Chapter 123

."

Even in Beijing, favoring sons over daughters was common. The poorer a family was, the more likely they were to see a daughter as someone who would marry out and no longer belong to them. Many thought paying for a daughter's schooling would only benefit her future in-laws. They would rather she quit school early to work at home, look after the younger children, and do the chores, then find any job she could in a few years—or simply marry her off for the bride price.

It looked like a small matter, but resolving it was anything but simple.

Eavesdropped On

When Gu Yousi saw Lin An'an the next day, she felt relieved.

Lin An'an was neatly dressed and had delicate features. Though there were calluses on her hands from housework, her slightly plump figure suggested she had been getting by all right at home.

At the sight of Gu Yousi, Lin An'an grew inexplicably shy. "Xiaohua said you wanted to see me?"

"Yes."

Gu Yousi nodded and asked, "I heard something happened in your family."

Sadness and embarrassment crossed Lin An'an's face. She gripped her trousers, and Song Chaohua hurried to explain, "Things were all right before, but the factory where her dad worked refuses to pay compensation. They insist he was drunk when his hand got crushed."

"That's a lie. My dad doesn't drink at all. Our family can't afford alcohol."

Afraid Gu Yousi might misunderstand, Lin An'an rushed to explain. Her eyes reddened. Clearly, her family had endured plenty of gossip over this lately.

"I believe you," Gu Yousi said. It was their PE period, and the teacher had disappeared as soon as he dismissed them. Students were skipping rope, playing ball, and kicking shuttlecocks all over the field. There were steps nearby where they could