Chapter 37 The Deceived Girl in the 1970s: Fake vs. Real Daughter Story (37)

Chen Zhibin sat upright. “Go ahead.”

Xiaoxiao said, “There are two things. One is about my family background, and the other is that the village cadres have always taken good care of me. Now that they know I’m dating, they want to meet you. I agreed to host a dinner for them tonight. Do you mind?”

Chen Zhibin shook his head. “They care about you. Why would I mind? You’re introducing me to people you trust—that makes me happy.”

Xiaoxiao was relieved. “Good, I was worried you’d be uncomfortable since I didn’t ask you first.”

Chen Zhibin chuckled. “Then why did you agree? Weren’t you afraid I’d say no and you’d lose face?”

Xiaoxiao replied, “They’re elders. I just got caught up in the moment when they showed concern.”

Chen Zhibin gently tapped her forehead. “You… don’t make impulsive decisions next time.”

Xiaoxiao muttered inwardly: If I hadn’t been impulsive, would I have agreed to date you in the first place?

“I’ll go ahead and tell you about my family,” she said.

Chen Zhibin nodded.

Xiaoxiao said, “I have two sets of parents—one biological and one adoptive. But really, it’s like I don’t have any. You can consider me an orphan.”

Chen Zhibin felt a pang in his chest.

Even though Xiaoxiao sounded casual, he couldn’t imagine what a minor girl had gone through to completely give up on both sets of parents and say such things so calmly.

Xiaoxiao went on to explain the original Ye Xiaoxiao’s background. When she finished, she looked at Chen Zhibin to see what he thought.

After all, in this era, many people were extremely traditional—valuing filial piety above all. Some believed no matter how parents treated their children, the children still owed them obedience and respect.

If Chen Zhibin showed even a trace of that mindset, she would end things right there.

At that moment, Xiaoxiao was nervous. She felt her decision to date Chen Zhibin yesterday had truly been too hasty.

Then she saw the heartache written all over Chen Zhibin’s face.

He hadn’t expected Xiaoxiao to have suffered so much. A girl this bright and full of sunshine shouldn’t have had to endure such cruelty. It pained him deeply.

Xiaoxiao smiled when she saw his reaction. “Don’t look at me like that. I really don’t care anymore. I’ve already cut ties with both sides. That actually saved me a lot of trouble.”

She had no idea that statement would soon come back to bite her.

After they ate and finished talking, it was time for work. Xiaoxiao took Chen Zhibin to the village threshing grounds to wait for the team leader to assign tasks.

With spring planting around the corner, the main work now was weeding and loosening soil.

Xiaoxiao and the other female comrades were assigned to weed in pairs. With two people, the work went quickly.

At noon, most people ate dry rations or had family bring meals. Xiaoxiao and Chen Zhibin ate leftover buns from breakfast like everyone else.

They finished early in the afternoon, reported to the record keeper, and didn’t take more tasks, heading home instead to start cooking.

Xiaoxiao said, “This is the first time I’ve earned a full day’s work points.”

Chen Zhibin smiled. “Then I’ll make sure you get full points every day this week.”

Xiaoxiao grinned. “Great.”

Since it was still early, Chen Zhibin told her to wait at home while he rode to town to buy meat and ribs.

Xiaoxiao cooked braised pork and pork rib soup. She added stir-fried shredded potatoes, cabbage, sugar beets, and a cold dish of fish mint. For the staple, she made sweet potato rice.

It wasn’t that she was stingy, but if she cooked all white rice, others might feel embarrassed to eat too much.

Plus, Xiaoxiao genuinely liked sweet potato rice. Even if most people considered white rice a luxury, she thought this combo tasted great.

After the workday ended, the team leader, Auntie Tan, and others came over. Each household brought grain or special dishes.

When they saw Xiaoxiao’s feast, they felt she was being generous—perhaps too generous—but also thought it showed she was sincere and good at managing relationships.

Then the cadres took turns asking Chen Zhibin about his family background.

Only then did Xiaoxiao learn that Chen Zhibin’s father worked at the town’s distillery as a production manager, and his mother worked at the supply and marketing cooperative as head of logistics.

She thought to herself: His sister’s a doctor, already married, and he himself is a driver for the county transport team. That makes them a full worker family. In this era, that’s a pretty good background, right?

Knowing Chen Zhibin had to head back to town, everyone kept the drinks light and ended the meal early.

When they left, everyone was in good spirits.

The team leader said, “Xiaoxiao, Xiao Chen seems like a good one. Get along well. But if he ever dares mistreat you, don’t be afraid. We’ll stand up for you.”

The others all nodded in agreement.

The party secretary added, “I know his father—he’s a decent man. Don’t worry.”

The accountant said, “I’ve heard about his mom too; she is a warm-hearted woman. A good person.”

Uncle Wang chimed in, “If you ever want to come back, just send word. I’ll bring the oxcart to fetch you.”

Then he turned to Chen Zhibin and gave a stern warning.

Several aunties told Xiaoxiao not to be afraid—if anyone bullied her, she should come to them. They were tough, both with words and fists.

For a moment, Xiaoxiao’s eyes misted. She nodded and said she understood—if she was wronged, she’d come to them.

After everyone left, Chen Zhibin hugged Xiaoxiao and said, “I’ll treat you well. I swear on my life, as long as I live, I’ll never let you suffer.”

Xiaoxiao hugged him back. She didn’t know how long that promise would hold, but at least in this moment, she could feel he meant every word.

—

On the third day of Chen Zhibin’s help with farm work, Xiaoxiao received a letter from Ye Huimei. She couldn’t help laughing.

She’d thought she’d never have anything to do with those people again, so she’d nearly forgotten them. But here they were.

Maybe there was more to what had happened in her past life than she knew.

After all, even if the Li family parents had no affection for the original host, the girl had scrimped and saved to send them money and supplies during their tough times.

Even if they weren’t grateful, even if their hearts were made of stone, how could they be so cold and even kick her when she was down?

So what role had Ye Huimei played? Had she stolen the credit that rightfully belonged to the original Ye Xiaoxiao?

Xiaoxiao thought about how well the Li parents treated Ye Huimei and how, after their rehabilitation, all compensation had gone to her. Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes.

No rush. Since Ye Huimei had reached out, if Xiaoxiao ignored her and things didn’t go her way, she’d definitely come knocking again.

When that time came, the truth would reveal itself.

Seeing Xiaoxiao looking upset, Chen Zhibin asked, “Xiaoxiao, what’s wrong? Who’s the letter from?”

Xiaoxiao replied, “The one who swapped identities with me. Ha! She wrote to give me the Li couple’s address, asking me to send money and supplies—said it was to fulfill my ‘filial piety.’ Isn’t that hilarious?”

She handed him the letter. After reading it, Chen Zhibin nearly exploded. “What the hell is wrong with her? How shameless can she be?”

Xiaoxiao said dryly, “Maybe it runs in the family?”

Chen Zhibin replied, “Ignore her. Absolutely ridiculous.”

Xiaoxiao said, “You know what? If I live well, she’ll definitely come looking for me again, and she’ll want everything I have.”

Chen Zhibin said firmly, “Don’t worry. That’ll never happen.”

Xiaoxiao nodded.

Chen Zhibin then asked, “What about the Li family? Do you plan to help them?”

Xiaoxiao shook her head. “We have no ties. They never raised me, and they schemed against me for the sake of the imposter. I’m petty. Not seeking revenge is already me being merciful.”

Chen Zhibin said, “As long as you’re happy.” Do what feels right to you.”

Xiaoxiao asked, “You don’t think I’m being unfilial?”

He shook his head. “If it were me, I’d probably be even more ruthless.”

Xiaoxiao smiled with satisfaction. The more time she spent with him, the more she liked him.

—

braised pork and pork rib soup. She added stir-fried shredded potatoes, cabbage, sugar beets, and a cold dish of fish mint. For the staple, she made sweet potato rice.