Shen Meng held two pairs of big head cotton shoes and a pound of brown sugar as she entered the old courtyard. As she walked through the gate, she was a bit dazed, as if it had been a long time since her last visit. She had just arrived when she saw Zhou Jiaojiao coming out with a basin of water, almost splashing it on her.
"Oops, elder sister-in-law, sorry, I didn’t see you there. Are you okay?"
Shen Meng saw Zhou Jiaojiao’s eyes that were not quite smiling and knew it was on purpose. She was just putting on an act here.
"I’m fine, what’s there to be afraid of a little water? Your big brother just bought me some officer boots, aren’t they nice? They’re comfortable and warm. I got them from Hai City’s Friendship Store, not something an ordinary person can get their hands on. Look, he also bought sturdy big head cotton shoes for father and mother. As sons and daughters-in-law, the most important thing is to honor one’s parents. It seems that Jiaxuan will soon be officially employed, and you’re about to get a secure job too. I wonder if you’ve bought anything for mom and dad?"
Liu Sanjin, hearing the commotion and coming out of the house, stiffened her face. Her youngest son had been working for quite some time now, and apart from giving her five yuan from his first-month salary, he had not given her a penny since, let alone any gifts—she had received nothing at all.
Hearing the footsteps, Zhou Jiaojiao turned around and saw Liu Sanjin with an unfriendly expression. She quickly said, "Mom, don’t listen to what elder sister-in-law is saying. Jiaxuan said that he’s going to buy you a scarf once he gets his salary this month. You like that soybean paste-colored scarf, right? He’s already picked it out, just waiting to give it to you during the New Year!"
Listening to her, Liu Sanjin’s expression softened a bit. But when she saw Shen Meng coming in with all sorts of packages, her smile grew even more radiant.
"Xiao Meng is here, why did you bring so much stuff?"
"Mom, I’m here to bring some things over for Xiang Lan and the kids. They were all hungry and tired yesterday. Zhenping had to take care of my brother, so we couldn’t make it. Look, these are the big head cotton shoes that Zhenping specifically got for you and dad from Hai City. The inside is lined with rabbit fur and the tip is made of top-layer cowhide. Try them on. And this soybean paste-colored scarf I got for you from the Cooperative Society. I, being a thoughtful person, rushed to buy it thinking it would be cold. I didn’t wait like others, otherwise, you might chafe your face while waiting. And this brown sugar is for Xiang Lan, she’s not having an easy time raising the child on her own, and we don’t want her to start arguing with Jiahe again, giving mom and dad a headache."
Liu Sanjin looked at Shen Meng in astonishment. She felt that her elder daughter-in-law must have been possessed to be so thoughtful, especially with such sweet talk. She glanced at the rising sun, affirming to herself that it rose from the east indeed.
"Mom, Zhenping and I remember you were upset about the kids fighting. All the kids kept praising you last night. I’ll leave these things with you; I’m going to check on Xiang Lan."
That was enough to disgust Zhou Jiaojiao. She didn’t feel like sparring with Liu Sanjin anymore, not wanting to disgust herself any further.
Liu Sanjin, holding so many items, was very pleased, although she was reluctant to let go of that half-pound of brown sugar. But it wasn’t a good time to confront Shen Meng—what if she decided to take everything back?
Wu Xianglan was knitting a sweater, and she could hear the conversation outside but pretended not to notice. She clearly recognized Shen Meng’s nature—remembering favors and grudges. It was much more beneficial to follow her than Zhou Jiaojiao.
"Elder sister-in-law is here?"
"She’s come to give mom and dad things, and she brought brown sugar for you. She also brought coconut candies for Yong Qiang and Yong Li. These are from Hai City, we don’t have them here. I’ve got plenty, so you all can try it."
Wu Xianglan’s face lit up with joy as she looked into Shen Meng’s sincere eyes. She wiped her hands on her clothes before accepting the items from Shen Meng. She put the brown sugar on the table and peeled two coconut candies, giving one each to Yong Qiang and Yong Li. Then she turned back to Shen Meng.
"I feel so embarrassed, elder sister-in-law. You came to visit and still brought so much stuff."
"I am their aunt; it’s only right to give them some nice things. Besides, these two kids really tug at the heartstrings."
Pfft!!!
Shen Meng touched her chest, disgusted by her own words. She felt sorry for herself.
Wu Xianglan, on hearing her say this, immediately thought of her own husband frequently sneaking out to be with other women, and her heart instantly soured. She had been married into the Lu Family for so long, and there were few who truly cared about her—to be given a whole pound of brown sugar in one go was an extravagant gesture that only Shen Meng, her elder sister-in-law, would make.
She had often seen Shen Meng giving Xie Jinghao nice food to eat and had felt envious. Now that it was her turn, she realized that this genuine concern felt much warmer than mere pleasant words. She felt very touched.
"Elder sister-in-law, what you said has really struck a chord with me. That bastard Jiahe has never taken our mother and daughters seriously. After all the trouble he’s caused, he still thinks about that flirtatious vixen Liu Suqin. The sorrow in my heart is deep!"
Shen Meng: "...."
What sorrow? You earn money every time you make a scene, and now you’re even wearing a new padded jacket. You seem pretty happy to me!
"Elder sister-in-law knows, I understand. Today, besides bringing you these things, I wanted to give you some advice. You should think not only of yourself but also of your children. They’re getting to the age where they should be in school. Don’t you want to send them to get an education, to hope that they can achieve something, to have a career and a bright future like their uncle, to have success? Xianglan, all else is illusionary. Having money in hand is the only reality!"
Wu Xianglan paused in her crying and looked at Shen Meng with shining eyes. She wasn’t smart, but she could recognize intelligence in others. As a mother, how could she not wish for her children’s success?
"Elder sister-in-law, are you willing to help me? Are you willing to give me the spot at the textile factory?"
Shen Meng: "...."
What are you dreaming about? The day has barely begun!!!
"It’s not just me in our family who has a spot. With four children, our expenses are high. But the situation with Jiaojiao is different. She’s pregnant, and surely she can’t be expected to go to work with her big belly next year? Besides, now that Jiaxuan has a stable job, he’s earning the money while two people eat, and with occasional help from mother, your family.... Well, if Jiaxuan really cared about you three, that would be something. But he doesn’t, and you should think carefully about that. That’s all I can say."
After Shen Meng left, Wu Xianglan sat alone for a long time, looking at Yong Qiang and Yong Li beside the kang. She decided to be ruthless for once. Elder sister-in-law was right—Jiaojiao’s pregnant, even with that worker’s spot, how many days could she actually work? Wouldn’t that just add to the factory’s burden?
Another thing—Zhou Jiaojiao was close to the wife of the Textile Factory Director. Even without this worker’s spot, she would surely have other job opportunities, unlike herself. She was just a rural woman. Without this chance, she would never be able to give her children a better life. After all, that notification was not personalized.
A longing, covetous and resolute expression burst forth in Wu Xianglan’s eyes!!!