Chapter 17: The Incident with the Dog Bite
The next day, Xie Feifei went to find Jiang Yu and brought up the topic of inviting her over for a meal.
Jiang Yu wasn't entirely sure about Xie Feifei's parents' status but figured they were at least ordinary factory workers.
For all three members of the family to be employed was already quite admirable.
Believing that having more friends meant more opportunities, Jiang Yu naturally didn't refuse.
However, the day Xie Feifei suggested coincided with the day Jiang Ting was supposed to return to her in-laws' house.
"Is something the matter? Do you have plans that day?" Xie Feifei noticed her hesitation and quickly added, "We can change the date if that works better for you."
Jiang Yu immediately said, "No need to change the date. I'm available."
Xie Feifei nodded, "Alright, it's settled then."
On the day Jiang Ting was supposed to return to her in-laws' house, she made a detour and went to her great-aunt's house.
"Come on, go back with me."
Her behavior made Jiang Yu even more suspicious, as if she was afraid Jiang Yu would run off.
"I have some errands to run and will head back in the afternoon. You go ahead."
Jiang Ting refused to leave and insisted on taking her with her.
"We said we'd go back today; you have to come with me!"
Jiang Yu pushed her away slightly, her face showing her impatience.
"When did I say I wouldn't return? I'll go back in the afternoon, why are you so anxious?"
Jiang Ting, fearing Jiang Yu would see through her intentions, felt panicked.
"I'm not in a rush, it's just more convenient this way. Since I'm going back anyway, you might as well come with me."
Jiang Yu laughed, "Dream on! Can you ride me on your bicycle while your husband chases us, or will he carry me while you chase behind?"
Jiang Ting's face darkened.
"Then why are you so worried about when I go back?" Jiang Yu countered.
She glanced at the time; it wouldn't be appropriate to visit someone's house during meal times, so she needed to arrive a bit earlier.
Jiang Yu didn't want to engage with her any further. "I'll head back later, don't worry about me, just go for your visit."
With that, she ran off.
Although she had asked Xie Feifei for her address two days earlier, Jiang Yu wasn't familiar with the city and found herself still wandering the alleys after making several turns.
Just as she was about to ask someone for directions, she saw He Tingyue and Sun Zailiang.
She hesitated for a moment and then walked over.
"Comrade Sun!"
Sun Zailiang's eyes lit up. "Comrade Jiang Yu, what are you doing here?"
Jiang Yu smiled and said, "I made an appointment with Xie Feifei to have a meal at her house, but I couldn't find her place, so I came over to ask for directions."
"Xie Feifei?" Sun Zailiang was visibly surprised. "She invited you to her house for a meal?"
Jiang Yu laughed, giving him a meaningful look.
"It's all thanks to you, for setting the stage."
"Yes, I helped her out, and her parents wanted to thank me by inviting me over. I couldn't refuse, so I swallowed my embarrassment and went."
Still regretting offending Xie Feifei, Sun Zailiang couldn't believe that Jiang Yu had so easily won over the girl he had struggled to impress.
"What help did you give her?"
Jiang Yu, with a corner of her lips curled, gave a playful tilt of her head.
"She almost got bitten by a dog. I gave her a hand. If she had been bitten by that dog, a large chunk of flesh would have been torn off."
Sun Zailiang: "...She almost got bitten by a dog? When did this happen, and whose dog is so fierce?"
Jiang Yu covered her mouth and giggled. "A stray dog, why are you so concerned, Comrade Sun? Are you planning to be the hero and save the damsel next time?"
Sun Zailiang's expression stiffened. "What girlfriend?"
"Oh, isn't the female worker from the Second Cotton Mill your partner? You even gave her a red scarf; I saw it myself. When are you planning to get married? I guess you won't invite me, so let me congratulate you in advance."
Jiang Yu's smile felt like a sting to Sun Zailiang. It felt like he was being mocked.
"Comrade Jiang Yu, you've misunderstood. She's my sister."
Jiang Yu was taken aback. "Your sister? You city folks really know how to play, even kiss your sister?"
She waved and headed towards Xie Feifei's house.
Sun Zailiang was seething. "What kind of person is she?"
He Tingyue gave him a cold glance.
Sun Zailiang felt a chill and quickly said, "Brother Yue, don't misunderstand. I really have no connection with that female worker."
Then, as if casually, he added, "This Jiang Yu is quite a character. At first, she acted all aloof, then she started talking to me, and now she's cozying up to Deputy Director Xie's family."
He Tingyue didn't respond but instead asked calmly, "Did you pursue Xie Feifei?"
The question hit the nail on the head.
Sun Zailiang's face changed dramatically. "She rejected me; we have no relationship!"
Because Xie Feifei hadn't agreed, he felt free to act recklessly. Otherwise, that would be crossing the line.
He Tingyue sneered softly and walked ahead, his tone sharp and biting.
And the sharp-tongued Jiang Yu had already arrived at Xie Feifei's house.
Xie Feifei hurriedly led her into the house, "Why are you so late?"
Jiang Yu said, "I couldn't find your house at first, and then I ran into Sun Zailiang. How unlucky!"
Xie Feifei smiled in agreement, "Indeed, how unlucky!"
She led Jiang Yu into the house, "This is my father and mother."
"Hello, Uncle and Aunt," Jiang Yu greeted them warmly.
Huang Ying, her eyes filled with admiration, stood up and took Jiang Yu's hand.
"Oh, Xie, Xie, in all my years in Beicheng, I've never seen a girl as beautiful as Jiang Yu."
Her clear eyes and graceful demeanor left a strong impression on Huang Ying, who felt an instant liking for Jiang Yu, certain she was trustworthy.
Xie Jinchan smiled at Xie Feifei, "With your friend here, you pale in comparison."
Xie Feifei laughed easily, "That's nothing. I noticed Jiang Yu right away. She's just more beautiful than others."
Jiang Yu teased, "So if I weren't pretty, you wouldn't be friends with me?"
"Of course not, but we wouldn't have become friends so quickly," Xie Feifei said mischievously, blinking her eyes.
Huang Ying went to the kitchen to tell them to get the meal ready.
"That's our Jingyi. She came with my mother from another town. The Yangzhou cuisine she makes is very authentic. Be sure to eat more later."
She was actually a housekeeper, but they referred to her as a distant relative who came to assist.
Once they were seated for the meal, Huang Ying engaged in light conversation with Jiang Yu, asking about her situation.
When the topic turned to education, Jiang Yu said, "I only finished middle school. My family's circumstances weren't good, so I couldn't continue."
Even finishing middle school was something I had to fight for, as Wang Meili wouldn't have supported me attending high school.
During my time, many high schools were closed due to the chaos, making it pointless to attend.
Huang Ying expressed regret, "That's a real shame. With your intelligence, you would have excelled."
Jiang Yu thought Xie Feifei must have inherited this trait from Huang Ying—both were people who appreciated beauty.
If you looked good, everything about you seemed good.