Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

Chapter 129 Sun Meifen

The next morning, Wang Xiu and Xu Laosan, all smiles, led Qin Yishen, Jiang Man's family along the familiar country road toward the old house that held the memories of bygone years.

Along the way, Shi'an and Shi'ning were like two cheerful little birds, hopping and skipping around the adults. Their clear laughter, like lively musical notes, leaped and echoed in the fresh air, adding a touch of liveliness to the peaceful village.

When the familiar mud-brick house came into view, Jiang Man's steps involuntarily stopped. The house in front of her, although still retaining its simple appearance, had been cleaned up and was spotless.

The ground in the yard was flat and clean, without a single piece of clutter. Several potted green plants were arranged in a pleasing manner, stubbornly displaying their vitality in the cold wind. The tender green leaves seemed to be telling the story of the owner's careful care.

Jiang Man's eyes reddened slightly, her heart filled with a mixture of emotion and surprise. She held Wang Xiu's hand tightly, and all her words turned into a heartfelt thank you: "Xiu'er, Lao San, thank you so much. I didn't expect the house to be so clean and tidy after I've been gone for so long."

Wang Xiu patted Jiang Man's hand with a smile and said, "It's nothing. Even though you don't live here anymore, this house has always been your home. We come over to clean it whenever we have time, hoping that you'll come back someday and feel at home again."

As everyone entered the house, memories of the past surged forth like a tidal wave.

They sat around the slightly old but very clean wooden table, chatting about everything that had happened since they parted ways.

Every story, every memory, was accompanied by laughter and affectionate gazes. Qin Yishen recounted the hardships and gains of starting a business in the city, Jiang Man shared anecdotes about taking care of her children, and Wang Xiu and Xu Laosan talked about the changes in the village over the years, whose child got into university, and whose family built a new house.

However, this warmth and tranquility were abruptly interrupted by a discordant sound of footsteps.

"Hey, isn't this Qin Yishen and Jiang Man? You've finally decided to come back?"

Sun Meifen's sharp, somewhat mocking voice instantly shattered the peaceful atmosphere in the room.

She stood boldly in the doorway, arms crossed, a malicious smirk playing on her lips, her eyes scanning the crowd with a defiant glint.

Jiang Man and Qin Yishen exchanged a glance, a hint of helplessness and surprise flashing in their eyes. Before they could speak, Sun Meifen continued her attack: "I've heard that you two are living a very successful life in the city, eating and drinking the best of everything. You've really made something of yourself, neglecting your elderly parents at home. I don't know what you're busy with in the city, you've completely forgotten about filial piety, tsk tsk, it's really laughable."

"And another thing, you two just left, leaving Xiuer and Lao San to struggle here. You used to call each other brothers and say you were best friends, but when trouble really comes, you're nowhere to be seen. You're really ruthless as friends."

Sun Meifen's words were like sharp knives, piercing straight at Jiang Man and Qin Yishen.

Wang Xiu's face instantly darkened. She stood up abruptly, blocking Jiang Man's path, and glared angrily at Sun Meifen: "Sun Meifen, that's enough! Stop spouting nonsense and uttering filth!"

Sun Meifen showed no sign of backing down. Instead, she raised her chin and shouted even more recklessly, "What, did I say something wrong? You have nothing to hide, so what are you afraid of?"

Xu Laosan also stood up, his hands clenched into fists, veins bulging on his forehead, barely suppressing his anger: "Sun Meifen, if you dare to talk nonsense again, don't blame me for being impolite!" His voice was deep and powerful, carrying an undeniable deterrent.

Sun Meifen ignored her, as if she had finally found the most lethal weapon. A smug smile appeared on her face, and she said loudly, "Hmph, let's see how long you can keep up this act. Let me tell you, Xiu'er's breakfast shop has been closed for a long time. Business has plummeted, and they're almost starving. And you, you're living a carefree life in the city. Do you care about their lives?"

After saying that, she seemed to have completed a triumphant performance, tossed her hair, turned around, and strode away.

The room fell into a deathly silence, with only Sun Meifen's harsh words still echoing in the air.

Jiang Man's face turned deathly pale. She looked at Wang Xiu in disbelief and asked urgently, "Xiu'er, what exactly happened? Why did your breakfast shop close down? Why didn't you tell us?"

A flicker of panic crossed Wang Xiu's eyes. She lowered her head and stammered, "Jiang Man, I... I don't want to cause you any trouble. It's not easy for you to make a living in the city. Lao San and I can handle it."

Qin Yishen frowned, his tone tinged with self-reproach: "Xiuer, Third Brother, we are family. How could you hide your troubles from us? Tell us what happened."

Old Xu sighed and slowly said, "A few years ago, some outsiders came to the village and opened a breakfast shop at the village entrance. They had plenty of money and offered all sorts of promotions, like discounts and free gifts, which attracted everyone in the village. Our business suddenly became very quiet, with fewer and fewer customers, and the income wasn't enough to cover the rent and food costs. Eventually, we couldn't keep going and had to close down."

“Over the past few years, we have tried many ways to learn new dishes and lower prices, but none of them have been very successful. But we really don’t want to bother you. You have your own lives in the city and your own difficulties.”

Wang Xiu's voice was choked with emotion, her eyes filled with helplessness and exhaustion. Jiang Man's eyes reddened, and she held Wang Xiu's hand tightly: "Xiu'er, you're being too polite. We promised to be friends for life, sharing joys and sorrows. How can you bear such a huge thing alone?"

Qin Yi pondered for a moment and said, "Third brother, Xiu'er, we can't ignore this matter. Let's think of a way to help you get your business back on track."

“Yes, let’s work together to find a solution. We’ve made some friends in the city over the past few years, maybe we can find a way out.”

"I can say that," Jiang Man said firmly. Looking into Qin Yishen and Jiang Man's determined eyes, Wang Xiu and Xu Laosan felt a surge of warmth in their hearts.

They originally thought they would be complained about and blamed, but instead they received unreserved support and help.

In the days that followed, Qin Yishen and Jiang Man traveled around.

Qin Yishen used his connections in the city to contact friends who were in the catering business, humbly seeking their advice on business management, and asking them in detail how to attract customers, control costs, and improve reputation.

He often talked on the phone for a long time, taking careful notes and not missing any useful information.