Chapter 25

Chapter 25

When Zhao Yun returned upstairs, the door to her home was open, and before she even entered, she could hear the old lady's harsh scolding from inside.

"How did I end up with such a wimp for a son? You can't even control your own wife."

"All you do is protect her, when her heart isn't even with you. She thinks of others every day."

"That Liu Hongyue isn't any good either, setting you up with someone like that. It's fortunate she left quickly, or else I'd have cursed her to death. A hen that doesn't lay eggs."

"Why didn't you meet someone like Jin Xiuzhu downstairs? She's beautiful and capable. What can your wife do besides freeload at home and eat..."

Zhao Yun couldn't bear to listen anymore and pushed the door open to enter. The man sitting on the stool looked up at her, his eyes meeting hers with an appraising gaze.

The old lady bent over, sweeping the floor with a broom. Whether intentionally or not, she waved the broom in Zhao Yun's direction several times.

Zhao Yun ignored her and went straight into the room to see her daughter.

The old lady was a little afraid of Zhao Yun. After so long together, she always seemed to come out worse in their interactions. Only after Zhao Yun had left did she dare to mutter darkly, "Look at that deadpan face. Does she even consider this her home? She looks down on you."

Yang Yao pursed his lips and lowered his eyes, muttering softly, "Stop it."

The old lady saw her son's pitiful state and said sorrowfully, "I'm only worried about you. Why are you so scared of her? You can find any woman you want."

Yang Yao remained silent.

The old lady wanted to say more, but Yang Yao got up and left. Watching her son's slumped shoulders, she curled her lip, finding him utterly useless.

In the room, Zhao Yun was teaching her daughter to read while holding her. Sensing his presence as he entered, she didn't look up.

That night, as they prepared to sleep, Yang Yao watched the woman lying with her back to him. Hesitantly, he moved closer and wrapped his arms around her from behind. The woman in his embrace stiffened, and Yang Yao tried to move closer still. Suddenly, she grabbed his hand.

Though she said nothing, her attitude clearly expressed her refusal.

Yang Yao's heart grew cold, and he silently withdrew his hand, turning over to sleep facing away from her.

Zhao Yun lay awake, staring at the curtain ahead, her emotions complex. She knew Yang Yao treated her well and liked her, but for some reason, every time he touched her, she felt repulsed.

She didn't like this person.

But to say she was deeply fond of Jiang Mingchuan would be a stretch. She was just unwilling to accept being inferior to others, unwilling to let Jiang Mingchuan leave her for someone else, and unable to bear seeing them happier than her.

Two days later, when He Yan returned from school, he told Jin Xiuzhu that Yang Yingxiong's father had taken him to see Qi Kang's father. He had explained how his son had been beaten and falsely accused, asking Qi Kang not to spread rumors outside.

After learning this, Commander Qi questioned his son with a dark expression. Upon discovering the truth, he gave Qi Kang a beating.

Now, Yang Yingxiong's father gives him some pocket money and meal tickets each week. If there's no food at home, he lets Yang Yingxiong eat at the canteen.

These past few days, Yang Yingxiong has become much happier. He even bought He Yan and Wei Ningqing steamed buns as a thank-you for giving him buns that afternoon and letting him stay with them.

Now, the three boys go to and from school together every day. After school, Yang Yingxiong goes to Wei Ningqing's house to do homework. He knows that Jin Xiuzhu's stepmother and He Yan's mother have a strange relationship, so he doesn't dare to visit He Yan's house downstairs.

He stays until almost dinnertime before returning home. He also told his friends that he doesn't have his own room at home. He shares a room with his grandmother, who sleeps in the bed while he sleeps on the floor. She forbids him from telling his father about this.

He Yan and Wei Ningqing advised him to tell Uncle Yang, but Yang Yingxiong just shook his head. "It's useless. When Grandma cries, Dad can't do anything."

Wei Ningqing didn't understand. "Then why does your stepmother's daughter have her own room?"

Yang Yingxiong said matter-of-factly, "Because she has a mother."

He didn't seem upset and happily told them, "Now I have money. When I'm hungry, I can go to the canteen myself. Grandma doesn't know. In the past, whenever Dad wasn't home, she wouldn't cook for me and would hide the rice and eggs."

— — —

It had been a while since Jin Xiuzhu had seen Qian Yufeng, so she took advantage of the nice weather one day and brought her daughter to visit the Wu family.

When they arrived at the Wu residence, Qian Yufeng wasn't home. Old Lady Wu mentioned that she had gone back to her parents' place because her sister-in-law had argued with her mother. That morning, the sister-in-law had run back to her parents' house. Jin Xiuzhu chatted with Old Lady Wu for a bit, then left with her daughter, taking the pastries with her.

Before dusk that afternoon, Qian Yufeng returned from her parents' house. She must have heard that Jin Xiuzhu had been looking for her, as she came by with a bundle of fresh vegetables in hand.

Her face looked haggard, and her hair was disheveled, indicating she hadn't rested well. Without waiting for Jin Xiuzhu to ask, she began pouring out her troubles. "You're lucky. You don't have to deal with in-laws, sisters-in-law, or aunts. I feel like I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. My in-laws think I take everything back to my parents' house, while my parents' side feels like I'm taking advantage of them."

"I went home to mediate, but my mother blamed me for causing trouble. What did I do? She told me that everything I brought home was taken back to her parents' house by my sister-in-law. I just wanted her to remind her a couple of times, but I don't know what she said to cause such a big fight. Those things were taken from my children's mouths to honor the elders and give to my nieces and nephews. What business does my sister-in-law have taking them back to her parents' house? She was so angry she ran back to her parents' house, saying I always bring things back when I visit."

"Those words are so ungrateful. How can she only see what I take away and not what I bring back? All I took were a few dishes. Is she blind to the coupons and food I bring? Why is my fate so bitter? Now my mother blames me too."

Jin Xiuzhu didn't know how to comfort her. She had never experienced these kinds of situations, especially the feeling of being caught between two sides. All she could say was, "People say hurtful things when they're angry. Deep down, they might know better. Things will get better once the anger subsides."

Qian Yufeng sighed. "I guess that's all I can hope for. I'm just too soft-hearted. A few kind words from my parents, and I'd do anything for them. Sometimes, though, I think about it and realize my parents weren't really that good to me. As a child, there was always work to be done, and even now, when I return home, I can't help but stay busy."

Jin Xiuzhu watched her.

Qian Yufeng smiled helplessly. "You probably don't understand. Whenever my mother praises me, I feel like I could do anything. But afterward, I always regret it. Why can't I be more determined and less sentimental?"

Hearing this, Jin Xiuzhu's face showed genuine concern.

Qian Yufeng sniffled and laughed. "It's all in the past. I came by because my mother-in-law said you were looking for me. What did you need?"

"There's nothing. I just haven't seen you in a few days and missed you."

Hearing this, Qian Yufeng's nose tingled, and she suddenly found herself speechless.

She and Jin Xiuzhu were just friends, yet Jin Xiuzhu missed her after a few days and brought food to find her. Meanwhile, despite pouring her heart out to her family, all she received in return was being called a troublemaker and someone who couldn't bear to see her family prosper.

Jin Xiuzhu patted her shoulder and said thoughtfully, "Treat Daya better in the future. Don't let her suffer as you have."

Qian Yufeng was taken aback by these words.

After seeing Qian Yufeng off, Jin Xiuzhu turned around to find her daughter staring at her with wide eyes.

Smiling, she asked, "What's wrong?"

Fu Yanyan shook her head but couldn't help asking after a moment of silence, "Auntie Qian isn't living well herself, why does she still treat Sister Daya like that?"

Jin Xiuzhu also felt for Daya; otherwise, she wouldn't have said anything given her personality. "Some mothers can give everything to their sons but can't bear to see their daughters live even a little better than they do."

It was the first time Fu Yanyan had heard such a thing and was somewhat surprised.

Qian Yufeng returned home exhausted. Upon opening the door, she saw her husband and mother-in-law chatting in the living room. They were smiling as they talked, but when they noticed her arrival, their expressions softened slightly.

She had told them about what happened at her family home, and while her mother-in-law didn't say much, Zhu criticized her for prioritizing her family of origin over her own.

Despite feeling uncomfortable, she didn't dare to say anything and went straight to the kitchen. Inside, Daya was cooking, and the pungent smell of peppers made it unpleasant. She covered her nose with one hand while holding the spatula with the other, busy as a bee.

When she saw Qian Yufeng come in, her eyes lit up, and she called out, "Mom."

Qian Yufeng rolled up her sleeves and took the spatula, asking, "Where's your brother?"

Daya turned to chop some vegetables and replied, "He went out to play."

Qian Yufeng hummed in acknowledgment. She calmly watched the vegetables sizzling in the pan, her hands moving steadily as her mind wandered. She thought about her seemingly fair and stern mother-in-law who always leaned towards her son, her husband who claimed to be the head of the household yet never cared for her, and her own parents who favored her younger brother. She had assumed that since she was their biological child, there would be something different about how they treated her. But to them, her brother and sister-in-law were family, and she was just water spilled out...

Taking a deep breath, she pursed her lips and suddenly pulled out the few candies Jin Xiuzhu gave her from her pocket. Jin Xiuzhu said that sweets could alleviate bitterness in one's heart.

But instead of eating them, she decided to save them to bring back for her children.

Whether it was because of Jin Xiuzhu's suggestion to be kinder to Daya or her own guilt, she took all the candies out of her pocket. There were five in total. She unwrapped one for herself and put the remaining four into Daya's pocket. Meeting Daya's stunned gaze, she stubbornly said, "Eat them yourself. Don't tell your brother."

Daya looked at her, unsure and almost unbelieving.

Qian Yufeng said nothing more, throwing the empty wrapper into the fire under the stove. She cooked with even greater vigor, as if venting her frustrations.

The candy did indeed soothe the bitterness in her heart, and she felt less burdened.

Daya reached into her pocket and could feel several candies inside. Looking at her mother again, she remembered that her mom used to give candies only to her brother, occasionally sharing one with her, but never giving them exclusively to her.

She couldn't quite describe the taste of her emotions, but her eyes felt a bit teary. If only her mother had seen her earlier.

---

At the end of November, Jiang Mingchuan took Jin Xiuzhu to the city to buy sweaters.

With the recent drop in temperature, the family of four donned the cotton coats Jin Xiuzhu made at the beginning of the year and happily set out.

Jin Xiuzhu insisted on going to the city because she believed the department stores there were larger and offered more clothing options.

Arriving at the department store at ten in the morning, Jin Xiuzhu led her two children straight to the sweater counter on the second floor. The colors of the sweaters far outnumbered those of the coats, ranging from reds and yellows to blues and whites, and featuring various patterns and stitching styles. Jin Xiuzhu's eyes were dazzled by the variety.

Sweaters weren't cheap, with the least expensive costing five or six yuan, and the most expensive ones going for forty to fifty. The texture was indeed different, soft and warm to the touch.

The salesperson explained that the yarn was imported from abroad and made of wool.

Fu Yanyan touched one too, finding its texture similar to the woolen sweaters of later times. In her previous life, Jin Xiuzhu, who did business in the south, owned two such sweaters. They were thick and soft, each costing several hundred yuan, worn only during business meetings and carefully stored in the wardrobe the rest of the time.

Jiang Mingchuan noticed Jin Xiuzhu eyeing the most expensive sweater. He couldn't understand why she liked it—a light gray one without any patterns—especially since it seemed rather plain compared to the colorful sweaters. Its only redeeming quality was its softness.

He said, "If we buy this one, we can only afford one. If we choose others, we can get two."

Without hesitation, Jin Xiuzhu picked up the expensive one.

No matter how many cheaper options there were, she wasn't interested. It was better to buy something she truly liked and wear it every day.

The salesperson cheerfully wrapped it up for them and carefully instructed them on how to wash the sweater, emphasizing its value and the need for gentle handling.

Jin Xiuzhu kept the instructions in mind.

After leaving the sweater counter, Jin Xiuzhu unusually offered Jiang Mingchuan, "Is there anything you want? I'll buy it for you."

"No need. I don't lack anything."

Jin Xiuzhu glanced at him affectionately, "You're good to me, so I'll naturally be good to you."

Without waiting for his consent, she took him to look at undershirts, eventually selecting a blue set for him. Then, she bought outfits for both children, spending seven yuan in total.

After shopping, they went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy flour and meat at the meat processing plant. Initially planning to dine at the state-owned hotel, they reconsidered due to the cost and decided to make food at home instead.

He Yan was delighted, "I want dumplings."

"Then let's make dumplings." Their vegetable garden finally produced crops. Previously, it had been barren, while others' gardens were often raided. For some reason, a few kind souls protected theirs and even fertilized it along with their own.

It couldn't be denied that most military wives in the barracks were particularly warm-hearted and kind.

On their way back to the barracks, they picked some cabbages and scallions from the garden.

Once home, Jin Xiuzhu and her son went to the kitchen to prepare dumplings. He Yan was an excellent cook; he learned quickly from Jin Xiuzhu and now prepared breakfast before school whenever Jiang Mingchuan had to leave early, ensuring his mother and sister had something to eat when they woke up.

He efficiently assisted his mother, while Jiang Mingchuan tidied up the purchases in the living room. Jin Xiuzhu called out from the kitchen, "Come and knead the dough."

"I'm coming."

Jin Xiuzhu handled the filling, Jiang Mingchuan kneaded the dough and rolled out the wrappers, while He Yan and his sister took care of the wrapping.

With the cool weather, they didn't have to worry about the dumplings spoiling. They laid them out on a sieve, covering them with a layer of cheesecloth to keep bugs away.

While Jin Xiuzhu was cooking the dumplings, Jiang Mingchuan diligently washed the new clothes. Even when she called him to eat, he didn't come, instead carefully hanging the clothes to dry and smoothing out any creases, as if worried they might leave marks.

Seeing this, Jin Xiuzhu chuckled, "It's just a piece of clothing, isn't it?"

The two children looked at their father hanging laundry on the balcony; He Yan also saw his new clothes and grinned, feeling very happy. When both his birth parents were still around, he would only get new clothes during the New Year.

Looking at Father Jiang's back, Fu Yanyan thought to herself, how could it be the same? In her previous life, she never saw Father Jiang wear new clothes. She and He Yan would have them during the New Year, but Jin Xiuzhu was frugal and wouldn't spend money. However, since other kids had new clothes, Father Jiang would take them to the county to buy some, one set each, along with new shoes. Back then, she and He Yan were like Father Jiang on the balcony, fondly touching their new clothes all the way home.

However, there would always be a storm waiting for them when they returned home. Jin Xiuzhu would scold them like a madwoman, even if Father Jiang bought her clothes as well. She would still be unhappy and grumble with a sour face. Other families' New Year's Eve was always lively, but their home's atmosphere was like ice.

In her memory, Father Jiang had never bought her new clothes, only wearing hand-me-downs from others.

The dumplings that night were very fragrant. Under the dim yellow light, the family of four ate contentedly. There were three dumplings left in the pot, which Jin Xiuzhu divided, adding one to each bowl. Jiang Mingchuan offered to give her one, but Jin Xiuzhu refused, "I'm really full."

He Yan's cheeks were puffed up as he said, "They're so delicious."

Seeing that his sister only had one left in her bowl, he took one from his own and gave it to her. Fu Yanyan turned to look at him and noticed that he only had one left as well.

Afraid she wouldn't accept it, He Yan covered his bowl, "Eat more to grow taller."

Fu Yanyan pursed her lips and didn't say anything else.

As the weather turned cold, time seemed to pass faster. In early December, heavy snow fell, turning the world white overnight.

The children were the happiest, running out to play in the snow as if they weren't affected by the cold. As soon as He Yan got up in the morning, he ran downstairs to make several snowballs, which he brought back to show his sister.

Fu Yanyan had woken up too. Wrapped in thick quilts, she sat at the table, looking through the glass window at the snowy world outside.

He Yan proudly showed her the snowballs in his hands, not caring that his little hands were frozen red.

Fu Yanyan reached out to poke one before pulling her hand back.

Father Jiang called out from outside, "Come eat breakfast."

He Yan wanted to give the snowball to his sister, but she refused. Pouting, he left with the snowball, and soon Father Jiang's nagging voice could be heard from outside, "Remember to bring this later. Add some charcoal in the morning, and a bit more at noon to warm up your food."

It had been freezing recently, so Jiang Mingchuan brought several bags of charcoal from outside, using them in a basin to keep warm. He also made a small clay bucket for He Yan, which he carried every day to school. Inside, there was charcoal, allowing him to warm his feet during class and heat his food at noon.

At first, he was laughed at, but later, many children at school started doing the same.

"Okay."

After He Yan finished eating, Jiang Mingchuan sent him off while still nagging, "There's a lot of snow on the road, don't run around or you might slip..."

"I know."

He Yan dashed downstairs, and beside him appeared a thin figure, wearing an ill-fitting black coat with many patches. Quietly, he walked next to He Yan.

Knowing his sister was watching from the window upstairs, He Yan waved his arms widely, his face beaming with a bright smile.

The boy beside him couldn't help but look up, catching Fu Yanyan rolling her eyes.

Instead of getting angry, He Yan laughed even harder, boasting to Yang Yingxiong beside him, "Look how cute my sister is, with such big eyes. Your sister can't roll her eyes like that."

Yang Yingxiong: "..." What was there to be proud of?

But deep down, he felt envious. It was clear that He Yan had a good relationship with his sister. He also had a sister, but his grandmother forbade him from talking to his stepmother's daughter, who also looked down on him. Staying at home every day made him feel miserable, so he usually left early in the morning and waited downstairs for He Yan.

He Yan could talk about his sister endlessly, mentioning how smart she was and that their mother would let her start school next summer, allowing her to join them.

Yang Yingxiong nodded.

Chattering all the way, Yang Yingxiong quietly followed He Yan. At the gate, they met Wei Ningqing, and the three small figures walked clumsily side by side, He Yan's voice audible from afar, along with occasional responses from Wei Ningqing.

Looking at the vast expanse of white ahead, Yang Yingxiong felt incredibly warm and fulfilled. In his heart, He Yan and Wei Ningqing were now his family, the closest people to him besides his father.

The heavy snow continued for a week, affecting nearby production teams. However, Jin Xiuzhu only heard about it from Qian Yufeng. After being angered by her natal family last time, she hadn't returned for over a month. This winter's heavy snow had almost completely destroyed the vegetables in their self-cultivated field, and the two chickens at home stopped laying eggs. With no food, her natal family had come to ask for help from their daughter.

Although Qian Yufeng was still upset, she couldn't just ignore them and gave them some rice and money.

"The production teams can't work anymore. Usually, they'd still be working in the fields at this time of year."

Jin Xiuzhu didn't fully understand, vaguely replying, "The snow is indeed heavier than usual this year."

"That's true. Without work, there won't be any work points, and we'll get less food at the end of the year. I wonder how we'll manage next year. When I came here earlier, the snow had already reached my knees. The children will definitely have a break in a few days."

Qian Yufeng's prediction came true, and He Yan returned home at noon, saying that several students had fallen on the way to school, with one breaking their leg. Therefore, the school had given them a break.

That evening, the military leadership urgently issued a notice, sending several battalion commanders with troops to disaster-stricken areas. Many roads were blocked, and houses had collapsed.

Jiang Mingchuan hurriedly returned to grab some clothes and left without eating.

Jin Xiuzhu quickly made him two rice balls, wrapped them in oiled paper, and stuffed them into his pocket as he left, along with some candy. "Take these to eat when you're hungry."

Jiang Mingchuan nodded hastily, "Stay safe at home and don't go out these few days."

"Okay."

He soon disappeared down the stairs. Fang Min also came out of her room, worry in her eyes. Her husband had also left without specifying when he would return.

Knowing that Fang Min preferred quietness and didn't like moving around much, Jin Xiuzhu suggested, "Why don't you eat with us these few days? Being alone can lead to overthinking. If you feel uncomfortable, we can exchange meals with meal tickets. I won't be losing out anyway."

She mainly considered that it wasn't safe for Fang Min to go out alone, especially now that it got dark around 3-4 PM, but the canteen served dinner at 5:30 PM.

Relieved, Fang Min didn't refuse and agreed.

Jin Xiuzhu asked her, "Have you eaten?"

Fang Min shook her head. Usually, her husband cooked at home, and she washed the dishes. Now that he wasn't around, she didn't know how to cook.

Jin Xiuzhu quickly said, "Come over and eat. I made extra."

Fang Min went over.

He Yan was a bit of a chatterbox, fond of recounting events from his school day over meals. The little girl sitting next to him would occasionally interject with a blunt remark, causing Fang Min to laugh several times.

Thinking about her own home, it had become cold and lonely after the Commissioner's absence. Yet, the Jiang family seemed completely unaffected. Watching the gentle smiles on the faces of the mother and her two children, she felt somewhat moved.