CHAPTER 183: CHAPTER 183: DEBT-FREE AND UNBURDENED

Xinyan had just let go of Zhao Jianlan when a few people walked out of the Zhao family’s yard.

Zhang Meilian was the first to spot Xinyan and greeted her with a smile: "Xinyan, are you here to see Jianlan?"

Xinyan smiled in response: "Today, I came specifically to see you, Aunt Zhang."

After Zhang Meilian had helped her, they only met on the day her family went over to deliver some things.

Zhang Meilian truly liked Xinyan. This young lady was not only brave but also smart. She smiled and took Xinyan’s hand: "How have you been lately? All good?"

Xinyan nodded with a smile: "All good, thank you, Aunt Zhang, for your concern."

Zhao Jianlan saw her mom holding Xinyan’s hand, with a gentle smile on her face: "Mom, seeing how happy you are, someone might think Xinyan is your daughter."

Zhang Meilian rolled her eyes at her daughter: "If you were as worry-free as Xinyan, I wouldn’t have to worry at all."

Xinyan smiled, looking at Zhao Jianlan being playful: "Actually, I quite like Jianlan’s straightforward personality."

Upon hearing Xinyan’s words, Zhao Jianlan playfully winked at her: "See, even Xinyan says she likes my personality, unlike you, who keeps complaining about it."

The three of them laughed together.

After the laughter died down, Xinyan brought up the main matter: "Auntie, I came today to return the small stove."

Zhang Meilian and her daughter Zhao Jianlan reacted the same way: "The small stove isn’t needed at home for now, you don’t have to hurry to return it."

Xinyan, seeing the people standing near Zhang Meilian, considerately suggested: "Auntie, we can talk later. You go ahead with your work."

Zhang Meilian introduced the girl beside her with a smile: "This is Jianlan’s classmate."

The girl nodded at Xinyan, and Xinyan smiled and nodded back in greeting.

At this moment, Zhao Huaiqing also came out of the yard, carrying a bag: "Jianhong, take this to Xiao Yan’s dad to try."

Feng Xiaoyan, standing nearby, said a bit shyly: "Uncle, there’s no need, really. I’m already eating and taking things, it’s quite embarrassing."

Zhao Huaiqing laughed heartily: "Old Feng and I have always been on good terms, and now you’re with Jianhong, so we’re even closer. No need for formalities."

The eldest Zhao son, Zhao Jianhong, took the bag from his dad’s hand: "Mom, Dad, we’re off now."

Feng Xiaoyan blushed: "Goodbye, Uncle, Aunt."

After speaking, she didn’t forget to greet the little ones in the Zhao family, including Xinyan, who was essentially just a passerby.

Watching them turn out of the alley, Zhang Meilian then warmly invited Xinyan: "Come on in, have a seat."

Xinyan thought that their guests just left, and they needed to tidy up, plus she had to go up the mountain, so she got straight to the point after entering the yard: "Uncle, Aunt, here’s the small stove for you to keep."

Just as Zhang Meilian was about to inquire, Zhao Jianlan cut in and said: "Xinyan here always doesn’t want to inconvenience anyone. The school just awarded her fifty dollars, and she’s already put it to use."

Xinyan smiled at her, taking out the money Zhang Meilian had lent her before: "Auntie, thank you for your support earlier. Here is the money I borrowed."

Zhang Meilian wanted to politely refuse, but before she could say anything, Xinyan spoke with a smile: "Don’t worry, Auntie, there will be more awards from the city. Honestly, I participated in the competition mainly for the prize money, so don’t laugh at me."

Seeing that Xinyan put it that way, Zhang Meilian agreed: "As long as you have it all figured out, then Auntie will accept it."

Watching her accept the money, Xinyan joked about herself: "I guess now I’m debt-free and feel light as a feather."

She didn’t stay long, chatted for a while, and then left the Zhao family. Zhao Jianlan insisted on walking her out of the alley, and if Xinyan hadn’t stopped her, she might have insisted on accompanying her all the way home.

Back at home, Xinyan did a quick tidying up, picked up her backpack, and then headed out again.

Probably because she had settled her debt, her mood was exceptionally good.

Just as she reached the foot of the mountain, she coincidentally met Uncle Zhang coming down: "Uncle Zhang, have you been up the mountain?"

Uncle Zhang recognized Xinyan: "Oh, I was just about to visit you tonight?"

Xinyan was a bit puzzled: "Visit me?"

Uncle Zhang patted the dust off his hands: "Yes, my old friend’s grandson is coming to our city on a business trip. He’ll be visiting my house tomorrow, so I thought I should prepare some hearty dishes."

Xinyan wondered to herself if Uncle Zhang wanted her to help with the cooking.

Before she could ask, Uncle Zhang chuckled, "Everyone in our housing estate knows you’re great at fishing, so I’m hoping to book a couple of fish from you in advance."

Hearing that, Xinyan smiled: "When do you need them?"

Uncle Zhang was delighted that Xinyan didn’t refuse: "I said Xinyan is reliable. Your Aunt Zhang said quite a bit to me, pointing out how busy you are with school and telling me not to bother you, but there’s no fish fresher than the ones you catch. I was worrying, and then bumped into you."

After he finished, Xinyan said: "No problem, Uncle Zhang. The people in our housing estate have all helped me, and I know it well. Tomorrow is Monday, and I have to go to school. I’ll bring the fish to your house in the morning. You can keep them until noon to cook and eat."

Uncle Zhang was very satisfied: "That’s wonderful, Xinyan. You really are straightforward."