Chapter 189 Coincidence
Chapter 189: Coincidence
Dahua, always quick-tempered and straightforward, understood that Yang PeiMin had asked people to make another trip mostly for her and the Red Army wife, both with children in tow. Thereupon, she coldly said to Kong Ya, "Fine, since Sister-in-law doesn’t want to pay, you can just walk back by yourself."
Kong Ya hadn’t expected Dahua to confront her. Usually, everyone got along well; all were straightforward people. And Yang PeiMin, being new and only having been around for a few days, how could her superficial goodwill compare to the years of friendship Kong Ya shared with her? Was it because Yang PeiMin’s husband held a high position? Kong Ya immediately felt dissatisfied. "What’s wrong? The family already said no need to give anything. Who is she showing off and blaming by acting generous? They are simple and honest people. If you suddenly give them money, what’s that supposed to mean? If Sister-in-law Shen feels she has too much money and nowhere to spend it, then just keep your own share. I would rather buy some candy with that spare money."
Initially, Yang PeiMin just wanted to pay herself. For people like Kong Ya who loved to take advantage of small gains, she was speechless. Seeing Dahua about to argue further, she quickly interjected, "It’s okay, whether the money is too little or too much, it’s just about peace of mind. Everyone’s home situation is the same; we all have elders and children to care for, it’s tough and everyone understands. Just thinking about how they came by car specially, they might have delayed their work time, perhaps bearing complaints from their family, all for this kindheartedness. Shouldn’t we appreciate that as well? Okay, let’s not give money, not treat it as a trade. But can we regard them as fellow villagers or our own relatives? We just brought back some groceries, since we’ve got stuff at hand, can’t we treat them as our guests? Maybe offer them some food? Give them a handful of cornmeal, a few sweet potatoes. When we have visitors at home, isn’t it customary to send them back with something?"
"Sister-in-law, you’re absolutely right!" Dahua looked at Yang PeiMin with genuine admiration and a new respect. Indeed, she was eloquent and sincere.
The Red Army Wife kept agreeing, "Sister-in-law is right; this is our gesture of goodwill. We shouldn’t let the kind helper suffer complaints from his family for making this trip in vain. I don’t care how much you all give; I happened to buy some eggs today, and I plan to give him two."
Kong Ya’s face reddened slightly; after a moment of silence and feeling somewhat uncomfortable, she said, "I’ll give two sweet potatoes."
Dahua quickly added her contribution, "I’ll give three eggs."
Seeing that everyone was looking at her, Yang PeiMin smiled, "These food items have already been portioned out, so I won’t add to those. Instead, I plan to give him 50 cents."
"Alright, let’s put everything in a net bag and just give it to him like that."