I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 325: Dezi Leaps into the River

After Shen Meng finished speaking, the Yu Family was dumbstruck, as arrogant as they were just a moment ago, they were now equally fearful. The elder sister-in-law of the Yu Family was now looking at Shen Meng, her body shivering uncontrollably.

"Shirley, is, is what she said true?"

"It’s true. I owe my good life to Xiao Meng. She has been single-mindedly devoted to ensuring that us women comrades can live well regardless of our circumstances. She’s always been working hard, and knowing that I was getting engaged today, she came over specially to help me cook. She brought Jinghao, Lianhua, Xifeng, Uncle Guai, and Aunt Juying with her. They are my true family now. If you still want to keep your jobs, you better leave quickly. If you come to make trouble again, you might even lose the chance to work."

The Yu Family looked at Shen Meng again, and seeing her seemingly smiling but not smiling expression, they were scared witless, especially Mr. Yu, who nearly fainted from fear, thinking back on what he had just said to Shen Meng.

When Yu Guang saw Shen Meng looking at him, he ran as fast as his legs could carry him, not even thinking to take his parents and wife with him.

After he ran off, his wife quickly followed suit. After the door of the courtyard slammed shut, Mr. and Mrs. Yu staggered away. Mrs. Yu, still not giving up, asked around and only then found out that everything they had said was true.

The old couple were so frightened that they tumbled and scrambled away, never daring to come provoking again. Who would have thought that the person wrapped in an apron was the official they wanted to ask for backdoor favors?

Shirley returned to the main room with slightly flushed cheeks, and Aunt Qian patted her on the shoulder.

"There now, child, it’s all right. Let’s eat. Today is a big day of joy for you and Chengwang, we all should be happy. Just look, the workshop supervisor from the Head Flower Factory is picking vegetables for you, the team leader is tending the pot, the director’s assistant is butchering the chicken, and the Secretary General of the Revolutionary Committee of Ning County is cooking for you. Who among this table of guests could match your stature."

With that remark from Aunt Qian, everyone at the table burst into laughter.

When Mingyang and the other kids arrived, they were immediately chased by Shen Meng to eat at the smaller table. Apart from two batches of pests, the day had gone quite smoothly.

Taking advantage of the early hour, Aunt Qian and Qian Chengwang bid their farewells and left for the hospital, where they still had work to attend to, and Chengwang had to make ward rounds later that evening. Uncle Guai, watched by Aunt Juying today, didn’t dare drink a drop of alcohol. Yet, after enjoying such a feast, he was grinning ear to ear; even without alcohol, he felt content and happy.

Only Shirley and her sisters were left in the room, looking at the heap of gifts on the kang with happiness for her.

Director Guo arrived at that moment with a rather gloomy face.

Seeing her uneasy expression, everyone stood up.

"Aunt, what’s wrong?" Shen Meng stepped up and asked.

"Shirley, I have something to tell you, but you need to stay calm."

This wasn’t a good start to a conversation, and everyone felt a knot in their throats, anticipating bad news. Shirley tried to force a smile, attempting to remain as calm as she could, as she trembled and looked at her.

"Go ahead!"

"It’s Dezi, that boy. His father caught him this afternoon and beat him up badly. I don’t know what got into him, but in a moment of despair, that boy jumped into a river."

"What?"

Seeing Shirley stumble as if she was about to faint, Director Guo quickly held her and said, "Don’t worry, he’s been rescued. He’s just weak and has many wounds. I’ve had someone take him to the county hospital. Chang Hong looked at him already, and, that boy, his leg is broken. Chang Hong says that even if it heals, I’m afraid he’ll have a limp when he walks."

Shirley couldn’t catch her breath and fainted on the spot.

Today was a mix of great joy and deep sorrow, which was too much for her to bear.

A few women hurriedly helped her onto the bed, and watching their mother in that state, Daya and Xiao Ya, the two children, started crying loudly. Daya was somewhat better, being older; she dared not let herself be too heartbroken, intending to take more care of their mother.

"How could this happen?"

"Dezi wasn’t good before, lazy, gluttonous, and unreasonable, but now he really has become much more sensible."

"Indeed, he’s learned his lessons, now realizing the value of a mother’s child. He even started helping with household chores. When he was young, his grandparents would always say that girls were a loss, scolding his mother. Over time, he picked up their bad habits. Now that he appreciates his mother, he sides with her."

"Shirley has always cared for her son Dezi, even saying that when he starts school, if he studies well, that would be best, but if not, she’d leave him this house. If he becomes ambitious and can support himself, she’s willing to provide a dowry so he could marry a wife, hoping he’ll live a good life."

"The damn Lai Zi, a vile creature, how could our Lu Family Village produce such a scoundrel!"

.......

The few women had been leaders for a few months now, constantly learning more at the factory, trying to speak and act with grace and manners, refraining from using coarse language.

Today they were truly angered.

"Just let it go, I’ve already spoken to the village chief and the others; Lai Zi will be sent to the brick kiln. Our communes have agreed to send all the slackers from the villages to the brick kiln, make them work hard. No work, no food, it’s time to straighten them out."

"That’s right, it should be like this."

Shen Meng nodded, she had set up a job type specifically for the brick kiln, with dedicated supervisors to ensure these people address their laziness. If they can’t change even with that, then they can be left to fend for themselves.

In fact, this was just a small addition to her list of political accomplishments. She couldn’t just pull those with potential and ambition forward, but also had to give a push to the lazy, the shirkers, those who wanted more without putting in the work. She had to make the gesture, but if they couldn’t keep up, then it was no longer her concern.

When Shirley woke up, everyone was still around; she still had to make decisions about Dezi’s situation.

After drinking a sip of water and looking around, she said, "Today, for once, that child stood by me, so I have to take care of him in return. As for the past, nothing has changed. He is a boy, the Xu Family won’t let me take him away, and I don’t plan on doing so. I really troubled you all today. Please, you should all go back and rest. In a while, I’ll take Daya and Xiao Ya to the county hospital to see him."

"Okay, if you need any help, just let us know. Don’t be shy with us."

"Yeah, why don’t you leave Daya and Xiao Ya with me for a while? I’ll take care of them. You are running around too much and must be exhausted."

"It’s fine. I’ll pack up some clothes and leave Daya and Xiao Ya with Aunt Qian, she’ll take good care of them."

Seeing her insistence, no one tried to persuade her further. They weren’t strangers, and she would speak up if she needed help.

Shen Meng walked with the children to the gate, then turned around and said to her, "Remember to get a medical certificate from the nurse, and file a report at the Police Station. It might come in handy later."