Reborn in the 1980s: I became a stepmother in the 1980s Ⅱ

Part 246 Heavy bleeding

The man immediately responded, "How could that be possible!" He had heard that Si Nian's three kids came from the countryside. He knew all too well what kind of education they received there. How could those rural kids possibly compare to his son? It was ridiculous.

But thinking it over, it should just be a formality. With that thought, he felt more confident. As long as Si Nian secured him that spot, everything else would be a breeze.

Seeing her handle things so smoothly, Si Father's anger subsided a bit. He stood up and said, "Since we've reached an agreement, we'll be on our way."

Si Nian feigned surprise, "Aren't you going to have a meal before you leave, Uncle? I just made some porridge."

"Not much, but if I dilute it with some water, it'll be enough to drink," he replied.

"It's rare to have guests visit. Even though you didn't bring anything, I'm still happy to help. Third Uncle, if you ever need anything in the future, just come to me directly."

Hearing this, both Si Father and his companion felt a twinge of embarrassment for not bringing a gift. However, noticing the look of surprise on his brother's face, Si Father felt a jolt of concern. Did this girl really think she could help without anyone needing to bring something in return? If that were the case, who would ever come to him for gifts again? They could just go to her directly!

What a fool.

Si Third Uncle also felt foolish; if he had known Si Nian was so easy to manipulate, he would have come straight here himself. There would have been no need for multiple trips to his brother's house, bringing gifts and buttering them up.

Si Father was starting to sweat, and he cleared his throat, pulling out a hundred yuan from his pocket. He stepped forward and announced loudly, "Nian Nian, this is a housewarming gift from your Third Uncle. Use it to buy something nice for the kids."

Si Nian smiled and said, "Third Uncle is so generous! I thought no one would remember me. I won't be polite then."

Si Third Uncle cursed Si Father inwardly for being such a cunning old fox, but he plastered on a hypocritical smile and said, "It's nothing, really."

He glanced at Si Father and asked, "Haven't you guys come to visit since moving here, big brother?" He feigned a tone of suspicion.

Just as Si Father was about to speak, Si Nian innocently chimed in, "Yeah."

Si Father's forehead broke out in cold sweat. He hurriedly interrupted, "Ah, I've been busy lately and just haven't had the time to visit. That's my fault."

"Then isn't this your first visit too? You didn't even bring anything for Nian Nian and the kids," Si Third Uncle remarked, feeling a bit cheated by Si Father. Now that Si Nian had agreed to help, he felt no need to keep buttering them up, and his irritation grew.

He thought to himself that the rumors were true—Si Family had driven out Si Nian, their adopted daughter of eighteen years, for Lin Sisi. And now they had the gall to take so much from him without giving anything to Si Nian!

The more he thought, the more regretful he felt.

Noticing the dissatisfaction in Third Uncle's gaze, Si Father quickly replied, "How could that be? I came in a rush to help with your matter and just didn't have time to prepare anything."

"Nian Nian, I know it's my oversight. I didn't bring anything good, but here's a bit of money for you. Don't just eat these simple things all the time; it's not good for your health." Si Father pulled out another hundred yuan, regretting not just giving fifty before. He had initially worried that his first amount would seem too little and that Si Third Uncle would give him less in return, so he deliberately offered a hundred.

Who would have thought that he'd have to shell out more because of that comment? He couldn't let it get out that his adopted daughter was receiving less than outsiders; who knows what Si Third Uncle would say behind his back?

Si Nian smiled brightly and said, "You're too polite, Uncle. Since you both brought it up, if I don't accept it, it would seem like I'm not giving you face."

Though her words were courteous, her hands were swift as she accepted the money without hesitation.

Si Father winced at the corner of his mouth. Originally, they had given him that little, and now he had to fork it all over again.

At that moment, Aunt Jiang walked in with Jiang Jiu. Noticing the door was ajar, she stepped inside. "Nian Nian, you have guests? The door was left open?"

Si Nian replied with a smile, "Yes, this is my adoptive father and my third uncle. They came to celebrate my moving here."

Aunt Jiang glanced at the two men. She had retired a long time ago and wasn't familiar with them. Hearing they were her adoptive father and third uncle, she smiled and said, "I see. Well, I just wanted to let you know that when school starts in a couple of days, we'll go together."

Si Nian nodded in agreement and asked, "Uncle, Third Uncle, are you really not going to stay for a meal before you leave?"

Si Father was already wary. Every time he encountered this daughter, he felt inexplicably pressured to spend more. Something felt off, but he couldn't quite pinpoint it. He hurriedly said, "No, my third uncle and I have things to attend to. We'll head out now."

After saying that, Si Father glanced at Aunt Jiang, thought nothing of it, and hurriedly left. Who would want to drink her bland rice porridge, anyway?

Aunt Jiang greeted Si Nian and asked, "Where did you buy the backpacks for your little Dong and little Han? My little Jiu wants one too, and I was thinking of taking him to get it."

"In the department store," Si Nian replied. "Actually, I need to head out too, so we can go together."

She then walked into the kitchen to grab the lunch she had prepared for Zhou Yuanshen in advance. He hadn't returned for two days. Although he insisted that she didn't need to bring him food because it was too far, she felt it was necessary to check on him. With school starting soon, she might not have the chance to visit.

Recalling the phone number and address Zhou Yuanshen had given her, she grabbed her bag and lunchbox and turned to the three little ones who were sipping their porridge. "Little Dong, little Han, make sure to look after your sister, okay?"

"Mommy, come back early!"

"Mommy, we'll wait for you at home!"

Si Nian waved goodbye to them and left with Aunt Jiang and the others.

On the other side, at the outskirts livestock farm, it had been over half a month since the farm was relocated. Most of the staff had been hired by now. The surrounding area was filled with patches of abandoned land. Previously, this was an agricultural area, but as the city developed, people moved away, leaving it gradually deserted. The environment was decent, but the main downside was the lack of people. It took about an hour's drive to reach the city.

With everyone busy with work, finding someone to cook became a problem, and Yu Dong, who had good culinary skills from his two years in a cooking class, ended up taking on the task. He had been pressured to return home to inherit the family business, but he was determined to carve out his own path. So, he joined Zhou Yuanshen in raising pigs. As he finished preparing the meal, he grumbled to himself, "Why do I, a business guy, have to cook for you bunch of big shots?"