Chapter 37 Knowledge
"This is Xiao Hui, right?"
Jiang Laoshi was taken aback.
He hadn’t gotten around to telling Old Mrs. Jiang yet, so how did she know this child’s name was Xiao Hui?
"Mom, I haven’t had a chance to tell you. Back when Xiao Xiao was born, the nurse at the hospital accidentally switched the babies. Xiao Xiao and Xiao Hui were swapped. Xiao Hui is our actual child, and Xiao Xiao belongs to the Fang family."
Jiang Laoshi couldn’t keep it a secret any longer.
It seemed that someone with great influence had already gone to Old Mrs. Jiang to discuss it. He suspected it must have something to do with the Fang family.
Yesterday, they just confronted the Fang family.
Today, his mother had already gotten the news and come over.
Who else could have leaked this information if not the Fang family?
"We already know about this. Last night, your nephew was arrested by the police. They accused him of stealing state property and have started an investigation. Early this morning, we went to the police station to inquire. They said it’s not a huge deal, but not a minor one either. They sneaked into the factory at night to steal scrap iron and wire to sell.
He wasn’t directly involved; he was just a lookout. He didn’t actually steal anything, but someone ratted him out, so he got caught too.
The police said if it turns out serious, your nephew might face three to five years in prison."
Jiang Xiaoxiao glanced at Fang Xiaohui.
There was a hint of joy in Fang Xiaohui’s eyes, suggesting that this was indeed the work of the Fang family.
Otherwise, Fang Xiaohui wouldn’t have had such an expression; it was obvious she knew about this.
"Grandma, even if that’s the situation, it’s useless to ask my dad for help. My dad doesn’t know anyone at the police station, and even if he did, national law is implacable. How can you expect him to ask for someone’s favor?"
As Jiang Xiaoxiao spoke, she watched Fang Xiaohui’s expression, and sure enough, the woman pursed her lips slightly, showing how much she disapproved of her words.
"Xiaoxiao! Your parents have treasured you all these years, treating you like the apple of their eye. Our Jiang family has never shortchanged you in any way.
At a time like this, you can’t be ungrateful and bite the hand that fed you!"
Feng Guihua, full of expectation, held onto Jiang Xiaoxiao.
If she had known that the future Jiang Xiaoxiao would have such status...
She wouldn’t have dared to look down on Xiao Xiao before and treat her with disdain.
"Aunt, that’s not right. I’m my parents’ child. They treat me well because they’re good to their own daughter. What does that have to do with you? And what does it have to do with the Jiang family?"
She always remembered how her parents, brother, and sisters treated her well, never forgetting.
In her past life, she was an ungrateful person, but in this life, she wanted to be someone who knows gratitude and reciprocates.
She wanted to show her family that being kind to others would eventually pay off.
She wouldn’t let good people feel heartbroken in this world.
But for those who tried to exploit her for their gain,
they shouldn’t even think about getting any advantage.
Especially this aunt, who was never a good person; in her past life, she was part of what brought down their family.
In this life, as long as the aunt’s tricks didn’t succeed, she would let it slide.
But if the aunt still didn’t know her place and tried to take advantage, she’d be dreaming.
"Xiaoxiao, how can you say such a thing? Your aunt has been good to you over the years too. Now that your brother’s in trouble, only your parents have the power to speak on it.
Actually, all you need to do is say a word, and if your parents make a call, your brother could be released. The person who told me said it’s not a big deal, and your brother didn’t actually commit theft; at most, he just kept watch outside.
Your Fang family parents are officials, you know!"
Feng Guihua was not ready to let go of this lifeline.
"Yes, Xiaoxiao. You just need to go home and ask your parents, and they can speak with Grandpa, make a call. Grandpa’s old comrade works at the police station. This matter isn’t such a big deal; it shouldn’t be so serious. At most, it’s a fine and some education reform."
Fang Xiaohui chimed in.
Adding fuel to the fire wasn’t beyond her.
The aim was to force Jiang Xiaoxiao to act.
The Fang parents were waiting for it.
Jiang Laoshi glared, "What nonsense! The law cannot be easily swayed by a word or two. Sure, the Fang family are officials, but that doesn’t mean they can break the law with impunity."
Big brother and sister-in-law, I’m not saying anything new. I’ve told you your son needs proper education, not to be left to mix with shady people.
You wouldn’t listen, insisting they were friends.
Well, those friends are great, aren’t they? They got him to act as a lookout for theft today; who knows if they’ll drag him into worse tomorrow?"
Jiang Laocheng was furious, "Second brother, what do you mean by this? Are you saying you won’t help us? You can do something about this, but you’d rather see your nephew sent to prison?"
Old Mrs. Jiang hurriedly added,
"Son, I know your nephew’s been spoiled by them. I’ve told them you can’t just start disciplining your child when things get critical. This should have been addressed long ago.
But what he did doesn’t warrant prison. We can educate him back here. If he goes to jail, it will be on his record, and what can he do after he returns? He won’t even be able to take a replacement job at the factory."
The old lady was anxious; something like this happening to her grandson would ruin not just his job prospects, but also his chances in the marriage market. Who would be willing to marry a man with a criminal record?
Jiang Laoshi sighed.
"Mom, I’d help if I could, but the truth is that the Fang family isn’t a good place. You probably don’t know, but those two are like wolves and tigers, just waiting for Xiao Xiao to return so they can send her off in place of their son.
They’re not interested in reclaiming their biological daughter. Tell me, how could we possibly let Xiao Xiao go back and plead with them?"
Jiang Xiaoxiao gave her father a thumbs-up for his toughness.
Jiang Laoshi glared at Jiang Xiaoxiao, warning her to stay quiet lest the old lady punishes her.
Jiang Xiaoxiao stuck out her tongue and reluctantly hid behind Fan Xiuying.
"Second brother, what you’re saying isn’t right. He’s her real brother, going to the countryside in place of her brother is only right. Anyway, wasn’t she supposed to go to the countryside under Jiang Shitou’s name in our family? You’re willing to allow someone to go in place of your own son, but when it comes to her own brother, suddenly it’s a heinous crime. That seems unreasonable."
Feng Guihua didn’t care about anything else.
After all, Jiang Xiaoxiao had to go to the countryside anyway, so it didn’t matter for whom she went.
As long as their child was saved.