Zhang Jisheng looked at Qi Fenglian busying herself around the room, her face adorned with a satisfied smile, a kind of smile he had never seen before. At their old home, she never had such an expression on her face. Could it be because they had come to Qing City, far away from their hometown and relatives?
Thinking this, Zhang Jisheng felt somewhat choked up and said with a sour tone, "Look at the corners of your mouth, grinning as if you’ve found several bars of gold."
Qi Fenglian’s hands paused, and she turned her head, "What do you mean by that?"
"Isn’t it so? I see you looking very happy. At home, I never saw you smile like this. You still manage to smile, while Xiao Bao is probably crying his throat sore by now!" Zhang Jisheng said sourly.
His words truly hit her where it hurt, and not just anywhere but the most tender and painful spot. Immediately, Qi Fenglian was reminded of the time not long ago when Xiao Bao was crying bitterly, not letting her leave.
He was such a young child, not even a year old. Who knew if he would hold a grudge against her in the future.
Qi Fenglian’s heart turned sour, her eyes reddening as tears welled up, but she said stubbornly, "You always bring up the worst at the wrong time. Do you think I wanted to leave my brother and sister behind? If it wasn’t for the sake of our family, would I separate from them? It’s as if you make it sound like I want to live a good life alone, not caring about their wellbeing at all."
Zhang Jisheng, feeling the sting of her words, softened and coughed to change the subject, "This house costs eight yuan. Why is it so expensive?"
Qi Fenglian looked around and said, "This is Qing City, and it’s near the train station. It makes sense that it’s a bit expensive. I think it’s not bad. Once we settle down here and earn money, we can bring Yunyun and the others here to live together, reuniting the family."
This was her only motivation and support!
Zhang Jisheng frowned and asked, "With a rent of eight yuan, how much is the Thai mistress paying you?"
Qi Fenglian was taken aback, "Why ask that? I haven’t asked."
Zhang Jisheng became anxious upon hearing this and said, "How can you not ask? Even clear accounts make for good brothers. Do you plan to work for them for free?"
Qi Fenglian became displeased and said with a cold sneer, "Even if I had to work for her for free, I would. I owe her for signing her name to save my life when Xiao Bao was born."
As she brought up the past, Zhang Jisheng felt a twinge of discomfort and said awkwardly, "Look at you, you’ve mentioned this countless times, and it never tires you."
"Can I not mention it? I must not only say it, but also remember it: what your family has done for me," Qi Fenglian huffed coldly. "If it weren’t for her, would I even be here to talk to you?"
Zhang Jisheng pursed his lips.
"The Thai mistress is like my second parents to me. Working for her is my way of repaying the favor. Besides, will she not pay me? She has done so much for us, running around busy, even your job was obtained with her influence. You can’t even manage a thank you, and yet you speak these words. It’s fine here, but if it got out, how would you show your face?" Qi Fenglian glared at him and said icily, "As humans, we may be poor, but we must have a conscience. Without a conscience, we’re not human at all!"
Zhang Jisheng, scolded to the point of irritation, waved his hand impatiently, "Alright, alright, I just said one thing, and now you’re lecturing me with grand principles. In this world, she’s the best, isn’t she?"
He dropped the comment and walked out.
Watching him leave, Qi Fenglian shook her head in disappointment. She felt bleak inside; this man took for granted others’ kindness, and never learned to be grateful.