Free Web NovelChapter 437: Chapter 437: Training Violet
Adrian Hawthorne was a little surprised. He felt that something about Rosalind Green was different. The change was subtle, but it was definitely there; he just couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was.
Tang Xiaonan noticed it too, and she observed more closely. Rosalind Green was quite a bit tanner; she wasn’t as fair-skinned as before.
In the past, even when Rosalind Green did her assigned labor, she would always pick a shady spot to work. It wasn’t like anyone expected her to actually get anything done—she was just going through the motions. Because of this, the village chief was fairly accommodating when assigning her farm chores. As a result, Rosalind Green had always done her utmost to keep her skin fair and delicate.
After she no longer had to do collective labor, Rosalind Green became even more protective of her skin, absolutely refusing to work under the sun. Her skin naturally grew even fairer and more delicate. Yet, in just a few short days, Rosalind’s pale complexion had acquired a faint, sun-kissed tan. She no longer looked so pale and frail.
Tang Xiaonan leaned close to Grandpa Tate’s ear and whispered, "Grandpa Tate, how did Aunt Green get a tan?"
The old man couldn’t help but laugh. He leaned toward her ear and murmured back, "That’s all your mother’s doing."
It turned out that Rosalind Green had run into some trouble recently. She was being pestered by some local hooligans again. Fortunately, Amanda Chapman had called for Phoebe Huxley, just as Tang Xiaonan had instructed before she left—to notify Phoebe if anything happened. Amanda had followed her instructions perfectly.
Although Phoebe Huxley couldn’t stand Rosalind Green, she did as her daughter asked and went to chase off the hooligans. Afterward, however, she gave the sobbing Rosalind a thorough dressing-down. She mostly called her a useless piece of work who didn’t act like a mother at all. Her choice of words was not exactly refined, and in the end, she berated Rosalind so badly that she cried all night.
And then—
"These past few days, your mother has been dragging your Aunt Green out to work in the fields. She scolds her if she doesn’t work. Your Aunt Green can even carry half a yoke of water now," the old man said with a laugh.
Tang Xiaonan’s eyes went wide. ’Holy shit, my mom is a total badass!’
’To think she could actually whip that delicate little flower into shape! And she can carry half a yoke of water now?’
’That’s incredible!’
’But Rosalind Green was pretty impressive too,’ she thought. ’She probably only obeyed and worked because she was intimidated by my mom’s fighting prowess, but Rosalind must have wanted to change herself. Otherwise, no matter how ferocious Phoebe Huxley was, Rosalind never would have changed.’
’If Rosalind Green can really become even a little bit tougher, that would be wonderful news, truly something to celebrate. Adrian Hawthorne’s life would get a little easier too, wouldn’t it?’
"Grandpa Tate, can I start studying with you from now on? I’ll stop going to school, okay?" Jim Thorne asked earnestly.
He had already made up his mind. Once this semester was over, he would do what Adrian Hawthorne did: work and study part-time. Grandpa Tate was a much better teacher than the ones at school, and this way, he wouldn’t have to stop earning money.
He had once overheard Felix Thorne and Phoebe Huxley discussing his sister’s dowry. They said they needed to start preparing it now, wanting to give her several truckloads so she wouldn’t be bullied after she married. Jim Thorne took their words to heart. He wanted to contribute to his sister’s dowry too—enough to fill ten tractors and more—so she could get married in the grandest style imaginable.
That’s why he had to start working hard and earning money now.
Grandpa Tate smiled benevolently and readily agreed. "All right, but you must get your parents’ permission first."
Jim Thorne grinned. "They’ll definitely agree. I’ll go tell them right now."
The old man said, half-joking, "You can’t lie to them, you hear? Your trip to Capria gave your parents quite a scare."
Jim Thorne scratched his head, embarrassed, and chuckled sheepishly.
After lingering at the Hawthorne family’s home for a while, Goldie Thorne hoisted Tang Xiaonan onto his back and they headed home. Jim Thorne followed behind, clutching two bolts of fabric. This was his lifeline.
