Qiu’s mother knew Feng Xianxu was exceptional; Qiu Tingting had said it countless times.
It wasn't until she saw what Cheng You presented that she truly grasped it.
Among all the sons in the Qiu family, none could compare to Feng Xianxu.
"Auntie, I'm not trying to pressure you, I just want you to understand Brother Xu."
Qiu’s mother smiled, "I understand. I have a clear picture now."
Old Zhang's wife, peeking at Cheng You, thought, 'If her brother is this outstanding, his sister must be no less.'
'My fifth son is still single.'
"Daughter, are you married?"
Qiu’s mother spat, "Don't get any ideas. This girl is already married, and her husband is a regiment commander in the army."
Old Zhang's wife chuckled sheepishly, "I was just asking."
Cheng You smiled faintly, "I've been married for several years and am currently attending university."
"Oh, a university student too!" Old Zhang's wife exclaimed.
Cheng You gathered the certificates and awards on the table, her smile fading as she said seriously, "Auntie, besides these, I actually have another matter to discuss today."
Qiu’s mother asked, "Just say it if you need something. We'll do our best if we can help."
Cheng You asked, "When I visited last time, I noticed there were quite a few abandoned fields in the village. Are people no longer farming?"
Qiu’s mother sighed, "Our family still farms. Although we are on the outskirts of Yancheng, we are still considered part of Yancheng’s territory. In the past two years, the young people in the village have stopped farming and have gone to the city in batches to work or do business. The money they earn is so much more than farming. People feel farming isn't worth it, and the land has gradually gone fallow."
The work of a farmer was the hardest and most tiring, yet it only provided subsistence. It was better to go work in the city.
Cheng You understood; Wujing Village and Qili Village were similar.
However, the reason there was less fallow land in her hometown was because they grew medicinal herbs.
So, Cheng You brought up the matter of planting medicinal herbs.
"Planting medicinal herbs? But we've never done that before."
Qiu’s mother had actually planned to stop farming after Qiu Tingting got married.
Now, hearing Cheng You mention planting medicinal herbs, she felt a flicker of interest.
Old Zhang's wife said, "No, no, we have a medicinal herb garden right next door. We can't compete with them, and we definitely won't be able to sell anything."
Cheng You replied, "That medicinal herb garden belongs to me. I will arrange for specialists to guide you in planting. Zhen Shan Tang will purchase the harvested herbs at a good price. It can be profitable."
Qiu’s mother was somewhat shocked. She hadn't expected Cheng You to be such a successful businesswoman at such a young age.
"I can't make this decision alone; I'll have to discuss it with the village chief."
Cheng You hadn't expected an immediate answer anyway. "Then, when you've decided, please inform Director Pan at the herb garden, and he can notify me."
With that, she gathered her things and left.
Old Zhang's wife placed her full trust in Cheng You and said, "I think it's feasible. Wasn't Cai Tiangui the one who got rich selling medicinal herbs? If we grow and sell them ourselves, we even save on costs!"
Qiu’s mother chuckled, "You're quite knowledgeable now, even knowing about costs."
...
Thinking of returning home and facing the messy situation with the Feng family, Cheng You felt exhausted.
So, she stayed at the medicinal herb garden a little longer before deciding to go home.
The first person to contact her about Feng Xue was Cai Xiaoyu.
She asked Cheng You in a questioning tone, "How could you hit someone? That's simply barbaric!"
Cheng You squinted at her, "Judging by your tone, you know what Feng Xue did?"
Speaking of which, Cai Xiaoyu felt a pang of guilt.
"I find it strange. Qiu Tingting offended you, so why would you sabotage her marriage?"
"I just don't like her."
Cheng You smiled and shook her head, offering no judgment on Cai Xiaoyu's actions.
She wasn't Cai Xiaoyu's mother; she had no obligation to discipline her.
Cai Xiaoyu mumbled, "You haven't answered my question. How could you hit someone!"
Cheng You said, "Oh, I just don't like her."
She returned the same words to Cai Xiaoyu, leaving her speechless.
Cheng You closed the door, shutting out Cai Xiaoyu's accusatory gaze.
The Feng elders didn't scold her for Feng Xue's actions; they only inquired about the situation.
Cheng You relayed Feng Xue's words verbatim, enraging the elder who grabbed his whip.
However, he couldn't actually strike her, as Feng Xue was someone who learned nothing from punishment.
The elder lady decided to cut off Feng Xue's living expenses. From then on, the caregiver's wages and Feng Xue's living expenses would be paid directly to the caregiver, not through Feng Xue.
Feng Xue, having some pride, didn't plead with the elders.
A few days later, Qiu Tingting learned about what had happened in the village.
She excitedly ran to find Cheng You.
"Why didn't you tell me beforehand? You gave me and my brother such a huge surprise!"
Cheng You spread her hands, "Because I didn't know if this move would work on your parents."
These certificates only proved Feng Xianxu's own excellence.
However, sometimes, a person's excellence had nothing to do with their character.
The Feng family's issues were a serious flaw for Feng Xianxu.
"Did your parents agree to your marriage?"
Qiu Tingting shook her head, "Not yet. They said they need more time to assess, but their attitude has improved significantly."
At least there was some softening.
Cheng You felt relieved, knowing her efforts hadn't been in vain.
Qiu Tingting sat in the courtyard chatting with her. Before they could talk for long, she noticed Cheng You was about to fall asleep.
"Why do you look so tired lately?"
Cheng You opened her eyes. It was true; she could fall asleep anywhere, anytime.
"I don't know why, I just feel so exhausted."
Qiu Tingting looked up at the sky. Summer was approaching; it couldn't still be spring fatigue, could it?
"Then you should rest for a bit. I'll head back now."
Before she could get up, she heard Cai Xiaoyu's angry voice, "Cheng You! You've gone too far. You're guarding your medicinal herb garden like it's a thief's lair. If you had told us earlier that the garden was yours, my dad wouldn't have had to make so many trips!"
Cheng You glanced outside, "I refused your father's cooperation from the beginning. Your father was persistent, so should I be blamed?"
"Then you should have made it clearer!"
Thinking about how Cai Tiangui had been running to the medicinal herb garden like a sycophant, waiting for an opportunity, Cai Xiaoyu felt indignant.
Cheng You scoffed, "I have no obligation to do so."
Cai Xiaoyu stomped her foot in anger. She tried to make a move, but Qiu Tingting stopped her.
"Cheng You had no obligation. Your father, when doing business, didn't even bother to inquire thoroughly beforehand. Do you expect Cheng You to inform you of everything?"
Cai Xiaoyu brushed her hand away and questioned, "Then why are you encouraging our villagers to plant medicinal herbs?"
Cheng You shrugged, "If there's money to be made, let's make it together. Those are your fellow villagers, aren't you happy?"
Cai Xiaoyu pouted, "You're too naive. Do you really think everyone can make money?"
"Whether they can make money will be known once they start planting," Cheng You replied calmly.