Carrying big and small packages, they returned to the compound. Mother Qi and Qi Fenglian, along with Xiao Bao, were so tired that they went to rest. Cheng Su was also tired, but she rested only for a moment before getting up to prepare dinner.
"This is actually more tiring than going to work," Cheng Su complained inwardly.
Carrying the rice cooker, she went to the kitchen, where Chunhua was already washing vegetables. Seeing her come in, Chunhua moved aside, and asked, "I saw you guys coming back with lots of stuff. What good things did you buy?"
"Just a few pieces of clothing," Cheng Su smiled.
"Ah, you’re so lucky, earning more money, and your husband has prospects too. Unlike us, we live so tightly," Chunhua said as she peeled beans, letting out a sigh.
The comment sounded a bit sour, but Cheng Su smiled without responding.
Chunhua then casually suggested, "How about I come and work for you at your restaurant or factory after I have my baby?"
Cheng Su chuckled, "You’re planning to work? After your baby is born, you’ll need to take care of the child. Would Old Liang even let you work? Who would look after the baby?"
"It’s a situation of necessity, without much money at home. So, once the baby is a bit older, I’ll probably have to send them back to our hometown to be taken care of by their grandma."
Cheng Su looked over and frowned slightly, "So young, can you bear to do that?"
"Even if I can’t bear it, I must. Old Liang’s salary alone isn’t enough," Chunhua sighed and added, "Besides, isn’t this how it is in every household?"
Cheng Su pursed her lips. She knew she couldn’t bear it; leaving children behind wasn’t good. A child, you see, one less day of companionship each day, until at eighteen they completely leave your care and fly free. Then they wouldn’t need your oversight. So, if it were up to her, she would never send her future child to the countryside.
It was for this reason she was determined to create a good environment now. Without money, you couldn’t say anything.
"Every family has their own difficult scripture to recite," Cheng Su sighed too.
"Your family’s scripture seems much easier to recite," Chunhua said with envy in her eyes. Then, curiously, she asked, "Do you know what’s been different in our building these past few days?"
Cheng Su was puzzled, "What’s different?"
With her mother-in-law visiting, she had been busy attending to her, and with business and her studies, she hadn’t noticed anything unusual.
"Haven’t you noticed our floor is much quieter?" Chunhua clicked her tongue.
Cheng Su, not fond of guessing games, said, "Come on, my dear sister, don’t keep me in suspense, just tell me!"
"Hualing, she’s gone back to her parents’ house; she hasn’t been home these past few days," Chunhua revealed.
Cheng Su laughed, "Isn’t it normal to visit one’s parents’ house? What’s so surprising about that?"
"That’s where you’re out of the loop. She stormed off back home. They say she’s talking about divorcing Chen Shouwang!" Chunhua pursed her lips.
"Really? Couldn’t you have gotten it wrong? They haven’t been married for that long, have they?" Cheng Su was skeptical.
"What’s so surprising? Ever since they moved in, except for the honeymoon phase when they were inseparable, haven’t they been arguing constantly? A couple that argues often, how many can withstand it? Feelings can fade away with every fight," Chunhua said with a know-it-all air.
There was truth in her words, and Cheng Su nodded. Even the best relationships can change if you fight too much, until they eventually dissipate.
"I guess it’s just a matter of calming down for a few days. Who knows, Platoon Leader Chen might be going to pick her up and bring her back even now!" Cheng Su said after a while.
"Who knows? If he goes to pick her up and Hualing is willing to step down, all would be well. If he doesn’t, she’ll still come back obediently. In my opinion, she’s just being foolish. If it were me, I wouldn’t have left," Chunhua said dismissively.
Cheng Su smiled and slightly pursed her lips, then changed the subject.