Because of Zhang Xiaohui’s conduct during this time, almost everyone in the brigade thought poorly of her. After all, people in these times were simple and unsophisticated. No one could stand someone like Zhang Xiaohui.
Given her situation, she would be in deep trouble if their suspicions were confirmed.
Then the entire brigade’s reputation would be affected. Wang Mingtao had not said anything so far, so everyone only speculated privately. Without proof, they would not say anything openly.
But they definitely detested Zhang Xiaohui.
Aunt Lin’s family was a big one and her husband had many brothers. She herself had several sons and no one in the brigade dared to offend them. Aunt Lin was hot-tempered and had a sharp tongue, but got on well with everyone in the brigade.
Zhang Xiaohui was unhappy that someone had scolded her. “I only shouted at my own child, I didn’t do anything to her. Hurry up and make your father come back.”
Gu Qingyao looked innocent and said helplessly, “But, Elder Brother said that Father doesn’t have time now…”
“No, he must come back immediately. Otherwise, you wait and see how I deal with you!”
“Mother…”
“Go write a letter. He’s been gone for so long, does he still want his family or not? Let me tell you, he had better come back within the next few days. Do you hear me?”
Gu Qingyao was terrified when faced with the stormy-looking Zhang Xiaohui. She did not dare to say anything, but only looked at her timidly.
When she was done speaking, Zhang Xiaohui grunted coldly and left.
Gu Qingyao would not ask her father to come home immediately. Let Zhang Xiaohui wait awhile, until she was desperate.
The new year was almost here. Gu Qingyao began her preparations. Although her father’s matters were still unresolved, he must still celebrate the new year with them.
Mo Beihan still had not left and Gu Qingyao wondered about it. She was playing in the brigade that day, and happened to see Mo Beihan returning on his bicycle, bracing himself against the cold wind.
“Elder Brother Beihan!”
She hurried over. Mo Beihan smiled when he saw her. “Yao Yao, it’s so cold. Why aren’t you at home?”
“It’s such a sunny day that I came out to play! We’re all sunning ourselves and I’m making a quilted jacket for Xiaocao.”
She looked at Mo Beihan and asked, “Elder Brother Beihan, is everything… alright with your job?”
He had said that he would be leaving soon, but that was a long time ago, and now it was almost the new year, but Mo Beihan was still here.
However, he seemed very busy of late, and often left the village. Sometimes she went for days without seeing him.
Mo Beihan laughed, “No need to worry. Nothing is wrong. I just received news that I don’t have to go back… for now.”
He had some work to do here, so he did not have to go back for now.
Gu Qingyao was surprised to hear that!
She seldom asked about Mo Beihan’s work. In any case, she understood without asking that it was top secret.
“That’s great. Can you spend the new year at home?”
“Mhm!”
Gu Qingyao’s smile grew even brighter. She lowered her voice and said, “I’ve finished knitting your sweater. Come with me later and get it!”
Mo Beihan had been looking forward to this. “Okay!”
“Gu Qingyao!”
As they were talking, an infuriated Zhang Xiaohui came looking for her again.
Gu Qingyao had been lingering within the brigade for the last few days and was always surrounded by people. Zhang Xiaohui had looked for her several times and now she was here again.
“Where’s your father? Why isn’t he back yet?”
Zhang Xiaohui could barely wait any longer.
Gu Qingyao said, “I’ve already told you, Father is not coming back until the spring of next year!”
“Shut up. Make him come back immediately. Go now, do you hear me?”
As Zhang Xiaohui spoke, she rushed over and grabbed Gu Qingyao’s braids.
“Ah…”