Chapter 59
Qiao Zhen Min sought the production team leader, Wang Shui Sheng to ask for two letters of introduction that day. Then he went to town with his mom.
Chen Qiao Qiao originally wanted to join them. One, her health didn't allow her to. Second, too much money were spent recently on these trips. One more person going meant more money spent. Third, little Wan'er wasn't close to her. So it didn't matter if she went or not.
Chen Qiao Qiao watched her husband's departing back. Her anxiety and panic didn't diminish at all.
There had been no news about little Wan'er before. She was worried and feared that Qiao Zhen Min would divorce her.
But now that there was news, she was still afraid.
She always felt that they as husband and wife seemed to have embarked on a fork in the road. The further they went, the wider the distance was between them.
Wan Chun Ju quietly came over and whispered in her ear, "Qiao Qiao, I don't think you look so well. Why don't you give me the pigsty work. You can rest at home for a few days?"
Chen Qiao Qiao was startled and inwardly called her sick. She turned around and looked at her, "Eldest Sister-in-law, why do you want to work in the pigsty so much?"
Wan Chun Ju was afraid of her catch on on something. She pretended not to care and replied, "What why? I'm just being good intentioned. Why are you looking at me like this?"
Good intention?
Can't believe she can actually uttered this!
The more she was like this, the more Chen Qiao Qiao felt something was up: "Eldest Sister-in-law, is there something in the pigsty that you really want?"
Immediately, Wan Chun Ju was nervous. Her voice suddenly became louder: "What nonsense are you talking about? What can a pigsty have? You think too much. I'm too lazy to talk nonsense with you!"
After speaking, she quickly turned around and ran as if a ghost was chasing behind her.
Chen Qiao Qiao suspiciously eyed the fleeing big butt.
Xiao Qiao originally wanted to sneak out from behind the big tree after the people left, but she was discovered!
"Oh, isn't this Xiao Qiao? Why are you hiding here?"
"It turned out to be Xiao Qiao. That's right, why are you sneaking like a thief? Qiao Family is also your home, why don't you go in?"
"In the past, when old Second Qiao and Fang Xiao Juan weren't divorced, Xiao Qiao was a well-known child prodigy. At that time, Da Qiao was still a little stutterer. Now the two sisters have switched around. Xiao Qiao is becoming less and less pretty. While, Da Qiao became the goddaughter of the deputy chief. Tsk tsk tsk, if it's not the end, no one knows what will happen!"
"I used to think that Xiao Qiao was smart and well-behaved. It would be nice if I could have a daughter like her. But now it seems that no matter how smart she is, she can't compare to someone else's luck!"
"Yes, yes. That's what I think too. Don't say I'm slow to react. In fact, I used to think that Da Qiao looked more blessed. Xiao Qiao's chin is too pointed. If it's back then, those major household won't choose this kind as daughter-in-law!"
Xiao Qiao's face turned black: "..."
Bunch of idiots!
Can't they wait until she is gone?
Qiao Zhen Jun was going to go back to Qiao's small house. When he heard someone mention Xiao Qiao's name, he looked back and saw his youngest daughter standing under the big tree.
She was wearing old clothes and had sallow face.
He instantly felt uncomfortable.
Although this child was a bit ruthless and indifferent, she was still his own child. How can he as a dad be happy when he see her living so badly?
He turned around and walked back. He asked her, "Why did you come here?"
Xiao Qiao looked up at her dad. Tilting her head, she said softly, "Today is Elder Sister and my birthday. I wanted to come over and give her my best wishes. But when I came over, I saw so many people surrounding Elder Sister. I... I didn't go then..."
Her thin and small appearance coupled with her unsightly face made her look even more pitiful. People couldn't help but feel distressed.
"Although you followed your mom, Qiao's house is still your home. Next time you come over, you can just go in directly."
Although Qiao Zhen Jun was angry before, he as parents was unable to resist their children. When he saw her like this, his heart softened.
Xiao Qiao lowered her head and twiddle her toes on the ground. Her voice became more and more quiet: "But Grandmother... she doesn't like me coming here."
She now realized that her mom was unreliable and intended to repair the relationship with Qiao Family. Her grandmother played an important factor. If she didn't agree with her return, others will definitely not accept her!
Qiao Zhen Jun frowned and said, "No. Your grandmother is the most fair. As long as you don't make trouble like your mom, your grandmother will welcome you here."
"..."
Xiao Qiao felt very uncomfortable when she heard this. Her father was being sarcastic with her?
In fact, Qiao Zhen Jun didn't have that intention at all.
It was just that some people have a guilty conscience. So when they hear what other say, it seem to be mocking them.
Xiao Qiao's face instantly pulled down. She stated coldly, "Let's not talk about it. I'm going back to do housework."
She said this intentionally to make her dad feel guilty.
It was a pity that Qiao Zhen Jun didn't feel anything wrong when he heard this. After all, children in rural areas usually have to help with housework.
Besides, when Da Qiao started doing housework when she was three years old. Now Xiao Qiao also helped with housework, he felt very relieved.
He reached out his hand to pat Xiao Qiao's head: "Very good. You are now more sensible than before. Know how to help adults with household chores."
Xiao Qiao: "..."
This pissed her off!
She didn't want to talk to her dad anymore. She turned around and left.
After waiting for her to leave, Qiao Zhen Jun abruptly slapped his forehead. He turned and ran toward the old house.
He found Da Qiao and said, "Da Qiao, your younger sister came to wish you a happy birthday just now. But she is gone now. Dad was thinking, can you share some of these snacks with your younger sister?"
Da Qiao was stunned when she heard Younger Sister came to give her birthday wishes. Still, she had always been a generous child.
So when she heard her dad ask her this, she nodded and sweetly said, "Dad, take it. Anyway, there is so much that our our family can't."
Qiao Zhen Jun was very relieved that the child didn't hog it alone and have sisterly love: "Good girl. Dad will take it over."
Qiao Zhen Jun chose some candies and biscuits. As for the valuables such as malted milk, he didn't touch.
Taking these candies and biscuits, he ran after Xiao Qiao and pushed the things to her sight, "Take it. This is what Shen Family bought for your elder sister. I asked your elder sister. Your elder sister is willing to share them with you."
Xiao Qiao stared at the things in front of her. A feeling of being humiliated brewed in her heart!
Since when was she so pitiful that she needed Da Qiao to help her?
She used to eat, drink and dress well while Da Qiao looked at her enviously. Sometimes when she was in a good mood, she would give something to her. At that time, Da Qiao would always be grateful to her.
So Da Qiao was now trying to humiliate her with these things?
Seeing that she wasn't moving, Qiao Zhen Jun urged, "Hurry up, what's up with you, child? Did you go silly from joy?"
The last sentence completely tore apart Xiao Qiao's forced calmness. Her face flushed red. She reached out and waved her hand...
"SLAP!"
The candies and biscuits in Qiao Zhen Jun's hands flew to the ground.
Xiao Qiao stated with a cold face: "I don't want your stuff!"
After she finished speaking, she turned and ran.
Qiao Zhen Jun watched his younger daughter's departing back. His face became a little unsightly.
...
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Qiao Zhen Min reached the town with Shen family.
Because Chu Sheng Mei still had things to do, they couldn't go to the county city right away. So they had to stay in the town for one night before catching a ride to the county city tomorrow.
Qiao Xiu Zhi originally wanted to go to a hotel, but Shen Family was unwilling no matter what. In the end, the kindness couldn't be refused and the mother and son stayed at Shen's house.
Shen Family was really wealthy. Their place had four bedrooms, one living room, and a large yard. Quite spacious.
Although Qiao Xiu Zhi and Qiao Zhen Min guessed that Shen Family was rich, they never thought that they would be this rich.
Qiao Zhen Min whispered to his mom: "Mom, you said before that Da Qiao child is blessed. I didn't quite believe it, but I believe it now!"
If she wasn't blessed, how could a rural child be recognized as a goddaughter by a family like Shen Family?
But he wouldn't be jealous of his niece's luck in the slightest. On the contrary, he hoped that she was really a lucky star, so there are hope that Xiao Wan'er would be found!
Qiao Xiu Zhi acknowledged with an "en" and said nothing else.
In her heart, she felt that Shen Family was the blessed one out of the the god-relationship. As long as they were sincere and good to Da Qiao, there would always be a time to surprise them in the future!
Shen Family was very hospitable and warm. They made a very sumptuous dinner to entertain Qiao Xiu Zhi and her son.
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Qiao Zhen Min stayed at Shen's house for one night. The next day they joined Chu Sheng Mei and took a ride to the county city.
On the third day, they arrived at the provincial city by bus. At the provincial city, they stayed for a night. It was not until the fourth day that did they catch a ride to Nanshan County.
Chu Tian Bai was a little surprised to see his younger sister bringing back two strangers: "Sheng Mei, are they your friends?"
Chu Tian Bai had never met these two before. When he saw Qiao Zhen Min, he felt a sense of familiarity. But he couldn't remember where they met.
Chu Sheng Mei's head felt a little big now. She grasped her elder brother's hand and said, "Elder Brother, I have something to tell you!"
Seeing his younger sister's expression, Chu Tian Bai wondered if she had done something to offend the two people in front of him.
But before he could speak, Dong Xue walked out with daughter Chu Wan in her arms: "Why do I seem to hear Sheng Mei's voice?"
Qiao Zhen Min saw a young and slender woman walking out of the room with a little girl in her arms. His eyes' focus fell on the little girl. His whole body trembled with excitement.
The little girl was lying on the shoulders of the woman. Still, how could Qiao Zhen Min not recognize this back. It was his little Wan'er!
"Little Wan'er! Little Wan'er! It's Dad..." His voice trembled as badly as his body.
Chu Tian Bai frowned when he heard Qiao Zhen Min's words. He turned to look at his younger sister and said, "What's going on? Who are they?"
Dong Xue became vigilant and held her daughter tightly as she stared at them, "Who are you?"
Her daughter, who had been quiet in her arms, struggled at this moment.
Chu Wan turned her head and looked at the person behind her.
She didn't move at first. Her expression was blank. Nor did she make a sound. However, her eyes were fixed on Qiao Zhen Min.
Qiao Zhen Min's eyes were red. He stretched out his hand to her: "Little Wan'er, it's Dad. Do you still remember Dad? That day Dad went to buy you wontons at the station and you disappeared when I came back. Dad has been looking for you all this time. …"
Chu Wan still did not speak.
Dong Xue became extremely uneasy.
She didn't know who the man in front of her was. But after being with daughter for so long, she could sense her daughter's changes.
Daughter knew the man in front of her!
Why did this man claim to be Wan Wan's dad. Weren't Wan Wan's parents already dead?
She subconsciously wanted to hide her daughter. She had already lost a daughter and couldn't bear to lose one again!
She hugged Chu Wan and turned around to run in.
Qiao Zhen Min stretched out his hand to stop her, but was halted by Chu Tian Bai: "I don't care who you are, but I advise you not to move!"
Qiao Zhen Min watched his daughter disappear from his eyes again. His vision went red and the blue veins on his forehead were bulged.
At this moment, Chu Wan, who was carried away, cried out with out with a 'WAA': "Dad! I want Dad..."
Hearing their daughter suddenly speak, Chu Tian Bai and Dong Xue were both delighted. After that delight, there was a thump.
This "Dad" didn't seem to refer to Chu Tian Bai. Instead, it was this stranger in front of them!
The couple looked at each other. Both saw the heaviness in each other's eyes.
Chu Wan cried so hard that Dong Xue couldn't carry her away. She could only carry her back.
Qiao Zhen Min stated to Chu Tian Bai with bloodshot eyes: "That's my daughter. My little Wan'er. Let me hug her!"
After he finished speaking, he stretched out his hands towards little Wan'er. Little Wan'er naturally leaned towards him.
She leaned out of Dong Xue's arms and almost falling to the ground. Dong Xue had no choice but hand her to the man in front of her.
Qiao Zhen Min hugged little Wan'er carefully, as if hugging a fragile glass bottle.
Then he firmly held his daughter in his arms with all his strength like he was afraid that if he let go, his daughter would disappear from his eyes again.
Chu Tian Bai sighed. He turned around and asked his younger sister, "Tell me what happened."
When Chu Sheng Mei told the story, the group had already entered the living room of Chu's house.
Chu Tian Bai wanted to say that Qiao Family must have made a mistake. But seeing his daughter quietly staying in the man's arms, he couldn't say those words.
Qiao Xiu Zhi hadn't spoken since she came and finally opened her mouth: "Mr. Chu, you have seen it. This child is indeed our Qiao Family's lost child, Qiao Dong Wan. As for why she placed under the name of a couple who died of illness, I think there's something not right in this matter!"
Most likely the trafficker was lying!
Chu Tian Bai also thought of this: "I will get someone investigate this matter. But before the investigation is done, you must stay in Chu's house."
Although he already knew in his heart that Wan Wan was most likely the other party's daughter, he still didn't want to give up until it was a concrete fact!
After Dong Xue knew the truth of the matter, she covered her face and sobbed outright.
Although they have only been together for more than two months, she really liked Wan Wan. She really thought of her as her daughter.
Wan Wan didn't like to talk. She and her husband have discussed taking her to the capital to find a doctor later. Unexpectedly,...
Seeing his wife crying like this, Chu Tian Bai felt pained and walked over and put his arms around his wife's shoulders.
Dong Xue cried and threw herself into her husband's arms despite many watching eyes.
Seeing how sad her elder brother and elder sister-in-law were, Chu Sheng Mei lowered her head. Her heart immersed in guilt and remorse.
...
Little Wan'er was abducted to Nanshan County to sell. It was the Nanshan County's police station who handled the matter.
With his identity as deputy county magistrate, Chu Tian Bai can get the police station to re-investigate the case as long as he open his mouth.
In prison. After being beaten a few times, Cousin Hua couldn't stand it anymore and spit out the truth.
After listening to this, everyone was so angry that their teeth itch. They were tricked by a trafficker!
Old woman Hua sold little Wan'er and got a sum of money. After that, her elder cousin sister was arrested and put in jail. She was scared to death and worried that her elder cousin sister would rat her out.
But in order to get old woman Hua to take care of her grandson, Cousin Hua didn't rat her out. On top of that, she also told her where she hid her savings. The only requirement was to take good care of her grandson.
It went without saying old woman agreed. After that, she immediately rushed to her cousin's house and took out the money.
Oh my god. She didn't expect her cousin to hide so much money. A total of one thousand yuan!
She had never seen so much money in her life!
When she got hold of the money, her hands were shaking.
Having her cousin's house, she didn't want to go back to Shannan Village. She brought her son over to live in her cousin's house at once.
Living in her cousin's house and spending her cousin's money! How awesome life was!
As for cousin's grandson, he was just a child. Give him whatever to eat and it was enough. Of course, he can only eat the mother and son's leftover.
Craving meat? Don't even think about it!
That day, old woman Hua was scolding little Gou Dan, her cousin sister's grandson: "You idiot who only know how to eat every day. Just told you do something and you almost set the kitchen on fire. Don't think about eating tonight!"
Little Gou Dan twisted his neck up and glaringly retorted, "You used my grandmother's money and won't let me eat. I'll tell my grandmother next time!"
Old woman Hua jumped up, raised her hand and slapped him in the face: "Little brat. Let me tell you, your grandmother can forget about coming out in her life! If you are obedient, I can give you a bite to eat. If you aren't, I'll sell you later!"
Her cousin was in her fifties. Who knows if she can live to be released from prison in twenty years.
In other words, all the money for this house belonged to her and her son. As for this Gou Dan, she'll sell him to the traffickers when she find him an eyesore some day!
There was a slap print on Gou Dan's egg face. He glared at old woman Hua viciously and spat at her: "Old witch, go die!"
Old woman Hua became enraged that her face turned red. She picked up the wooden stick on the ground and was about to hit him. At this moment, there was a knock on the door.
Old woman Hua shot daggered gaze at Gou Dan: "Little bastard, wait for me. See how I'll deal with you!"
After she finished speaking, she went to open the door.
She was about to ask who it. Once the door opened, two men broke in and grabbed her arm.
Old woman Hua let out a shriek: "Who are you? Someone come! Robbery happening!"
A policeman kicked old woman Hua: "I advise you to save it. You can shout all you like when you're at the police station!"
Police station...
Hearing these two words, old woman Hua's body went softened and a stream of yellow urine flowed out of her pants. Her face was as white as paper.
When the two policemen saw that she was actually scared to the point of peeing, they were all disgusted.
The case soon came to light.
Cousin Hua's identity as a human trafficker was discovered. She had sold hundreds of children. No wonder she was able to save more than 1,000 yuan!
With this many sin, she was getting executed instead of being imprisoned for 20 years.
Although old woman Hua sold little Wan'er, she only did it once. The circumstances were relatively light. So she was only sentenced to ten years.
Old woman Hua felt she was very fortunate. She was only fifty years old now. She will be sixty in ten years. She will definitely live until getting released from prison!
But before she could feel smug, she was backstabbed to death by her elder cousin sister!
Cousin Hua learned from the police that old woman Hua lived in her house and spent her money, but hadn't treat her grandson well. She couldn't help but become infuriated!
She couldn't live anymore, while old woman Hua was only sentenced to ten years. Once old woman Hua get released, maybe she would continue to bully her grandson. So she decided to take old woman Hua to hell with her!
Old woman Hua's eyes widened. She stared at her elder cousin sister in disbelief: "You..."
Cousin Hua took out a small knife and stabbed it hard: "You dare to abuse my grandson? See how I'll kill you for abusing my grandson!"
After stabbing old woman Hua, she committed suicide without waiting for the police to come.
Old woman Hua didn't close her eyes upon her death. Obviously she couldn't rest in peace.
...
The case was solved. Little Wan'er was proved to be Qiao Family's child. Chu Family no longer had any reason to keep her.
The day had finally come to part ways.
Dong Xue had been crying for a good few days. Now seeing Qiao Family carrying little Wan'er away, she burst into tears again.
Chu Tian Bai wrapped his arm around his wife's shoulders and comforted her in a low voice, "It's okay. Don't cry. You know that it is best for Wan Wan to return to her family."
Dong Xue threw herself into her husband's arms and responded, "I know. I'm just... reluctant to..."
Qiao Zhen Min saw how sad Chu Family was and knew that they really liked little Wan'er.
What's more, he have to thank them for this matter. If it wasn't for them, little Wan'er would have been sold to deep mountain as a child bride. If that really happened, he would never find her in this life.
He remembered that Shen Family recognized Da Qiao as their goddaughter. After a moment of solemnness, he spoke, "If you want, you can recognize little Wan'er as your goddaughter and we interact as relatives in the future."
Dong Xue raised her head from her husband's arms. Her eyes were red: "Can we? Are you really willing to let little Wan'er be our goddaughter?"
Qiao Zhen Min seriously nodded: "Little Wan'er was rescued by you. This kindness will have to be repaid by her when she grows up. This child's situation is special. If more people like her, I couldn't be any more happier as a dad. How could I be unwilling?"
Dong Xue cried with joy.
Chu Tian Bai glanced at him gratefully: "Thank you. we are very willing to continue to recognize little Wan'er as our daughter!"
Even if it was just a goddaughter.
Because they wanted to establish this god-relationship, Qiao Family stayed in Nanshan County for two more days.
Dong Xue bought a lot of clothes and food for little Wan'er. Resulting Qiao Family's one baggage upon arrival turning big and small baggage upon return.
Back in Qili Village, the villagers were shocked when they saw Qiao Zhen Min bringing back his daughter!
She had been lost for more than two months and still can be found!
Qiao Family was too lucky, right?
"Old Fifth Qiao, how did you find your daughter?"
"That's right. Tell everyone. Did the deputy chief help you?"
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Qiao Zhen Min didn't say anything. They went straight back to Qiao's house with little Wan'er in their arms.
As soon as they walked into the yard, Da Qiao rushed up and cried, "Grandmother, I miss you so much. You're finally back!"
Having a delicate and soft dumpling jumping into her arms, Qiao Xiu Zhi's heart softened at once. She reached out and rubbed her head, "Have you been good when grandmother isn't home?"
Da Qiao nodded. Her voice sweetly uttered, "Yes. I've always been good."
When Wan Chun Ju heard this, she secretly muttered 'bootlicker'.
Beside her, Chen Qiao Qiao looked at her dusty husband and daughter. Her whole body seemed to be frozen and motionless.
On the day little Wan'er returned to Qiao's house, three more people came to Qili Village.
But this time, it wasn't the educated youth. Instead, they were transferred from reform farm.