As she realized what had happened, just as she was about to pretend she hadn't heard anything and leave, the book in her hand accidentally dropped to the ground with a thud.
Hearing the noise, the two people inside the room changed their expressions, exchanged glances, and Jiang Yuwei quickly got up, walked to the door, and pulled it open, seeing Yang Lili squatting on the ground picking up her book.
Yang Lili looked up and gave Jiang Yuwei an embarrassed smile.
Seeing it was her, Sun Ling immediately pointed at her and questioned, "Yang Lili, you are truly shameless! Who allowed you to eavesdrop on us?"
A flash of shame and annoyance crossed Yang Lili's eyes, but she had always been gentle and never had disagreements with anyone. So, even though Sun Ling spoke harshly, she just frowned and explained, "I just wanted to come back to get something. I didn't mean to eavesdrop."
Jiang Yuwei tugged Sun Ling's arm, signaling with her eyes that it was better to say less at this moment. If she angered the person, the matter would spread and it wouldn't be good for anyone.
Jiang Yuwei smiled and invited Yang Lili in, then cautiously closed the door.
"Sister, we've been in the same dorm for over a year, and we do have some feelings for each other. Sun Ling's temper might not be good usually, but she speaks without thinking. What you just heard concerns her entire future. Can you bear to ruin her life?"
Yang Lili's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.
Sun Ling was indeed bossy, and Yang Lili had been upset by her before. But because Sun Ling was much older, Yang Lili always tried to tolerate her. Moreover, now that it concerned Sun Ling's entire life, she wouldn't casually spread rumors.
Yang Lili's thoughts were simple: she just wanted to finish her studies honestly, get a stable job, and then bring her husband and children over to reunite the family and live a good life.
Jiang Yuwei saw her reaction and continued, "Sun Ling's parents both work in government units, especially her mother, who is a leader in the education bureau. If this matter gets out, it will only bring you disadvantages, not benefits. You don't want to be unable to graduate one day, do you?"
Yang Lili pursed her lips and nodded, "Don't worry, sisters. I didn't hear anything today and I won't tell anyone."
This was a matter of great importance to their family. How could Sun Ling believe her with just a few words? She turned back, took out paper and pen, and handed them over, saying coldly, "Words are not proof. You must write a letter of guarantee and swear an oath. If you speak of this, you will die a terrible death!"
Even at this point, her attitude towards Yang Lili was like this. If it weren't for the good relationship between their families, Jiang Yuwei would have just left her to it.
Jiang Yuwei persuaded, "Sister, don't take her words to heart. Sun Ling is just too anxious, so her tone is a bit unpleasant."
"What attitude am I? She's the one who shamelessly eavesdropped on us first. Yuwei, you don't need to talk nonsense with her."
As Sun Ling spoke, she took out a wad of money from her pocket, stepped forward, and stuffed it into Yang Lili's hand. "And making such a fuss to get us to discover you, aren't you just trying to extort money from me? You're too embarrassed to say it, so I'll say it for you. As you wish! This is over thirty yuan. With your daily diet of flatbread and pickles, it should last you a semester. Now can you write the guarantee?"
Yang Lili looked at the money in her hand, biting her lip tightly. Her whole body trembled uncontrollably with anger.
She wished she could throw the money back in Sun Ling's face and loudly tell her that she shouldn't insult people just because she had a little money. She had misjudged her!
"I've already said, I won't talk about this. Believe it or not." Yang Lili lowered her eyelids, finally controlling her emotions.
As Jiang Yuwei said, Sun Ling's family had power and influence, while she was just a poor student. It was better to avoid trouble. She just wanted to graduate peacefully.
Yang Lili returned the money in her hand to Sun Ling, then went to her bed, picked up what she needed, and quickly turned to leave.
Watching Yang Lili's retreating back, Sun Ling clenched the money in her hand, a sinister glint flashing in her eyes.
...
There was only one class that morning. After class, Chen Lishu took a car to Wang Aixiang's house to ask her to go to the textile factory with her.
Lin Qi had written a few days ago that the two shops in the county town were almost renovated. Now they just needed to wait for Nan Haitao to find people to help them get the business licenses before they could officially open.
Before the opening, they definitely needed to stock up on more goods. That's why Chen Lishu thought of asking Wang Aixiang to discuss with Li Zhengxing whether they could supply more goods.
After listening to her, Li Zhengxing clasped his hands on the table and explained with a smile, "Xiao Chen, you might have some misunderstanding of the policy. The meeting did point out the need to liberate thinking and develop the economy, but it definitely does not encourage everyone to engage in commodity economy, nor does it allow factories to sell goods to individuals. Therefore, your request to purchase more fabric in your personal name is definitely not feasible."
Chen Lishu did not expect such a result. Although she was slightly disappointed, she was not too disheartened. She had waited for the past few years, and she didn't mind waiting a little longer.
"I was too impatient."
"It's okay. We've been cooperating for such a long time. I will definitely do my best to help you secure more fabric."
Then, Li Zhengxing issued her twenty bolts of serge and ten bolts of Dacron.
"Xiao Chen, don't worry. If there are any changes in the policy, I will notify you as soon as possible," Li Zhengxing said, handing the issued vouchers to Chen Lishu.
They had been cooperating for nearly a year, and he had earned several thousand yuan, more than he had earned in the previous few years. It was mutually beneficial, so he would naturally notify her in advance of any good news.
"Thank you for your trouble, Section Chief Li," Chen Lishu said with a smile, taking the vouchers. Thinking of something, she added, "If there is any bubble gauze fabric, Section Chief Li, please set it aside for me. I'll take all you have."
Last year, the swimsuit matter was delayed, and this year she had to prepare it no matter what.
Li Zhengxing nodded, "No problem."
After paying at the accounting office, Chen Lishu and Wang Aixiang went to collect the fabric.
"I'll be going south in a while. The policies there are definitely more open than here, and there might be more business opportunities."
On their way back, Chen Lishu briefly mentioned her trip to Yangcheng.
Wang Aixiang, who had never even left the provincial capital, felt that Yangcheng was as far away as the ends of the earth. "Does it take several days on the train?"
Chen Lishu nodded, "It will probably take seven or eight days for the round trip."
Wang Aixiang gasped, "My heavens, that's too far."
"Sister Aixiang, please keep an eye out for anyone trustworthy. I want to hire a nanny. Someone with clean hands who can cook is enough."
Thinking that she would be going south soon, Gu Xingdong would definitely not have time to take care of Rui Rui due to his work. Moreover, she would be even busier in the future, so it would be better to hire a dedicated person to look after the home sooner.