Rebirth in 1980: The Farm Wife Makes a Comeback
Chapter 319: Face Means Nothing

Chapter 319: Chapter 319: Face Means Nothing

Taotao blushed with shyness when praised by her mother, burying her little face into her mother’s chest, yet her heart swelled with happiness.

Jian Zhiqin, being somewhat older, was also more shrewd.

He handed over the money to Li Qiuhua, but it was only 200 yuan. He knew this was a significant amount of money that he couldn’t keep for himself, yet he sneakily saved fifty yuan for buying nice things. Li Qiuhua knew exactly how much her son had made, and the fact that he hid fifty yuan was not lost on her. However, since the children had earned the money themselves, as long as it wasn’t spent frivolously, she wouldn’t say anything. As for the 200 yuan, she intended to save it for them, for things like registering for school and buying books.

Meanwhile, Qin Xiangyang from Shenjia Village had also taken Hua Jun to sell Spring Festival couplets for a few days, and together they had made over three thousand yuan, which they split equally between them.

Hua Jun brought home 1,500 yuan, and when he handed the money to Granny Hua, she burst into tears hugging him.

Hua Jun didn’t understand why she was crying so suddenly, but he did feel a genuine sensation of growing up and realized that he needed to take care of his grandmother, just like Nuannuan and Yangyang were doing.

"Granny, we should renovate the house," Qin Xiangnuan took the opportunity to suggest while the family was all together. "Our place is close to the school, and if the area develops, many people will want to rent houses here. It’s better to build now rather than rush later. We should build it similar to my family’s house. Building early is cheaper, and later on, the price of materials like bricks and stones will surely be higher. "

Of course, she was telling the truth; building now wouldn’t cost too much. However, saving the money in the bank would mean that, in the future, the same amount might only suffice for a toilet. She knew that in recent years, Granny Hua, alongside Granny Lu in selling breakfasts, had also saved up some money, but she was accustomed to being frugal and might have a hard time, just like Aunt Hua, making such a robust decision.

Granny Hua’s hand holding the chopsticks remained suspended for a long while.

She turned around, sighed deeply, then grabbed Hua Jun’s hand firmly.

"Let’s build it. It’s about time we should. For Xiao Jun, we need to build it anyway. I’ve also been contemplating finding a wife for Xiao Jun; looks aren’t important, even a disabled person would do as long as she is a good person and treats my Xiao Jun well."

In fact, everyone thought this way, but it was uncertain whether anyone would truly accept Hua Jun without reservations.

If Granny Hua was contemplating building a house, Granny Lu certainly couldn’t just stand by. Over the years since she started living there and doing business, she had an annual income of around ten thousand yuan. After all the expenses, she had also saved fifty or sixty thousand yuan. Her grandsons were capable, never needed her money, and each year when they visited, they gave her some. So she lent over ten thousand yuan to Granny Hua; though she said it was a loan, she probably never expected it to be repaid. She saw Hua Jun as another one of her grandsons and hoped he could live a decent life. Of course, building a house was the first important step. Granny Hua was ready to use her savings from over the years, which were nearly enough to build a single-story house. At the very least, they would then have a home. Although they were staying with Granny Lu, who wasn’t reluctant, for Granny Hua, the feeling of dependence was impossible to ignore. Everyone wants their own home; it brings peace of mind.

Qin Xiangnuan hadn’t thought that Granny Hua would be so resolute. As soon as the New Year was over, they would start construction. This decision was much more decisive than what Aunt Hua had made.

Their family didn’t have many relatives, so there weren’t many visits during the New Year, except Aunt Hua did come by.

Aunt Hua couldn’t help but sigh at the sight of Qin Xiangyang in his military uniform, looking tall and handsome with thick eyebrows and big eyes; the child had grown up and really looked impressive. As for Qin Xiangnuan, she still looked like her younger self. However, now she appeared delicate and sophisticated, just like a city dweller, and moreover, a child with capabilities. She’s studying in Capital City and might go to university there later, probably staying around the Capital City area. Otherwise, Aunt Hua truly intended to matchmake Qin Xiangnuan with her cousin from her maternal side.

Initially, she harbored such thoughts, but having seen Qin Xiangnuan now and the state of the entire family, she knew it was out of the question—her cousin might not be a good enough match for them after all.

"Didn’t you buy that store near the bus station?" Qin Xiangnuan asked Aunt Hua. Although she already had an inkling of the answer, she wanted to ask anyway, uncertain whether Aunt Hua’s response would meet her expectations or be unexpectedly different.

"That store is too expensive," Aunt Hua said with an embarrassed smile. "Our oldest grandson just started his career, and it’s the time when we really need money, so we didn’t buy it."

Qin Xiangnuan could only sigh inwardly.

Sometimes, there’s just one opportunity, and if you miss it, there’s really nothing that can be done.

Originally, that store could have provided enough for their family for several generations, from son to grandson, with plenty to spare. But now that it wasn’t bought, it’s all idle talk. Qin Xiangnuan didn’t want to say more; whatever needed to be said had been said already. But with Aunt Hua’s viewpoint as it was, there was nothing she could do.

Fortunately, Aunt Hua’s family’s situation is much better than before. Though they don’t have a store, they have a skill. Skilled people won’t starve—it’s just that the money earned comes with some hardships.

"Is Xiang Yang doing well in his studies over there?" Aunt Hua quickly changed the subject, not wanting to talk more about the store. Talking more would make her feel even more disturbed.

"Not bad," replied Qin Xiangyang, no longer the shy boy from before. His posture was now straight, and one could feel the new confidence radiating from him.

"That’s good," Aunt Hua reassured herself. "I’m just worried about the two of you kids, but now you’re both in school. Xiang Yang’s schooling is free, and he can even look after his younger sister. When Nuan Nuan goes to college, it will be in the Capital City as well."

"That’s the plan," said Qin Xiangnuan determinedly. She aims for universities in the Capital City, no matter which one. At the very least, it can’t be too far from home. Besides, she had lived in the Capital City in what felt like two lifetimes and couldn’t bear to leave it behind.

Aunt Hua pondered whether to inform the siblings about something but decided it was better to tell them, so they would be prepared.

"Qin Pengfei, the oldest from the Qin Family, did not do well on his first exam and took a gap year. This time, he seems to have scored quite well. But, attending school will cost quite a bit of money. The Qin Family has been providing for two students in recent years without building a new house, still living in the old one. You need to be cautious. I’ve heard that they’re setting their sights on you, and although you’ve claimed to have broken off relations, blood ties can never truly be severed. Moreover, there’s Qin Xiangmei who is also taking the college entrance exam next year, and there’s nothing Hu Li wouldn’t do for the sake of her two children -- to her, face means nothing."