CHAPTER 182: CHAPTER 182: DON’T WORRY, I’M NOT STUPID

Jiao Sini felt relieved after hearing this and cheerfully accepted the money: "I’ll take it then, sister-in-law."

Just then, a curious woman peeked in from outside: "Is this Miss really here to repay the debt?"

Jiao Sini, not pleased with the remark, raised the ten yuan in her hand: "Of course, this Miss has a noble character. As soon as she had the money, she came to repay it right away."

Jiao Sini truly considered Yu Xinyan her benefactor and spared no effort in spreading her reputation: "This Miss is really worth associating with. Not only did she repay the money, but she also brought over so many mountain apricots and mulberries. She’s truly considerate."

Someone outside laughed and chimed in: "Truly a grateful person."

Jiao Sini, being uncharacteristically generous, though somewhat reluctantly, took apricots and mulberries from the bag and shared them with a few people who had gathered around: "Help yourselves and have a taste."

Being fed and gifted, these few women, having eaten the fruits Yu Xinyan gave to the Wu Family, couldn’t possibly speak ill of her.

Yu Xinyan didn’t quite enjoy this kind of scene, so she mentioned she had to visit the Zhao Family, and then she left.

After she left, someone looked at her back and sighed: "What a pity about this Miss."

Someone beside replied: "What’s there to pity? She’s living more freely after leaving Lyu Juncheng. If she gets into a good college later, Lyu Juncheng will probably regret it."

"You’re right. She’s achieved more after leaving Lyu Juncheng. It’s just a shame that such a fine Miss ended up in a second marriage."

Jiao Sini put the bag away, and upon hearing their conversation, interjected: "That’s still better than staying with the Lyu Family. Look at Yao Hui’s life now, my sister was right to get divorced."

The woman beside burst into laughter: "You’re right, Yao Hui is really living a tough life now, and many have been laughing at her behind her back."

Jiao Sini said disdainfully: "Well, she deserves it. It’s karma."

Unaware of their discussion, Yu Xinyan was already back home, carrying the Zhao Family’s small stove along with some prepared fruits, and had the money she owed ready in her pocket.

Before reaching the Zhao Family’s door, Zhao Jianlan, who was outside pouring water, spotted her. She put down the basin and ran over: "Xinyan, what brings you here?"

Yu Xinyan was a bit puzzled: "Why aren’t you at school for tutoring?"

Zhao Jianlan, a bit embarrassed, replied: "My Big Brother brought someone home today, so I found an excuse to have someone else take the day off for me."

Yu Xinyan smiled at her: "You really seize every opportunity, using anything as an excuse to take a day off, impressive!"

Saying this, she stuffed the bag into Zhao Jianlan’s hands and gave her a thumbs up: "Respect."

Zhao Jianlan pleaded: "It’s so boring at school without you in the morning, and this afternoon is all about doing test papers, so I’m just giving myself a break."

As she spoke, she noticed the small stove Yu Xinyan had put on the ground: "Why are you returning the stove?"

Yu Xinyan picked up the stove and pulled her forward: "I went into the city this morning. The school rewarded me with fifty yuan, so I went and bought a small stove."

Zhao Jianlan frowned: "Oh dear, my family doesn’t need it. Why waste your money?"

She was thinking that with the college entrance exams coming soon, if Xinyan got into university, these things would become useless, and it would be better to save the money.

Yu Xinyan naturally understood what she was thinking and whispered: "It’s fine. I don’t have much stuff to begin with. I might as well use it later, and I can take this stove with me when I move, avoiding the need to find a place to buy it in an unfamiliar place."

Zhao Jianlan was puzzled: "What do you need it for? Is the school going to let you cook for yourself?"

Yu Xinyan squinted and smiled: "You don’t know this, but I’m an excellent cook. I’ve already thought it through. In my spare time and on weekends, I can set up a small food stall and make a bit more pocket money."

Hearing this, Zhao Jianlan got a bit anxious and whispered: "Are you crazy? Do you want to get into trouble?"

Yu Xinyan laughed: "Haven’t you noticed the increasing number of small vendors at the town’s fair?"

Zhao Jianlan looked serious: "But do you know that if they’re unlucky, they could be asked to write self-criticisms from time to time?"

Yu Xinyan knew she was worried about her: "Alright, with the current trends, it won’t be long before a policy is introduced. I’m just preparing as a safety net. Don’t worry; I’m not foolish."

Zhao Jianlan, hearing her say this, still repeatedly cautioned: "Just don’t take risks. If there’s any trouble at that time, you can write me a letter, and I’ll figure out a way to help you."

For the second time, she was moved by this gesture—something she hadn’t experienced in her previous life. She put down the small stove and hugged this straightforward girl: "Thank you, Jianlan."

This move completely startled Zhao Jianlan.