Chapter 40

Chapter 40

The next morning, Fang Min came over with several letters and embroidery work in hand. The letters were addressed to Jin Xiuzhu. When Fang Min had gone to collect her fees a few days ago, she saw Jin Xiuzhu's mail and brought it back with her. She had been so busy that she forgot about it until this morning, when she suddenly remembered and decided to bring them over.

The embroidery was done following Jin Xiuzhu's instructions, but for some reason, when Jin Xiuzhu was around, Fang Min's work looked decent. Now that she was doing it alone, it seemed strange. Since she had nothing much to do in the morning, she decided to visit Jin Xiuzhu and continue her embroidery there.

Jin Xiuzhu hadn't left home that morning and was sewing clothes for her son using needle and thread. It would be time for He Yan to start school soon, so she was reinforcing the worn-out parts of his pants.

Seeing Fang Min arrive, Jin Xiuzhu didn't hesitate to open and read the letters.

Three of the letters contained payment for her writing, ranging from two yuan to twenty yuan, totaling thirty-one yuan, along with some coupons. The other two letters were from the newspaper office, wishing her a happy new year and mentioning that a writer was interested in collaborating with her. They asked if she was interested and said she could respond after the New Year.

Jin Xiuzhu carefully placed these two letters aside. As for the payment, she put them directly in her pocket.

Bai Jingzhi also noticed the amount of the payment and was surprised that her sister-in-law received such a high sum. She thought that ten or twenty yuan would have been impressive. This discovery eased her mind; during her stay at her brother's house, she had worried about being a financial burden. She had considered finding part-time work once she returned to school, like helping teachers with translations, which could earn her some extra income.

However, she heard that some students weren't good translators, and the teachers stopped letting them help. Bai Jingzhi wanted to try, but feared she might not do well, so she never approached the teachers about it.

Jin Xiuzhu was unaware of Bai Jingzhi's plans. While sewing her son's pants, she guided Fang Min in embroidery. Nearby, Bai Jingzhi was reading and drawing with her daughter. He Yan wasn't home; he had gone out to play with his friends, even bringing them home for dinner the previous night.

Fang Min was embroidering what she claimed were two puppies, as it was the Year of the Dog, and she hoped to have a baby born in the same year.

She and the Political Commissar had already decided to have a child.

However, Jin Xiuzhu couldn't see any resemblance between the crude shapes on the fabric and dogs, but she praised Fang Min, saying, "You have a natural talent for embroidery. You've captured their essence."

Fang Min, not knowing much about embroidery, took another look at her work after hearing Jin Xiuzhu's words and felt it did look better than before.

She then told Jin Xiuzhu, "I hope to have a daughter, someone like Yanyan."

Boys were too rowdy for her liking.

Hearing this, Jin Xiuzhu felt a stirring desire within herself. She too wanted to have a child. In the past, she had wished for a daughter, a little sweetheart. But now, she changed her mind. She preferred a boy. Boys were often favored and could avoid many hardships.

Upon hearing this conversation, Fu Yanyan glanced at Fang Min, who had a gentle expression. She thought to herself, _I don't want to be like her. She's not great._

After a while, there was a knock on the door. Jin Xiuzhu got up to open it and found Qian Yufeng standing outside.

Qian Yufeng held two pairs of new shoes, seemingly sized for the children. Indeed, she said, "I made these for the kids. Let's see if they fit."

Jin Xiuzhu quickly took the shoes. They were sturdy cloth shoes with tightly sewn soles. She called Fu Yanyan over to try them on.

Fu Yanyan stood up and slipped into the new shoes. They were a bit big.

Jin Xiuzhu squatted down and pressed her fingers against the tips of Fu Yanyan's feet. "They're almost a perfect fit. These should be just right by the end of the year. Thank you, Auntie Qian."

Fu Yanyan said, "Thank you, Auntie Qian."

Qian Yufeng waved her hand dismissively. "What's there to thank me for? I had nothing much to do these past few days, so I made a few pairs of shoes for the kids. Children go through shoes so quickly these days."

She entered and sat down, not bothering to be polite with Jin Xiuzhu. She poured herself a cup of water and said bluntly, "It's comfortable here. I've been cooped up these past few days. Everyone's gone back to their hometowns; there's no one to talk to."

"Isn't your mother-in-law at home?"

"We don't chat."

Jin Xiuzhu was about to suggest she visit her own family but heard her continue, "Ever since the incident with my sister-in-law, I haven't been going back much. They say I always take things from them? Well, I have pride. My family has its land; why would we crave a few vegetables from my natal home? You wouldn't believe it, but after I stopped visiting, I had more money and coupons. This year, I bought plenty of meat for the New Year, and we still have leftovers."

She sighed. "As women, we need to care for ourselves. I used to think only of my natal family, but it never paid off. Now, I've decided to focus on myself. If my mother gets angry, so be it. If my mother-in-law disapproves, let her. That's how it is now."

In the past, when she tried to please her mother and mother-in-law, she received nothing in return. Her mother still favored her brother, and her mother-in-law looked down on her.

Now, life was better. Jin Xiuzhu looked at her in surprise, saying, "Sister-in-law, you're wise. I couldn't be as carefree as you."

"You have a good man and children, unlike me. Still, listen to your sister-in-law: don't put men and children above everything else."

Jin Xiuzhu sensed a story and asked, "What do you mean?"

Qian Yufeng tutted. "Trust me, most men aren't worth it. Take my eldest brother-in-law. He's bedridden and immobile, yet he still cheats. How many men can we trust?"

Jin Xiuzhu widened her eyes. "What happened?"

Qian Yufeng grimaced. "My husband didn't send enough money home, so his wife started working. The older child goes to school, while the younger stays at home. There's a widow in their Production Team. No one knows when it started, but by the time they realized, she was pregnant. She demanded money from my sister-in-law, knowing we sent money to the eldest brother's family. If she didn't get it, she threatened to stay and cause a scene. It would ruin everything for them, especially their sons' chances of finding wives."

Jin Xiuzhu was speechless. How could the eldest brother do such a thing while paralyzed?

Fang Min, who hadn't intended to listen, found herself engrossed. She never imagined something like this could happen. Arguments were serious enough for her.

Her movements slowed. Glancing over, she saw Xiu Zhu and her aunt also eavesdropping.

Qian Yufeng scowled. "I say we should stop sending money. What's the point? To support his mistress? But my mother-in-law disagrees, fearing it'll cause trouble for us."

She no longer respected her mother-in-law. What family? Just someone afraid of scandal, stuck in old ways. Whenever something bad happened, it was blamed on her lack of education or rural background. Yet her mother-in-law came from the countryside too, even serving as a maid in her youth. Qian Yufeng didn't look down on her for that.

In the past, Qian Yufeng might have agreed with her mother-in-law, but spending time with Jin Xiuzhu made her realize that women should prioritize themselves. She wasn't as terrible as her mother-in-law claimed.

Jin Xiuzhu disagreed with Old Lady Wu's decision. In such a situation, they should cut ties completely to avoid future complications.

She didn't know what to say about Old Lady Wu. Perhaps it was just her impression, but Old Lady Wu seemed to be a victim of feudal times. However, instead of resenting the past, she supported those old customs more than a true ancient person would. It was confusing.

After venting, Qian Yufeng noticed it was almost noon and hurried off to cook lunch.

Soon after, Wang Ling arrived with two pieces of fabric. Jin Xiuzhu wondered, "Why aren't you at work today?"

Wang Ling placed the fabric on the table and said irritably, "The province is dissatisfied with our management and has sent people down to replace us. I can't return to the city now, nor can I manage affairs in the county. These days have been relatively idle, so I've taken sick leave and come home for a few days."

Jin Xiuzhu asked worriedly, "Is it serious?"

Wang Ling replied nonchalantly, "It shouldn't be a big deal. When the factory director was replaced before, the factory was also in turmoil. Once those leaders' positions stabilize, everything will be fine."

"It's just this aspect of working in the factory that isn't great, with all these relationships and connections. It's just that things are a bit more intense this time. To be honest, a change might be good. Our factory isn't lacking in tools, but the fabrics aren't particularly outstanding, and the designs are even uglier. They're not as nice as your embroidery. Don't look at me getting promoted to deputy factory director last year; I actually have no say in anything. The people below don't listen to me much either, so I've just stopped bothering."

She joked, "If I had the authority, I'd definitely send someone out to find good thread, then find someone to design patterns. If you have time, help me design something, and it'll definitely sell well."

Unfortunately, the old-timers in the factory prefer to stick to the old ways and don't know how to adapt.

However, Jin Xiuzhu didn't take it seriously and laughed. "Then I'd definitely demand a high price."

Wang Ling laughed. "Go ahead, ask for whatever you want."

Wang Ling herself wasn't too concerned about the matter. After all, there were so many old-timers in the factory, and it wouldn't be her turn anyway. She had only reached her position previously because she didn't compete and had good luck.

After Jin Xiuzhu saw Wang Ling off, Fang Min continued to embroider haphazardly. Jin Xiuzhu instructed her a couple more times, and Fang Min said with a smile, "It's really lively here."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled as well. She did indeed enjoy liveliness. Back when she was in the Marquis Mansion, she had no friends or children, and life was too dull. She would chat with a few maidservants to amuse herself.

Thinking back to the past, Jin Xiuzhu felt that she could never return to such a cold and quiet life.

—

In the following days, Jin Xiuzhu took Bai Jingzhi out to visit neighbors or stayed at home to paint while Bai Jingzhi and her daughter read books nearby without disturbing her.

Life was peaceful and quiet, and soon it was time for school to start again.

On the evening before the first day of school, Jin Xiuzhu went to her daughter's room with the property deed. Bai Jingzhi and her daughter were already in bed, and they were surprised to see Jin Xiuzhu come in.

Bai Jingzhi called out, "Sister-in-law."

She propped herself up on her elbow to get up, but Jin Xiuzhu held her down. "No need. I just came over to talk to you."

Bai Jingzhi remained still, and her daughter, who was lying inside, hadn't fallen asleep yet. Both of them looked at her with wide eyes.

Jin Xiuzhu's heart softened, and she reached out to touch Bai Jingzhi's head. It felt soft and fluffy. Her hair was cut very short, reaching only to her ears, looking neat and highlighting her delicate features even more.

Her sister-in-law told her that her sister had made her cut her hair. She was originally unwilling, but her sister said that long hair wasted water and soap when washing, so she had no choice but to cut it.

Jin Xiuzhu felt heartbroken after hearing this. Which girl didn't like looking pretty?

Thinking of this, she took out the property deed and key from her pocket. "This property deed was given to me by your brother. He asked me to give it to you. This is what your mother prepared for the two of you siblings, one house each. There may be other things in the house. When you have time, search for them yourself, but it's best to go alone. It wouldn't be good if others saw."

"In this era, houses are still precious items. You grew up in the city and know that many families of over ten people live squeezed into a few square meters. Possessing something valuable can bring trouble. Your personality is simple, so you must keep this safe."

Bai Jingzhi was taken aback as she took the property deed from Jin Xiuzhu and looked at it, never expecting that her mother, whom she had never met, had left her such a precious gift.

Jin Xiuzhu continued, "I don't know what feelings you still have for your adoptive parents, but there are some things I want to say to you: Don't hold grudges or attachments. Holding grudges and attachments means you still have hope in them. But as an outsider, they aren't worth it."

"Your mother prepared a house for each of you, which shows that the one given to your adoptive parents was not a big deal to her. In her heart, what mattered most was that you could grow up safely. Some wealth can be forsaken, love money but do not obsess over it, for that would be missing the point. It's the same with people; being obsessed with those who aren't worth it will make you lose your reason and fall into pain."

Bai Jingzhi might not fully understand these words, but only someone like Jin Xiuzhu, who had experienced death, would realize that all glory and wealth were insignificant in the face of death. Even if one possessed them, lacking the virtue to match one's position would lead to their loss, just like Bai Jingzhi's adoptive parents, who soon gave away a house and much wealth.

"What you should do is be true to yourself, neither arrogant nor indulgent, neither humble nor timid, able to face everything calmly and openly. Broaden your horizons, look at a wider world, and focus your thoughts on greater and more meaningful things. That's what your mother hopes for."

Bai Jingzhi looked at the paper in her hand, listening quietly to her sister-in-law's words.

No one had ever spoken to her like this before. What she used to hear was that girls should be virtuous and capable, managing household affairs well to marry good families. No one told her to broaden her horizons and focus on meaningful matters, which seemed to be men's responsibilities. Yet her sister-in-law spoke to her about these things and encouraged her to act on them. Bai Jingzhi felt something within her breaking.

After Jin Xiuzhu finished speaking, Bai Jingzhi hesitated for a moment before placing the property deed and keys into Jin Xiuzhu's hands, saying trustingly, "Sister-in-law, I'm still studying, so it's not easy for me to keep this. Can you help me hold onto it?"

Jin Xiuzhu glanced at the obedient Bai Jingzhi, thinking it made sense, and took it over. "Alright, I'll give it back to you after you graduate and start working."

Bai Jingzhi hummed in agreement. She believed that since her sister-in-law had entrusted this to her, there wouldn't be any ulterior motives. And even if there were, she didn't mind.

However, perhaps due to Jin Xiuzhu's heartfelt words, Bai Jingzhi felt an urge to speak. After some hesitation, she quietly shared her situation at school.

Jin Xiuzhu frowned, and Fu Yanyan, lying inside, subconsciously furrowed her brows, recalling her past experiences. She too had been isolated by classmates, a painful memory.

Bai Jingzhi whispered, "I don't know how to handle it."

"Can you talk to a teacher and switch dormitories?"

Bai Jingzhi shook her head. "There aren't many girls in our class. If I switch, I'd have to go to another department, and they might not accept me."

She then looked at Jin Xiuzhu. "Sister-in-law, what would you do if you were in this situation?"

"Me?"

Jin Xiuzhu genuinely pondered for a moment. "If they ignore me, let them. Why get close to people who don't study properly? You won't learn anything useful from them. However, you shouldn't let them bully you. Since you live in the dormitory, you need to be able to sleep there."

"The reason they're so close is because they see you as their sole target. Similarly, when their relationships sour, they naturally won't target you anymore and might even try to win you over. So what you need to do is disrupt their relationships."

Bai Jingzhi didn't quite understand, but she asked, "How do I disrupt their relationships?"

Jin Xiuzhu replied, "It's simple. Tempt one or two of them with something good, become friends with them, and then deliberately target the others, making them misunderstand that you're a group and that those one or two are talking badly about them behind their backs. Their relationship will naturally deteriorate."

Bai Jingzhi frowned. "I don't have anything good."

"It depends on your skills then. When one of your roommates is in trouble, help her, or when you're in trouble, ask one of your roommates for help. Then take the opportunity to stick with them, treating them well. That person will surely introduce you to their good friends to avoid being isolated themselves, naturally separating them."

To Jin Xiuzhu, this was incredibly simple, and she couldn't understand why Bai Jingzhi would worry about such trivial matters.

Bai Jingzhu bit her lip. "How can I help others?"

Jin Xiuzhu looked at her more closely. "Instead of helping others, it's better to let others help you. Make sure it happens when only the two of you are present. Later, get closer to them in various ways, and they'll more easily accept you."

"Many people are selfish; they only remember what they've given."

Bai Jingzhi didn't quite understand but was too embarrassed to ask more, fearing she'd seem foolish.

It was Fu Yanyan who understood. She looked at Jin Xiuzhu in some surprise, not expecting such an approach.

Jin Xiuzhu asked if she understood. Bai Jingzhi nodded obediently. After everyone left, she furrowed her brows in deep thought and couldn't help murmuring to herself after a while, "How can one help others?"

Fu Yanyan watched her distressed aunt and explained, "Mom said it depends on Aunt's abilities, meaning that even if someone isn't in trouble, you should create trouble for them."

"Huh?"

Bai Jingzhi was taken aback, not expecting this from her sister-in-law. After a moment of silence, she cautiously said, "Isn't that bad?"

Fu Yanyan comforted her, "Not at all. They started it by bullying you. Aunt is just protecting herself."

"Aunt, Mom told my brother and me that we should be upright and kind, because being upright and kind gives us the confidence to live in this world. Those bad people always have moments of fear and guilt. But being upright and kind doesn't mean being weak and easy to bully. If someone bullies you, you must fight back, even if it means using unsavory methods, because only then can you protect yourself. Otherwise, there will be more bullying."

Bai Jingzhi listened in silence. After a while, she merely said, "Let's sleep."

"Okay."

Fu Yanyan closed her eyes. She knew her aunt beside her wasn't asleep. In fact, she couldn't sleep either, unable to stop thinking about how things might have been different if "Jin Xiuzhu" had taught her these lessons in her previous life.

The next morning, at four o'clock, Jiang Mingchuan and Jin Xiuzhu got up. Jin Xiuzhu prepared the dough she had set out the night before and steamed it. When Bai Jingzhi left, she took all the steamed buns and dumplings with her, along with the red dates cake and Sachima she made yesterday.

This was the most luggage Bai Jingzhi had ever brought—two large bags filled with clothes and bedding, plus a small shoulder bag containing food and water.

It was the weekend, so Jiang Mingchuan was home and could take his sister to the city's train station. He carried the two large bags as they left together.

The children got up early to bid their aunt farewell. He Yan's eyes reddened as he said, "Aunt, remember to write to us when you get to school."

Bai Jingzhi waved with a smile. "Okay."

Fu Yanyan also waved. "Goodbye, Aunt."

"Goodbye, Yanyan."

Bai Jingzhi added, "Goodbye, sister-in-law."

Jin Xiuzhu waved back. "Goodbye."

Once they were out of sight downstairs, Jin Xiuzhu closed the door. Looking at the quiet living room, she suddenly felt a bit lonely, realizing how different it was without one person around.

He Yan said wistfully, "I hope summer vacation starts tomorrow, so we can see Aunt again."

Jin Xiuzhu and Fu Yanyan weren't moved in the slightest. Fu Yanyan bluntly pointed out, "You just want it to be a holiday, don't you?"

He Yan insisted stubbornly, "Not at all."

The mother and daughter rolled their eyes in unison.

He Yan was agitated. "You bully people when Dad's not around."

Outside, the siblings walked one after the other in the darkness.

Neither of them were particularly talkative; usually Jin Xiuzhu and He Yan did most of the talking, making for a lively atmosphere. Now that it was just the two of them, they couldn't think of anything to say.

Bai Jingzhi looked at the tall figure ahead. She used to envy her classmates who had parents or elders see them off. She didn't know what that felt like, but today she experienced it: her sister-in-law got up early to make breakfast and snacks for the road, her niece and nephew bid her farewell with sleepy eyes, and her brother carried her heavy bag for her...

It made her feel enveloped in love.

Bai Jingzhi's eyes were a little moist. This was a scene she could never have imagined before.

Jiang Mingchuan, walking ahead, seemed to feel that this silence wasn't ideal and spoke up. "Don't sleep too deeply on the journey. Don't eat anything someone else gives you, and don't engage if someone tries to talk to you..."

Bai Jingzhi silently nodded, then remembered he might not see and softly replied, "Mm-hmm."

Jiang Mingchuan put her on the train and repeated his instructions before leaving. "Don't engage with anyone who tries to talk to you, don't eat anything from strangers, and call us once you get to school."

"Okay."

Bai Jingzhi obediently nodded, then after a moment added, "Brother, be good to my sister-in-law."

Jiang Mingchuan didn't think much of it and simply replied, "Mm." It wasn't until he was off the train that he started to feel something was off, frowning in confusion. Was he not good to Jin Xiuzhu?