Chapter 611: Stop Mixing Things Up

"Just in case, ask Dad to visit our hometown and check the situation over there," Lin Jiayi reminded.

Mother Lin nodded, "Yes, you’re right. We should have done this earlier. I’ll ask your Dad to go and see who’s still around when we get back."

Although she knew there was likely no one there, Mother Lin still felt it was more secure to take a look.

"By the way, how did you respond when she mentioned Lin Chuxia? Did she notice anything?"

Lin Jiayi recounted the entire conversation she had with Zhuang Jingshu to Mother Lin.

She was feeling lost and desperately needed her mother’s advice.

Mother Lin heaved a sigh of relief after hearing it, "What you said makes sense. I just have a kind heart, and I was committed to my promise from back then. I felt it would be heartless to abandon my two children plus an adopted daughter, so I had to be strict with my own daughter. Anyone else would do the same; after all, you need to strictly discipline your own kids."

"Mom, how about I take her suggestion and go somewhere else? An City is such a dump; there’s nothing good here. Those two bun shops are nothing special. When I get to a big city, stay in tall buildings, and drive cars, won’t that be better than this small county? Even if I don’t work, her money would last me several lifetimes. Isn’t that better? Plus, isn’t Lin Chuxia in the city too? If I go to the capital, I’d be a hundred times better than her."

By then, I could find a city man, someone like Zhuang Yang, a hundred times better than Qin Yang.

Mother Lin frowned slightly, "And if you go to the capital, what about your dad and me? Jiayi, you’re our only daughter. That little brat, Lin Chuxia, is an ungrateful white-eyed wolf. She doesn’t care about us at all. She never visits us all year..."

"But you still have Jiadong, right? When Jiadong gets into college, he can bring you to live in the city, can’t he? As for Lin Chuxia, just pretend she doesn’t exist. Have her send living expenses for you every month. It wouldn’t be a waste to have raised her."

Mother Lin worriedly asked, "Won’t you send us living expenses? And it might take many years for your brother to get into college. Can’t you take your dad and me to the city first? I’d love to enjoy city life."

Lin Jiayi impatiently responded, "I want to take you to the city for a better life, but how would that look to the Zhuang family? They’re already suspicious now. Do you want me to lose this golden opportunity? Listen, Jiadong will take his college entry exam next year, and he’s always had good grades. He should have no problem getting into college. It’ll only take a few years, and I’ll send you money during this time. You and Dad won’t suffer."

Mother Lin earnestly advised her daughter, "Make sure you keep your word. Send us more money these years. It wasn’t easy raising you, and you must not forget us like that ungrateful Lin Chuxia did. You are our real daughter..."

"Mom!"

Lin Jiayi suddenly interrupted Mother Lin’s words, warily glancing around, reminding her with a cold and sharp gaze.

"What are you talking about? Lin Chuxia is your real daughter. I’m Zhuang Jingshu’s daughter, always have been. You mustn’t forget this."

Mother Lin, startled by her gaze, nodded after the reminder, "I remember now. I misspoke because I was anxious."

"Make sure you don’t make that mistake again, and remind Dad as well. Whether you get to enjoy a good life in the future all depends on me. Don’t forget, Lin Chuxia no longer cares about you. If she ever learns she’s not your biological daughter, she won’t care about you, and even Jiadong might not be able to count on her anymore..."

Mother Lin nodded repeatedly, "Don’t worry, I’ve got it."

..................

The matter at the An City Vegetable Station was settled, and Lin Chuxia had no intention of selecting another location in An City.

From the standpoint of personnel and future development, larger cities always had better prospects.

Previously, by chance, but since that opportunity was gone, she might as well reach out to Bai Qifeng.

Director Bai did promise to give her a green light back then.

With this decided, Lin Chuxia didn’t immediately return to Yan City.

She contacted Su Wensong, asking him to find a way to purchase some sports equipment, and she also intended to acquire some books.

The primary school in Qin Family Village was named Xiyang Primary School, so she couldn’t let it bear that namesake for nothing.

Moreover, Lin Chuxia was keen on supporting school construction and rural development.

Su Wensong acted quickly, and within a few days, he located the necessary sports equipment, though he needed a detailed list of books.

Lin Chuxia had already prepared this list over the past few days, and she headed with Su Wensong to the Xinhua Bookstore in Ancheng County.

The books she needed were popular among children, especially science and history books, which were in high demand.

The Xinhua Bookstore had already prepared these books according to their request. Lin Chuxia went there today to review the book’s content and quality.

Su Wensong wasn’t keen on having Lin Chuxia go there personally, but she was determined to be hands-on.

At the Xinhua Bookstore, they were greeted and assisted.

Lin Chuxia got straight to the point, examining each prepared book.

She couldn’t help but notice how appropriate the current readings for children were. The science and history books, in particular, were excellent, and even the ordinary ones carried educational value.

The authors genuinely wrote these with enthusiasm to guide children.

She flipped through quickly, soon deciding on a batch of books, asking the staff to pack them.

The remaining task fell to Su Wensong, while she continued perusing another book, engrossed.

"Mr. Lin?"

A gentle voice called out, and Lin Chuxia looked over to see Qiao Lan from a distance.

Recognizing her, Qiao Lan approached.

"I thought I was mistaken, but it really is you," Qiao Lan said, her eyes landing on Lin Chuxia’s stomach. "No wonder I haven’t seen Mr. Lin in a while — you have good news."

This year’s customary gifts from Lin Chuxia’s family weren’t sent. Su Wensong handled affairs in An City, and Wang Tianxue and Jia Liang took care of things in Yan City.

Lin Chuxia offered her a slight smile, "It’s been a while. How have you been? Are you here to buy books?"

"Yes, just browsing for some reading," Qiao Lan replied, noticing the books before Lin Chuxia. "You’ve started preparations early. You’re quite thoughtful, Xiao Lin."

Lin Chuxia glanced at the children’s books before her and smiled, "Not really. These are for the kids at the school."

At this moment, Su Wensong happened to walk over. Knowing Qiao Lan, he greeted her, then turned to Lin Chuxia to say...