"What on earth do you want with me so early in the morning?" Ye Zhinan concealed the discontent in her eyes, no longer paying attention to Qin and Chen. Instead, she directly addressed Aunt Six.
"We've just finished tidying up the duck shed, so I came to tell you as soon as possible. I was wondering if you're available today and could come to my place again."
The moment Ye Zhinan left that day, the others handed the task to Wei Shiqi. But how could Wei Shiqi take on such a dirty and tiring job alone? She managed to rope in Aunt Six and Aunt Seven. After much hard work, they finally got the duck shed in order.
Another reason Aunt Six came here was that she was afraid there would be more dirty and tiring jobs at home. She knew Wei Shiqi would surely drag her into it. So, she thought it better to climb the mountain and find someone.
Ye Zhinan could clearly detect the hint of complaint in Aunt Six's words. But if one wanted to make money, they had to endure hardships. However, the Wei family...
She silently criticized them in her heart, but on the surface, she feigned delight. "You've really gone through a lot. You're so efficient! I'll come right after I finish my work here. Look at all these tasks; I can't afford to slack off."
As she spoke, she stole a glance at Qin Yihuai, who was standing beside her with a scowling face.
Aunt Six showed feigned sympathy. "My dear niece, you've really suffered. I feel so sorry to see calluses on your delicate hands."
As she said this, two crocodile tears rolled down her cheeks.
Her ability to shed tears in just three seconds was truly astonishing!
Ye Zhinan also wanted to squeeze out a couple of tears to show her agreement, but the sight of the stern eyes of someone out of the corner of her eye made it impossible for her to feel aggrieved. So, she gave up.
Aunt Six misinterpreted Ye Zhinan's complex expression and continued her act. "Inspector Qin, I thought you were taking care of the Ye family. Why are you giving her so much work?"
Only then did she notice the newly dug pond nearby, where several big fish were swimming. She couldn't help but show envy and jealousy on her face.
"I was so unlucky. When they dug the canal, they forgot about my land. It got flooded, so I had no choice but to turn it into a pond."
Speaking of the land, Ye Zhinan remembered the two figures she saw at night. Her heart twitched, and her eyes welled up with tears. Although she was shocked by her own reaction, to outsiders, it seemed that she was just feeling wronged because of the heavy workload.
"Oh, look how exhausted my dear niece is! Inspector Qin, although we are here as convicts, we are still from an official family. Lord Ye was highly respected in the court. You should think twice before you act."
As soon as she said this, both Ye Zhinan and Qin Yihuai frowned.
"Aunt Six, you've gone too far. My father has always been honest and upright. He strongly opposed forming cliques for private gain. Now that our family has fallen from grace, we've seen the true nature of the world. He no longer cares about worldly affairs."
"Since you're in the Northern Border, you must abide by the local rules. As long as both your families do your part, no one will cause you any trouble." Qin Yihuai said coldly. Aunt Six quickly averted her gaze when she met his cold and icy eyes.
Seeing that both of them had distanced themselves from any potential trouble, Aunt Six fell silent and made an excuse to leave.
After Aunt Six was out of sight, Ye Zhinan ignored Qin Yihuai and got back to work.
At this moment, neither of them noticed a pair of eyes not far away, intently watching everything that was happening.
After Aunt Six left home, Wei Shiqi secretly followed her.
She had the same thought as Aunt Six; she didn't want to stay at home and do the work.
When she reached the Ye family's vegetable field, she noticed the newly dug pond with fish in it. Greed flashed in her dark pupils.
Based on her woman's intuition, she was sure there was more to this pond than met the eye. So, if Ye Zhinan had it, she wanted it too!
So, after everyone left, she still hid in the distance and watched. She saw Ye Zhinan take out something from somewhere and throw it into the pond.
I'm going to find out what's in there!
In the distance, Ye Zhinan looked at the newly released fish fry, and the image of a whole fish feast appeared in her mind again.
"I wonder how Lu Yanlai's smoked fish is doing. I'll go to her place to check after I finish my work."
With this thought in mind, Ye Zhinan quickened her pace. Soon, she finished the work in the field. After a busy day, she felt thirsty. Unfortunately, she had drunk all the water she brought. Then she remembered the tea Chen Zhenhai had brought in the morning.
It would be a waste not to drink it!
With that thought, she quickly emptied the teapot.
Sure enough, it was fruit tea. It was actually quite delicious.
Ye Zhinan savored the aftertaste in her mouth and checked the bottom of the teapot.
"So it's roselle! It does have the effect of whitening and skin - care. No wonder..."
Suddenly, the image of Wei Shiqi's gorgeous face flashed in her mind. She quickly shook her head. "What bad luck!"
Just as she finished speaking, Wei Shiqi sneezed twice in the distance. She waved away the mosquitoes around her with a look of disgust on her face. When she saw Ye Zhinan packing up and leaving, she tiptoed to the edge of the vegetable field.
"So it's fish fry. How did she get these?"
Thinking to herself, seeing that there was no one around, she rolled up her sleeves and caught a few fish. "I'll take a few fish as compensation for being bitten by mosquitoes all day."
Although Wei Shiqi was being careful, Ye Zhinan, hiding behind a big tree not far away, saw every move of hers.
Her pupils constricted slightly, and a dangerous glint flashed in her eyes.
Ye Zhinan had long noticed that Wei Shiqi was hiding in the distance. So, she had released the fish fry secretly, guessing that the other woman would come to steal the fish. That's why she hid in the dark to find out. Fortunately, the woman only stole the fish and didn't damage the land. Otherwise, Ye Zhinan would have rushed out to settle all the old and new scores.
After watching, she was relieved and hurried to Lu Yanlai's house.
At this time, a delicious aroma wafted out of the house.
"It seems I've come at the right time."
Hearing the voice, Xiaohu quickly rushed out to greet her.
"Aunt Ye, what delicious food did you bring today?"
Ye Zhinan always brought some new and interesting things for Xiaohu, so the child's eyes lit up as soon as he saw her.
"This time I've brought you something fun, but you can't eat it!"
As she said this, she took out a fish tank with two fish swimming in it.
"Wow, they're so beautiful! What kind of fish are these?"
Ye Zhinan had found two goldfish in the pond in her space and thought they would be perfect for Xiaohu to play with.
"These are goldfish. From now on, they'll be your friends. You should take good care of them!"
"Goldfish, goldfish. I have new friends!"
Xiaohu happily carried the fish tank to the side to play. Seeing the child so happy, Lu Yanlai's heart was filled with joy.
"You've brought something for the child again. I don't know how to thank you. But where did you get these goldfish?"
"I picked them from a mountain spring."
Ye Zhinan had anticipated this question and gave the prepared excuse.
Lu Yanlai didn't suspect anything and smiled. Then she brought out a plate of something. "I just made some smoked fish. Try it!"
Ye Zhinan looked at the smoked fish on the table, with its rich color and firm texture. She immediately took a bite.
"It's so delicious! I've never doubted your cooking skills, sister."
"Really?"
Lu Yanlai was embarrassed by the compliment and double - checked.