Aunt Leng had a fiery personality and couldn’t hide her thoughts. She said whatever was on her mind and wouldn’t stab you in the back.

Third Aunt Leng, on the other hand, always seemed to be smiling. She had a gentle demeanor and appeared to be on good terms with everyone.

Although both the second and third branches of the Leng Family had occupied the house, the villagers only ever criticized the second branch, never the third.

This just went to show how capable this Third Aunt was.

She was skilled at managing her public image, always presenting a good-tempered, pleasant personality to outsiders, never appearing aggressive.

When it came to occupying the main branch’s house, she’d claim she had no choice, that it wasn’t intentional.

Back when Leng Yuan was separated from the family, Third Aunt Leng was never among those who went to steal vegetables from his garden.

But she was the one who ate the most of them.

Third Aunt Leng could no longer force a smile.

"Jiaojiao, your Third Aunt truly wants to ask for your forgiveness."

She pressed her lips together.

’If her sister-in-law hadn’t promised to find Man Cang a job in the County Town as long as she could get Gu Jiaojiao and Leng Yuan to relent, she never would have come here to beg so humbly for Gu Jiaojiao’s forgiveness.’

’But that recent display of humility had been her limit.’

Gu Jiaojiao’s eyes darted thoughtfully.

’For Third Aunt Leng to be so subservient, she must be after something.’

’Although I don’t know what she wants, an opportunity that presents itself shouldn’t be wasted.’

"Since you’re so sincere, Third Aunt, you can help me with something."

"I’ve adopted Sweet Girl and Xiao Yang, and I want to get their household registrations processed as soon as possible. It would be great if you could help me borrow a donkey cart, Third Aunt."

Third Aunt Leng was speechless.

The only donkey cart in the village belonged to Old Chen.

And her family was indeed on good terms with Old Chen’s family.

If she didn’t know that Gu Jiaojiao couldn’t have heard the news yet, she would have sworn the girl had calculated this perfectly and was just waiting for her to show up.

Third Aunt Leng didn’t want to agree.

"Fine. I’ll help you borrow the donkey cart."

Gu Jiaojiao pressed her advantage.

"Then just have the donkey cart come pick me up this afternoon."

Third Aunt Leng felt Gu Jiaojiao’s request was going too far.

’Borrowing the cart was one thing, but having it come to her door to pick her up?’

’She’s really acting like some high-and-mighty young lady.’

"Fine. No problem."

Gu Jiaojiao raised an eyebrow and continued, "Third Aunt, I get cold easily. Remember to put a quilt on the cart."

Third Aunt Leng was speechless.

She took a deep breath before forcing the words out through gritted teeth.

"Alright. I’ll get it laid out for you. I guarantee you won’t be cold."

Listening to the conditions Third Aunt Leng agreed to, Aunt Leng felt that Gu Jiaojiao had been far too kind to her in comparison.

She felt uncomfortable not doing something in return.

"Jiaojiao! You’re having guests over tomorrow, right? Do you have enough pork? If not, we can bring over the few pounds we were given to help you out."

Third Aunt Leng’s eyes went wide. She stared at Aunt Leng and discreetly pushed the two pounds of pork she’d received further behind her back.

’What is this woman babbling about?’

’It’s been so long since I’ve had meat. Why should I give it to Gu Jiaojiao?’

Aunt Leng saw nothing wrong with her suggestion at all.

"If that’s still not enough, I’ll have Qiushou go to the County Town to buy some more and bring it to you."

Gu Jiaojiao glanced at the two women, then suddenly spoke up.

"That piece of pork Third Aunt got looks pretty good."

Aunt Leng looked down at her own portion. She’d received more lean meat and less fat.

Her sister-in-law’s piece, however, really was better.

It was pork belly, which was not only good for eating but could also be rendered for lard.

She immediately snatched the pork that Third Aunt Leng was hiding behind her back.

"Here, you can have this."

Third Aunt Leng tried to hold on.

But she was no match for Aunt Leng.

She could only watch helplessly as Aunt Leng dropped her pork into the bucket Chen JianShe had placed on the ground.

Gu Jiaojiao was pretty, and her smile was both sweet and charming.

"Well then, thank you, Aunt Leng and Third Aunt Leng."

Aunt Leng waved her hand cheerfully.

"We’re all family. No need to be so polite."

Although Aunt Leng had a fiery personality, she was generous in her actions and well-liked, even if she did tend to offend people easily.

Third Aunt Leng hadn’t even torn her gaze away from the pork bucket when Aunt Leng dragged her away.