Chapter 73: A Thousand Yuan Reward

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Feng Yuanzhi couldn't help but exclaim in his heart; this child was truly exceptional. He wiped away a cold sweat. Was she really from an extraordinary background?

Then, he had another thought: the situation in the Feng family was quite complicated, and having his nephew acknowledge such a big sister might not be a bad thing.

However, just as he was considering this, Tang Ailian said, "But with an uncle like you, I dare not accept Feng Ming as my little brother. Tell him that I've changed my mind about being his big sister."

This was what Feng Yuanzhi had initially hoped to achieve, but now he genuinely wanted his nephew to acknowledge this big sister. However, he also understood the unwavering nature of such extraordinary individuals. When they made a decision, they rarely changed their minds. He didn't dare to argue for his nephew.

"I won't acknowledge you because I plan to marry you when I grow up!" a young and tender voice suddenly rang out.

Both of them turned to see Feng Ming entering the room.

"Feng Ming?" Tang Ailian found it strange. She didn't even acknowledge him as her big sister just moments ago.

Feng Yuanzhi cast a glance at his nephew, and his eyes sparkled.

Feng Ming, with his innocent and adorable face, wore a serious expression. "I haven't acknowledged you as my big sister, but I intend to marry you when I grow up."

Tang Ailian was dumbfounded. Who would have thought that a child of four or five years old would talk about marrying someone in the future?

"Cough, cough, cough!" Feng Yuanzhi started coughing violently.

Feng Ming turned to his uncle. "Uncle, you need to witness this. I'm going to marry her when I grow up!"

Feng Yuanzhi was taken aback. "When did I agree to that?"

Feng Ming looked at his uncle seriously. "I just asked you to be a witness, and you didn't object. That means you agreed." The young boy pouted, staring at his uncle.

Feng Yuanzhi couldn't help but laugh. "If you want her to be your wife when you grow up, she needs to agree as well."

Feng Ming immediately turned to Tang Ailian. "Ailian, promise me!" He took a jade pendant from around his neck and handed it to her. "This is my identity token. I'm giving it to you."

Feng Yuanzhi's face changed. This jade pendant was a symbol of the Feng family's lineage. He wanted to stop his nephew, but considering Tang Ailian's mysterious nature, he held back.

Tang Ailian was at a loss for words. How could a four or five-year-old child talk about marriage? She hesitated but ultimately accepted the jade pendant, thinking that perhaps she could use it to block her arranged marriage with Li Xinye in the future.

"You didn't object, so it means you agreed. Remember, you can't be close to other men, and you must wait for me to grow up and marry you," Feng Ming stated firmly.

Feng Yuanzhi and Tang Ailian watched as Feng Ming left the room. Feng Yuanzhi couldn't help but shake his head, thinking that even though she was an extraordinary person, she was still just a child.

Shortly after Feng Yuanzhi and his nephew left, the sound of an engine could be heard outside. It was evident that they had already departed.

Tang Ailian couldn't believe that she had been forcibly engaged by this little boy.

Tang Ailian suddenly thought that if she allowed herself to be engaged to this boy from the Feng family, she might be able to use it as an excuse to avoid the arranged marriage with Li Xinye, at least temporarily. Unbeknownst to her, her parents had already arranged her engagement to Li Xinye.

Shaking her head, she decided not to dwell on it.

As for Huang Yanan, she did receive a thousand yuan reward, and Tang Ailian also received a thousand yuan. In this era, that was a significant sum, and it was only possible because Tang Ailian had mentioned it to Huang Yanan beforehand. If the authorities hadn't provided the reward, she had intended to pay it herself.

"I'm going to give you this money as your salary," Tang Ailian quietly handed a thousand yuan to Xi Bufan. "You stay at the commune and focus on your studies. Once you've learned some skills, you can start helping me with tasks. The remaining money is for your travel expenses to return home when we find your hometown."

Xi Bufan hesitated. "But I haven't done anything for you yet. How can I take your salary?"

Tang Ailian insisted, "By accepting it, you're agreeing to be my little brother. You'll follow my instructions and help me when needed. This thousand yuan is for the next four years as your salary. After that, I'll arrange for someone to take you back to your hometown."

Xi Bufan reluctantly accepted the money. "Alright, I'll listen to you and learn some skills first."

Tang Ailian smiled. "Good, remember to study hard. If you ever face any difficulties, come find me."

All the children bid farewell to Tang Ailian, chanting in unison, "If we ever face difficulties, we'll find Big Sister! Big Sister, take care!"

(End of this chapter)