Chapter 369: Chapter 369: Lying
Luo Dahua happened to come in and she mentioned the same thing to Yang PeiMin, “Both my daughters have gone there, I’m going to try applying to that teacher again. Even though I haven’t read many books, I did get to third grade, and I think that’s enough to cope with those kids.”
Luo Dahua herself joined in, flailing her hands at them, “Whether it works or not, you won’t know until you try. Anyway, there’s no harm in trying.”
Yang PeiMin nodded, “Even if it doesn’t work out, the kids are all in school now, and I’ll be able to free up some time to do some things.”
Luo Dahua smiled in agreement, “Right, why did you come back today? My husband also mentioned that Shen Yizhang has gone out on another assignment.”
“I came back just to ask about that.”
Luo Dahua patted her hand, “Don’t worry too much, it’s common for them being soldiers. You don’t know, back when I was having my third child, he was also out on a mission. My first and second were born back at home, and he only found out after they sent him a telegram…”
Sister-in-law Lu couldn’t help but interject, “Luo Dahua, that’s not really…”
“Oh right, I just want your sister-in-law here to feel at ease. That’s how it is for us military wives.”
Yang PeiMin nodded, “It’s okay, I’m not busy at the moment, and besides, I have two sisters keeping me company. I hope he can serve the country without any worries.”
While they spoke briefly about this, Luo Dahua started gossiping about the courtyard, all sorts of domestic trivialities.
Finally, she circled back to herself, “Even though I just said I’m going to try becoming a kindergarten teacher, I actually don’t have much confidence. To my knowledge, there are already twenty or thirty applicants, many of whom are more qualified and younger than me. Like you said, with the kids at school, my days at home have gotten longer, but I really can’t think of what to do.”
Yang PeiMin made a suggestion, “Sister, you can make salted duck eggs, right? If you really can’t find a job, why not make some to sell in town for a bit of money? After all, there aren’t many in the area who can do this.”
Luo Dahua was unsure, “Would that be okay? I mean, as a military spouse, going out to do business, I’m afraid it may not work. It could negatively impact my husband, and I’m really scared of being labeled as a speculator…”
Yang PeiMin understood her concerns, “Then you first try with the teacher thing. If that doesn’t work out, you can look outside for something suitable.”
She didn’t dare to give her flippant advice; she should have been cautioned by the men at home that there are some things that can’t be done because they might impact a soldier.
It wasn’t long before Luo Dahua had to leave; it was time to prepare dinner, she had to take care of her family’s meals.
Watching her go, Shen Yixiang commented offhandedly, “Sister-in-law Lu is quite timid, isn’t she?”
Yang PeiMin shook her head, “Everyone has their own worries and considerations. Standing in different shoes leads to different thoughts. You can’t expect others to think the same as you—that’s being authoritarian.”
Shen Yixiang stuck out her tongue and went out with Yang Peiying to wash dishes and prepare dinner.
After dinner, Shen Yixiang put down her chopsticks and said, “I’m going to take a walk outside, visit Mr. Zhang’s place. Do you remember his daughter, Zhang Yan Ni? She’s two years younger than me, and we get along well. I’ll go have a chat with her and be back soon.”
Yang PeiMin was surprised; she knew of this person, that girl was Mr. Zhang’s eldest daughter, still in school, not commonly seen around. She couldn’t quite recall Shen Yixiang having any contact with her, “What can’t wait till tomorrow? They’re either eating or resting now. If you go over there, wouldn’t you be disturbing them?” she said with a smile.
Shen Yixiang’s face showed a moment of confusion as she averted Yang PeiMin’s gaze, “No, I have something to tell her, just for a moment, really fast, it won’t disturb them—just a couple of words.”
“Why don’t you let Yingzi accompany you then? It’s dark out, and if you stumble, at least there’d be someone to help you up,” Yang PeiMin joked.
Shen Yixiang shook her head hurriedly, “No need, no need, it’s just a few steps away, why would I need Yingzi for that? Let her, let her help you fetch water for your bath, I’ll be right back.”
Shen Yixiang had already left.
It was only now that Yang PeiMin had a sudden realization—this girl might be going to see Lu Haijun.
How could she have miscalculated, not seeing this possibility?
A girl seeking out a man at night, if someone spotted them, even if nothing happened, people would start rumors.
Yang PeiMin grabbed Shen Yixiang and took a flashlight, “Yingzi, come downstairs with me to check on her.”
Yang PeiYing was somewhat puzzled, but her response was swift. She hurried to find the flashlight, handing it to her sister while she couldn’t help but ask, “Sister, where are you going? I’m worried you’ll trip in the dark.”
Yang PeiMin took her hand, “Hurry, let’s follow Yixiang and see.”
But when they got to the doorway, Shen Yixiang’s figure was already out of sight.
Descending the stairs, Yang PeiMin knew that the male soldiers’ dormitory was also in another building nearby, separated from this residential area for the military families, but not far. She headed straight there.
Yang PeiYing didn’t know her way around, nor did she know what Yang PeiMin intended to do, but seeing her serious expression, she didn’t dare to ask too many questions, sensing that she must be about to take care of some urgent matter.
At this time of the evening, before rest hours, nearly every household had its lights on. Even though the streetlamps near the dormitory weren’t lit, their path was still visible underfoot. Moreover, not far off, there was the occasional light from a streetlamp, so Yang PeiMin turned off the flashlight and carefully watched her step, moving forward at a brisk pace.
Soon, she spotted Shen Yixiang’s figure under the wall, just as she ran into Lu Haijun and his group returning from training. The two moved aside to talk, while Lu Haijun’s teammates smirked and teased with suggestive looks on their faces.
Yang PeiMin couldn’t help but inwardly curse the two for not thinking straight, brazenly starting a conversation in front of everyone. By tomorrow, it would be news that the two of them were an item.
This kind of gossip, even before any relationship was confirmed, was just not proper.
She immediately approached them, and before she got close, she called out loudly, “Yixiang, I’ve already asked the Political Commissar, your brother definitely has been sent on a mission, there’s no need to ask Mr. Lu anymore. Let’s head back, thank you, Mr. Lu. My little cousin here was just a bit anxious and rashly came to find you.”
Shen Yixiang turned and saw the smile tinged with mirth but also a warning in Yang PeiMin’s eyes, her cheeks flushing red instantly. Lu Haijun, feeling as if caught red-handed, also started to look sheepish and awkward.
Coincidentally, Lu Haijun’s comrades hadn’t gone far, and Yang PeiMin deliberately raised her voice as they turned back to glance over.
Yang PeiMin had already reached Shen Yixiang’s side, pulling on her arm as she spoke loudly, “Let’s go back; we already got the news about your brother.” She then whispered to both of them, “You two really don’t know how to avoid suspicion. Hurry and smooth this over, or see what people will say about you tomorrow.”