The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Chapter 913: Chapter 891: Top Student of the 1980s 19

Zhang Heping got up early.

Although he was anxious today, he still made breakfast for Anning. After she ate, he sent her to school and then went to the factory.

After arranging his work, he made a phone call to the Capital, asking a friend to help buy some books and foreign language tapes.

After settling these matters, Zhang Heping went with Secretary An to Fenggou Village.

When they arrived at the entrance of Fenggou Village, they saw Xiao Heizi and his wife waiting with a middle-aged woman.

”What’s going on?”

Secretary An thought that the middle-aged woman must be her daughter. After all, the child looked just like her in her younger days. But why was the child here instead of waiting at home?

Sister Xu pulled Secretary An aside and whispered, ”We’ve heard that Zhang Erzhu’s family wants to gather people to cause trouble, so we thought it’s best they don’t know where Xiangling went or that she’s found her real parents. Wait here early and you take the child away. Later, we’ll say Xiangling went out to find work.”

Secretary An frowned, ”This is outrageous. After leaving their home, they still want to cause trouble for my daughter.”

Zhang Heping was also furious, ”I want to see what they can do. I, Zhang Heping, came from the brink of death. I’ve seen all kinds of bad people in my life, I’m not afraid of them at all.”

Xiao Heizi sighed, ”It’s not about being afraid. Even if I’m not strong, I have some strength in my arms, and Xiangling has her brothers. We can’t let her suffer. Escalating things doesn’t look good and isn’t good for the child’s reputation. We’re mindful of the child, and they have nothing to lose...”

Xiangling approached Secretary An.

She observed Secretary An for a few moments, and she saw the resemblance in their eyebrows and eyes. It was hard to believe they weren’t mother and daughter.

Moreover, from the moment she saw Secretary An, she felt warm inside and wanted to be close to her.

She thought, this must be the bond of blood and family.

”Please don’t be mad, it was my idea. I don’t want any more entanglements with the Zhang Family; I just want some peace.”

Xiangling whispered.

Secretary An was overcome with sadness and hugged Xiangling crying, ”Oh, my daughter, you’ve been wronged.”

Sister Xu, not wanting to attract any more attention, quickly urged Secretary An, ”You should leave quickly before more people arrive. It’s hard to say what will happen if they see you.”

Secretary An nodded.

Zhang Heping shook hands with Xiao Heizi and handed over some pastries and wine, ”We came in a hurry, didn’t prepare properly, please take these for now, and we’ll meet again in the future.”

Xiao Heizi waved his hand, ”We can’t accept, really, we don’t need it.”

Zhang Heping insisted, ”Take it, let the grandchildren at home have a taste.”

Xiangling didn’t bring much, just two sets of clothes to change into.

Xiao Heizi watched Xiangling leave with Zhang Heping and his wife before telling the reluctant Sister Xu, ”Let’s go home.”

The three of them first rode bicycles to the town. The bicycle was borrowed from a factory in town. After returning the bicycle, they were about to eat in town before heading back to the county when they encountered a car from the county’s transport team going back, so they didn’t eat and got a ride back.

By the time the three returned to home in the county, it was already afternoon.

Zhang Heping said he would cook for Secretary An and Xiangling. When he went into the kitchen, he saw several dishes on the table, and there was rice in the pot, clearly left by Anning at noon for them.

Zhang Heping reheated the dishes and called Secretary An and Xiangling to eat together.

While eating, Zhang Heping smiled at Xiangling, ”This meal was made by your younger sister. She went to school, but you’ll see her when she gets back.”

Speaking of her younger sister, Xiangling also smiled, ”Mom said my sister is still young but very clever.”

Zhang Heping looked very proud, ”Indeed she is. She started middle school at seven because she felt the classes were too easy. She insisted on learning foreign languages, several of them in fact, and wants to learn painting too. I’m thinking of finding her an art teacher.”

Secretary An added more food to Xiangling’s plate, ”Eat some more, after lunch, mom will take you to buy clothes.”

Xiangling was taken aback, ”I-I have clothes to wear, there’s no need to buy more.”

”Silly girl.”

Secretary An felt a bit sorry for Xiangling, ”Don’t worry about the money, your parents have money. We’ve saved up a lot over the years without children. Money for my daughter’s clothes is the least of our worries.”

Xiangling said nothing more.

After all, these are her parents. Her mother’s offer to buy clothes for her daughter is not something to refuse, otherwise, it would seem distant.

Nonetheless, when Xiangling arrived home, she didn’t feel nervous, nor did she feel distant.

This wasn’t a stranger’s house; this was her own home, nothing to be afraid of.

After eating, Secretary An took Xiangling to her room and then to the department store to buy clothes.

By the time they returned for dinner, they had bought quite a lot of clothes—sweaters, pants, shoes, and more. Secretary An also bought Xiangling a blue cotton coat and two wool overcoats.

When they returned, Zhang Heping was cooking, and Anning was inside doing her homework.

Hearing them return, Anning rushed out excitedly.

Seeing Xiangling, she called out, ”Sister!”

Xiangling looked at Anning in surprise, then smiled, ”So it’s you. No wonder you look so familiar.”

Of course, she looked familiar. The child used to call her aunty, but now, she’s calling her sister.

Xiangling patted Anning’s head, ”Sister bought you some candy, I’ll give it to you later.”

”Okay.”

Anning nodded with a smile.

Some might think that between real daughters and adopted ones, there would be conflict, but Anning and Xiangling had none.

They’re separated by such a large age gap—over twenty years—and there’s nothing for a middle-aged woman and a child to argue about.

Moreover, Xiangling had always cared for Anning when they were at Tuliang Village, even helping her out from time to time. Now that Anning had become her sister, Xiangling was genuinely happy.

Xiangling put her newly bought clothes in the wardrobe, and the four of them went to have dinner.

During dinner, Secretary An looked at her two daughters and couldn’t help but smile with her eyes.

Zhang Heping was delighted, ”Today our family is complete; I’m especially happy. Old An, bring a bottle of wine. We should drink today.”

Secretary An brought the wine over, poured a glass for Zhang Heping, and another for Xiangling, ”Come, let’s all drink a little today. Xiangling, join your dad for a drink.”

Anning pouted, ”I want to drink too.”

Zhang Heping laughed and handed Anning a bottle of orange juice, ”You drink this.”

Anning looked at the wine and then the orange juice, poured a glass of orange juice for herself, ”Let’s toast.”