Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Jin Xiuzhu and the three children stayed in S City for a week. During this time, they helped Bai Jingzhi prepare many things for her wedding, all neatly packed away in the guest room, ready to be taken out at the end of the year for the ceremony.

They also calculated the amount of wine needed for the wedding and even wrote the invitations in advance. Bai Jingzhi worked during the day and came back at night to go through everything with them. Her sister-in-law was meticulous, listing everything from the guests to the tea and snacks.

Bai Jingzhi had always thought that getting married simply meant inviting people over for a meal, but she never expected there to be so much to do.

Even with all that, Jin Xiuzhu still found time to take Bai Jingzhi's pulse and told her that her constitution was a bit weak. She prescribed a medicine for her to get from the Chinese Medical Hospital, to brew and drink for a month. After finishing it, she would need another prescription.

After the wedding next year, they could start trying for a baby, which would be good for her health.

Bai Jingzhi had always felt that she was quite healthy. In the past, her menstrual cramps were severe, but after drinking the herbal tea recommended by her sister-in-law, the pain improved significantly. She didn't expect her sister-in-law to tell her that she was still somewhat weak.

Jin Xiuzhu explained, "Your weak constitution isn't something new; it's a condition you've had since childhood, probably due to severe cold exposure when you were young."

Bai Jingzhi remained silent.

Indeed, she often suffered from the cold as a child. After her parents' house was sold to pay off her uncle's debts, her adoptive parents never bought her clothes again. She wore the same coat all year round, and her blankets provided no warmth. She started helping with household chores at a very young age, washing clothes and cooking meals, often using cold water in winter.

She didn't think much of it until she met her sister-in-law, who taught her that girls should avoid cold water for their health. Her two nieces were also reminded of this from a young age and remained healthy.

Jin Xiuzhu added, "If your body is well-nourished, it will be better for the baby when you're pregnant."

Bai Jingzhi nodded obediently.

However, Jin Xiuzhu was worried that Bai Jingzhi might forget, so the next day, after work, she took her to the Chinese Medical Hospital in the city. They bought the medicine and a pot, and Jin Xiuzhu showed her how to brew it.

The medicine tasted strange, bitter, sour, and slightly foul. Jin Xiuzhu told her it was for replenishing blood and qi.

Bai Jingzhi pinched her nose and drank it down. After two days, she felt that she slept more soundly at night, unlike before when she would often wake up in the middle of the night.

Before leaving, Jin Xiuzhu took the three children to the department store to buy some gifts. For Fang Min, she bought a red fountain pen; for Zhang Qiulai, an overcoat; for Wang Ling, a pair of leather shoes; and for Qian Yufeng, after searching for a long time, she finally settled on a necklace.

She remembered Qian Yufeng's old watch and thought that despite her plain appearance, Qian Yufeng still cared about beauty. It was natural for women to love beauty, regardless of whether the item suited them or not; what mattered most was that they liked it.

In the morning, Bai Jingzhi sent the mother and children to the train station. As they were leaving, Bai Jingzhi held Jin Xiuzhu's hand and said, "It would be great if we could live together in the future. I really don't want to part ways."

Jin Xiuzhu didn't laugh at her, "It's not impossible. Maybe there will be a chance someday."

Bai Jingzhi knew her sister-in-law was comforting her, but hearing those words still gave her a glimmer of hope.

Jin Xiuzhu and the three children boarded the train and waved goodbye to Bai Jingzhi outside. As the train started moving, He Yan kept turning his head to look back, feeling sad as he saw his aunt becoming smaller and smaller.

He suddenly said to Jin Xiuzhu, "Mom, does everyone have to separate when they grow up?"

Jin Xiuzhu asked, "Why do you say that?"

He Yan replied, "Auntie is like that. She used to spend every summer and winter vacation with us, but now that she works, she only comes back during long holidays and leaves after a few days. Now she doesn't even come back during long holidays because she's going to find Uncle."

He sighed deeply, "I feel sad, like Auntie has been taken away from us."

Jin Xiuzhu looked at her son and thought for a moment, then said, "Your aunt has grown up and needs to establish her own family. Eventually, she'll have her own baby, and for that baby, they will be a family of three. Just like you now, with your parents and sister, we are your closest family."

He Yan nodded gloomily, "I know, but I still feel sad. Will my sister and I leave you guys too? I don't want that."

Fang Min, overhearing this, couldn't help but interject, "You can choose not to get married and stay at home."

He Yan glanced at her irritably.

Jin Xiuzhu smiled, "What silly talk. You don't necessarily have to leave. You can choose to live close by, visit each other, and we can always support you."

He Yan looked at Jin Xiuzhu, "Mom, I'm not as foolish as Auntie. That sounds impossible. I plan to attend a military academy, so how can I stay with you?"

He then lowered his head and took out a book from his bag.

That's why he chose to travel with his mom and sister, not just for fun, but to cherish the time he had left with them, fearing he might see them only once a year in the future.

Jin Xiuzhu opened her mouth but couldn't find any comforting words to say.

She hadn't really believed the words she said to Bai Jingzhi. She knew that Ji Ling was a soldier, and where they would settle down was uncertain. The same went for He Yan, who planned to attend a military academy and might not stay with the family.

Her son, who used to be easily comforted with sweet words, now seriously told her that he understood her words were just for comfort.

Jin Xiuzhu felt a pang of sadness, realizing that her son had truly grown up and was about to leave her.

She felt a slight sting in her nose and turned her head to look out the window, hiding her disappointment.

When she first married Jiang Mingchuan, it was merely for survival. With He Yan, she aimed to raise him well to avoid trouble later. But the emotional bond between them grew gradually, as she began to care for him deeply, teaching him life's important lessons.

Now, her carefully nurtured son told her he didn't want to leave her side.

She felt both sorrow and relief.

He Yan remained silent, flipping through his book.

Only Liu Liu didn't understand what her mom and brother were talking about. She turned to look at her mom, then at her brother, and was about to speak when her sister covered her mouth.

Liu Liu looked at her sister innocently.

Fang Min softened her tone and whispered, "Let's draw together, okay?"

Liu Liu nodded obediently.

Fu Yanyan took out a notebook and pen from her schoolbag and carefully taught her sister how to draw small animals.

As her sister imitated her drawings, Fu Yanyan stole a glance at the silent mother and son, then pursed her lips, feeling quite surprised.

In her previous life, their relationship had not been deep. "Jin Xiuzhu" had tried to please He Yan more than she liked him, while He Yan had disliked and rejected "Jin Xiuzhu." Now, however, the mother and son were saddened by the thought of their future separation.

It was undeniably quite remarkable when you thought about it.

But Fu Yanyan couldn't help but think about the future as well. In her past life, she had no future, but now, would she also have to leave Jin Xiuzhu and Father Jiang to start her own family?

She had never considered this before, but now that the thought had occurred to her, she felt a bit lost.

The four of them sat on the train for a whole day, arriving in the county at around six in the evening. Fortunately, it was still light outside when they arrived.

Before leaving, Jin Xiuzhu had called the Textile Factory, so Wang Ling and Qian Yufeng knew they were coming. Qian Yufeng even came to the dock to meet them. Seeing Jin Xiuzhu, Qian Yufeng's eyes welled up with tears. "I haven't seen you in such a long time, and you're still as beautiful."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "Why are you crying? We've finally met again."

"It's just not the same. Before, we could see each other anytime, but now that we're so far apart, it's hard to meet. I've been counting the days since I heard you were coming."

Jin Xiuzhu linked arms with Qian Yufeng. "Indeed, I was planning to go back, but then I decided to come and see you. The distance is too great, and meeting is not easy."

Qian Yufeng said, "Let's eat at my place tonight. Erzhu is already cooking at home. We don't live there anymore; we moved into the county."

"We live in a small house provided by his work unit. It's a bit cramped, but convenient for the kids to come home. Since my mother-in-law passed away, the children come home every day. Xiaojun has become much more mature."

At this point, she suddenly remembered something. "I didn't plan to tell you because you're so far away, and it would only worry you, but unexpectedly, Sister Wang told you, and you sent a fifty-yuan red envelope. I really don't know what to say; who gives so much?"

"What do you mean by waste? I don't like hearing that. When I first joined the military, you and your mother-in-law helped me a lot, and I remember all of that. Especially Xiaoyan, who lived with you for half a year and called Aunt Wu 'Grandma.' Our families are close, so I wanted to give more as a gesture of our affection."

Qian Yufeng smiled helplessly. "I knew you were good-hearted. People really can't be compared. As Sister Wang told you, the elder brother's family didn't come at all, and we haven't heard from them since. We didn't send money back, so they wrote two letters, which I threw away without reading."

"I've realized that distant relatives are not as reliable as close neighbors. That saying is true."

Jin Xiuzhu listened attentively to Qian Yufeng. Perhaps it was because Aunt Wu had passed away, but she felt that Qian Yufeng had become much more composed.

They walked and talked, eventually reaching Qian Yufeng's current residence.

Wu Erzhu worked at the police station, and the old house provided by his unit was nearby. Although it was small, its location was good, right in the center of the county, near the school.

Jin Xiuzhu followed Qian Yufeng up to the third floor. It was better than the dormitory building, resembling the houses in the military camp. Each floor had two units facing each other.

Qian Yufeng's home was on the left. She unlocked the door, revealing a small space, about forty to fifty square meters, with a living room and a balcony.

Qian Yufeng explained, "It's a bit small, isn't it? There are only two rooms. We live in the larger one, and Daya has the smaller one. Xiaojun lives in the factory dormitory and comes home just for meals."

Jin Xiuzhu was surprised to hear that Daya now lived alone.

She smiled. "Living alone is good; it allows her to focus on her studies. Our He Yan does the same, studying late into the night. I'm worried he won't get enough rest."

"Indeed, she uses a candle every day, which is expensive, but we can't help it. She needs to prepare for college, and we hardly speak above a whisper at home."

Qian Yufeng shook her head as she spoke. "Her eyesight has deteriorated, so we're planning to take her to the city this weekend to get glasses. Her father insists on getting good ones to protect her eyes."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "All for the sake of the children."

"Exactly. No one can compare to us in terms of caring for our children. A girl in Daya's class ranked third in the school, but her parents forced her to marry someone who paid a dowry of two hundred yuan. Even the teacher couldn't persuade them and got scolded."

Hearing this, the three children looked at Qian Yufeng in surprise.

Qian Yufeng laughed as she poured tea. "You three are lucky. Your parents love you deeply. Others aren't as fortunate."

He Yan couldn't sit still and soon got up to walk around. Then he went to the kitchen to help Wu Erzhu, and soon voices could be heard from the kitchen.

He Yan also asked about Daya, who seemed to have gone out to buy vinegar.

Qian Yufeng explained, "Xiaojun will be back soon. He adjusted his shift today knowing you were coming. He was supposed to work the night shift."

"It's been a long time since we last saw Xiaojun; we miss him a lot."

"Yes, he's grown taller than his father."

Just then, footsteps approached, and the door was knocked on. Liu Liu, unafraid, ran to open the door, as she always did at home.

The door opened, and Daya returned with vinegar. Seeing Liu Liu, she smiled. "Liu Liu—"

Liu Liu recognized her and happily greeted her. "Sister Daya."

Daya entered and greeted everyone. "Aunt Jin, Yanyan—"

Hearing the commotion, He Yan came out of the kitchen smiling. "Daya—"

Jin Xiuzhu chided him. "Call her 'sister.'"

He Yan boasted, "She's not even as tall as me, so I won't call her 'sister.'"

Daya laughed. "She's still older than you."

He Yan huffed and turned back to help in the kitchen.

Qian Yufeng chuckled. "Kids these days! When Daya visited the factory, someone asked who she was, and Xiaojun said she was his sister. I asked him why he lied. He said Daya was too short, and having such a short sister would make him look bad. Can you believe it?"

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. "It's the same with He Yan. He always wants me to attend parent-teacher meetings because I look young, making him feel proud. His father gets so angry."

"Hahaha"

Qian Yufeng laughed heartily.

Daya also laughed and went to tease He Yan in the kitchen.

Fu Yanyan sat beside the table, snacking and laughing as she listened to their conversation.

After a while, Daya came out from the kitchen and specially invited her and Liu Liu to her room to play.

Fu Yanyan followed, and Daya's room was small. A little bed was placed against the wall, next to a wardrobe, with a desk by the window. There were no bookshelves; books overflowed onto the table and were stacked in the corner.

Despite this, everything was neatly arranged and clean, showing how much care had been taken. Daya, like a child showing off her toys, shared her favorite things with Fu Yanyan.

There were hair clips given by her friends, clothes bought by her mother, and a pair of shoes bought by her brother Wu Xiaojun...

Fu Yanyan sat on the bed watching her, a gentle smile on her face.

She thought that such an energetic Daya was wonderful.

After introducing everything, Daya sat down beside Fu Yanyan and said with a smile, "Yanyan, do you remember when we moved into the military compound, and you showed me your room? At that time, I envied you so much, wishing for my own room. Now, it has finally come true."

Fu Yanyan fell silent for a moment, looking at Daya's smiling face, slightly stunned.

In fact, what Daya didn't know was that the past self was just like her now, never having been treated with such care, which made the past self very happy.

Daya smiled contentedly, "I am really happy. Now, both my parents and my brother treat me well."

Fu Yanyan nodded, "That's good. Sister Daya, I'm truly happy for you."

Feeling that Daya was luckier than herself, at least she didn't have to wait long.

Daya smiled even more happily, "Thank you."

Then she explained, "I've never been jealous of you, just envious, but not anymore. Now, I only want to get into a good university and find a good job afterward."

"Sister Daya, you will become better and better."

"So will you."

At dinner, Wu Xiaojun returned with Wang Ling. Wang Ling knew Jin Xiuzhu was back and met Wu Xiaojun halfway, so she brought him along.

Wu Xiaojun was too heavy, so after riding for a while, Wang Ling ended up sitting behind him. It must be said that boys are strong; he could still ride fast with someone on the back.

They arrived home before seven.

Wang Ling saw Jin Xiuzhu and immediately hugged her excitedly.

Jin Xiuzhu laughed and talked with her.

Qian Yufeng went to the kitchen to bring out the dishes. That evening, Wu Erzhu prepared ten dishes, filling the entire table. Everyone gathered around, eating and chatting.

Especially Wang Ling, who had endless stories, leaving others barely able to interject.

But Wu Xiaojun, once lively and domineering, remained silent throughout. Heyan, sitting beside him, tried to engage him in conversation, but he only responded when spoken to.

Heyan couldn't help but glance at him several times.

Wu Xiaojun paused with his chopsticks, then continued eating.

When they were young, he always felt inferior to He Yan, so seeing He Yan doing better would make him jealous and bully him. But now, with the gap widening, jealousy turned into envy, envying He Yan's good fortune, having adoptive parents who loved him deeply and providing a wealthy life, and also envying his academic success, which would lead to a bright future.

Unlike himself, who couldn't even join the army now.

After dinner, Jin Xiuzhu left with Wang Ling, giving Qian Yufeng a gift before departing.

Seeing the necklace, Qian Yufeng was stunned. "This... is for me? How can I wear it outside? It's embarrassing."

Jin Xiuzhu replied, "Why embarrassing? When I saw this, I thought of you. You always say I look good, but I also want you to look good and be happy."

Touched, Qian Yufeng looked at Jin Xiuzhu, holding her hand and escorting her to the crossroads.

Finally, Jin Xiuzhu patted her hand, "Go back. I'll visit again if there's a chance."

"Okay."

Qian Yufeng stood still, watching Jin Xiuzhu and Wang Ling walk away until they were out of sight, then turned back home.

Holding the ring Jin Xiuzhu gave her, she recalled boasting about her new watch that night. She used to be afraid to wear a watch, but now that she earned money, she bought one and wore it everywhere without anyone saying she wasn't worthy.

However, she never expected Jin Xiuzhu to buy her a necklace, something she never dared dream of, thinking only beautiful people could wear such lovely items. But Jin Xiuzhu told her that liking it was most important.

Smiling, she sniffled and put the necklace on.

Back home, she asked her children if the necklace looked nice. Daya said it did, while Wu Xiaojun nodded indifferently.

Wu Erzhu, as usual, mocked, "The necklace looks good, but the person doesn't."

But Qian Yufeng no longer got angry at such comments. She rolled her eyes at Wu Erzhu and went to her room to admire herself in the mirror, finding it increasingly beautiful.

That night, Wang Ling arranged for the four of them to stay in the factory dormitory, where the bedding had been washed and aired beforehand.

The three women shared one room, while He Yan had his own.

Wang Ling stayed overnight at the factory to chat with Jin Xiuzhu.

Suddenly, Jin Xiuzhu remembered, "Xiaojun should be old enough to join the army this year, right?"

She recalled hearing that Wu Xiaojun would work in the factory for two years before joining the army. "He's grown up. This is good. The child seems more mature and sensible now."

Wang Ling sighed, "It was supposed to be like that, but now it's different. Didn't you notice tonight? Xiaojun ate with his left hand?"