Chapter 28 - 28 0028 Timely Assistance in the Snow 4_1

Chapter 28: Chapter 0028: Timely Assistance in the Snow 4_1 Chapter 28: Chapter 0028: Timely Assistance in the Snow 4_1 “We can gather quite a lot of various supplies through legitimate means, with no risks. You can rest assured.” Feng Qingxue nodded slightly. Aunt Xu contemplated for a moment, “That’s good, girl. Please scramble some fine grain and rare goods for us. Those old folks were used to luxury before, but now living in such turbulent times, they have hoarded a lot of things. Yet, they are at a loss on how to get food and are getting desperate.” “Alright, Auntie. I’ll figure out a way.” “You must be very careful in your actions. Do not attract any unnecessary attention.” Aunt Xu watched her leave as she saw her off. After her departure, the old couple hurried back into the house and closed the door. “My dear, in a few days when we get our salary, we should send some grain to our children. Let’s first send a telegram to ask them to send money back home. Since Qingxue is willing to help us out of pity, we cannot let her suffer any loss.” That being said, if jewelry cannot be sold, it is no better than cash. At least with cash, one could buy high-priced grain from the black market. Uncle Xu nodded, “Alright, our children’s wages aren’t low, it’s just the grain ration that’s low. If we use the money to buy grain, they will surely be glad.” Aunt Xu sighed, “When will these hard times end?” Uncle Xu held her hand, saying nothing. Meanwhile, when Feng Qingxue arrived at the entrance of the scrap collection station, Uncle Li and others had not yet started work and there were no pedestrians on the road. She pretended to take two or three tofu-filled small buns from her basket, eating them with enjoyment. Midway through her meal, the sound of someone swallowing saliva suddenly came from the side. Feng Qingxue raised her head and saw a bony little boy, about five or six years old, standing barefoot, swallowing saliva incessantly. His eyes, excessively large in his gaunt face, stared fixedly at the bun in Feng Qingxue’s hand, displaying a desperate longing. Seeing this, Feng Qingxue sighed and waved him over. At her beckon, the little boy ran over to her, swallowing saliva, “Sister...” “Eat.” Feng Qingxue took out a vegetable-filled big bun from her basket and gave it to him. The little boy’s eyes sparkled like light bulbs. As quick as lightning, he grabbed the bun out of her hand and then with a shy expression said, “Thank you, sister.” Feng Qingxue laughed heartily and patted his head, “Eat up, it’s from your sister, no need to be polite.” While the little boy sat next to her eating the bun, Feng Qingxue found out about his name and his family situation. His name was Zhao Tianqi, seven years old that year. The previous year, his grandfather had been sent to the countryside for labor reform. His parents had divorced shortly after, with his father disappearing into the crowd. He lived with his mother in his grandfather’s house and took on her surname. At present, besides his grandmother and his mother, he had an uncle serving in the army at the border. Upon hearing the term ‘labor reform’, Feng Qingxue sensed that the child didn’t come from a simple background. Those who were subjected to labor reform were either high-ranking officials, acclaimed intellectuals, or scientists. Feng Qingxue had no intention of taking advantage of the situation; after all, legal rehabilitation wouldn’t happen for another twenty years. Thus, she listened to the child speak without interruption. “My uncle’s name is Zhao Anbang, Anbang as in ‘to ensure the stability of the country’. He’s really good at fighting, but I rarely see him.” Zhao Tianqi tore off a third of the bun for himself, eating and talking, “Sister, this bun is delicious. Ever since my mother was taken away and my grandmother fell sick, I haven’t eaten for a long time. Neither has my grandma. I will save the remaining bun for her.” Feng Qingxue was taken aback, “Your mother was taken away?” Zhao Tianqi nodded, tears rolling down his cheeks, sobbing, “I haven’t seen my mom in two days.” Feng Qingxue felt a pang of sympathy. At present, no news is the best news. Once there was news, it would inevitably be disastrous.