Yun Xiaoxiao also noticed that Second Sister-in-law had been staring at her, which she found quite odd. Why was a woman staring at another woman like that?
On New Year’s Eve, why did her gaze seem so eerie?
If you have something to say, just say it; don’t stare at me.
"Is there something you want, Second Sister-in-law?"
Da Shu’s mother averted her gaze and gave a sheepish smile, "Laosan’s Wife, you are too thin, you should eat more."
In this era, it’s rare for both male and female comrades to be overweight.
"Second Sister-in-law, you should eat more, too."
Da Shu’s mother lowered her head to eat, wondering how Laosan’s Wife kept getting prettier as the years passed. No wonder Laosan cherished his wife so much and held her in the palm of his hand.
These days, Yun Xiaoxiao was using skincare products, and her living conditions weren’t bad, which made her complexion even healthier. Plus, her temperament had greatly changed.
"Laosan’s Wife, what do you use on your face that makes you smell so nice?" After dinner, while cleaning the dishes, Da Shu’s mother leaned in to ask.
"I use vanishing cream and soap, don’t you use them, Second Sister-in-law?"
Yun Xiaoxiao said this on purpose.
Could she even afford them?
"Laosan’s Wife, if you have soap, could you give me a piece?"
Do you have such a big face?
Mrs. Zhao originally wanted to avoid arguing on New Year’s Eve, but her daughters-in-law’s shamelessness was just too much.
"Why don’t you go to the town’s Cooperative and ask them to give it to you? You’d even dare to ask for that."
That single retort made Da Shu’s mother fall silent.
Sister-in-law Zhao, from the side, looked astonished at her sister-in-law brazenly asking Laosan’s Wife for soap and getting rebuffed by their mother-in-law.
"Don’t we have no coupons?"
Yun Xiaoxiao looked nonchalantly at Da Shu’s mother, "No coupons, but there’s always money, right? Last time I was in town, I bought coupon-free soap. I still have some at home. Do you want some, Second Sister-in-law? It’s not expensive—two yuan each. Do you want it?"
Two yuan could buy two kilograms of meat.
She’s already married, with two sons; her man would not divorce her, so she saw no need to dress up.
But seeing Laosan’s Wife’s fair, poreless skin, she couldn’t help but feel envious.
Every woman who was once a girl wants to look prettier.
Who wouldn’t want to buy vanishing cream to improve their complexion?
But all of these desires required money.
With new house construction debts this year, where would she find money for soap?
"Too expensive." I will take it if you give it to me.
I don’t want it if it costs money.
After the reunion dinner, Zhao Tianlei was ready to take his wife and children home.
"Mom and Dad, Big Brother and Sister-in-law, Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, we’re going to head back home now."
"Eat dinner early tonight," Mrs. Zhao said as they were leaving, giving them a reminder.
Another meal awaited.
The once-a-year dumpling feast.
The children looked at Da Bao and Xiao Bao, who had brought lots of snacks with them.
"Wife, are you full?"
Zhao Tianlei knew that at lunch today, with so many people around, his demure wife wouldn’t have competed for food.
"I don’t eat much, I’m full."
His wife, always so refined and a small eater, was something he had gotten used to over the years.
"Let’s go to town tomorrow and look around. There are many snacks to buy—roasted seeds, candied haw on a stick, triangular harrows, popcorn, and puffed rice candies."
"Do they have barbecue?"
Does his wife want to eat barbecue?
If she wants barbecue, he would find a way to arrange it.
"If you want it, could we have a barbecue at home?"
Zhao Tianlei knew what barbecue was.