Everyone was shocked, and Sister Cheng spoke up, "Isn’t Miss Bai getting along well with Yao Hui? Why would she do this?"
The woman who had spoken earlier gave a mysterious smile, "Of course, there’s another reason behind it."
At that moment, everyone’s curiosity was piqued, including even Yu Xinyan. Truly, the fire of gossip was burning fiercely, and everyone wanted to hear more.
Yu Xinyan quietly asked Aunt Zhang beside her, "Aunt Zhang, who is this sister? Why haven’t I seen her before?"
Aunt Zhang laughed, "She’s your Auntie Xie’s youngest daughter, Xie Youhua, who got married in the city and hasn’t come back for a while."
Yu Xinyan had often heard Auntie Xie talk about this youngest daughter of hers, saying she’d gotten a job in city after her marriage, taking over her mother-in-law’s position, working in the back-office of the city’s elementary school.
However, she didn’t know her personally, but Xie Youhua did know Yu Xinyan. Before Yu Xinyan moved into Director He’s house, Xie Youhua had come back once and happened to see her from afar when she left the supply and marketing cooperative; her mom pointed her out, so Xie Youhua knows Yu Xinyan.
Just after she finished speaking with Auntie Xie, she heard Xie Youhua lower her voice, "Listen, Er Dan’s mother Feng Qiaoniang, who lives next door to the Yao Family, says Yao Hui is just a fool, totally played by Miss Bai."
Sister Cheng asked, "What’s going on? Miss Bai always seems to have a smile for everyone, didn’t they seem to be getting along well before?"
Xie Youhua sneered, "But you can’t just look at the surface; that girl’s got plenty of tricks. I’ve heard that Bai Meiqin has her eye on the son of Yao Hui’s third aunt’s family, Cao Lixin, and befriended Yao Hui to get close to that Cao boy.
That Cao boy is quite handsome, and right after finishing junior high school, he took over his father’s job. I’ve heard that he’s quite capable, and not long after he started working, he was sent to the province for training, came back, and was reassigned. Lots of people are interested in that Cao boy."
Sister Cheng listened, a bit confused, "Shouldn’t she just butter up Yao Hui well? Why make her do something foolish?"
Xie Youhua laughed, "Heard the Cao boy wasn’t interested in Bai Meiqin, he’d already clearly rejected her, and he has a girlfriend. Apparently, the two families are already discussing marriage."
Sister Cheng understood, "So her goal failed, and she couldn’t stand letting Yao Hui off easily, wanted to see her humiliated."
Aunt Zhang chimed in, "No wonder they could play together; neither of them are any good."
Xie Youhua whispered, "Just watch, there’s still more drama coming. Yao Hui’s mom isn’t one to take things lying down, and it was likely the Yao Family who spread the word about Bai Meiqin, all to stand up for their foolish young lady."
Sister Cheng thought about it and agreed, "Both families are tough, and Bai Meiqin’s mom isn’t easily provoked either, so there’s surely more to the story."
Yu Xinyan listened with a smile: whoever performs the drama, as long as it’s connected to Yao Hui, she’ll definitely set the table, pour the tea, and prepare the benches.
Leaving the Zhang Family, she walked back feeling like someone was following her. When she was near her doorstep, she suddenly turned around, "Who is it?"
Her sudden turn caught He Jinxuan off guard, even though he hid in the shadows, he was still a moment too slow. Hearing Yu Xinyan’s question, he had to step out, "It’s me."
Yu Xinyan was a bit puzzled, "Brother He, why is it you?"
He Jinxuan was caught snooping, felt a bit awkward, and coughed lightly, "Because you received quite a bit of the bonus, many people in the family compound have their sights on you. I heard you talking at the Zhang Family’s door earlier, and it’s getting late, so I followed to make sure you were safe."
No matter what, Yu Xinyan admitted she felt warmed by this, "Brother He, thank you. But you forgot, I’m strong, I’ll be fine. It looks like it’s going to rain, you’d better hurry back."
He Jinxuan nodded at her, "Anyway, pay attention these days, don’t be fooled."
After speaking, he gestured for her to quickly head inside.
Yu Xinyan didn’t dawdle, opened the door, waved at He Jinxuan, and then entered the courtyard.
Only hearing her lock the door and enter the house, and seeing the light inside turning on with no further sounds, did he turn to walk back. But as soon as he got home, the rain that suddenly started had left him completely soaked.