Of course I do! Our whole family is counting on you to live a good life!”

Ji Mei had long known her mother would say that. She immediately leaned closer and planted a loud kiss on her mother’s cheek. “I knew it—Mother loves me the most!”

“I do love you, but that doesn’t mean you can give my food to some random brat!” Old Madam Ji was still fuming, but when she saw the lovestruck look on her daughter’s face, she suddenly exclaimed in surprise, “Don’t tell me you’ve taken a fancy to this mysterious boy?”

“Mother, what are you saying? Do you think your daughter is that foolish?” Ji Mei blushed instantly, then lowered her voice mysteriously. “Mother, haven’t you noticed that his clothes and manner of speaking are very unusual? I’ve taken a careful look—just that outfit he’s wearing, the fabric is smooth and elegant. I think it’s even better than what our village head wears! At first glance, you can tell he comes from a wealthy family!”

Only then did Old Madam Ji carefully examine Zhu Jie. She saw her awkwardly holding her chopsticks, fishing for grains of rice in the bowl. Although she didn’t say anything, her expression clearly showed disdain for the food.

Yes—just one look and you could tell it was the face of someone used to delicacies and rich meals!

Seeing her mother fall silent, Ji Mei immediately continued her analysis. “Mother, didn’t you always say I was destined for great fortune in the future? I think my fortune has arrived! Haven’t you heard those stories they sing about? A noble young master falls into misfortune and is saved by a poor village girl, and the two of them become a heavenly couple? This is my perfect opportunity!”

“You really think he’s a noble young master?” Old Madam Ji continued looking Zhu Jie up and down, still uncertain.

“It can’t be wrong! Think about it, Mother. With our family background, even if I’m a little prettier than others, marrying into a wealthy family would never be easy. But now Heaven has sent us this chance—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we miss it, we’ll regret it forever!” Ji Mei urged enthusiastically.

Unexpectedly, Sister-in-law You had been standing nearby with her ears perked up the whole time. Hearing Ji Mei say this, she quickly leaned over and said mockingly, “Don’t tell me you just fell for that pretty face of his! Sure, this boy is handsome—more handsome than our Erhan—but you’d better think it through. Being handsome is useless. Our Erhan is handsome too, and he still can’t find a wife!”

Hearing that, Ji Mei immediately rolled her eyes at her. “Sister-in-law, what kind of talk is that? Or is it you who has taken a liking to his looks?”

“Hey! Little sister, how can you say something like that about your sister-in-law?” Sister-in-law You immediately shouted unhappily.

Old Madam Ji hurriedly interrupted them. “Enough, stop arguing. Let me go and find out this boy’s background.”

With that, she moved her chair back and sat down again. But now her face had changed into a flattering smile as she stared foolishly at Zhu Jie.

In fact, Zhu Jie had already noticed them watching her. Seeing their especially “friendly” expressions made her scalp tingle.

When someone shows kindness for no reason, they’re either plotting something or up to no good! No way—she had to stay on guard!

Zhu Jie immediately became extremely alert and returned a polite smile to the three women staring at her like hungry tigers.

“Where is the young master from? I don’t think I’ve seen you before,” Old Madam Ji asked casually.

Zhu Jie had already prepared an answer for this question last night. When it finally came, she responded without hesitation:

“This humble student is from the State of Qi. Yesterday a sudden snowstorm fell, and I lost my way in the mountains. Before I knew it, after wandering for just a day, I somehow ended up within the borders of Great Liang.”

As she spoke, Zhu Jie even sighed seriously. “I wonder whether my old father at home is worried about me.”