Fortune Across the World

Chapter 16: Setting the Date for the New Position

They came to ask for money—how shameless! Ding Qiyu thought their skin could be used to build city walls. Especially He Laoda, asking for money with the demeanor of a debt collector. If violence could solve problems, Ding Qiyu would have kicked them out by now.

"Finished talking?" Madam He asked tersely after hearing them out.

"Uh? Yes, we're done," He Laoer replied.

"Then get out! Our family is just a beggar woman and a little beggar; we have no money for you and no time to entertain you. Ah Yu, see them out!" Madam He ordered them to leave directly.

"You, you, you!!" The group, hearing Madam He’s outright refusal and realizing there was no room for negotiation, began to shout and curse: "See if you can face the third brother in the afterlife!" "How did the third brother end up with such a heartless woman?" "The third brother was probably angered to death by you!"

Ding Qiyu glanced worriedly at her mother, relieved to see she wasn't affected by their harsh words. She ignored the insults, ushering them out and saying, "Leave; there's no money here for you. Or do you want to take this to the authorities?" With no power or status, and unable to resort to violence, she had to rely on the General's Mansion's name to intimidate them. Sometimes, dealing with bullies required being even more assertive.

Knowing Ding Qiyu worked for the General's Mansion, they feared the repercussions of reporting to the authorities and left while cursing: "You wretched little bastard! Stinking beggar! Let's see how long you stay smug!"

Ignoring their insults, Ding Qiyu and Madam He let the words pass as if they were the barking of mad dogs. However, before leaving, the aunt spat on their courtyard gate, which disgusted Ding Qiyu enough to dismantle it and rebuild a new one quickly.

No one took this incident to heart. The relatives even went to the village chief, trying to have Ding Qiyu expelled from Hejia Village. But the chief, aware of their past misdeeds and not wanting to get involved with someone connected to the General's Mansion, let the matter drop.

On the day of her appointment, Ding Qiyu rose early to prepare, only to find Lian'er already up and cooking breakfast in the kitchen.

Having someone wake up early to make breakfast for you is a profound happiness. Watching Lian'er's petite, agile figure bustling about warmed Ding Qiyu's heart. She suddenly felt a strong urge to rush over, embrace her, and protect her forever...

Startled by her own thoughts, Ding Qiyu shook her head to dispel them. In her mind, Lian'er was family, like a sister. How could she entertain such thoughts?

"Whoa! You scared me. Why didn't you say something if you're up? Why just stand there silently?" Lian'er was startled by the silhouette at the door, only to realize it was Ding Qiyu.

Regaining her composure, Ding Qiyu grinned, "Sorry, I was lost in thought. Why not rest a bit longer? I can just heat some buns myself."

"Didn't we agree you'd take lunch with you?" Lian'er continued cooking without looking up.

Realizing they had discussed it earlier, Ding Qiyu felt a pang of guilt for Lianer's early start and said with concern, "Just make something simple. Don't get up so early next time. Maybe prepare it the night before?"

"In this heat, food would spoil by the next day. How could you even think of that?" Lian'er rolled her eyes in exasperation, continuing to stir the pot.

Realizing her oversight about the lack of refrigeration, Ding Qiyu sighed inwardly, missing the convenience of a fridge. Making ice was doable, but creating a fridge required a generator, which wasn't feasible short-term. She relented, "Just make something simple, whatever you cook is better than anything outside."