Chiang Xiao felt that she hadn’t misjudged the person.
This great-uncle of hers indeed had much more courage than her grandfather did.
She had sought this ally, this comrade-in-arms, also hoping that he would be supportive and able to persuade her grandfather.
Unexpectedly, Ge Dejun was even more supportive than she had anticipated.
He actually managed to convince her grandfather! Moreover, with a generous gesture, he was prepared to take Xu Linjiang with him to Bai Gu Mountain the next day.
Liu Pei also showed strong support.
"Brother-in-law, big sister, you don’t have to worry too much now," Liu Pei said. "De Jun is right, we are starving despite sitting on a mountain of treasure! De Jun used to hunt in the mountains when he was young. He’s still capable and has some experience. Lin Jiang is young and strong; it’s just a mountain climb, why shouldn’t we dare? We are almost out of options now, what’s the use of fearing this and that?"
Chiang Xiao thought that Liu Pei made a lot of sense.
"Besides, we’re not going deep into the mountains. For so many years, we haven’t seen any large beasts come down the mountain, which means they’re far away. Take a knife, and if we can’t beat them, we run, just be careful."
"Sister-in-law, it’s not just fierce beasts on Bai Gu Mountain, haven’t you heard about the taboos of Bai Gu Mountain?" Ge Liutao was also very worried.
"Hey! Big sister, what era are we in now? It’s a new society; we shouldn’t be scared of those things!" Liu Pei said very straightforwardly. "Little didn’t he also go up? I think Little is doing very well now, clever and quick-witted."
Ge Dejun very much agreed with this point. He thought Chiang Xiao was very clever. Having met her only twice, he had taken quite a liking to her.
"I actually also wanted to go," sighed Chiang Songhai. "Little has already agreed with Director Ma from the Peace Restaurant. It always troubles me not to honor my word."
Seizing the opportunity, Chiang Xiao spoke up, "So grandfather, you really should think more about things in the future. You were injured by Chiang Baohe, and not a single person from my uncle’s family came over to visit. Second uncle didn’t even apologize nor spared you a glance when he came to snatch the pork."
These words made Chiang Songhai’s heart very uncomfortable.
Chiang Xiao was speaking the truth.
He had been injured by Chiang Baohe. The fact that Chiang Baohe hadn’t apologized was one thing, but he had actually come to their home to take the pork and had even attacked Ge Liutao.
His elder brother acted as if he was completely unaware of these events. Yesterday, when he and Ge Liutao went to get an explanation, Chiang Songtao was obviously at home but didn’t show his face, nor did he invite them into the main room.
All these things added up, and Chiang Songhai’s heart turned colder.
The two families were close relatives and neighbors, but it was clear that they couldn’t hold a candle to Ge Dejun and his wife, who had come over today with a generous gift, probably the most valuable they could afford.
Seeing his wife smiling at the closeness of her brother and sister-in-law, Chiang Songhai’s internal balance gradually began to tilt.
Ge Dejun and Chiang Xiao agreed to meet early the next morning at the entrance to the village, so he was in a hurry to go back and tell his son-in-law about this matter. There was a lot to prepare, so he made his hasty farewells.
Having resolved this matter, Chiang Xiao also felt much relaxed. Seeing that it was still early, she returned to her room, spread out some drawing paper, and began sketching drafts for the murals she was planning to paint.
She had to fulfill the commitment she made to Secretary Yao.
She intended to create a series, consisting of stories that formed coherent phrases, with both illustrations and words. The students would surely like it, and it would be meaningful.
She was unaware that at this time, Zhao Xin had returned to Peace Town and was listening to Hu Xibing recount their conversation from the previous day. When he heard that she had said it would be best if she acted as though she didn’t know Captain Meng and that they would never meet again, Zhao Xin suddenly spit out a mouthful of tea.
"Brother Xi Bing, did my little sister-in-law really say that?"