Old Friends (4)

Auntie Wang was also someone who knew how to read people's expressions, so she didn't ask much. However, she thought to herself that when Li Xiao returned, she must tell him all of this so he wouldn't mistreat Jiang Ru in the future.

She had followed him at such a young age; he couldn't let her suffer.

Following her question, she said with a smile, "Yes, your uncle did as you said and cut a platter of food for people to sample. Almost more than half of those who tasted it bought some to take home. Your uncle said business was so good this morning, it's bound to be great in the future. He told me to come and put your mind at ease."

"That's good then."

Auntie Wang still had to go back to cook, so she didn't chat with Jiang Ru any longer. After a couple of sentences, she went back.

Jiang Ru also went back inside to cook.

She thought today would pass like this, but unexpectedly, in the afternoon, someone came to the house. This time, it was a friend of Li Xiao's.

He was of medium height, with extremely dark skin, and a dimple on his right cheek when he smiled.

Perhaps fearing that Jiang Ru wouldn't know him, he proactively introduced himself: "Sister-in-law, I'm Zhou Jian. Before Brother Xiao left, he instructed me to keep an eye on things over here. See if you're short of anything?"

Zhou Jian had originally planned to go along this time, but his mother fell ill, and with no one else at home, he had to stay behind to take care of her. Before leaving, Big Brother (Li Xiao) had given him one hundred yuan, telling him to drop by often and replenish anything she lacked.

So he had come.

As soon as she heard this name, Jiang Ru immediately knew who he was. He was the childhood friend who had the best relationship with Li Xiao, practically inseparable since they were young. But the files had mentioned one point: this man later followed Li Xiao to the South, contracted SARS, and didn't survive. His widowed mother also fell ill from grief and couldn't get up, and it was Li Xiao who eventually saw her off.

Because of this matter, Li Xiao's reputation in his hometown became even worse, with many people spreading rumors that he had caused the man's death.

The man had followed him to make money, but ended up losing his life.

Looking at the bright, smiling young man in front of her, Jiang Ru felt a bit complicated, but she still said, "We're not short of anything. Everything is fine at home, you don't need to worry."

"That's good then. Sister-in-law, if you need anything, just call me. My house is by the old bus station, the last house at the end of the street."

"Alright."

Seeing that he was about to leave, Jiang Ru told him to wait a moment. She went back inside and brought out a large bowl of braised pork intestines and tiger-skin chicken claws she had made herself: "Take this back to eat."

Zhou Jian was startled and quickly waved his hands: "No need, Sister-in-law. This stuff is expensive, you should keep it for yourself."

"It's nothing. I made it myself, so it didn't cost much, and there's more at home. Take it back to eat. We don't know when Li Xiao will return, and I might have to trouble you in the future."

Since Jiang Ru put it that way, Zhou Jian couldn't say anything more.

On the way back, Zhou Jian's heart felt warm. He had originally promised his Big Brother to come check on things, not thinking much of it. Now, seeing how warm and welcoming Jiang Ru was, he felt his trip wasn't in vain; his sister-in-law remembered his kindness.

Upon returning home, Zhou Jian first brought the braised pork intestines and chicken claws to his mother's room. After his mother learned where the food came from, a touch of emotion appeared on her haggard, weathered face: "This child is a sensible girl. Xiao Xiao is quite blessed. Now look at you, when are you going to find me a daughter-in-law?"

Hearing this, Zhou Jian's face was beyond words. He felt his mother was daydreaming. He wasn't as good-looking as Brother Xiao, nor did he have his capabilities, and he was poor. Where was he going to find a wife? Just having food and drink was already not bad.