Wang Shi saw that the atmosphere was almost right before she stood up and said a few words. "Our Qing Jie'er has always been a good girl. Young Rong isn't like you say, eating for free. After lunch, our man will distribute the grain that each family is supposed to get. Qing Jie'er is right. Times are hard now, and life is difficult. We people of Houxi Village should unite even more. If we're fighting amongst ourselves every other day, can we really have peace on this journey?"
"Yes, yes, yes! It's Auntie's loose tongue. Qing Jie'er, don't mind Auntie. Rong Jie'er, please forgive Auntie this time. I promise I'll never speak carelessly again." Second Aunt, seeing a turning point, quickly took Lin Rongrong's hand and apologized profusely.
Huo! As Chen Ershen walked over, a foul stench drilled directly into Su Muqing's nostrils.
She quickly turned around, pretending to casually cover her nose. Damn! Was she suffering from heatstroke?
Why did she suddenly smell everything so clearly? She was already feeling nauseous from the smell in the hall, but when Chen Ershen got close, it was unbearable. She really wanted to vomit!
Su Muqing turned her back and took a few deep breaths. Only when she felt slightly better did she turn around again, her face pale, her lips also a little white.
After Chen Ershen apologized to Lin Rongrong, she tried to take Su Muqing's hand but was stopped by Third Grandma, who glared fiercely at her. Only then did she quiet down and retreat to the back.
Su Muqing breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her retreat.
"Alright, it's fine now. Everyone disperse! Are you all gathered around for warmth? You're making me sweat to death!" Wang Shi probably also found the smell unpleasant, so she made a casual remark.
Some people, having seen enough of the commotion, got up and returned to their resting places. The weather was really stifling. It was already so hot and humid, yet the heavens didn't seem to be sending down any rain.
Others hesitated, reluctant to leave. They looked at Su Muqing as if they wanted to ask something but were afraid of angering her. However, the matter of the money hadn't been clarified yet. How could they just disperse like this?
"Miss Muqing," someone suddenly called Su Muqing's name from outside the hall.
Everyone turned their heads and saw a woman around forty standing there, walking towards Su Muqing with a smile. Looking at her clothes, her family must be well-off. Moreover, she was clean.
"Auntie Zhou, why did you come in person? I was just about to head over... Auntie, this is Auntie Zhou, we..."
"Madam Su, it's like this. This morning, I encountered a snake in the grass over there. Miss Muqing passed by and helped me. If it weren't for her, I'm afraid I would have been bitten by that snake. She is my savior, so I came here specifically to thank her." Zhou Shi, thinking Su Muqing was about to reveal the matter of saving her, quickly took over the conversation.
"Oh! What kind of Madam am I? Sister Zhou, please don't be so formal. Girl, when did you encounter a snake? Are you alright?" Wang Shi felt a little unnatural hearing Auntie Zhou call her Madam.
After all, she was the village chief's wife. She had seen the demeanor of those landlord ladies and wealthy wives before. In her opinion, this Zhou Shi's bearing was more like that of a lady from a prominent family.
"Ah? I, I'm fine! Auntie Zhou also helped me." Su Muqing hadn't really figured out how to explain it. The reason she had thought of was to simply tell the truth.
In the morning, everyone went to the toilet together, and then they got acquainted. As they chatted, they eventually became familiar, becoming friends across generations.
Who would have thought that Auntie Zhou would elevate her to the position of a savior? Although she did save that person, Shao Zhu or Yu Zhi? She didn't plan to let Wang Shi and the others know.
However, this was also good. Since she hadn't figured out how to say it yet, using Auntie Zhou's reason was acceptable.
"It's good that you're fine. Don't be so rash next time. Sister Zhou, you're being too polite. It was just a grass snake, how could it be considered saving a life?" Wang Shi felt that Zhou Shi's gaze towards Su Muqing was too enthusiastic.
Could it be that she saw Qing Jie'er was good-looking and wanted to abduct her? Then she couldn't let them interact too much.