Chapter Eight: A Wave of Goodwill Earned

The two of them ran quite a distance before coming to a halt. Lu Guangyao stood there, panting heavily as he looked at his wife, unable to speak for a long while.

"I truly didn't expect Wei Yao to have such high vigilance."

"She is indeed worthy of being Mingrui's wife. Let’s head back for now. Seeing that she’s doing well gives us peace of mind. Later, when Mingrui returns, we’ll invite the couple over for a meal to properly apologize. Do you understand?"

"I know, I know. Sigh, I really didn't expect it either. I had inquired before, and everyone said Song Dagui and Chang Yongqin were decent people, and Chang Yongqin even helped raise the two children. Who would have thought these two elders would be so heartless toward their own grandchildren? And that Song Liping, she’s been trying to get into the secretarial office at their factory lately. Hmph, I’d like to see if she can actually pass that exam!"

Chen Shumin remained silent. That woman was no good, and she had no interest in defending her.

Wei Yao looked at the two bags of goods on the floor, all of them high-quality items. Passersby outside the courtyard couldn't help but steal glances at her, their gazes making her brow furrow. She quickly gathered the items and put them away in the kitchen cupboard.

Since they claimed to be friends of Song Mingrui, she would let him repay the favor when he returned.

Back when she lived at the Song family home, she and her children had very little. They had to weigh every single purchase, and if she added anything, she was sure to be nagged by Chang Yongqin.

Now that this lovely courtyard was hers, she could add whatever she wanted. Moreover, she had money and her secret space; she would never again have to look at anyone else’s face to get by.

The cupboards in the kitchen were mostly semi-new, but otherwise empty. She took rice, flour, grain, oil, bamboo steamers, cloths, pots, pans, chopsticks, and rags directly from her space. She filled earthen jars with oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar, and loaded the cupboards and baskets with cured meats, fresh meat, and seasonal vegetables and fruits.

While Song Yang and Song Hui were still asleep, she took out four sets of cotton quilts from the space—all soft, new cotton with floral covers. She selected several sets of bed sheets and pillowcases, tossed them into the washing machine to be cleaned and dried, and added thermoses, tea sets, and enamel basins. She made sure everything the house needed was organized and complete.

She placed a few bottles of snow-cream on the vanity. Looking at her sallow cheeks and dry, brittle hair, she felt an urge to slap herself, but dismissed it as foolish. In her past life, she had never loved herself properly. She used to secretly envy how sleek and polished Song Liping always looked. Now that she could use whatever she pleased, she was determined to keep herself clean, tidy, and beautiful.

By the vanity, she placed a Butterfly brand sewing machine. She also attached a small seat to the Phoenix brand bicycle to make it easier for Song Yang and Song Hui to ride along in the future. Seeing the rooms filled to the brim with supplies, she felt a profound sense of relief.

When Song Yang and Song Hui woke up, they were still a bit dazed. As she went to hug them, she heard Song Yang mutter, "Are we not allowed to live in the nice house anymore? Is this the end of the dream?"

Wei Yao’s lips twitched. The silly child—they had spent nearly half a month in the space, and he still thought it was a dream!

"Yangyang, you're awake. Mom made hot noodle soup. After we eat, we’re going to the hospital to deliver a silk banner to the nurses and the doctor uncle. We also need to pay a visit to Grandma Liu to thank her. These are all our benefactors."

"Okay! Mom, I miss Grandma Liu. She used to sneak me candy!"

"Good child."

Wei Yao wiped the corner of her eye, helped the children dress, wiped their faces and hands, and served them bowls of noodles topped with eggs and minced meat. It smelled so delicious that the little one’s eyes crinkled with joy.

Before heading out, Wei Yao packed several bags of roasted peanuts to share with the neighbors. In the past, she would have guarded her food greedily, unwilling to let anyone else have a bite. But things were different now; distant relatives were not as good as close neighbors, and relationships were built on mutual exchange. If Song Mingrui didn't change jobs in the future, she would be alone raising two children, and if she ever ran into trouble, she needed people around who could help.

Through their conversation, everyone learned that the husband of the new resident worked for the transport team and that she had just split from her in-laws. Since she had brought gifts and showed a desire to be friendly, the neighbors were more than happy to lend a hand if she ever faced difficulties.

After distributing the gifts, Wei Yao took some presents and headed to the hospital. It was a stroke of luck that the doctor who treated her and the nurses who helped her were talking in the lobby. Before even reaching them, she began to thank them loudly, tears in her eyes.

When she reached them, she made a move to bow, but the doctors and nurses quickly helped her up.

"Big Sister, what are you doing? When we see an injustice, we naturally have to help. This is what any concerned citizen should do. As long as you can live your life well from now on, we’ll be at ease."

"That’s right, Sister. Seeing you all looking so healthy now, and with Yangyang in new clothes and looking a bit plumper, we are truly happy for you."

"Yes, now that we’ve moved out, life is much better. I know you are all selfless, wonderful people, and I have nothing fancy to offer. This is a silk banner I had custom-made; please, you must accept it. And these are some 'moving-out' candies—I hope everyone can share in our joy."

As she handed the gifts over, the doctors and nurses tried to decline, but Wei Yao insisted until they finally accepted.

Before long, the hospital director was alerted. Upon hearing what the staff had done, he praised them highly and granted them an immediate reward. Everyone wanted a good reputation, and Wei Yao’s public display undoubtedly won the hospital a wave of goodwill from the patients. The doctors and nurses, feeling the warmth and admiration of the crowd, flushed with excitement.

The same approach naturally worked with Liu Chunling. However, compared to the reputation she sought at the hospital, she gave Liu Chunling something practical: a tin of malted milk, two catties of brown sugar, and two cans of oranges. Liu Chunling pretended to refuse, and after a bit of friendly pushing and pulling, she finally accepted.

"Little Wei, you should get back to work soon. I heard the department head's niece is trying to get into the cotton mill. Although you’re on leave, if you stay away too long, someone might start causing trouble. But you’ll need to find someone to help look after the two children!"

Wei Yao’s expression shifted, and she said gratefully, "Director Liu, you are truly a kind person. Thank you for telling me. I’ll go cancel my leave and return to work tomorrow. The cotton mill has a nursery, so Song Yang and Song Hui can go there. It’ll be the New Year in a few months, and after the holidays, Yangyang will be starting school. Things will be much easier for me then."