"Big sister, this isn’t something to be angry about. It’s right for him to deduct your salary, but him taking multiple times your salary is just bullying."
"But the boss was just talking. He won’t really deduct it. Actually, he’s quite a nice person. Xiaxia, when I first spoke to the boss, I agreed to work for the whole month. Since I’ve said so, I have to continue."
Chuxia slightly frowned, "Big sister, is there something troubling you? Are the Zhang Family treating you badly, prompting you to come out and wash dishes?"
Those hands, no longer delicate, didn’t just turn rough from housework, but from washing dishes or doing other heavy tasks.
"No," Qin Juan smiled, "Why would you think that? Ningning has started school recently and there was nothing for me at home, so I thought about getting a job. I can’t do much else, so I took on washing dishes for others."
"Is it really just that?"
Qin Juan nodded again.
"Even if you want to find a job, you could go to our family’s Bun Shop. Why suffer here? We don’t have to work here. If need be, forget about the money, I’ll compensate you."
Chuxia was still worried about Qin Juan being there.
Qin Juan’s face beamed with reassurance, "I’m really not being treated poorly. The boss is actually quite generous, and this place is close to my home, which makes it convenient for taking Ningning to school. The Bun Shop is a bit too far."
"Really?" Chuxia was still somewhat doubtful.
Qin Juan patted her arm and winked at her, "How about I call the boss back and let him tell you personally?"
She gave another charming smile, "It’s really okay, I’ve just been continuously late these last few days, and that’s why the boss got angry. He’s usually easy to talk to."
"Big sister, we are your family. If you’re in trouble, you must tell us. Qin Yang and I are right here for you, we’ll back you up no matter what happens. In our hearts, you are the most important."
"I know," Qin Juan said and then changed the subject, "Where are you heading? Haven’t had food yet? Why not try the food at our restaurant? It’s my treat."
"No need, big sister, I have to get back. I’ve been out too long; Qin Yang will be worried."
"Then hurry back, I’m really fine."
Chuxia finally nodded and whispered, "If the boss is unreasonable again, just stand up to him. You can’t let yourself be taken advantage of. If needed, we’ll help you fight."
Qin Juan couldn’t help but laugh.
Watching Chuxia walk away, the smile slowly faded from Qin Juan’s face, and her eyes began to redden.
"Xiaxia, I’m sorry. It’s not that I don’t appreciate what I have, but I can’t burden you."
Mom and Dad say we are the pride of the village; how can I smear my siblings’ reputations?
At dusk, Qin Juan finally finished a day’s work, her hands soaked to a pale white.
"Boss, I will definitely come early tomorrow. These past days there have truly been issues at home, I’m sorry."
Even though the boss’s face was stern, his attitude was not as harsh.
"Good that you know. I wasn’t eager to deduct your salary today. Just be careful in the future. You should head home now."
Qin Juan thanked him again and then trudged home, exhausted.
As soon as she reached the doorstep, she heard Ningning crying. Qin Juan’s face changed, and she rushed into the house.
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