“Here, take this. I know that that girl, Yao Yao, has plenty of money. Her older cousins and Mo Beihan all give her money, so she is never shorthanded. But I know you. Once you're there, it'll be awkward to ask someone younger than you to pay for your purchases. Take this and buy whatever you want. If it isn't enough, tell me and I'll give you more.”

“Mother…” Gu Yunshuang's eyes reddened. She was too embarra.s.sed to take it.

Wen Ruyu stuffed the 20 yuan and a stack of coupons into Gu Yunshuang's hands. “Don't stand on ceremony with your mother. You've suffered for so many years. Your parents' circ.u.mstances have brought you down.

“I know your personality. You're not a weak person who is easily bullied. The Gu family's background had a big role to play in the kind of life you led in the Li family. Take this! Have fun.

“We only have one granddaughter, Yao Yao, and everyone dotes on her. You are also our only daughter and Mother dotes on you in the same way.”

Gu Yunshuang almost cried.

Wen Ruyu hastened to ask, “Why are you crying? You're finally back. Cherish your future. The best is yet to be!”

“Mhm!”

The next day, Gu Qingyao, Gu Yunshuang and Gu Fangting took the brigade's ox cart and went to town.

The first thing that Gu Qingyao did was to send presents back to Mo Beihan's friends. She sent grain to those who had sent her meat and vice versa, and added some of the preserved fruits she had made.

When that was done, she went with Gu Yunshuang and Gu Fangting to shop at the co-operative.

Gu Fangting was filled with curiosity about the town. She expressed wonder at everything she saw and was overjoyed by the items in the co-operative.

Gu Yunshuang felt sorry for her daughter and bought some things.

Gu Qingyao did not buy much. She only bought some needles and thread. She often sewed and needed these items at home. Although she had plenty in her inters.p.a.ce, her family would find it strange if she never bought any.

On the way home, she saw Zhang Xiaohui. What a coincidence!

Gu Qingyao's mouth twitched when she saw Zhang Xiaohui furtively lurking in a deserted area. She followed her.

Gu Yunshuang and Gu Fangting were taken aback, but also followed.

The alleys in this area were secluded. Zhang Xiaohui tugged at w.a.n.g Guozhu's arm. She was so frantic she could barely control herself.

“Guozhu, when are you going to get a divorce? I… this has gone on for so long. If we don't get married, then… what will happen to our son?”

w.a.n.g Guozhu was sweating profusely in panic. “Don't worry, I will certainly get a divorce. Zhou Hong can't hold out for much longer. She will certainly divorce me. The moment I'm divorced, I will marry you immediately.”

Zhang Xiaohui almost exploded in rage. “I've heard you say that umpteen times. w.a.n.g Guozhu, if you don't get a divorce and marry me, then let's not keep our son!”

w.a.n.g Guozhu grew frantic. “No, the child is already a few months old. He will be born in another few months time. How can we not keep him? He's my son and the w.a.n.g family's future generation. You must keep him.”

Zhang Xiaohui cried and said, “The child is already a few months old and my pregnancy is starting to show. If not for my winter clothes, others would already be able to tell. If you don't marry me, what else can I do?

“How can I keep this child? He has no father. Even if he is born, he won't survive.”

w.a.n.g Guozhu: “…”

If she didn't get married, Zhang Xiaohui's pregnancy would be out of wedlock. A loose woman like her would probably die before the child was even born.