WBSGVS Chapter 71 V2

Once they were gone, Qingli didn’t immediately hand the sponge cake to the little girl. Instead, she crouched down, looking directly into her eyes and asking seriously, “What’s your name?”

The girl blinked and softly said, “Little Yu’er~”

Probably from mimicking adults, she added a slight ending to her name, making it sound extra cute.

“That’s a lovely name,” Qingli praised, noticing how the girl’s smile deepened. Then Qingli asked, “Little Yu, would you like to come home with me? I’ll take care of you.”

But Qingli hadn’t planned on adopting a child. In these times, hiring help was out of the question, she had no husband to assist with child care, and she was barely twenty, at an age to be building her own life. Raising a child would mean offering very little, especially for a girl. Society often lacks compassion toward girls, and Qingli would need to work harder to make up for that, so she was cautious about making a decision.

Initially, Qingli just thought this child was pitiful and adorable—a small kindness rather than an adoption. There were so many children without parents; they just happened to meet.

But seeing her bullied like that just now, Qingli truly panicked. Although their time together was brief, this little girl had quickly softened her heart.

So, adoption it was.

It couldn’t possibly be worse than the girl’s current life, could it?

Yet, just as Qingli thought her decision was set in stone, the girl only looked momentarily surprised, then bowed her head, twisting her hands together. In a tiny voice, she said, “Thank you, sister, but… I don’t want to leave here.”

Qingli was taken aback by the unexpected answer but nodded. “Alright, then. Where’s your home? I’ll come visit you often.”

Little Yu looked up at her with teary eyes, a smile blooming, dimples appearing charmingly as she pointed toward an alley. “My home’s down that way—take a left, then a right, and you’re there! But no need to come by; I’m here every day. Lots of kind people give me food.”

Qingli gave a small smile. “Alright.”

She handed her the sponge cake and mung bean pastry she had prepared.

Little Yu took them with both hands, thanking her earnestly before turning to head down an alley.

Qingli, too, turned to leave, pushing her cart.

Suddenly, someone placed a hand on her cart.

Qingli didn’t need to look back to know who it was. This person had been following her all day, though she had ignored it. She put on a look of surprise. “Auntie?”

He Dan beamed at her, voice warm and slightly ingratiating. “Ah, Li, you’ve got good business, huh? You sell out every time?”

Qingli’s eyes flickered briefly, and she smiled. “Yes, it’s going alright.”

Seeing Qingli respond politely, He Dan felt a bit relieved, though there was something strange in it that she ignored. Her mind was entirely focused on becoming self-employed. “Hey, tell me—what’s your cost?”

Qingli hesitated. “I’m not sure I should…”

“Oh, come on now! I don’t have the skills to compete with you,” He Dan teased. “Afraid of little old me?”

Qingli pressed her lips together. “Not much, about half.”

“Half!” He Dan was surprised. She’d already checked around. This girl sold sponge cakes a bit pricier than others—five cents each, and they were tiny, yet people bought them. Now she was selling mung bean pastries for fifty cents a box, and still, they sold out.

Today, He Dan had trailed her early on and noted how many sponge cakes, red date cakes, and mung bean pastries she bought. After calculating, her heart burned with envy—at least five yuan’s worth! If costs were only half, then Qingli was earning even more than Zhang Shuangshuang had claimed!

He Dan felt the envy rising within her like a fountain.

It was maddeningly unfair.

Qingli smiled. “Yes.”

Unable to hold back, He Dan forced a smile and said, “Well, look at you! I used to worry about you, but no need now. Alright, you head on home; I’ve got things to do.”

“Okay.” Qingli nodded and rode away.

As soon as Qingli left, He Dan hurried off to the supply store. She’d tasted her neighbor’s sponge cakes, which were decent but still sold well. She knew exactly what ingredients went in, and it was time to try making her own.

She trembled while paying, feeling like wealth was just around the corner.

Qingli rode off, her empty basket symbolizing a successful day.

With her bike, a trip that used to take two hours on foot now took less than thirty minutes.

But halfway home, a familiar figure caught her eye.

Just as they passed each other, Song Dongyun couldn’t help but call out, “Du Qingli!”

Qingli slowed and stopped, pressing the brakes.

Song Dongyun ran over, a bright smile on her face, her voice cheerful. “My name is Song Dong, and I’m seeing Xiang Lifeng.”

Qingli returned her smile politely. “Is there something you need?”

Looking a little embarrassed, Song Dongyun asked, “Can I ask why you tripped him back then?” Her smile faded, and she became serious. “Kids have strong self-esteem. They’re no match for adults physically, so that was a bit much.”

Just as Qingli was about to respond, Song Dongyun quickly added, “I think you’re kind for giving that little girl something, but you seem to hold a grudge against Dabao and the other two?”

“It’s not a grudge. I just don’t like them,” Qingli replied honestly, seeing how friendly she was. “You probably know my past; those three aren’t easy to deal with. They resist having a stepmother, but if they’re nice to you, be careful.”

“What do you mean?” Song Dongyun was confused. “They’re just kids. They might’ve misunderstood things before, and Xiang Lifeng has already talked to them about it.”

Qingli smiled. “As long as you’re happy. If you ever need help, you know where to find me.”

“Huh?” Song Dongyun found the comment perplexing.

Qingli said nothing more and rode off.

She left that offer in case things took a turn. Given how much the situation had changed, if Song Dongyun couldn’t handle those three, she might face the same fate Qingli once had. If something went wrong, Qingli would help.

Song Dongyun wanted to tell her not to discipline children like that, but Qingli had already gone too far to call back. Though they were in the same brigade, they were from different villages. They’d part ways soon, and who knew if they’d ever meet again?

She shook her head but then touched the hairpin in her pocket, a sweet smile spreading across her face.

Sure, Xiang Lifeng had three kids, but he was still young, handsome, and had abs—a good deal!

She walked home with a bounce in her step.

Just then, she felt a drop on her face.

Her expression changed as she looked up to see clouds covering the sun. The sky darkened, and she quickly picked up her pace.

Before she reached home, the rain started pouring down.

Meanwhile, Qingli had just made it back. The chicks had scurried into their coop in fright, and her puppy hid under the porch.

Seeing her come home, the little puppy darted into the rain and jumped on her, covering her leg in mud.

Qingli sighed, carrying the drenched puppy into the house and wiping it off. As she looked out at the downpour, she sneezed.

The air was chilly, and the rain was cold—she’d better not catch a cold.

She boiled some water and drank ginger tea, frowning slightly. Outside, the rain fell heavier, creating puddles in the dirt.

Suddenly, she thought, I wonder if that little girl got caught in the rain?