Zhao Fei immediately rejected Qiao Mei's well intentions, saying, "That can't do! This must be your family's priceless 'divine medicine'! You can't give it to me! You should keep it for Auntie Li Gui!"
"Don't worry, we still have more at home. We haven't thanked you for risking your life to save my mother. If not for you, my mother would have died of illness in the Zhao Family Village. These are a token of our appreciation. You have to accept them. For the sake of Ding Xiang and the child, you must accept them. Saving a life is more important," Qiao Mei said.
Zhao Fei looked at Ding Xiang inside the ward and sighed deeply. "Then I'll accept this medicine. I thank you on behalf of Ding Xiang and the child, but we can't accept the money."
"This is your salary, your future salary. Consider this an advance payment from us," Qiao Mei said.
"Salary? What salary?" Zhao Fei asked, feeling confused.
"My mother says that with Ding Xiang's current health, she can't go out to work and needs to rest at home. Moreover, she needs to have enough nourishment for two. Your current job is not very suitable for you so my mother wants to give you a new job at the factory," Qiao Mei said.
"No, no! Doesn't that go against the rules?" Zhao Fei said.
"Our factory is still recruiting! You fit our criteria very well. Don't worry, there's no hurry to go to work. Start work only when Ding Xiang is feeling better." After saying that, Qiao Mei left the ward. Zhao Fei held the gla.s.s bottle and the 500 dollars in his hands and stared in the direction which Qiao Mei had left.
He did not know how he managed to meet such a nice person. He had caused Qiao Mei and the others so much trouble, but not only did they not blame him, they even treated him especially well. He did not know how to repay their kindness.
Qiao Mei did not send Li Gui back to the courtyard house but drove straight to Xu Lan's house. Xu Lan had a table full of dishes ready to welcome Li Gui.
"In-law! Are you feeling better? Come in quickly!" Xu Lan said warmly.
Li Gui smiled and walked next to Xu Lan. Ever since Qiao Mei became a military spouse, Xu Lan found life to be very boring. She often went out shopping with Li Gui and sometimes even helped Li Gui buy matching clothes and jewelry. The two of them enjoyed a very good relationship now!
Qiao Mei patted Xia Zhe's shoulder and said, "Why aren't Xia He and the others back yet? Also, why isn't Eldest Brother around? We're having dinner with the Mo family tomorrow. Eldest Brother won't be caught off guard, right? Have you already told him about it?"
"Of course I have! After you told me that day, I went to tell Eldest Brother immediately. I have to do whatever my wife asks me to do!" Xia Zhe said with a smile.
"You're so glib~ Don't say such things at home!" Qiao Mei pouted and said.
The Mo family had already received the invitation and was still considering whether they should go.
"Mo Zhu, come here," Mo Zhu's mother, Chen Shu, said gently.
Mo Zhu put down the book in her hand and walked over to Liu Shu. The Mo family's house was not as big as the Xia family's house. There was only one small courtyard and three rooms. One of the rooms was filled with books, many of them out of print originals. The Mo family was the only one who owned these books and most of them were treasures that had been pa.s.sed down within their family from generation to generation.
"Mother, what's the matter?" Mo Zhu asked.
"You must have seen the Xia family's invitation to us. It's been a long time since someone has so solemnly invited our entire family to dinner. It doesn't matter if we go or not. What's important is whether you want to go or not?" Liu Shu asked.
"I… I'm fine with anything," Mo Zhu said hesitantly.
"Silly child, why are you so hesitant? Just tell me the truth," Liu Shu asked.
"I want to go, but Father might find a family like the Xia family to be too complicated. I'm worried that he will be unhappy," Mo Zhu said softly.
"Hmph! You have me! Why are you afraid of that old man? As long as I agree, he has to go no matter how unwilling he is!" Liu Shu said.
"Is that so? Mother, do you like the Xia family? If you do, then let's go and take a look. Is that alright?" Mo Zhu asked as she looked at Liu Shu expectantly.
"The thing is that the purpose of this dinner might not really be to thank the Mo family, but for them to take a good look at you!" Liu Shu said.
"Mother, what nonsense are you talking about! The Xia family is not like that! It's just a simple dinner! Don't think too much!" Mo Zhu said shyly.