Old Yang had no idea that Mrs. Luo was waiting just for these words.
Upon hearing Old Yang say this, she hastily dumped a basket of radishes on the ground and ran off with the basket, not caring that her daughter hadn’t returned home yet.
At this, Yang Chuxia’s family was speechless. Even Ms. Liu expressed her astonishment. She had been in-laws with Ms. Luo for many years and had never known her to be so shameless.
However, she wouldn’t say anything further. After all, it didn’t concern her. And considering her family’s current status, it wasn’t her place to be gossiping.
She was there just to deliver the Old Master’s annual tribute. Having done so, she had nothing more to do. Thus, she started to say her farewells to Old Yang and Ms. Wang and prepared to go home. As for Yang Da’an, he didn’t say a word throughout.
"Aunt Liu, wait!" Seeing Liu prepare to head home with Yang Da’an, Yang Chuxia called out.
Having been helped by Yang Chuxia a few times, Ms. Liu felt somewhat grateful towards her and was even a little scared of her. When she heard her call, she responded with eager pleasantry, "Xiaxia, what is it?"
Without acknowledging her pleasantries, Yang Chuxia picked a few paper packages from the table and handed them to Liu, "These are some snacks and pastries from town. Take them back for Qingbao."
Seeing the packets, Liu’s heart stirred. With money being tight these days, even the Old Master’s tributes were squeezed out painstakingly. Consequently, they hadn’t bought any pastries or fruits at home for a while. It didn’t matter much if her grown daughters didn’t get any, but Qingbao was still a child. Liu hated to see her son deprived.
She wanted to accept what was offered but knew Yang Chuxia’s temper and was hesitant.
Yang Chuxia didn’t have the best temperament indeed. She found herself annoyed seeing the normally tart-tongued Liu suddenly so compliant.
"Just take it!" She thrust the packages into Liu’s hands. "It’s not for you, so don’t feel shy. Take it home to Qingbao. Ask him to come over to our house to play when he doesn’t have anything to do."
Seeing that Liu still stood rooted to the spot, Yang Chuxia thought for a moment and added, "Your son is alright, much more likeable than you and Uncle."
Yang Chuxia always spoke her mind. Liu and Yang Da’an found their faces burning with embarrassment. They hurriedly took the things and began walking home. On turning around, they saw Yang Dongxue and asked, "Dongxue, do you want to come home with us?"
"No, I will stay at Third Aunt’s home today and go back home tomorrow." Yang Dongxue replied crisply.
"If you don’t go home now and end up crying for your mum at bedtime, I will scold you. You can’t cry then." The thought of the little girl staying made Yang Chuxia feel exasperated. The girl’s crying was notoriously unbearable.
But the little girl retorted, "Why should I cry? My mom didn’t run away!"
Speechless, Yang Chuxia finally replied, "Then why did you cry last time? Your mom didn’t run away, did she?"
The little girl had a good memory, and she looked at Yang Chuxia innocently, "But you said my mom doesn’t want me anymore, didn’t you?"
"Damn it!" Yang Chuxia cursed, kids and their lack of logical thinking were truly a frustration.
Ms. Liu burst into laughter when she heard these words. Leaving Yang Dongxue behind, she and Yang Da’an went home with their parcels. Back at the old house, Ms. Luo sarcastically berated Liu upon seeing her carrying all these packages. However, Liu didn’t spare her an eye, infuriating Ms. Luo that she spat several times at the doorway.