Fortune Across the World

Chapter 29: Comforting Lian'er, Cooking for You

Though it was just a promise, and an empty one at that, it was enough to make Lian'er feel incredibly happy. Perhaps the future she dreamed of was indeed worth looking forward to.

Ding Qiyu, infected by Lian'er's happiness, brightened up and asked while holding the ice pack, "Alright, little crybaby, can you tell me what those two were up to earlier?"

Lian'er wrinkled her nose, saying, "They wanted the Curved Leaf Plow..." Ever since failing to extort money, Aunt He and her family held a grudge against Ding Qiyu's family. After witnessing the plow in action, their jealousy grew. Seeing Aunt He leave today and assuming Ding Qiyu was in the city, they thought only Lian'er, an easy target, was home. Thus, Aunt He brought He Lizhi to forcibly "borrow" the plow.

From Lian'er's account, Ding Qiyu understood the situation. Today marked a complete falling-out with Aunt He's family. Though she had intimidated them, Ding Qiyu still worried about retaliation. Endlessly tolerating them wasn't a solution, but confronting them risked revenge. Dealing with such troublesome people was indeed difficult. After some thought, Ding Qiyu decided to discuss moving to the city with Aunt He when she returned. The city offered convenience and could sever ties with these troublemakers.

Lost in thought, a drop of melted ice water fell onto Ding Qiyu's hand, prompting Lian'er to softly remind her, "The ice is melting..."

Snapping back to reality, Ding Qiyu noticed the ice pack dripping and Lian'er's red face slightly damp. She removed the ice pack, gently wiped the water from Lian'er's face, playfully pinched her nose, and said, "Got it. I'll go fetch the cart. I tied it by the gate when I noticed something was wrong."

After tidying up, Ding Qiyu fetched the cart and parked it properly. Aunt He returned to find Lian'er's swollen face, instantly worried. Upon hearing the story, she was furious, ready to confront Aunt He's family.

Lian'er held Aunt He back, soothing her, "Mom, Qiyu already taught them a lesson. I believe they won't dare do anything now, so please don't be upset." She recounted what happened after Ding Qiyu's return, her admiration and joy evident, making Ding Qiyu blush with embarrassment. Hearing this, Aunt He finally calmed down, examining Lian'er's face closely. Seeing that it was only swollen, not disfigured, and had been iced, she felt relieved.

Ding Qiyu, however, was serious as she placed a bench before them, saying, "Mom, I think we should move to the city. They say they won't dare, but I'm worried about retaliation. In the city, we wouldn't live in the General's Mansion but find a small courtyard to rent. When I save enough, we can buy a place. Life is easier there, and with my current salary, we wouldn't need to farm for sustenance. What do you think?"

Aunt He and Lian'er pondered. Aunt He had resisted moving to avoid living in the mansion, but now, considering the growing audacity of that family, moving seemed wise for safety and convenience. However, renting had uncertainties, and it felt like uprooting the family, leaving Qiyu to work hard to eventually buy a place. Lian'er, thinking less practically, believed as long as the family was together, anywhere was fine. If they moved, she wanted to find work in the city to contribute, however modestly, to buying a home.

"Qiyu, I think we should discuss this thoroughly; there's no rush..." Aunt He's main concern was the burden it might place on Ding Qiyu.

Seeing Aunt He open to the idea, Ding Qiyu didn't push for a quick decision. "The right place won't appear overnight. I'll keep an eye out, and when we find something suitable, we can decide." In the meantime, she needed to earn money...

Aunt He nodded, and the matter was tentatively settled. Suddenly, Lian'er stood up, exclaiming, "Oh no, it's so late, and I haven't cooked! You must be hungry!"