Chapter 104: Incitement
He Fang knew full well that Aqiang was a bear in the mornings, stir him during sleep and the consequences were serious. Just as she cautiously sought to slip out the room, Aqiang woke suddenly, sparing her a sideways glare as he grumbled, "So you’re back now?"
Frightened, He Fang’s legs gave way and she crumpled onto the ground. She hastened to crawl to the edge of the bed, pleading on her knees. "Aqiang, please don’t hit me anymore. My body still aches all over. I have to go to work tomorrow. If you hit me again, I won’t be able to work. Tong Yao has brought her sister-in-law here. If I don’t show up tomorrow, she’ll definitely fire me. Without this job, how will we three survive?"
These past years, they had borrowed money from everywhere, failing to pay back their loans. Their relatives avoided them as though seeing ghosts. Now, with this hard-earned job, if they were fired, the three of them would be in dire straits.
"I haven’t hit you yet, who are you playing dead for?" Aqiang got up impatiently. He had consumed a bottle of grain alcohol at noon. Having sobered up somewhat in his sleep, he was now quite thirsty. He kicked He Fang and commanded, "Go get me some water to drink."
As Aqiang got up, He Fang instinctively covered her head. To her surprise, Aqiang had merely given her a light kick. Realizing this, she wasted no more time and hurried to the kitchen to scoop up some cold water. Aqiang gulped down the water, feeling somewhat refreshed and less intoxicated.
"Fang, I have something I’d like to discuss with you."
"Wha...what’s up?" He Fang was taken aback. She had been married for several years now, and usually Aqiang’s word was law, she was never given the chance to decide anything. He hadn’t hit her this time and now wanted to discuss something with her. This was truly a first.
"Tell Tong Yao tomorrow to give you a raise, up to one hundred yuan a month." Aqiang said he wanted to discuss the matter, but truthfully had no intention of giving He Fang the opportunity to refuse. In essence, he had made a decision and was giving her a heads-up.