Rumor spreads faster than the plague in this world, doesn’t it!
Before Shuzhen could convince Lianshan to nod and allow her to go up the mountain with him, Captain Lin, in his quest for achievement, showed no regard for the people’s hardships. On the very day of their wedding, he came to collect debts. If resisted, he would label them as dragging down socialism, and rumors spread like a sandstorm that he would even confiscate the bride’s dowry to pay off debts.
Under the banner of serving the Party and the country, he forced the newlywed bride, who was two days pregnant, up the mountain to pick mushrooms and make money to repay debts.
Tsk tsk, his heart is indeed harder and more resolute than his conscience!
However, at the end of a rainy day, if something happens to exhaust the young wife while mushroom picking, would Captain Lin be able to live with himself?
During the brewing and spreading of rumors, Shuzhen, who single-handedly directed and starred in all this, was pitifully looking at Lianshan, repeatedly promising that she could protect herself and would only help, not cause trouble.
Initially, she thought convincing her husband would be quite easy with Lian Yue and Ning Jianshe backing her up after the scene at the door.
But reality proved that Shuzhen had underestimated her importance in her husband’s heart.
Despite all the reasons to annoy Lin Yuanzhi, to create momentum for their family, and to add strength with more people, they couldn’t move the resolute Lianshan even a bit.
With his handsome face stern, eyebrows tightly knitted, he said, "Wife, I know you’re thinking of me and our family. I understand your concern, and I am grateful, but could you also consider my feelings?
It rained for half the night last night; the paths up the mountain are muddy!
Walking is not only tiring but also dangerous, isn’t it?
If picking a few lousy mushrooms puts you in harm’s way, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself for a lifetime. I wouldn’t even have to wait for my two brothers-in-law to do anything; I’d want to clobber myself to death!"
Seeing the full earnestness and tenderness in her husband’s eyes, Shuzhen almost blurted out, "Alright, I won’t go if it’s really that bad!"
But she was counting on heading up the mountain, lighting up her golden finger to increase legitimate income for the family, wasn’t she?
Besides making money, there’s also a perfect chance to strike hard at the bootlicker team. It’s something she truly doesn’t want to miss!
And it seemed like her trip was meant to be successful; before she could come up with words to persuade Lianshan, Su Hongying’s hearty laughter came from the doorway: "It’s just picking some mushrooms, where’s the danger the brother-in-law speaks of? Even if it’s a bit slippery after the rain, isn’t it, are we afraid we can’t protect my sister?"
"Exactly, with so many people here, what danger could there be? It’s just being pregnant, Brother Lianshan, no need to be so overly cautious. Which family hasn’t had pregnant women working in the fields these days? Some, reluctant to miss labor points, even have babies right by the woods. It’s not just one or two cases..." Seeing the second sister-in-law helping out, Shuzhen hurriedly chimed in.
She had racked her brains to make this trip possible.
Lianshan frowned, his eyes full of disapproval. If it weren’t for all the people in the room, he would have pulled the disobedient wife into his arms for a teaching session. However other families treat their wives is their business, but his wife should be treated with love, pampering, and affection.
No conditions? Then create the conditions to treat her lovingly, spoil her, and adore her.
After being a bachelor for twenty-six years, he’s finally got a pretty wife who’s just what he wants; no amount of spoiling is too much!
Unfortunately, his wife persisted, and a room full of people supported her. Even his two brothers-in-law changed their stance with just a bit of coquetry from his wife and turned to persuade him instead.
The rapid and thorough betrayal left Lianshan wanting only to spray them in the face: Where’s the promised love and protection for the sister? How could you change sides just with a little coquetry, allowing her to slip and slide up the mountain?
Faced with disdain from Lianshan, Liu Shouren smiled helplessly and recounted the latest gossip they heard on their way here.
He explained their brotherly affection for their sister yet also acknowledged the need for her to go and diligently prep for repaying debts, showing a stance of not dragging down the Party and the country.
Otherwise, having dug such a big hole for the Liu Village production team leader, and acting like it’s nothing, how could they live productively in the future?
And right now, even as Lin Yuanzhi tries his best to be a loyal suck-up, he’s definitely not going to give both families a good look.
But as long as we maintain our integrity, grab onto reason, and stand on the moral high ground, what can the production team leader do to us?
After it was all laid out, how could Lianshan object?
Immediately, he started bustling around, preparing things for his wife to ensure she wouldn’t be thirsty, hungry, cold, or in danger!
He urged Shuzhen to quickly change her clothes, to wear more so she wouldn’t feel cold on the mountain. Meanwhile, he quickly boiled five eggs and filled a kettle with boiling water in the kitchen.
His careful, thorough attitude made it seem like he wasn’t taking Shuzhen up the mountain to pick mushrooms or gather wood ear mushrooms but rather like he was taking her on a picnic outing.
The thoughtfulness made Lian Yue’s heart both sour and sweet, unsure whether to be happy her brother finally married a cherished wife with whom he could have a loving life. Or to be wistful and feel slightly jealous that the new sister-in-law became so crucial in her brother’s heart in such a short time over one night following her marriage.
Her little pleasure and slight jealousy made Ning Jianshe laugh, who couldn’t help quietly holding his beloved wife’s small hand, giving her silent encouragement. Though childhood is about parents and growing up is about partners, this is human nature. There’s no need to worry if Big Brother doesn’t cherish you the most; haven’t I, your dear husband, been spoiling you all along?
Lian Yue’s face flushed bright red, and she quickly pulled her hand back before anyone noticed.
Otherwise, if Liu’s second sister saw it, wouldn’t they have a good tease?
Finally, with permission given, Shuzhen, feeling elated, quickly changed her clothes and shoes and tied a triangular headscarf around her head, just like Lian Yue and her second sister.
When Lianshan finished prepping the water and boiled eggs, she was already adorned with a small rake and basket, in a ready-to-depart mode.
Lianshan’s face changed at the sight, quickly unshouldering the large basket she was carrying and hauled it himself. Then he found a tiny, exquisitely crafted carrying basket capable of holding maybe two pounds to serve as her special basket.
Of course, this special container was securely placed in Lianshan’s big basket until they reached the destination.
The only real burden in Shuzhen’s hands was the half-pound small rake that could be used to pick mushrooms, serve as a walking stick, and maintain her balance in critical moments.
And even then, Lianshan followed her step by step, asking every now and then if she was tired, thirsty, or hungry.