Fan Xiuying was so startled that she almost jumped up.
"You brat, you're just going to be an educated youth, what's the rush? Why are you acting all anxious? Your parents have already agreed, they won't change their minds. Don't worry, it's not too late to sign up after you feel better. Besides, Mom met Director Feng and can register you directly."
In her heart, she was upset, thinking this child is so eager to leave them.
Truly, the older kids get, the more infuriating they become.
"Mom, I don't mean it that way, but you have to sign me up!"
Jiang Xiaoxiao was mainly worried that things might change.
Fan Xiuying washed the dishes, nagging as she did.
"You tell me, why are you so keen to go to the countryside? Other families would come up with a thousand reasons not to go! But here you are! Acting like it's a great thing to be an educated youth in the countryside. What am I supposed to say about you?
How did I raise a kid with a brain squeezed by a door like you?"
Jiang Shitou pulled Jiang Xiaoxiao back into the house.
He was solemn and earnest.
Jiang Xiaoxiao chuckled.
"Third brother! What's wrong with you? Don't scare me! I can't handle scares; if something happens because of it, Dad and Mom definitely won't let you off."
Feeling uneasy! Did third brother see something?
"Xiao Xiao, tell me honestly, what's going on? Why are you so insistent on going to the countryside? Before when you talked about it, you were dead set against it! Why have you changed your mind now? I ask you, did someone say something weird to you?"
Jiang Shitou looked skeptical.
Indeed, previously Jiang Xiaoxiao was completely unwilling to go to the countryside, the change now is too suspicious.
"Third brother! I just want to go myself, no one said anything to me, and even if they did, what could they say? I just figure you stay home because if Dad needs someone to substitute for work, you're the best choice, given that Dad drives! You going means a guy driving makes sense.
If I go, Dad would have to beg everyone he knows looking for a way to get another job. You know Dad is honest and can't handle such things, and it would be hard for him, and for me too. I don't want Mom and Dad to do that for me.
Besides, you being at home means you can take care of the family. Our parents aren't young anymore; they need someone by their side. Look at me, can I take care of anyone? Also, you're not that young, you should start a family, find a good girl here, have a decent life, look after Mom and Dad. Third brother, you have heavy responsibilities."
Jiang Xiaoxiao didn't hide anything, spoke very reasonably.
It's just how society is now, they're not kids. Everyone knows what they're facing.
That's just how every family gets by.
Jiang Shitou was stunned, his face showing disbelief.
At the same time, guilt welled up in his heart; he never thought his sister would consider so much.
He always thought his sister was just a carefree rascal, good for nothing but acting cute in front of their parents.
Never expected, his sister suddenly grew up overnight.
He felt touched and sad.
Originally, it should have been him, the elder brother protecting his sister; now it's the sister thinking on his behalf.
"Xiao Xiao, you love to overthink. Since you consider this, I can rest assured with you staying, taking care of Mom and Dad. It's still better for me to go. It's the countryside, after all, with farm work and hardship, you'd not bear it. I'm a man, stronger than you, don't worry so much.
You just stay by Mom and Dad, being their little treasure."
He's a man, he will carry the burden.
"Third brother, save your breath. You think you can handle it there? Between the two of us, we can't even talk about the eldest brother or the second brother. I'm a girl, if I go, at least the team leader might look after me a bit, but as a guy, you'll definitely face hardships!
Plus, with your idle appearance, it would probably annoy people, and they'll give you trouble. You better stay with Mom and Dad. I've even agreed with them, if you dare spoil my plans, I'll continue my hunger strike, and let Mom and Dad deal with you."
Jiang Xiaoxiao threatened Jiang Shitou, knowing her third brother cared for her the most, definitely wouldn't let her suffer.
Sure enough, Jiang Shitou was so angry he nearly twisted his nose.
"You... you, you're getting naughty now! Jiang Xiaoxiao, tell me! Who taught you?"
Pointing at Jiang Xiaoxiao's nose, questioning her, she wasn't like this before, now she's cunning like a little fox.
Jiang Xiaoxiao huffed proudly with her lips curved, "Third brother, who am I? No need for anyone to teach, they call it self-taught brilliance."
The siblings laughed without a care.
Just then someone knocked on the door.
Jiang Shitou glanced at the clock on the wall.
His dad hasn't come home from work yet.
Mom went to pick up boxes.
To help with household expenses, Mom didn't rest and took up matchbox folding work from the street factory.
Probably Fan Xiuying has returned.
Jiang Shitou hurried to open the door, they lived in a single-story house.
Not in an apartment building.
Mainly because his dad was just a transport team driver, and his mom was an ordinary worker. Considering their seniority, getting this little house was already quite good.
Those high-rise buildings are set up for cadres.
Not related to them.
Single-story houses have their advantages.
Three rooms in the house, and a decent-sized yard.
Plant some flowers and vegetables, they lived rather comfortably.
When both elder sisters were there, it was a bit of a squeeze, but ever since the eldest sister was transferred and the second sister got married, they've had much more space.
Opening the door, he saw people he didn't want to see.
"Why are you here again? Never-ending, is it? I told you my sister has nothing to do with your family, hurry up and leave!"
He tried to slam the door shut.
Blocked instantly by Fang Xiaohui.
Jiang Shitou couldn't use force, couldn't shut the door.
"What do you want?"
Ye Hua smiled warmly, "I want to see Xiao Xiao, I need to talk to her properly. Young man, I know your parents aren't home, don't rush to refuse. Have mercy on the hearts of parents everywhere, understand our emotions a bit.
Child, we just want to see the child, just say a few words.
"Child, let us meet the child, just talk for a short while. If we don't figure it out, it feels unsettling. Child, don't you want to know if your sister is really your sister?"
Fang Zhiyuan rushed in urging.
Only three people came today.
It seems they're using a tactical approach.
Jiang Shitou hesitated; could it really be something?
But if his sister isn't his sister, how can that be!
Immediately, his expression turned resolute.
Holding one hand against the door frame, unwavering like a mountain.
"Hurry and leave! Stop talking nonsense here, I don't have that much sympathy. This is my sister, my biological sister! I watched her grow up; there's no way she's your child! Hurry up and leave! Or else I'll call for help, you'll be the ones embarrassed then."
Jiang Shitou wouldn't let anyone deceive his sister.
If by any chance, his sister is taken away.
He'd have nowhere to cry.