sjar Chapter 514 The Resilient Grandma Xu
Chapter 514 The Resilient Grandma Xu
Xu Yiyi is becoming more and more opinionated, and also... more and more difficult to handle.
At this moment, watching the ship's shadow gradually shrink, the thought in Xu Ming's mind slowly fermented and swelled in the sea breeze, transforming into something more concrete.
He suddenly remembered what Xu Jiaojiao had said in a low voice, tugging at his sleeve amidst the cooking fumes when she last returned to the island:
“Let’s point her in the right direction. My husband’s third son is too honest, you can’t beat him to talk, but he has a few acres of land and he’s a very decent person. If Xu Yiyi can marry into that family, it would be a blessing for her, at least she’ll have someone to rely on.”
Seeing Xu Mingzai's hesitation, Xu Jiaojiao continued speaking.
“We’re doing this for her own good, aren’t we? Once she’s married, she’ll be an outsider. Can we let a married woman hold onto this lucrative restaurant business forever? Naturally, her brothers will need to help. Don’t worry… with me keeping things under control, she can’t cause any trouble. We’ll gradually put our people in there, handling the accounts, purchasing, the key tasks in the kitchen… little by little. Once she has her baby and is too busy with family matters, the restaurant will naturally fall into place…”
When he listened, he felt that Xu Jiaojiao's thinking was excessive and somewhat despicable.
In addition, his father's attitude towards Xu Yiyi and her siblings was very strange during that period, which made him suppress the idea.
But now, looking at the grain that Xu Yiyi bought for the clan, Xu Ming's hesitation in his heart melted away little by little, like the remaining snow under the sun.
Instead, there is a coldness, a calculation.
Yes, no matter how capable Xu Yiyi is, she is still a woman.
Now, he's running a restaurant, supporting four children, and also taking care of the island's inhabitants—it's a bottomless pit.
Once she gets married and goes to her husband's family, she'll be sandwiched between a formidable elder sister-in-law like Xu Jiaojiao and her own relatives supporting the restaurant. What room will she have to maneuver?
When that time comes, the little power and arrogance she holds will naturally slip through her fingers like sand.
“Once her hands are free, she'll be tied up with household chores and children,” Xu Ming said, gazing at the almost invisible black dot on the sea, his lips unconsciously twitching downwards before finally curving into a smile, “and naturally, she won’t be able to be generous anymore…”
The sea breeze howled past, making the sails flutter loudly.
Xu Zhengci stood beside him, watching the changes in his expression, and suddenly felt as if a cold wind had blown by, making his back feel chilly.
“What are you thinking? Be more magnanimous. Yi Yi is your niece. Don’t always pick on her…” he said, patting Xu Mingzai on the shoulder.
Xu Ming glanced at Xu Zhengci sideways and slowly chuckled.
Xu Zhengci thought he had been heard, so he continued working.
Xu Mingzai knew that it was time to find a time to properly discuss this matter with Xu Jiaojiao.
……
The sunlight still shone palely on the sea, leaving only shimmering, cold, and dazzling waves in the waters where she had left.
"Ah..."
The sampan broke through the stagnant surface of the sea on a winter afternoon and headed towards the island.
The closer you get to the island, the more complex the currents become, and the seawater changes from dark green to turquoise, revealing jagged shadows beneath the surface.
The island is surrounded by reefs.
Xu Yiyi suddenly sneezed.
Inside the cabin, Sihai, who had already taken off his thick clothes, peeked out from the cabin when he heard the noise.
"Big sister," he said in a childish voice, quite directly, "are you sick again?"
Xu Yi didn't turn her head, her gaze still fixed on the waterway in front of her. Her voice was carried away by the sea breeze and sounded somewhat indistinct.
"A jinx."
Upon hearing this, Sihai suddenly covered his mouth: "Oh..."
Xu Yiyi suddenly raised her voice and shouted towards the back:
"The boats behind you should follow my channel closely and watch my stern. There are many reefs and the waterways are winding in this area, so don't lose them or try to navigate on your own! Watch out for underwater rocks!"
Her voice was clear and powerful, penetrating the sea breeze and reaching the two slightly larger grain transport ships behind her.
The crew members on the boat responded immediately and began adjusting the oars and rudder, carefully following behind her small boat in a thin line.
They knew how dangerous this body of water was, so they dared not be careless.
I only breathed a sigh of relief after entering the river.
"Yi-yi? What happened? Why did you suddenly come back?" A-si had just returned from beachcombing and was sitting by the river washing his feet.
Xu Yi glanced at the things at her feet; they were all oysters, probably meant to be used to make oyster sauce.
"I bought some grain. Where are my great-grandfather and Uncle Pinghai?" she said, as she pulled the boat to a stop.
Asi was wiping the mud off his shoes with grass when he heard Xu Yiyi's words and immediately stopped.
"Buying food again?" She sighed. "You're just a child; taking care of yourself is the most important thing..."
A-Si looked at her with disapproval.
Xu Yi nodded and said seriously, "I've taken care of everything! That's why I have the spare energy to help others!"
Ah Si snorted and gestured towards the village with his chin: "Never mind, you're quick-witted, I can't argue with you... Your great-grandfather is probably at the ancestral hall right now, and your uncle... I think I saw him fiddling around in the vegetable garden behind the house when I went out, I wonder where he is now."
"Haizhu." Xu Yi waved to him.
Haizhu was stunned for a moment. When he saw that it was Xu Yiyi calling him, he immediately jumped down from the tree and looked up at her with his little face: "Sister Yiyi, what's up?"
“You’re fast on your feet,” Xu Yiyi said calmly, “I’d appreciate it if you could make the trip. First, go and invite Uncle to wait in front of the ancestral hall. Then, see which uncles, aunts, and brothers are still on the island and haven’t gone out to sea yet. Tell them that there’s grain to move and distribute in front of the ancestral hall and ask them to come and lend a hand when they have time.”
Upon hearing this, Haizhu's eyes lit up even more.
He puffed out his chest and nodded vigorously: "Understood, Sister Yi! I'll go right now!"
Before the words were even finished, the person had already turned around and darted away like a nimble cat.
"Big sister, I want to go too..." Sihai muttered in the cabin, and before Xu Yiyi could react, he had disappeared.
She shook her head helplessly and looked at the two boats at the grain shop: "Brothers, please move to this side and unload carefully."
The shop assistant responded and began to untie the ropes and set up the plank.
The rustling sounds were particularly clear on the tranquil riverbank.
Ah Si didn't even bother carrying her seafood basket anymore. With her wet feet and slippers shuffling along, she hurried towards the village, her voice rising involuntarily: "Hey, Yi Yi's back! And she brought so much stuff!"
The sound was like a pebble thrown into a calm sea.
Groups of two or three elderly people and children gathered around.
They peered out curiously, their gazes all landing on the sacks being unloaded.
By the time Xu Pinghai arrived after hearing the commotion, the grain had already been piled up into a small mountain along the riverbank.
"The grain has been delivered, Mr. Xu, so we'll head back now."
The shop assistant greeted them and rowed away in his boat.
"What are you all standing there for? Move the grain!" she shouted, and the crowd surged forward.
In no time at all, the grain on the river was moved to the front of the ancestral hall.
In the open space in front of the ancestral hall, the distribution of grain was proceeding in an orderly manner.
Xu Pinghai, carrying an old ledger and a brush, went from house to house asking questions, recording information, and weighing items.
The families who received the grain beamed with genuine smiles and expressed their gratitude to Xu Yiyi.
"According to past practice, those families that are truly struggling financially and have many members should be given priority. Make a list and distribute the funds to each family individually. Don't cause chaos or grabbing," Xu Pinghai said, maintaining order.
The children weaved through the crowd, their joyful shouts echoing throughout.
This liveliness is like the wind with wings.
"Mother, did you hear that? What was that boy Sihai yelling about? Xu Yiyi bought grain again..."
Su Rulan walked in angrily, and Grandma Xu gave her an impatient look.
"Want food? Then go ahead and go!"
Su Rulan clicked her tongue, seemingly surprised by Grandma Xu's reaction.
"This was bought by your granddaughter. She brought back two boatloads of grain from town—white rice, golden brown rice, and flour! She said she bought it to distribute to the clan! Right now, it's as lively as if it were New Year's Day in front of the ancestral hall!"
With a clatter, the shoe soles and sewing basket in Grandma Xu's hands fell onto the kang (a heated brick bed).
She was about to vomit blood, but Su Rulan kept provoking her.
“Mother, you are her own grandmother! Her own grandmother, blood is thicker than water! She has money and grain, and instead of showing filial piety to you, she gives it to those distant relatives? What kind of logic is that? We can refuse it! But this grain should be a share for you and Father, no... this grain shouldn't be given to those outsiders…”
As she spoke, Su Rulan moved closer and closer, her voice seductive: "Mother, you should go out now and go straight to the ancestral hall to find Uncle Xu and make a scene with Xu Pinghai. Make a scene loud and clear, that's your specialty. Make a scene in front of the whole clan and let them all hear that Xu Yiyi has made a fortune and bought grain, but she's letting her own grandparents go hungry. Let's see where she puts her face! Let's see if the clan will still praise her! This scene will make sure you and Father get back what you deserve."
Grandma Xu felt her blood boil at Su Rulan's words.
Yes, she's her own grandmother! Does that brat Xu Yiyi have no respect for her elders?
Thinking this, she immediately got out of bed.
Just as her feet were about to touch the ground, the scabbed wounds on her buttocks and back seemed to burst open again, sending a clear phantom pain through her.
Some time ago, the old man heard about her and Su Rulan going to town.
That evening, when Grandpa Xu returned, he grabbed a carrying pole from behind the door and started hitting him.
They beat her mercilessly. She cried and begged for mercy, and even the neighbors were alerted, but no one dared to come and pull her away.
After hitting her, Grandpa Xu specifically warned her not to cause any more trouble for Xu Yiyi.
She was bedridden for several days before she could get up, and the bruises on her body have not faded to this day.
At this moment, Su Rulan's encouraging words were still ringing in her ears. She didn't know if she was hallucinating, even though the ancestral hall was still far from her home, she could hear the lively sounds coming from there.
So, Grandma Xu slowly pulled her raised foot back.
Su Rulan was speaking enthusiastically when she saw her mother-in-law being persuaded and preparing to go out and make a scene, but then shrinking back. She immediately became anxious: "Mother! What's wrong with you? Go! If you don't go now, the food will be all gone! You are her own grandmother!"
Grandma Xu's lips twitched involuntarily as she looked at her anxious expression.
If she still doesn't realize that Su Rulan is using her as a pawn, then she's truly a fool.
They went to town together, but when they came back, only she got beaten, while Su Rulan acted as if nothing had happened.
“If you’re in such a hurry, then go ahead! You’re her second aunt, how could she not give it to you?” Grandma Xu’s tone was sarcastic.
Su Rulan slapped her thigh. "How can that be the same? I'm not related to her by blood, but you're different..."
Grandma Xu gave a cold laugh: "Have you forgotten... that we separated from the family... that we severed ties..."
She said, enunciating each word clearly, "Besides, do you think I'm stupid? Last time you persuaded me to go to town, I got a beating. It's been so long since the old man hit me, all because of you..."
Grandma Xu's tone was filled with hatred.
They went together, but only she got beaten up. That's so unfair.
The thought of this made her want to cry.
"So what if we've separated? So what if we've severed ties?" Su Rulan coaxed. "Can blood ties be severed? You're her father's biological mother! She should support you! Aren't you pretty resilient? As long as you get food, what's another beating? Maybe this fuss will actually get you some food! It's better than just watching helplessly!"
"Resilient..." Grandma Xu looked at her coldly, "So this is how you see me? Get out of here..."
Su Rulan wanted to explain, but seeing her mother-in-law's unyielding attitude, she angrily threw the remaining melon seeds on the ground, stomped her foot, turned around and went out the door, slamming the wooden door shut with a loud bang.
Outside, Mei-yi kept staring.
Hearing Su Rulan come out, he immediately pretended to be working.
Su Rulan twisted her body as she came out and looked Meiyi up and down.
"Are they eavesdropping on our conversation?" Su Rulan pointed out bluntly.
Mei-yi quickly waved her hand, "No, no, I'm working here, I wasn't eavesdropping."
Su Rulan glanced at her disdainfully, her tone arrogant: "Is it really necessary to be so cowardly? Just listen to it if you want."
As she spoke, she slowly walked up to Mei-yi, startling Mei-yi into taking a step back.
Su Rulan tempted, "To be honest, don't you have any ideas? I just went out and saw that the grain is almost piled up like a small mountain. Even if it's divided equally, it's enough for our whole family to eat for several days."
Meiyi shook her head frantically.
"We don't need that, so let's not join the crowd. But... if you really want it, you should still be able to get it if you go and queue up now."
As she spoke, Mei-yi buried her head and carried the dried squid into the house.
Su Rulan thought she was stupid. Seeing that her father-in-law's attitude towards Xu Yiyi had changed, who would dare to provoke him?
Anyway, she wouldn't dare to do it again.
Meiyi breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, her Zhouyuan and Sanchuan had a decent relationship. When he came back for the New Year, she would ask him to visit Sanchuan more often, which would at least ease the tension between them.