A Girl Traveling Through Troubled Times

When they returned to the Sha Mansion, Madam and Sha Yanyao were anxiously looking out the door, and they seemed relieved to see Gui'er coming back.

The lady scolded, "Why did you take so long to get home from school today? I'm afraid you were playing around on the way?"

Gui'er said quickly, "Mother, please forgive me. Something happened today. This classmate Jinbao was supposed to register at our school, but something happened to her family and she has nowhere to go. I found her and took the initiative to bring her home to stay for a few days. Don't worry, she can share a room with me and won't cause any trouble for anyone."

The lady, Sha Yanyao and Song Tingting only then noticed that there was a girl in school uniform standing next to Guier.

The lady whispered in Gui'er's ear with a hint of disdain, "Don't you know that our family's survival is at stake right now? You're already in a difficult situation, barely able to save yourself, yet you're still trying to be merciful and help others."

Guier opened her mouth to explain.

Jinbao stepped forward, bowed, and said to the lady, "Madam, hello. My name is Liu Jinbao. My father came to Nanjing for business, but he died suddenly of illness due to an unexpected event. My uncles and aunts escorted his coffin back to his hometown. My mother and I used to depend on each other for survival, but a few days ago, our house was suddenly invaded by robbers, and my mother died trying to protect me. The landlord, seeing that I was the only girl left in the family, kicked me out. I was thinking of going to the school to ask about it, but unexpectedly, I met Gui'er, who was so kind as to take me in. I'd like to thank you in advance."

Gui'er was stunned when she heard this. She wondered how Jinbao could make up such a convoluted story, just like the real thing. She glanced at Ah Cheng, who also looked confused.

Everyone was quite moved when they heard Jin Bao's story. The lady hesitated for a moment. Song Tingting smiled and said, "Mother, my sister is actually doing a good deed. We should agree with her. Besides, Jin Bao doesn't have to go to school now. We might as well hire her to do some housework. When Director Zhou comes over next year, she can help take care of him."

He winked at his wife, who immediately understood and said with a smile, "Oh, how can we let you two squeeze into one room? You're both grown up girls now. How about this? She has an older sister named Yulan, who used to live here too. Now that she's married, her room is vacant. You can just stay in Yulan's room."

After hearing this, Jinbao bowed deeply to the lady.

At this moment, a servant came hurriedly to report: "Director Zhou has arrived."

Song Tingting smiled and said to Jin Bao, "Student Liu, you've come at the right time. We're having a dinner party tonight with lots of delicious food. Come along and enjoy the meal. But I have one favor to ask of you. It's to help greet the guests, as Director Zhou is our distinguished guest."

Jin Bao smiled and said, "If you are willing to take me in and let me help greet the guests, then there will be no problem."

As they were talking, Director Zhou, accompanied by his wife and Sha Yanyao, walked into the hall. Guier quickly greeted him, "Hello, Uncle Zhou."

Director Zhou nodded seriously. Suddenly, his eyes fell on Jin Bao and he asked, "Is this your classmate?"

Jinbao said, "Hello, Mr. Zhou. My name is Liu Jinbao, and I'm Gui'er's classmate. Because of some changes at home, I'm staying here temporarily."

Director Zhou smiled, frowned, and said, "You look familiar. Have I seen you somewhere?"

Jin Bao smiled and said, "How could we not meet each other? Uncle Zhou thought I looked familiar. Perhaps we are destined to meet."

Director Zhou pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, "You're quite good at talking."

The lady was overjoyed to see this and specially arranged for Jinbao to sit next to Captain Zhou during the meal, saying that it would facilitate communication between the two sides, but anyone with a discerning eye knew what that meant.

Director Zhou was very satisfied with the meal. After a few glasses of wine, he even put his hand on Jinbao's shoulder. It was not known whether he was really drunk or pretending to be drunk.

But even so, he still did not forget to urge Sha Yanyao when he left: "You have to hold on to those remaining gold bars, otherwise I will have a hard time explaining it to you."

Sha Yanyao and his wife were stunned for a moment, then quickly said with a smile, "Of course, of course."

As soon as Director Zhou left, Guier called Jinbao to her room and asked her, "What's going on? Is there something you haven't told me?" "Do you know Director Zhou?"

Jin Bao smiled and said, "Everything my wife and I have said about my life story is true, but do you know who destroyed my family? Director Zhou. I was still young at the time, and my mother told me in tears. After my father passed away, my uncles took his coffin back home and never returned. Because my mother was my father's concubine, no one came to pick us up. We could only rely on the valuables my father left for her to live. But when thieves broke into the house, my mother was killed to protect me. Then, seeing that I was an orphan, the landlord shamelessly sold me to a brothel."

Gui'er asked, "How do you know this Director Zhou is the same Director Zhou who harmed your family?"

Jin Bao said, "I remember his appearance. He came to our house and I recognized him. Later, my mother told me that it was that kind uncle who killed my father. After Brother Cheng went to the brothel to select someone and chose me, he showed me a photo of Director Zhou. I recognized him at first sight."

Gui'er hadn't expected such a hidden secret. She said with mixed feelings, "Do you want revenge?"

Jin Bao nodded and said, "I originally thought that I would never be able to avenge my mother and father in this lifetime, but I didn't expect that God would give me such an opportunity. Miss, please rest assured, I am not only doing this for the money, but also for myself."

After she said this, Gui'er became even more upset. She said to Jinbao, "Don't tell anyone about this. Even when you're in contact with Director Zhou, you must do your best to protect yourself. Once this matter is over, I'll find you a place to stay. Don't go back to the brothel."

Jin Bao nodded gratefully. Gui Er took out the old clothes Song Tingting had given her and said with a smile, "Take these clothes and try them on first. They were given to me by my sister-in-law. We are about the same size, so they should fit you well."

Then she asked Dingxiang to take her there.

Just after sending Jinbao away, Madam and Song Tingting came knocking on the door. Guier opened the door and politely asked, "Why are you here, mother and sister-in-law?"

Song Tingting winked and smiled, "I came here to praise you. You actually found a scapegoat. You're quite capable. How much did it cost? It seems that the Second Young Master is quite generous with his money to you. This skinny horse is very expensive."