The Lu Family Old Mansion was quite noisy, but thankfully they were speaking behind closed doors. Otherwise, if anyone heard, it would be a complete disgrace for everyone.

Lu Changzhu and Liu Sanjin were furious. None of the sons were home; only the daughters-in-law and outsiders were standing in the yard.

They weren't members of the Lu Family. Their last name wasn't Lu, so naturally, they weren't willing to raise Lu Jiaxuan's child.

"Fine, you say what you want, but later I'll ask Zhenping, Jiahe, and Jiasheng. They are the children's actual uncles and aunts. I don't believe they'll let them suffer without any care."

"Lu Zhenping listens to me. When I say one, he won't say two. Just try it if you don't believe me."

"As for Lu Jiahe, who's a disaster case himself, it would be good enough if he can take care of himself, not to mention counting on him. You might as well count on the Lord."

"Jiasheng has already been filial enough. If you make us support Qian Cheng and Yaya as well, that's just bullying. I won't agree, and he won't either."

Upon hearing such words from the three daughters-in-law, Liu Sanjin and Lu Changzhu trembled with rage.

But thinking about it, they were indeed speaking the truth. None of the sons were successful. If the kids were handed over, they'd just have them sent back in no time.

The two daughters, ever since they couldn't get them into the Head Flower Factory, only managed to find a street-sweeping job in the county through connections. Now they detested them so much that they wished never to associate again, making it impossible for them to send the kids to them.

But truly handing them over to Zhou Jiaojiao, they wouldn't be happy!

"Fine, if you won't give me the kids, I won't take them. I'm leaving. I have a job, and I won't starve. This savings book has two hundred yuan left; consider it as a living allowance for the kids. I'm not dealing with this anymore. Oh right, if you want to know where my family's money went, go find Sai Jinhua. She has the money; Lu Jiaxuan, that son of a bitch, gave all the money to her."

She turned and left as she finished speaking. She had figured it out. None of the sisters-in-law in the Lu Family were willing to take in her children. Since the old geezers wouldn't let her take the kids, she simply wouldn't. Anyway, they wouldn't live long, and eventually, the unattended children would come back to her.

Not following her is fine; it saves a considerable amount.

Shen Meng saw there was nothing more, so she walked out with Xie Jinghao and Wu Xianglan.

"Elder sister-in-law, is Lao Si really useless now?"

"Who knows? Just live your own life well. Why bother about him?"

Wu Xianglan chuckled awkwardly. She wasn't really concerned about him; she was purely watching the spectacle, with a faint sense of fear mixed in.

Who knows what trouble Lu Lao Si has gotten himself into? If he turns into a burden, would it affect her Yong Qiang and Yong Li? These two kids are making progress now, excelling in their studies, hoping to go to college later and support her.

Such promising kids, if dragged down by Lu Jiaxuan, that son of a bitch, she'd be enraged.

"Elder sister-in-law, second sister-in-law, everything's fine here. I want to head back to the factory. There are new workers there, and I need to keep an eye on them."

"Go ahead, go ahead. Oh, I say, Jinghao is really fortunate. She's got quite the leadership style now. Must be earning a lot each month, seventy or eighty at least, right?"

Xie Jinghao just smiled at Wu Xianglan, saying nothing else.

Wu Xianglan was genuinely envious of her salary, but thinking of how she could live in the city with her two children now, the lower salary seemed worthwhile.

"Elder sister-in-law, are you heading back to the county, or checking out the Head Flower Factory?"

"Back to the county. Let's wait here for a bit. The bus will be here soon."

Wu Xianglan rubbed her hands, then approached Shen Meng.

"Elder sister-in-law, you've left the County Government now. What's the plan ahead? Going with the kids to the Provincial City to live with big brother? Haha, oh, my babbling mouth. Of course, you're going to live with big brother. Why else stay in the county?"

"Just say it directly, what do you want?"

"Elder sister-in-law, I'll be straightforward. Right now, I have to support two kids, and it's really tight. Their father is worthless, not bringing a dime home. I'm thinking of earning more to support the kids, at least save up a pretend dowry for Yong Qiang and Yong Li. Once they marry, as their mother, I should at least give something."

Shen Meng nodded. Wu Xianglan had been quite disciplined the past few years, aside from occasionally stirring things up for Zhou Jiaojiao at the textile factory, she caused no trouble.

"Xiang Lan, your job, if you can retire smoothly, will bring you a pension in the future. But you're right, Yong Qiang and Yong Li are growing up. If they get into college and move to a big city, being short on money will be mocked."

"Ah, that's exactly right, elder sister-in-law."

"Here's the thing, I heard Shirley is planning to start a shop. If you're willing, you can partner with her. You invest some money and don't have to manage anything. You'll just share in the profits she makes. How's that?"

"Really? But, but will she agree?"

Just as they were talking, the bus arrived, honking loudly. When it came by, Wu Xianglan helped Shen Meng onto the bus first. Once seated, they resumed their previous conversation.

"Hold on, I'll bring you to see Shirley later. See what she thinks. If she's willing, then you two can discuss it further. If not, I'll teach you a snack. You can set up a stall by the factory gate at night. You're from the countryside; don't worry about face when making money. Money in your pocket is better than anything else, isn't it?"

"I, I'm not afraid of losing face, just worried Yong Qiang and Yong Li will be unhappy. These two are growing up, starting middle school after the new year, and I'm afraid they won't feel right about it."

"Dare they complain after you've worked hard for them all these years? If they dare to, see if I don't beat them."

"Hehehehe....."

Shen Meng: "...."

All these years without any progress, still so foolish!!!

They got off the bus, hailed a pedal tricycle to the county hospital. Yu Xueli was directing work in the cafeteria. Seeing them come over, she quickly greeted them.

"Why are you here? Did you eat yet? Wait a moment, I'll get you two portions of food. It's late, but plenty of good dishes are left. I almost asked someone to take them home earlier."

Shen Meng and Wu Xianglan sat down, and soon she brought two portions of food.

"Eat first, then I'll get you some soup, kelp and egg soup, it's fresh!"

"Stop fussing. We didn't come for the food. We came to ask you something. Didn't you say you wanted to set up a shop before? How's it going now? Still planning on it?"