After introducing her husband, Feng Qingxue remembered to ask the old lady what to call her.
The old lady laughed, "I was a child bride, I took my husband’s surname, Cheng. My girl, I know your husband’s name is Lu Jiang, but you have not told me your name yet? Where do you live? Once my son gets off work, we must come to thank you."
"My name is Feng Qingxue, and there’s no need to thank me, I merely offered a helping hand at the time."
"To you, my dear, it was just a helping hand, but do you know how rare such gestures are?" Mrs. Cheng sighed deeply, "Your helping hand saved our lives! Come on, it’s midday, let me take you out to a restaurant!"
Feng Qingxue hurriedly refused.
To visit a state-owned restaurant would cost money and Grain Tickets. How could she allow Mrs. Cheng, who might not have a regular job or a city residence permit, to spend so much?
Moreover, she and her family had bought a fair amount of fish and meat today, they won’t miss a single meal.
"Dear, don’t refuse, let me treat you to a meal."
Feng Qingxue laughed, "Mrs. Cheng, really, we can’t. We are lucky to have met, it’s enough for us to know each other’s name. I have a child at home who needs feeding, and my uncle is waiting for us to return home!"
"Then invite your uncle to join us, have the meal before going back. Let me take this opportunity to express my gratitude." Mrs. Cheng said.
"The child is more important, Mrs. Cheng. I understand your goodwill, really, I do. When I saved people back then, I never thought of any compensation. Besides, we bought some meat and fish today, and we need to hurry home to cook them fresh for the child. We can’t delay." Feng Qingxue held her dry thin hand, "Mrs. Cheng, let’s part ways here."
Mrs. Cheng sighed, "Alright. I know, you certainly aren’t going to give me your address. Here’s mine, we live in the City Committee compound. My son’s name is Cheng Baoguo, if you encounter any difficulties, send someone to notify us."
Those who live in the City Committee compound are usually city officials.
Only those with a certain level of ranking are eligible to live in the City Committee compound, so Cheng Baoguo must hold a high position.
Feng Qingxue smiled and agreed, then pulled Lu Jiang, who was keenly aware of the situation, to leave quickly, fearing that the old lady might change her mind if they lingered for too long.
Wang Zhengguo saw them rush out and get in the car. Lu Jiang immediately urged the mule forward. As they got further away, he couldn’t help asking, "What happened, you two seem in such a hurry, just as if someone’s chasing you."
Feng Qingxue, seeing that Mrs. Cheng was still standing at the grocery store, breathed a sigh of relief from afar.
"Wasn’t someone chasing us?" She laughed.
Before Wang Zhengguo could ask, Lu Jiang proudly told him about Mrs. Cheng, excluding the details about the bicycle.
Feng Qingxue added, "It was on the day, Uncle and Auntie brought me food, and I got some food by begging. Seeing their pitiful situation, and considering that I survived with Xiaoyun thanks to the help of good Samaritans, I shared some food with them."
The timing was accurate, yet the content was made up.
"Good, good, good!" Wang Zhengguo repeated appreciatively, "Doing good deeds pays off. As unpredictable as life can be, helping others today may in turn gain help for yourself tomorrow. Today I ran into a familiar face in the Mining Bureau too, the husband of Daya, the maid of Grandma Ajiang, who is working as a gateman at the Mining Bureau."