There’s still two months to go, then I can go find him. I wonder if he can come back, too?
On the 27th, I had lunch with Wang Ailing.
"Xinyu, we’re heading back to the hometown tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow’s going to be particularly exhausting."
"It won’t be that tiring, really. It’s just that tomorrow’s the only day I have time. I’ll be back by tomorrow night. My parents-in-law just want me to show my face in the village."
"Hmm, that’s understandable. Of course, the older folks would have such thoughts."
"Xinyu, what do you think of me wearing a trench coat?"
"Sure, there’s nothing inappropriate about that clothing. You can definitely wear it."
"Haha, I’m just worried the family would look at me askew."
"Sister, are you still that concerned about other people’s opinions?"
"True, I walk the straight path and sit upright. Whatever others say has nothing to do with me."
"Exactly, that’s how it should be."
Wang Ailing sat in the backseat, and Chen Guoliang set off at five, hoping to help out with some work at home.
"Dear, your outfit really looks nice."
"Right? Xinyu brought this back from Russia. It’s only this summer that I finished paying her back. This coat costs a hundred yuan. But Xinyu also gave me a pair of leather shoes and a scarf."
"My wife stands like a beauty."
Wang Ailing giggled, feeling quite pleased inside.
They arrived home by six-thirty; everyone had just gotten up. After all, it’s been a busy fall, and now there’s not much work, so no one minds staying in bed a bit longer.
The Chen family had already prepared yesterday; they specially slaughtered a pig, though only about a third was used for the feast— the rest would be divided among the three sons and a daughter.
After returning home, Mother Chen was happy, noting that the young couple were sensible for returning to help with chores.
Breakfast included the old couple, the daughter’s family of five, and the third son and his wife— with the eldest and the second son’s families having their own, since they had already split households.
Jiang Xinyu specifically brought out the ’sugar buns’ she steamed last night with squash and dough, though there’s not much sugar, they’re still sweet.
The elderly were even happier seeing such generosity from the third daughter-in-law.
"Ailing, your clothes look really nice."
"Looks good, doesn’t it? Big sister, these are what my friend brought back from Russia, one hundred yuan a piece. Back then, I didn’t spend any money for a whole year for these clothes."
"These shoes look nice too," Eldest Sister Chen remarked with admiration.
"These were a gift from my friend, and they’re wool-lined inside, very warm— I normally can’t bring myself to wear them."
"Ailing, that friend of yours is the one who buys the canned bottles, right?"
"Truly impressive. I wonder if there are more of those shoes available?"
Wang Ailing frowned slightly, "Probably not, she only brought back a few pairs. This was two years ago, likely they have long been distributed."
Wang Ailing’s view of her sister-in-law immediately dropped significantly. Is she trying to take advantage? An absolute lack of understanding. She still gets an advantage when buying bottles, with pure white flour loaf selling for a yuan each.
Eldest Sister Chen noticed her sister-in-law’s displeasure. If it were the other two sisters-in-law giving her attitude, she would retaliate, but she didn’t dare with this one— she has a good job, a higher salary than her brother, and clearly isn’t easily pushed around.
So she held her breath and avoided confrontation. Mother Chen warned her daughter with a stern face, "If you’re going to look like that, you can go back home."
"Mom, I’m just upset. Ailing’s friend has bought canned bottles twice from your son-in-law, and I just wanted to ask for a pair of shoes yet Ailing gives me attitude."
Wang Ailing initially intended to ask her mother-in-law if there’s any work to do, but she was immediately inflamed on hearing this.
"Haha, Big sister. Why don’t you mention she sent you twenty large loaves? Those loaves are made from pure white flour, with added milk powder and eggs. Besides, she bought the bottles paying money, not taking advantage of you. You only need to say a few words, and now you expect shoes? These leather shoes that cost fifty or sixty a pair— you sure dared to ask. Those canned bottles aren’t worth that much, right?
Rest assured, I’ll tell my friend that next time, she can directly reach out to the factory director without bothering you. Clearly not worth it."
Wang Ailing spoke quite frankly, leaving Eldest Sister Chen red-faced. Chen Guoliang and his brother-in-law walked in from outside. Chen Family’s Brother-in-law smiled at Wang Ailing.
"Ailing, your sister didn’t mean it."
"Brother-in-law, my friend thanks you. I’ve really decided, won’t be inconveniencing you in the future."
"Wang Ailing, you? Chen Guoliang, you’re letting your wife talk to me ?"
"How else should she speak? I really won’t dare to ask you for help again.
Alright, Ailing, don’t be mad. With Director Jiang’s connection, reaching the glass factory’s director is effortless."
"I know, Xinyu just didn’t want to trouble anyone, I’ll let her know."
Mother Chen watched from the side, exasperated with her daughter— how could she raise such a child? Though she felt a bit dissatisfied with Wang Ailing too, close as they may be, they’re not family— why can’t her elbow bend the right way?
Wang Ailing, who had a direct temperament, declared, "Mom, you don’t need to be unhappy. I’m just stating the truth. My friend gave my big sister twenty large loaves, and each one could sell for a yuan. Big sister’s words today make it seem like I’m facilitating my friend in taking advantage of her. I’m straightforward— I say it as I see it.
Mom, let me tell you, I didn’t even spend a penny to get this job it’s thanks to my friend who found it for me. She’s always thinking of me, providing help whenever needed— she’s my family, her standing cannot be questioned."
Father Chen had been listening outside for a while.
He then lifted the curtain and walked in. "Everyone get back to what you’re supposed to be doing."
Wang Ailing went about as necessary, asking Mother Chen if there’s any work, putting on the old clothes and shoes she brought, and stayed busy bustling about.
Her face didn’t have any other expression— just kept smiling.
However, the faces of Eldest Sister Chen and her husband showed displeasure; Chen Family’s Brother-in-law was indignant about his wife’s lack of sensibility. They’ve been married all these years, yet her behavior remains unchanged, even failing to get along with parents, let alone speaking to sisters-in-law.
He deeply regretted marrying such a person. Looking at Guoliang’s wife, so generous, it’s no wonder she has such good friends— people like that always attract friendships.
With a wife like his, once someone deals with her, they won’t engage with her again.
Eldest Sister Chen watched the shifting expressions on her husband’s face and felt afraid, knowing he looked down on her— if her brother weren’t capable, she likely wouldn’t have been wanted.
He’s even mentioned divorce before. Her fear grew at the thought he might leave her.