Chapter 11: Refusal

Wu Jinhua handed the basket to Zhao Xiulan and said, "Xiulan, you saved my dog Dan's life. Our family doesn't have much to offer, so I brought these sweet potatoes for you. Please don't refuse them!"

When Xiulan saved Dan, she never expected any repayment from Wu Jinhua. Although she didn't fully understand the era she was living in, she knew the value of food when she saw what everyone else was eating.

Wu Jinhua gave her ten pounds of sweet potatoes all at once. How could she accept them?

In the commune, everyone's life was difficult, and Xiulan didn't want to take advantage of others' kindness. Moreover, she had stored so much grain in her space that she couldn't finish eating the rice and flour, so she naturally didn't value Wu Jinhua's coarse grains.

So she quickly shook her head and refused, saying, "Aunt Jinhua, there's no need. Helping others is a virtue we advocate for. The brigade leader already rewarded me with ten work points yesterday for saving Dan. Please take these ten pounds of sweet potatoes back with you!"

But Wu Jinhua wouldn't let Xiulan refuse, "The brigade leader's reward is the brigade leader's reward. You saved Dan, so I must repay you. Otherwise, how can I feel at ease?"

Xiulan smiled, "Auntie, really, there's no need! We're all in the same commune. I helped you, and maybe I'll need your help in the future. If you feel uneasy, then next time I have trouble, if you're capable, you can help me! As for these ten pounds of sweet potatoes, please take them back! Dan was bitten by a snake and is weak these days. He needs to eat well!"

"Well...," Wu Jinhua seemed a little embarrassed, but she didn't insist on Xiulan accepting the sweet potatoes.

In these times, food was the most precious thing. Wu Jinhua was grateful to Xiulan, but since Xiulan didn't accept the ten pounds of sweet potatoes, she didn't insist on it.

"Alright! Xiulan, if you need my help in the future, just ask. I will definitely help you without hesitation!" Wu Jinhua said sincerely. With what Xiulan had done, if she didn't help Xiulan in the future when she was in trouble, would she still be a human being?

After refusing Wu Jinhua, the two chatted for a while, and then Wu Jinhua went back with her things. Xiulan prepared to tidy up and then go back to the commune to continue working.

Little did she know, she would be scolded by Ma Yumei as soon as she turned around, "You stupid girl! Are you brainless? You didn't know to accept the ten pounds of sweet potatoes that someone brought, and you even returned them? We don't have any food left! I'm pregnant with your father's child, and not eating well will affect me and your brother in my belly. When I tell your father, he will definitely punish you!"

Xiulan smirked sarcastically. This stepmother always used her pregnancy to demand things. Zhao Weiguo didn't have a son, only two daughters, Xiulan and Xiuzhu. In this era of favoring sons over daughters, not having a son was looked down upon, so Zhao Weiguo hoped to have a son.

Since Ma Yumei became pregnant, Zhao Weiguo was very happy, hoping that she would give birth to a son. During this time, Ma Yumei had been using her pregnancy to demand things, and anything good to eat in the house went into Ma Yumei's mouth. Even if others were hungry, Ma Yumei's portion of food was always guaranteed.