When Lin Xiaoguai got her hands on the contract for the three thousand mu of land, it was already October. The stifling heat of summer had passed, and the climate now carried a hint of the refreshing briskness of autumn.
Three thousand mu of land was no small matter; the whole courtyard was abuzz with the news. Acquaintances and strangers alike came knocking at her door to inquire, since everyone knew Shen Chi was good at raking in cash. Who could tell whether the land hid unknown treasures?
Some even fancifully speculated whether gold, oil, coal, or other valuable deposits lay beneath those three thousand mu.
Of course, there were also those who tried to take advantage of the situation, hoping to make a quick buck. The cost of the land contract was no secret, and although people were already aware that Shen Chi’s family was wealthy, now they had a clearer picture, which inevitably led some to scheme.
"Mrs. Shen, if I wasn’t truly desperate, I wouldn’t have come to you," said a gaunt middle-aged woman, wiping away tears. "We’ve managed to gather the money for great-grandma’s surgery, but the hospital says the condition is complicated, and post-surgery care will cost at least seven or eight thousand more, which we just can’t afford. Mrs. Shen, if you’d be willing to lend, I’ll make sure to pay you back by the end of the year."
The woman’s maiden name was Yuan, and Lin Xiaoguai knew that Mrs. Yuan, unlike those who took advantage of the situation to seek favors, was genuine in her plight. However, Lin Xiaoguai couldn’t lend a hand in this case.
She wasn’t short seven or eight thousand yuan, but she just couldn’t set such a precedent. Once started, it would never end.
Moreover... her gaze faintly swept over the other ladies present. This kind of matter could have been discussed privately, yet Mrs. Yuan had specifically invited so many others along. Did she really think Lin Xiaoguai was a fool?
With those thoughts, Lin Xiaoguai forced a smile of apology, "I can sympathize with Mrs. Yuan’s predicament, but I truly am unable to help. We indeed have some money, but it’s all earmarked for the development of those three thousand mu."
As she spoke, she wore a bittersweet expression, "To tell you the truth, such a large piece of land requires money everywhere. Whether we have enough funds or not, I have no solid assurance right now."
Her sincere demeanor caused the other ladies to look at each other, at a loss for what to say.
What could they say when her reasons were both sincere and logical?
"...Mrs. Shen, Mrs. Yuan only needs a few thousand, can’t you just help out a little?" A Mrs. Kong hesitantly suggested.
Suddenly, the room fell silent. Lin Xiaoguai maintained a faint smile and, without saying a word, took a sip of tea.
Others were speechless. Who was this fool? It’s generally those with spare cash who are willing to lend, or those who have a special relationship. Since when do people have to go out of their way to accommodate others?
After seeing off that group of visitors, Lin Xiaoguai let out a sigh of relief. They were finally gone. She hadn’t even had the chance to finish her lunch properly. Now that it was quiet, her stomach started to remind her that it was empty.
Not in the mood for anything complex, Lin Xiaoguai simply reheated two Sanxian baozi.
Shen Chi walked in and saw his wife nibbling on the Sanxian baozi, looking puzzled, "Why are you eating baozi at this hour?" Aren’t we having dinner?
"A bunch of people came by to ask about borrowing money, I hadn’t even finished my lunch when they showed up and I ended up not eating enough," Lin Xiaoguai complained.
Shen Chi frowned upon hearing this, "It probably won’t quiet down for the next couple of days. Why don’t you go out and hide somewhere tomorrow? You could go to Jiang Xiaomei’s place or to my elder brother’s, anywhere but home should be fine."
"I guess that’s the only option," Lin Xiaoguai responded with a look of helplessness.
That evening, after making sure Little Niangao was tucked in bed, Lin Xiaoguai returned to her own bedroom.
"By the way, should we sign Little Niangao up for some kind of hobby class?" Shen Chi asked while helping Lin Xiaoguai remove her necklace.
"Hobby class?" Lin Xiaoguai paused, puzzled, "Why did you suddenly think of that?"
"I was discussing our kids with my subordinates at the Staff Department today, and I heard that those who can afford it are all sending their kids to hobby classes. I thought our son shouldn’t fall behind," Shen Chi said, touching his nose.
It was usually Wanwan who decided on things related to their son, and he would only get involved in major decisions. If it weren’t for his colleagues bringing it up, he wouldn’t have thought of such a minor detail.
Lin Xiaoguai thought for a moment, "I’ll ask him. If he wants to go, we’ll sign him up." She wasn’t that concerned about hobby classes; her lack of opposition was mostly because she wanted her son to make some new friends there.
Shen Chi nodded in agreement, not adding any more to the idea, but then remembered something else, "I recall you mentioning that Little Niangao’s school is organizing a field trip this fall?"