Chapter 587 - 583: Follow-up to the Plan
Chen Xiaolan was dumbfounded.
Especially when she walked in and saw how warm and affectionate her mother-in-law was being toward Gu Jiaojiao, she grew completely bewildered.
’Did something happen that I don’t know about?’
Her mother-in-law had never been this friendly to anyone before.
The thought had barely crossed her mind when she heard her mother-in-law say, "Jiaojiao, come over and visit whenever you have time. I’m usually just idle at home, and Xiao Lan is here too. You should come around more often."
Since Chen Xiaolan’s mother-in-law was being so welcoming, Gu Jiaojiao decided to be direct.
"Auntie, there is actually something I came to talk about today."
Chen Xiaolan’s mother-in-law looked up at her.
Gu Jiaojiao continued.
"You see, both Leng Yuan and I work, and we have two children at home with no one to look after them. By the time I get back, it’s already dark. So, I was hoping to have Xiao Lan help me out. I’ll pay her three yuan a month."
Chen Xiaolan’s eyes suddenly lit up.
Three yuan wasn’t a lot, but it wasn’t the busy farming season, and she was idle anyway. If she could earn some extra income, she was more than willing.
But Chen Xiaolan’s mother-in-law remained silent.
Gu Jiaojiao wondered, ’Did I offer too little?’
Just as she was about to raise the offer by a yuan, Chen Xiaolan’s mother-in-law slammed her hand on the table. "This is wonderful! What a wonderful thing! Jiaojiao, it’s so thoughtful of you to think of our Xiao Lan when you need help. Let her go help you. You can have her do any work you need."
’Three yuan just for some housework? Of course, that’s fine!’
Gu Jiaojiao had been startled, mainly because the other woman was so excited.
Chen Xiaolan gave Gu Jiaojiao an apologetic look. When her mother-in-law had slammed the table, she herself had nearly jumped out of her skin. It was amazing that Gu Jiaojiao could remain sitting so calmly.
Gu Jiaojiao was a bit startled inside, but her face remained calm. "It’s wonderful that you agree, Auntie."
Chen Xiaolan’s mother-in-law was now completely convinced that Gu Jiaojiao was their lucky star.
’See? Gu Jiaojiao comes to our house for one visit, and something good happens.’
Chen Xiaolan was also very happy. She had never earned any money in her entire life.
Farming was for work points, and work points were only settled once a year. Farmers usually had no other income.
Only those with a craft could earn a little money by helping people out from time to time.
Seeing that the matter was settled, Gu Jiaojiao stood up to leave. Chen Xiaolan’s mother-in-law immediately gave Chen Xiaolan a push. "Xiao Lan, hurry and see Gu Zhiqing out."
As Gu Jiaojiao was about to walk out the door, she added a reminder, "Auntie, it’s best if only the few of us know about this. If word gets out, it won’t be good for any of us."
Chen Xiaolan’s mother-in-law immediately agreed.
She understood what Gu Jiaojiao meant.
’I’m not going to tell anyone! If other people found out about such an easy way to make money, wouldn’t they try to snatch it from our family?!’
Gu Jiaojiao had met many people in her previous life; she could tell from the woman’s expression that she wouldn’t say a word.
Once they were outside in the courtyard.
Chen Xiaolan thanked Gu Jiaojiao profusely.
She hadn’t been able to say much in front of her mother-in-law, but now that they were outside and alone, Chen Xiaolan no longer held back.
Gu Jiaojiao pulled Chen Xiaolan aside, making sure no one could overhear before she spoke.
"Xiao Lan, besides some housework, I’ve picked a lot of soap pods from the mountain that need to be crushed. That takes a lot of effort, so I’ll give you ten yuan a month. You give your mother-in-law three, and you save the remaining seven for yourself."
"If you’re still not pregnant after three months, give the money to your mother-in-law. If you do get pregnant, keep it for yourself."