But, indeed, this matter was curbed. Those aunties at home got a talking-to and didnât dare bother Yu Xinyan anymore, all lamenting it was a pity.
Who would have thought the brazen Yao Hui would come knocking again.
This day, Yu Xinyan had just returned from the Yuquan River. Having mastered the study of traditional characters, she wanted to thank Uncle Zhang. After selling a few fish, she decided to keep the fish in the bucket for her own use.
When she arrived at the Zhang family, they were washing up in the courtyard. Aunt Zhang greeted warmly, "Xinyan, what brings you here at this hour?"
It was Lin Aifeng, with her sharp eyes, who spotted the bucket in her hand. Since they had been getting along well these days, she joked casually, "Are you here to bring us fish?"
Aunt Zhang rolled her eyes at her granddaughter-in-law but hadnât spoken yet when Yu Xinyan said, "Indeed, itâs a thank-you gift."
Lin Aifeng walked quickly forward and took a look. It really was, with three lively fish in the bucket: a black fish, a grass carp, and a fathead, each weighing over three pounds.
She looked up sharply, "Really for our family?"
Yu Xinyan, seeing her silly expression, laughed, "As if it could be fake!"
Just then, Uncle Zhang strolled back from outside, "Xinyan, what brings you here, did you miss a character?"
Talking, he entered the courtyard and saw the bucket in Yu Xinyanâs hand, "What are you up to?"
Lin Aifeng waved to her grandfather, "Grandpa, Xinyan brought you a thank-you gift."
Though Uncle Zhang had a bit of a greedy streak, he wasnât one to take advantage of others, "What thank-you gift, didnât I already get two fish from you before, and taught you only a few days, thereâs no need for any more gifts."
Yu Xinyan put the bucket on the ground, "Uncle Zhang, this is a token of my appreciation for you. Youâve been working hard these days, previously it was tuition, now itâs a thank-you. Without your selfless teaching, I wouldnât have finished learning so quickly, so please donât refuse.
Besides, donât you love spicy fish?
This fish is fresh and perfect for lunch."
Finished speaking, she didnât wait for Uncle Zhang to speak and smilingly took the bucket towards the kitchen, "Aunt Zhang, find some tools for me, Iâll leave the fish and head back to study, have to prepare for school later."
Aunt Zhang understood, even if she refused, Xinyan would likely leave the fish, so she didnât refuse further and instructed her granddaughter-in-law, "Bring over some dried bamboo shoots your fourth grandaunt sent, let Xinyan take them home to cook."
Lin Aifeng obeyed and ran to the storage room.
Only then did Aunt Zhang enter the kitchen and brought out a big basin, "Weâre all so familiar, why bother with such formalities?"
Yu Xinyan laughed and lifted the bucket, pouring fish and water all in, "If it werenât for Uncle Zhang, I still wouldnât understand traditional characters, now itâs something extra I can do, wouldnât you say."
Hearing this, Aunt Zhangâs heart warmed, she smiled, "You really have a sweet tongue, so good at talking."
At that moment, Lin Aifeng walked over with a small basin of dried bamboo shoots, "Granny, will these do?"
Aunt Zhang took them, glanced at the still wet bucket Yu Xinyan had, "These were sent by my fourth sister-in-law from the South, take some home and try them."
Honestly, Yu Xinyan did have a taste for this, so she didnât refuse, "Alright, Iâll take them then, thanks, Aunt Zhang."
Aunt Zhang, concerned she wouldnât know how to cook them, gave her some cooking tips.
Seeing the time was getting late, Yu Xinyan grabbed the bucket in one hand and held the bamboo shoots with the other, ready to leave the Zhang family.
Lin Aifeng happily saw her out the door, "Xinyan, come by and hang out when you can."
Yu Xinyan smiled and nodded, "Sure, go back now, youâll have to work soon too."
Yu Xinyan was in a great mood, thinking: after the college entrance exam, Iâll take a trip down South too, collect some species not found in the North to enrich my space.
Just exiting the alley, Yao Hui blocked her path.
Seeing her made Yu Xinyan annoyed, this woman really had something wrong in her brain, relentless, "Move."
Yao Hui looked around to see no one else, "Yu Xinyan, you think just because those aunties arenât looking for you these days, itâs all over. Who knew youâd be a lonely girl with so much money? For the money in your pocket, who knows what tactics theyâll come up with, I suggest you think it over well.
About what I mentioned before, itâs not just for me, itâs for you too. Think about it, as long as you lend me the money, spread the word that you donât have money anymore, then no one will bother you, isnât it a win-win, what do you think?"
Yu Xinyan looked at her as if she were a fool, speaking coldly, "Youâve got some nerve, but I donât think much of it, now step aside."