Chapter 203 - Chapter 203: Chapter 203: Gathering Charcoal_l (1/2)

Chapter 203: Chapter 203: Gathering Charcoal_l

Translator: 549690339

Wei Ruo and her group went over to find a residence in the alleyway completely collapsed, with accumulated snow covering the ruins.

They asked the onlookers, and were told that the homeowner was safe, having been rescued. However, their house was gone; the women were sitting in the alley crying, while the men were trying to salvage anything useful from the rubble.

Wei Ruo watched for a while, then quietly led Wei Jinyi away.

Wei Ruo didn’t do anything, not because she didn’t feel sympathy for the family, but because she saw that they would somehow survive. Others were likely facing even more dire circumstances.

Wei Jinyi didn’t say anything either. Although he didn’t ask, he knew what Wei Ruo was thinking. On this matter, their views were aligned.

As they continued walking forward, they frequently saw dilapidated houses that had collapsed due to neglect. But most people who lived in the city were in reasonably good shape.

However, this gave them some insight: if so many homes were collapsing within the city, the situation in the smaller villages outside the city must be even more severe.

After a while, they arrived in front of Four Treasure House and Xu’s Stewed Food Shop.

The door of Four Treasure House was half-open. There were people inside, but the shop was not open for business. In contrast, Xu’s Stewed Food Shop was open, yet the entrance was deserted, a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle.

It was natural to think that today, people didn’t have the mood to buy stewed food to eat.

Another assistant was not in the shop, with only Chen Aqing busying herself inside.

Upon seeing Wei Ruo, a flicker of joy passed through Chen Aqing’s eyes, but it quickly faded when she saw the strange males alongside her.

“Don’t worry, this man is an exception. He’s my second brother. The only one in my family I can trust and confide in,” Wei Ruo explained to Chen Aqing.

Wei Ruo didn’t notice Wei Jinyi’s changing expression behind her as she explained.

Someone unique, someone with whom she can share her heart. That was her validation of him.

“Aqing, didn’t I send a message yesterday? If the snow is too heavy, you don’t need to open shop today. Didn’t you receive the message?” asked Wei Ruo.

“I received it. Don’t worry, Miss. I made a very small amount today. Occasionally one or two people come to buy, and by nightfall, it should be sold out,” Chen Aqing explained.

“That’s not what I meant. It’s such a cold day and there aren’t many customers. Since the year is nearly over, take this opportunity to rest for a few days,” said Wei Ruo.

Those who work in her shop basically do not get a day off.

Chen Aqing shook her head, “Miss, let me keep working here. They say business is best around the New Year. Besides, I have nowhere else to go. If the shop doesn’t open, I have nothing else to do.”

Chen Aqing’s parents were still alive, but their place was not a home she could return to.

If she went back, the money she earned would probably be taken by her parents and she might also get beaten.

“Alright then, if you get tired, just take a few days off. It’s the end of the year, and I don’t want to be accused of exploiting my workers,” Wei Ruo said with a smile.

“Don’t worry, Miss, I won’t,” Chen Aqing replied.

After briefly explaining several things to Chen Aqing, Wei Ruo went over to Four Treasure House next door.

The door was ajar, and Wei Ruo easily pushed it open and went in.

“Miss, you came to see our boss, didn’t you?”

The shop assistant recognized her, as Wei Ruo had paid them many visits before, although the exact relationship between her and Four Treasure House was unclear to him.

Wei Ruo asked, “Is your boss around?”

“The boss is in the backyard,” answered the assistant.