Even Chiang Songhai, the nephew of Old Chiang Family, had been hit; how could they be good to his sister?
Ge Dejun now felt both shame and regret. If it weren’t for their family breaking ties with his sister, would people from the Old Chiang Family dare to bully someone ? Without the support of one’s maternal family, one would not be able to stand tall in their husband’s home.
In the past, he didn’t know they were having such a hard time, but now that he did, how could he turn a blind eye?
When Chiang Songhai used to go to the market, he would occasionally sneak a look at the Ge Family’s situation, knowing that Ge Dejun’s life was also difficult. He quickly said, "De Jun, your sister and I are very happy that you have this intention; take the money back. I’ll be alright after a few days’ rest."
Chiang Xiao, who returned with the medicine, witnessed them pushing around a few bucks; she felt a touch of gratitude toward this great-uncle she was meeting for the first time.
She did not know what exactly the issue was between her grandmother and the rest of the family, but judging from her great-uncle’s clothes and shoes, she knew he too must be living in straitened circumstances.
A deep blue homespun shirt with patches sewn on the collar and elbows, a pair of gray trousers washed white, the knees rubbed to a fuzz, and a pair of old cloth shoes that were worn thin at the toes, looking as though they might soon develop a hole.
Such attire could not define one’s character, but it was sufficient to indicate economic hardship. To still offer money to a sister whom he hadn’t had contact with for years, this great-uncle must be someone they could associate with.
"Chiang Xiao, come, take this money."
Seeing that her brother-in-law and sister were unwilling to accept the money, and knowing that Chiang Xiao was the one running around the hospital to make payments and get medicine, Ge Dejun turned to stuff the money into her hands.
She had spent a total of nine yuan and six jiao today, and she still had some money left on her, so Chiang Xiao did not plan to take her great-uncle’s money.
"Great-uncle, no need, I still have money. If I really need it, I’ll come to you then, is that okay?"
Since she said so, Ge Dejun found it hard to insist and took the money back, feeling even more that she was sensible and composed.
Chiang Xiao still wanted to stop by the tea house to ask Hu Xibing about the follow-up to that matter, hesitating for a moment, then asked Ge Liutao, "Grandma, you haven’t seen great-uncle for such a long time, do you want to sit down and talk?"
Ge Liutao really did have this intention.
They hadn’t had a proper conversation in decades, and she had so much to say to her brother.
Moreover, hearing that his sister-in-law and niece were both in the hospital, she wanted to take this opportunity to see them all. Who knew if they would ever have the chance to meet again after leaving the hospital?
Seeing her expression, Chiang Songhai knew her thoughts and said, "If De Jun doesn’t mind, shall we all go to see our niece?"
"Not at all, of course, I don’t mind!" Ge Dejun welcomed the idea enthusiastically, quickly leading the way in front, guiding them to the ward in the opposite building.
Ge Liutao walked in front with Ge Dejun, while Chiang Xiao, supporting her grandfather, walked slowly; she could still hear the siblings talking to each other about their recent situations.
And Chiang Xiao also heard a fair bit.
Ge Dejun had a son and a daughter, the daughter named Ge Xiaotong, who was only eighteen this year, but had already married the previous year, introduced by someone else; her husband Xu Linjiang, from the county town. It was just that something had gone wrong with the Xu Family this time, and the couple had no choice but to take refuge in Peace Town, with Ge Xiaotong coming ahead first. Who knew she would get knocked on the road and spot blood, and only when she arrived at the hospital, they discovered she was nearly two months pregnant.
Upon reaching the ward, Liu Pei and Ge Xiaotong were stunned to see them.
Ge Liutao, who had not associated with her parental family for decades and was like a person without roots, couldn’t hold back her tears when she now saw her sister-in-law and niece, causing Liu Pei to start crying as well.
While the adults were acknowledging kinship, Chiang Xiao’s gaze met with Ge Xiaotong, who was leaning back on the hospital bed.
She suddenly realized that Ge Xiaotong looked somewhat familiar; she seemed to have seen her before.