"Uncle, let's take You Tian to the hospital first."
"Life is tough, but with everyone lending a hand, we'll get by."
"Once You Tian's injuries have healed, I'll have ways to help him earn money. We have our hands and feet, and as long as we're willing to work, we can make a living."
Chen Yang could see what Qin You Sheng could see.
Let alone in this era, even in the future, it wasn't every family that could accept a married daughter returning home to divorce.
If it were that easy, Qin Kaiyun would have divorced Liu Yan Chang long ago. If she were truly divorced, where would she go with her child?
She could throw a tantrum and stay at her parents' house for a few days, letting her father and brother support her. But to truly divorce and move back home.
Putting aside whether her sister-in-law would be willing, there would surely be endless gossip from the neighbors in the village. Life, it was difficult.
"Yang Zi, you're capable. We heard you were doing well in Wan Province during Juan Zi's wedding. We, your two uncles, would be happy if you're willing to lend a hand to a few cousins."
"We're not capable. We've never helped our sister or nephew since we were young. Now that we're old, it's our nephew helping us..."
The younger uncle held Chen Yang's hand. He knew his nephew's character and that he didn't like to brag. Since he had spoken, he must be confident.
"Lao Wu, we're family. There's no need to say such things."
"Big Sister's family is having the hardest time, so my husband and I are helping them first. You and Big Brother, our abilities are limited, and we can't help much."
"Yang Yang grew up under your watch. Since he said he'd help, he certainly will. As a family, if we work hard to make our lives better, that's all that matters."
"Look at this little girl, so cute. No more crying, okay? Come, Great Aunt will hold you."
Qin Lifen held her niece Qin Kaiyun's daughter, Xiao Tao Zi. She was still a child and had never experienced such a scene. She had been clinging to her mother, crying her eyes out in fear.
This poor mother and daughter had no idea that they had almost been sold to human traffickers by the man in their family who was too lazy to improve himself.
With the comfort from Chen Yang and Qin Lifen, the family's initially tense atmosphere eased a little.
The younger uncle's family took Qin You Tian to the hospital with a cart. Not long after, the elder aunt's family also arrived.
Hearing about the younger uncle's family's situation, the elder aunt couldn't help but cry. Every family dreaded such a situation when their daughters got married.
With the younger uncle's family gone, the meal felt less enjoyable. However, since everyone had gathered, it wasn't feasible for the entire family to crowd into the hospital.
After some drinks, the family gathered in the courtyard and chatted.
Chen Yang then learned that his elder aunt's eldest cousin, Zhang Hong Mei, was preparing to get engaged to a male employee at the factory. He was the same age as Zhang Hong Mei.
The two often worked in the same workshop, and gradually, they developed feelings for each other.
Zhang Hong Mei's fiancé's parents had both passed away in an accident, so he entered the Jinling Aviation Manufacturing Plant on a substitute basis at a very young age. He was basically raised by the factory workers.
Having grown up eating from many families, he lacked parents and his family background was weak. Therefore, many people tried to help him find a match over the years, but most city girls shook their heads upon seeing his situation.
He kept putting it off until he was twenty-four or twenty-five. In this era, even a man of twenty-four or twenty-five who wasn't married was considered a late marriage.
He saw that Zhang Hong Mei was diligent and had a decent appearance, so he decided to pursue her. Gradually, things progressed.
Having worked at the factory for so many years alone, he also wanted to start a family. Therefore, he didn't mind too much that Zhang Hong Mei was just a temporary worker on a substitute basis.
As it turned out, they were planning to have a wedding feast in a few days.
The elder aunt's family was planning to take this opportunity to announce the good news to their relatives, but unexpectedly, they encountered Qin Kaiyun's situation.
Zhang Zhu Gen remained unchanged. Although he no longer mentioned Liu Ting, he had no interest in other women.
Chen Yang's mute sister-in-law from his previous life had reportedly visited their home several times and seemed quite fond of Zhang Zhu Gen.
The elder aunt's husband was a rather old-fashioned man. He had previously agreed to let the two young people get to know each other and wouldn't look down on the girl just because Zhang Zhu Gen was now a temporary worker at a state-owned factory.
So, through their interactions, the elderly couple found the girl to be quite sensible.
Aside from not being able to hear them speak, she was a capable worker.
What did the older generation look for in a daughter-in-law? As the saying goes, a wife should be virtuous, caring, and know how to manage a household. In their hearts, such a woman was a top-notch daughter-in-law.
As things progressed, Zhang Zhu Gen wasn't interested, but the elder aunt and her husband had a very good impression of the girl.
On the contrary, the younger cousin, Zhang Shu Gen, saw his elder brother having potential brides visit, but he himself was idle all day. It was the Chinese New Year, and he didn't have to work, which made him restless.
Seeing Chen Yang, he immediately scurried over.
"Brother, after the New Year, I'll be eighteen. I'm not a little kid anymore."
"I'm an adult now, and I can look for a wife."
Zhang Shu Gen pushed towards Chen Yang. He was well aware that given their family's circumstances, it would take God knows how long for his parents to arrange a marriage for him.
He had to rely on his cousin. His cousin was so capable; if he didn't try to curry favor with him, he'd be a fool.
"Brother Zhu Gen, you're not looking for a wife when you're old enough, but you, kid, are so young and always thinking about finding a wife."
"I think you two brothers should switch your focus."
Chen Yang looked at his younger cousin, who was almost as tall as him and was practically rushing towards him, and couldn't help but feel amused.
In Chen Yang's eyes, Zhang Shu Gen was still a little kid who kept talking about finding a wife.
"Brother, I'm not little at all. I'm eighteen. In the village, at my age, some people already have kids."
"I want to earn money and get married."
Zhang Shu Gen didn't hide anything from Chen Yang. He just wanted to find a wife. This was the age of burgeoning hormones; of course, he would think about finding a girl to date.
"Alright, if you truly want to earn money, come with me after the New Year."
"However, finding a wife is still a bit early. Once we're out there, you can look around yourself. If you find someone suitable, pursue them yourself. I can't help you with that."
"Also, dating is not a game. Don't think someone is pretty today and want her, and then tomorrow think another is pretty."
"If you truly have your heart set on someone, you must treat them seriously. Marriage is a lifelong commitment."
Chen Yang patted Zhang Shu Gen's shoulder. The young man was at an age where he needed guidance.
Chen Yang needed people to expand his business anyway. Since the cousins from his maternal uncles' families were all married, it would be difficult for him to take them away from home to run the business.
Zhang Shu Gen was young and unmarried, so he could be taken along to endure some hardship; it would be considered training for him.