Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Xu Yuqing felt as if she had received the best news in the world, and now everything seemed beautiful to her eyes.

Even He Xiuhua no longer appeared detestable, for they would likely never meet again after this.

At lunchtime, due to Xie Junli's return, Xu Yuqing ended up dining with them. Five people sat around the table, all absent-mindedly picking at their food except for the second son, Xie Qunli.

As the meal finally concluded, the quiet atmosphere was about to dissipate when Xu Yuqing let out a deep sigh of relief. But before she could fully relax, she heard Xie Yunli's voice.

"Big Brother, do you have a moment? I need to discuss something with you."

Here it comes!

Xu Yuqing's heart tightened; it must be about borrowing money. Would anything change because of her presence, like a butterfly effect? She grew slightly anxious and reached out to tug on Xie Junli's sleeve. "Don't go!" she whispered, her tone urgent.

Xie Junli noticed the worry in her eyes and gently shook his head, smiling reassuringly. "Don't worry, everything will be fine."

With that, he stood up and headed to Xie Yunli's room.

In the spacious courtyard, Xu Yuqing's sudden movement did not go unnoticed. He Xiuhua glared, holding her bowl and chopsticks as if ready to skin Xu Yuqing alive. If Xu Yuqing were to jeopardize the worker's position for her third son, she'd make sure to give her a piece of her mind!

However, He Xiuhua was pleased watching the eldest son walk away obediently. The eldest was always so compliant.

Inside the room, Xie Yunli sprawled on the bed without a care in the world. "Big Brother, I'm getting married soon! To the daughter of the deputy factory manager!"

"Is that so." Xie Junli watched his brother's lackadaisical posture and nonchalant attitude with a frown, giving a perfunctory response.

Perhaps fueled by a desire to brag, Xie Yunli continued with a smile. "Yes, you wouldn't believe how wonderful Mei Yu is—kind, considerate, beautiful, and from a wealthy family. Every piece of clothing she wears is made of high-quality fabric!"

"Mm-hmm."

Xie Yunli's enthusiasm wasn't dampened by the simple reply. He grew more animated. "Big Brother, my future father-in-law promised me a permanent worker's position once Mei Yu and I are married!"

Xie Yunli became increasingly agitated, standing up to grab Xie Junli's shoulders, staring intently into his face as if searching for a particular expression.

Xie Junli, who remained composed throughout, only raised an eyebrow at the mention of a permanent worker's position. Still, his expression remained unchanged. Deep down, however, he felt a tinge of annoyance. A permanent position was something Xie Yunli could easily attain, considering his current temporary job was secured through Xie Junli's efforts.

The person who helped was the deputy manager of the machinery factory, also the father of Xie Junli's comrade-in-arms.

When his mother made the request, he swallowed his pride and begged for assistance. Although the offer wasn't for immediate permanent employment, it was clear that as long as he performed well, the transition to a permanent position was imminent.

But Xie Yunli, with only a junior high school education, looked down on being a temporary worker and worked sporadically.

It was embarrassing.

"That's perfect. Once you become a worker, you can pass the temporary position to the second son." Xie Junli stated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Xie Yunli's excited expression froze. He stiffened. "Big Brother, this job is meant for me..." How could he possibly give it to his second brother? Even a temporary worker's job was valuable. Big Brother was just stingy; couldn't he just find another job for the second brother instead? Hiding the disdain in his eyes, Xie Yunli continued.

"Putting work aside for now, Brother, the wedding with Mei Yu requires a dowry of two hundred. You know my financial situation... So, lend me the money first, and I'll pay you back later." Xie Yunli was confident despite asking for a loan, certain that Xie Junli wouldn't refuse and never mentioning any IOU or repayment date.

Xie Junli was taken aback, feeling a hollow sense of relief, "No, if you're getting married, you should pay for it yourself." He said coldly.

Xie Yunli's smiling face froze, his previous conviction turning into a joke, "Brother!! With your high salary, what's wrong with lending me some? Are you so heartless to see your brother unable to marry?"

Xie Junli couldn't help but smirk sarcastically, "If you can't get married because of the person you chose, why blame me?"

With that, he didn't want to look at Xie Yunli's eyes anymore, striding out without stopping even when he passed by He Xiuhua, who he didn't acknowledge. Pushing open the door, Xu Yuqing was packing things up.

"What did the third brother want from you?" Xu Yuqing stood up, walking briskly towards Xie Junli, somewhat anxious.

Xie Junli shook his head, not elaborating much, only telling Xu Yuqing to finish packing, "Tonight might be tough during dinner, eat something beforehand. We'll leave early tomorrow morning after you've packed."

The information was overwhelming, Xu Yuqing asked confusedly, "Didn't you say tomorrow night?" And what does he mean by dinner being tough? Was it because he didn't agree to Xie Yunli's request?

That means, no money!?

Arriving at this conclusion, Xu Yuqing was instantly delighted, her smile genuine and unrestrained, her eyes gleaming as she looked at Xie Junli. This made Xie Junli's ears turn red, and he couldn't help but turn away, Xu Yuqing still unable to contain her laughter.

"I'll take you to buy some things, then we'll have a good meal. It will be harder in the north," Xie Junli said, worrying about the winter. The person before him seemed like they could be blown away by the wind, making him less than reassured compared to the wives in the military dependents' compound.

Xie Junli had nothing to pack, watching Xu Yuqing while planning what to buy. First, they needed a stove, bedding, coats, a hot water bottle, as for pots, pans, and utensils... She didn't seem to enjoy cooking.

Having roughly planned what to buy, Xie Junli felt relieved. Outside, the sky was darkening, and no fire had been lit on the courtyard stove. Xie Yunli sat at the table with a worried expression, sighing heavily.

He Xiuhua stood beside him, anxious yet helpless. Having been a widow for many years, she had some cunning, otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to raise three children. After a moment's thought, she knew that the eldest son was unwilling. This eldest son was ungrateful, caring so much about money with his own brother.

He Xiuhua was furious but couldn't scold him. The money was in his hands, and if provoked, going to the captain would only bring trouble to the third son. Thinking of this, He Xiuhua was also angry, hitting Xie Yunli, "What can I do? I don't have any money either, and you, why couldn't you be more humble when asking for money!"

"Mama!! I already begged Brother!" Xie Yunli cried out in委屈 (委屈 - aggrievedness), thinking of how he had 'lowered himself' just now, which infuriated him. From childhood to adulthood, he had always been above others, watching his elder brother being beaten and scolded by their mother.

Now, for the sake of money, he had to beg him!

Hearing this, He Xiuhua became even angrier, her teeth grinding together as she whispered through clenched teeth, "Not born of the same flesh and blood, never truly close! Wait and see!"

Ignoring Xie Yunli's shocked gaze, she turned and walked into the kitchen, painfully taking out two eggs, boiling a pot of sweet potato porridge, and making a bowl of egg custard with the eggs. She also made a vegetable soup with fresh tomatoes.

After everything was done, she slapped her face, coming to Xie Junli's room, "Eldest son! Eldest son's wife, time for dinner."

As for Xie Yunli, she had sent him to fetch alcohol.

The door opened, and Xie Junli walked out, "Coming, where's the second one?"

"He went to his wife's parents' house. At least you came back once, he called his wife back, but they probably won't make it back tonight."

Behind him was Xu Yuqing, but she naturally couldn't see He Xiuhua's smile. Just as she stepped out of the door, He Xiuhua gave her a huge white eye.

"Mama made your favorite egg custard tonight. Oh, you've lost weight since you haven't been home for so long. Mama just borrowed these eggs, taste them and see if my skills have gotten rusty." He Xiuhua said with an overly enthusiastic expression, causing Xu Yuqing to grimace.

Xie Junli had barely taken his seat when He Xiuhua, bowl in hand, attempted to ladle a large portion of the dish into his bowl, but he dodged it. "Mother, give it to Lao San. He worked today and is tired."

Hearing this, He Xiuhua was taken aback, sensing something peculiar in her eldest son's words. Yet, she couldn't bear the thought of her own son not getting a taste of the eggs. She smiled awkwardly. "It's my eldest who truly understands. Always obedient since childhood, always considerate. Who in the village doesn't envy me?"

As she spoke, the direction of her spoon changed, heading towards Xie Yunli's bowl before she scooped a smaller portion back into Xie Junli's bowl. "There's still some left. Eat it, eat more!"

"Yes, thank you, Mother."

Sitting beside them, Xu Yuqing was utterly astonished. She looked at the remnants of the egg custard in her bowl and marveled at He Xiuhua's ability to speak untruths with such ease.

A large spoonful was nearly three-quarters of a serving. The remaining bit would hardly be enough for an adult man like Xie Junli.

But Xie Junli said nothing. He took his bowl and, using a small plate of pickled turnips on the table, finished his porridge. "Mother, I'm full. By the way, I have a mission. I'll leave early tomorrow morning, and Yuqing will go with me."

"WHAT!!!"

He Xiuhua jumped up abruptly, her voice rising in shock.

She hadn't received the money yet, so there was no way she would let Xie Junli go. And if his wife went with him, it meant her eldest son was distancing himself. Would he still send money home then?

He Xiuhua's face darkened as she firmly stated, "No, absolutely not."

Xie Junli seemed to anticipate her reaction. With his left hand, he gently patted Xu Yuqing's, signaling her not to worry. His eyes calm, he said indifferently, "I've already submitted my application to join the military before I returned." Without further ado, he turned around with Xu Yuqing, intending to return to their room.

He Xiuhua panicked. Ever since that wretched woman rebelled, one misfortune followed another. If she left, it would be fine, He Xiuhua patted her clothes, "You can take your wife with you, but leave three hundred dollars for your mother to show filial piety."

Three hundred...

Xie Junli's gaze grew colder.

This time, he didn't want to listen anymore. Holding Xu Yuqing's hand, he strode towards the room, quickly shutting the door to block out He Xiuhua.

"Are...are you alright?" Xu Yuqing asked, looking at the man whose expressionless face was now shrouded in confusion.

She walked to the chest and poured a glass of water, offering it to him. "Want some water?"

"Yes." Xie Junli accepted it, having composed himself. He sighed heavily. "You've also suffered because of me. I'm sorry for all these grievances."

"I..." Xu Yuqing didn't know what to say. She hadn't suffered any injustice; it was the original body that had been overworked to death.

Xu Yuqing wasn't good at comforting others. One standing, the other sitting, the room fell silent, the outside noises muffled by the closed door.

"In fact, I knew all along that I wasn't born to my mother."

"So, I'm actually used to it."