Chapter 74: Chapter 74: Conspiracy
Jiang Xiulan was also displeased.
She criticized, "Older brother, you’re a grown man, don’t you know the importance of this? How can you keep this child? If Feng Mei’s family finds out, there’ll be trouble."
Jiang Caifa glanced at his sister, his face also flushed with embarrassment, but the deed was done and had to be dealt with.
"Sister, I know, but I can’t let it go. What if it’s a son, then it’s a waste. It’s not that I’m hung up on Hang Cuihua’s beauty, but in my heart, I feel this child might be a boy."
Being criticized by his sister was hard on his pride.
Inwardly, Jiang Xiulan scoffed, thinking if it were someone else, she would’ve slapped them already.
Shameless man.
She glared at Gu Rushan.
Gu Rushan rubbed his nose, unsure of how he angered this tigress.
In the household, everything was decided by Jiang Xiulan. Gu Rushan was just her pawn, doing whatever she commanded.
He awkwardly chuckled and said, "This isn’t hard to solve. The widow wants money, right? We can set her up out of town, then after she gives birth, we pay her, take the child, and that’s that. What trouble could the widow cause?"
This was Gu Rushan’s male perspective, which aligned with Jiang Caifa’s thoughts.
Jiang Xiulan secretly pinched Gu Rushan’s thigh, causing him to stagger, almost jumping up from the pain.
Jiang Caifa slapped the table, joyfully agreeing, "Brother-in-law makes sense."
Of course, it made sense; it was exactly what Jiang Caifa had in mind.
Jiang Xiulan kept a cold face and asked, "You can’t hide fire with paper; hiding people isn’t easy. What if my sister-in-law finds out? That’s one thing.
Secondly, even if the widow wants money instead of the child, how do you bring the child home? You can’t just suddenly show up with a child for my sister-in-law. She’d be suspicious, and then there’d be trouble."
This was what Jiang Xiulan feared.
Jiang Caifa had thought about it for days and shared his plan, "Here’s what I think: I’ll rent a place in the county, have her live there for now, and after the birth, I’ll give her money and take the child. But the child can’t be raised under my name; otherwise, your sister-in-law will make a fuss. So, sister, why don’t you and Rushan..."
He was essentially passing the child to Gu Rushan.
Seeing Jiang Xiulan’s displeasure, Jiang Caifa quickly added, "Isn’t Xiaocheng about to return? If I arrange a job for Xiaocheng and the child isn’t home, wouldn’t you two feel lonely? Having a companion would be nice, and I’d cover the living costs."
Jiang Xiulan understood now; her brother had planned this out, targeting her all along.
Yet, she couldn’t openly refuse.
His words about Gu Xiaocheng were heavy with implications.
Gu Xiaocheng’s future job depended on her brother, so she couldn’t just ignore it.
But handling this situation felt burdensome.
Being the younger sister, raising her brother’s illegitimate child—it’s not something she wanted to spread around.
But it wasn’t a situation she could avoid offending.
Gu Rushan, too, remained silent.
The matter seemed simple but was actually complicated.
It was easy if no one knew about it.
But if things got exposed, the family’s reputation would be ruined.
Gu Xiaocheng was about to return.
Work-wise, he would undoubtedly rely on Jiang Caifa, which justified Jiang Caifa approaching them since he had the upper hand.
Yet, if things got exposed, their son’s reputation would be trashed.
Glancing at Jiang Xiulan, Gu Rushan knew she was the decision-maker, especially since it was her brother’s problem.
Jiang Xiulan was deeply frustrated.
Finally, Jiang Caifa noticed his sister and brother-in-law’s concerns, took a sip of wine, and continued, "Sister, over the years, I’ve helped you a lot, haven’t I? I’m not someone who ignores family. I know you’d feel uneasy raising this child, but I have no choice.
About Gu Xiaocheng’s job, I will surely give my best effort. I heard from Director Ma of the transport company that the county government is looking for a driver for the secretary; the transport company also needs a clerical worker. These are truly good positions.
Think it over carefully; don’t miss the chance. Don’t hurriedly refuse or agree; mull it over tonight and give me an answer tomorrow. Regardless, I have to thank you both."
His words were a mix of coercion and persuasion.
Jiang Xiulan was left speechless.
The three of them had a tasteless meal, and Jiang Caifa left.
Jiang Xiulan and Gu Rushan washed up and lay down, starting to mull over the situation.
Not helping Jiang Caifa wasn’t an option.
Jiang Xiulan was attracted by the potential driver position for the county government secretary.
After all, everyone knew that secretaries and drivers of county officials are close to the top.
Many seek to connect with them, as they’re close to the leadership, and a word from them makes a big difference.
The work is both prestigious and dignified.
It’s a comfortable and respectable job, with many perks and potential for promotion if done well.
Even if many vie for the driver position, there’s still the clerical job at the transport company.
It’s also considered a good place to work.
Good benefits, easy work—anyone would be eager for it.
It’s a rare opportunity.
But the lasting impact of the child issue was too negative.
After pondering the pros and cons, Jiang Xiulan finally whispered a plan to Gu Rushan in bed.
"How about, when the child comes, you say you found it and bring it to Brother’s house? If you play up the child’s pitiful circumstances, Brother and Sister-in-law, being softhearted, may take the child in. Then whatever happens in the future won’t be our concern."
This was a complete shirking of responsibility.
Jiang Xiulan thought she could save on living costs and save money for Gu Xiaocheng’s wedding dowry.
Gu Rushan pondered it for a while, tossing and turning in bed, and finally agreed on this plan.
Both felt it was the most perfect plan.
The next day, when Jiang Caifa arrived, they discussed it with him. Although Jiang Caifa was somewhat reluctant, he knew Jiang Xiulan and Gu Rushan were not ones to take losses lightly.
Coming up with such a solution was already respectful of his situation.
So it was settled this way.
Jiang Caifa felt that Gu Ruhai and his wife were straightforward, honest people, which put his mind at ease.
And that’s how it was concluded.
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