While they were talking, Lai Wei’s mother returned, carrying a bag of peanuts. Lai Wei was taken aback, "You went to buy peanuts?"
Where did the money come from?
Lai Wei’s mother smiled at the group, "No, your Aunt Li Juan gave them to me, said they were brought from the countryside. Lulu, don’t be polite, I’ll go and boil these peanuts for you. How about some saltwater peanuts?"
Jian Dan’s eyes crinkled with his smile, "That sounds great, thank you, Auntie."
"Thank you, Auntie," Zhao Linlin and Mi Lu also thanked her. Seeing the girls all looking at her nervously, Lai Wei’s mother couldn’t help but laugh, "Don’t be polite, treat this place like your own home. I really enjoy your visits, so feel free to come over to play with Weiwei often, if you don’t mind."
Mi Lu’s eyes brightened as she smiled, "Auntie, I’ll remember that."
Zhao Linlin tugged on Jian Dan, "Next time you come, you have to bring me along."
Lai Wei smiled, it seemed Aunt Li Juan had said a lot to her mother. This was good.
After dinner, Lai Wei’s mother saw everyone out. Their home was in the middle of the alley, and as they walked, people watched them, some making snide remarks, "Weiwei, your classmates, they must be rich, coming from a good school, they really stand out."
Lai Wei did not respond.
The one who spoke was the chubby auntie who had gone to sell bottles earlier.
The mood on Mi Lu’s face darkened, she usually didn’t like to argue when she was in a good mood, but she was thoroughly tired of dealing with such petty-minded people.
"Auntie, whether our family has money or not isn’t your concern. Even if Weiwei gets money, you can’t bask in our glory, so why ask so many questions?"
The chubby auntie was notoriously difficult in the alley. Being provoked , her temper flared up. She pointed at Mi Lu, "You little girl, learn how to speak. If you can’t, let me teach you on behalf of your parents."
Mi Lu, seeing her roll up her sleeves like she was actually prepared to get physical, was shocked beyond belief.
She hadn’t expected someone to actually have the audacity to come after her. Lai Wei stepped in to shield her, "Chubby Auntie, my classmate’s family is not ordinary. Are you sure you want to start this and get away unscathed?"
The chubby auntie was all bark and no bite. Realizing she had to back down, she shakily took her hand away and dared not boast anymore.
Lai Wei’s mother escorted the group to the main entrance. Mi Lu’s family car was already waiting outside. The driver got out and opened the doors for them, nodding his head towards Lai Wei’s mother as a polite greeting.
As Mi Lu and the others got into the car, they waved to Lai Wei’s mother from inside, "Auntie, you go back first. We’ll come again when we have time, and next time I’ll bring you some delicious treats."
Zhao Linlin said grandly.
The delicious treats she mentioned were certainly bought with money.
Jian Dan also bade farewell to Lai Wei’s mother with a beaming smile, "Auntie, you should head back and rest. We’ve disturbed you all day today. We’ll come to see you again. Can Weiwei come and stay with me next week? I’m all alone at home, and I’m scared."
Lai Wei’s mother, feeling tenderhearted and slightly surprised, nodded and smiled, "Yes, that’s fine. Take care, and come to visit again."
"Sure thing, Auntie," Mi Lu leaned on the edge of the car, smiling sweetly, "Auntie, please go back. We’re going to Jian Dan’s home to play next week, and I’ll have someone pick you up to join us for dinner."
Jian Dan nodded along, and seeing Lai Wei’s mother hesitate, he quickly said, "Auntie, if you don’t come, Weiwei won’t be at ease. I’ll have our family driver come to pick you up, is that all right?"
After some thought, Lai Wei’s mother agreed, "Then, I’ll need to be brought back the same evening. Weiwei can stay and play with you, but I’ll just join you for dinner."
Mi Lu’s ride was a stretch Lincoln, spacious enough for the four girls to frolic about inside. Things were much more fun when they gathered together. As the car drove away, the alley burst into life.
There was no shortage of sour comments, but there were fewer people making those chilled remarks.
Zhao Linlin, sitting in the car, mused, "Being with you is so refreshing. Being with those rich young ladies before just drained all my happiness."
Mi Lu hummed, "You can’t say that. Rich young ladies have their own ways of having fun. I once tossed two of them into a fish pond and got a scolding from my dad. He told me that if I wanted to do things like that in the future, I should be more discreet."
Zhao Linlin’s mouth twitched, "Your dad is really good to you."
Mi Lu didn’t deny it.
Lai Wei and Jian Dan exchanged glances, their eyes on Mi Lu and Zhao Linlin as if they were looking at willful babies.