Before leaving Jinshan Village, Lin Chunju made a special trip to the police station to find Ma Qiang and his partner.
She expressed her gratitude for everything they had done.
Ma Qiang, feeling somewhat embarrassed, said, “You shouldn’t say that, it’s just our duty.”
Moreover, because of this case, he had received commendation from his superiors, which would make his future path much smoother.
Lin Chunju said with emotion, “If it weren’t for you running around, we might not have been able to seek justice.”
Yue Qingqing thanked them with a smile, “Thank you, Uncle Police.”
Ma Qiang scratched his head, actually looking a bit sheepish.
“It’s not just my credit, a lot of people contributed here. Because we lacked a forensic expert, the higher-ups specifically brought in an expert, and that person was really incredible.”
Hearing Ma Qiang’s words, Fang Ming also leaned in and added a comment.
“Doctor Yan surely lives up to his reputation, but it’s his son who really surprised people. What’s that kid’s name? It’s quite pleasant to the ear.”
Yan? That’s a rare surname. Yue Qingqing blinked, thinking casually.
Ma Qiang was just about to speak when a coughing sound came from the doorway, and a bald head stepped in.
The two of them immediately stood at attention and said, “Chief!”
“Be serious during work hours. What are you chatting about? I just heard that Auntie Zhang’s chickens have gone missing. Go and help look for them.”
The two ran off in a flash, and Lin Chunju thanked the chief again.
Cao Qi listened with pleasure, nodding continuously.
After witnessing Ma Zhuzi’s outcome firsthand, it seemed Yue Xiaofang’s mental knots had finally been completely untied.
Once back at home, her face bore more genuine smiles.
“Mom, just give me any household tasks. I’m really feeling idle these days,” she said.
Lin Chunju thought having something to do was good, as it kept one from idle thoughts.
“Winter is coming, and Xiaofang, you’re good with your hands. It’s just the right time to make some winter clothes for everyone.”
The task wasn’t too tiring, yet required full concentration.
Plus, it didn’t involve going out, where she might run into nosy gossips—it was perfect for Yue Xiaofang.
Yue Xiaofang happily agreed.
“I’m good at this task.”
So Yue Qingqing noticed that her aunt was working with needle and thread almost non-stop from dawn to dusk.
Even after the family finished dinner, she would light the lamp and continue working in the house.
Lin Chunju advised her, “Go to sleep early; don’t strain your eyes.”
Yue Xiaofang looked up, “No worries, I’ll just finish this bit and then go to bed.”
“That’s what you said just now. Look at your eyes; they’re red. Wait for daylight when the light is better.”
Without waiting for her daughter to respond, Lin Chunju collected the material from her hands and locked it in the cupboard.
Otherwise, Yue Xiaofang would probably continue working in secret.
The next morning, as soon as she got up, Yue Xiaofang pleaded, “Mom, my eyes aren’t red anymore, please take out the clothes.”
Lin Chunju, amused yet exasperated, said, “What’s the rush, girl? The weather is still warm, and it’s not like winter is starting tomorrow.”
But she also understood her daughter’s mentality.
People from the Yue Family didn’t want to trouble their family members, and this was particularly evident in Yue Xiaofang.
Since returning to her parents’ house, Xiaofang had been sharing a bed with her mother, curling up tightly every night as if afraid of taking up too much space.
This made Lin Chunju feel quite helpless.
Xiaofang had been eager to get married and move out in order to make room for her brother, and now that she was back, she was worried about taking up space in her own home.
That’s why she kept busy with work, as if that was the only way to prove her worth.
The problem with Xiaofang is that she’s too considerate.
Lin Chunju would rather have a daughter who was a bit more willful and spoiled; at least she wouldn’t be easily bullied when out and about.
“First have breakfast, then you can work on the clothes,” she said.
Lin Chunju firmly made Yue Xiaofang eat a bit more before taking out the things from the cupboard.
Yue Xiaofang sat on a small stool in the courtyard, cutting fabric under the sunlight that wasn’t yet too harsh.
Yue Qingqing suddenly looked up at her aunt.
Huh? Something seemed off.