Aunt Wu smiled at Han Ying, "Aunt Han, I have to say, although your Xiao Yi married a country girl, she’s not worse than anyone from the city. She’s beautiful and not a troublemaker, and she’s especially filial." Aunt Wu didn’t say this to disparage Han Ying; it was indeed true.
Neighbors often talked behind the Han family’s back about this daughter-in-law. Once they heard she was from the countryside, they somewhat looked down on her.
She was aware, though, that Xiao Yi’s wife was quite capable. Her family runs a big restaurant here, her brother is a university student, and she herself attends night school.
No matter who you are, circumstances matter. Han Yi is often not home, but his wife is so capable and seriously living with him. She’s really quite good.
Maybe she’ll have a promising future.
Lin Wan hurriedly ran to Aunt Wu’s small shop and quickly picked up the phone. She called out, "Han Yi?"
"Xiao Wan." The long-missed familiar voice made Lin Wan’s eyes well up with tears.
Lin Wan, sniffling with emotion, asked, "Why haven’t you contacted home for so long? Is your mission over?"
"Not yet, just a short break, one week of rest. I’m too far from home to return... Is everything alright at home?"
Lin Wan nodded, not realizing Han Yi couldn’t see her. "Everyone’s doing fine. What about you, are you hurt?"
"No injuries, everything’s alright. Don’t worry. I estimate I won’t be back until winter. Xiao Wan, I’m sorry I can’t be home with you," Han Yi said, looking at the thick bandage wrapped around his arm with guilt.
"It’s okay; the country is important. But you also need to take care; make sure you come back alive and don’t let Grandma and I worry."
"I understand, I’ll be back."
"Okay..." Lin Wan couldn’t hold back her tears, which flowed silently; afraid others might see, her hand remained over her eyes. "By the way, I want to discuss something with you."
"What is it?" Han Yi could tell his little wife was crying.
But due to his duty, he couldn’t blame her nor do anything about it.
"I want to buy a house."
"Did something happen at home?" Han Yi’s first thought was about the family of his uncle.
"No, you’re overthinking. I just feel we’ll have to buy one sooner or later. I’ve been looking at houses recently, on Xuefu Road. Mom bought one there, I think it’s nice, so I want to buy one too."
"Is it a bungalow?" Han Yi knew the area, it was mostly older generation’s residences. "Is it because we’re short on money that you’re buying there? I have some comrades in the city. Should I ask them about apartments when I return?" Han Yi thought that people now fancy apartments, and his wife should like them too.
"We have enough money. Compared to apartments, I prefer small courtyards where I can plant flowers and vegetables; there’s more space. Do you want to live in an apartment?"
"I don’t mind, everything is up to you. Anywhere is fine."
Han Yi’s sweet talk made Lin Wan blush and laugh over the phone.
Hearing her laughter, Han Yi felt a bit relieved, "Pick one you like and buy it. Let Mom and your brother advise you more."
"Yes, once I find one, I’ll wait for you to come back and do the transfer."
"No need to wait for me, finalize the purchase and transfer first, just in case. Put the name under my wife. I’m confident." Han Yi felt a bit shy calling her ’wife,’ glancing around as if someone might hear him.
"Alright, I’ll listen to you." Han Yi wouldn’t be back for several months, and too much delay wasn’t good.
The couple continued their loving conversation over the phone until someone rushed into the shop, seeing Lin Wan on the phone, and complained to Aunt Wu, "I’ve tried calling over ten times and couldn’t get through. I’m really worried."