Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Dissatisfied with her husband, Jiang Yuexin fought with him constantly and even resented Zhang Cuifen and Jiang Sanjie, believing her current hardships were entirely their fault.

"Third Sister, how do you feel now? Are you happy?"

"I don’t feel anything."

Jiang Weilin was taken aback by Jiang Yiwei's calm demeanor, as he had expected her to be pleased.

Jiang Yiwei simply smiled faintly, patted his head, and returned to her room. She was exhausted and couldn’t be bothered with Jiang Yuexin’s affairs—someone else would handle them, so there was no need for her to intervene.

Besides, in Jiang Yiwei's eyes, Jiang Yuexin’s suffering was her karma.

She had no intention of changing anything or reminding Jiang Sanjie and Zhang Cuifen.

Even though Jiang Yiwei knew this was a novel, living in it made it all too real. She couldn’t help but resent Jiang Sanjie and Zhang Cuifen.

Had they shown the same care for her past self as they did for Jiang Yuexin, she wouldn’t have been tricked into marrying Chen Songbai, Chen Songzhi’s brother. Had they put in a little effort, her past self wouldn’t have suffered so tragically.

Thus, Jiang Yuexin’s future misery was her comeuppance.

Jiang Yiwei didn’t want to get involved, nor did she have time for their drama. She was busy with the sewing machine situation.

Down the alleyway, a tricycle pedaled toward the Jiang household.

On the tricycle was a black cloth-draped bundle, tightly tied down. The only visible things were the grins from ear to ear on Jiang Yiwei and Zhang Jiahui sitting at the back.

Their smiles were radiant.

The neighbors, of course, recognized Jiang Yiwei and Zhang Jiahui—after all, who wouldn’t know the locals?

"Isn’t that Cuifen’s confidante and Aunt Mao’s girl? What’s on the cart? Bundled up so snugly."

Compared to Jiang Yiwei and Zhang Jiahui, people were far more curious about the mysterious bundle.

Those familiar with them didn’t hesitate to ask directly.

"Auntie, sewing clothes for others has been a real hassle without a sewing machine. Luckily, I found someone selling a used but serviceable one, so I bought it. From now on, I can make clothes at home."

Everyone nearby knew Jiang Yiwei took on sewing jobs. Her designs were strikingly modern, and families with extra cash or parents who spoiled their girls often sought her services.

Some, unwilling to pay or let her profit, tried ripping off her designs. Yet, their attempts always seemed inferior to hers.

When placed side by side, the difference was like comparing a blooming flower next to a shriveled one.

They looked identical—so why weren’t they as beautiful as Jiang Yiwei’s?

It boggled their minds.

Could it be they were just bad at sewing?

Many began doubting whether their craftsmanship was worse than that of the little seamstress.

This sent them into existential crises every time they saw someone wearing clothes made by Jiang Yiwei.

"Aunties and uncles, if you need clothes made, you can come to me!"

Jiang Yiwei seized the opportunity to promote her services.

Some laughed good-naturedly, especially those whose families couldn’t sew—their voices rang out the loudest.

People tagging along out of curiosity followed the tricycle all the way to the Jiang family’s courtyard gate. Soon, a whole crowd had formed as more people gathered to see what was happening.

Bystanders, clueless about what was going on, thought something had happened at the Jiang residence—why else would such a large crowd gather there?

Upon asking, they learned Jiang Yiwei had bought a secondhand sewing machine.

"Yiwei’s really got something to her."

Who knew the quiet Yiwei had it in her?

First, she had secured a job on her own—even a temp job was nothing to sneeze at.

Now, she had even bought a sewing machine. Though it was used, it still cost money—a good chunk of change, dozens of yuan.

Not everyone’d shell out that much for a secondhand sewing machine.

"Guess they’re playing fair now—they even paid for Yiwei’s sewing machine."

Neighbors in the nearby alleys knew Zhang Cuifen and Jiang Sanjie had their favorites (namely Yuexin), while Jiang Lingxin and Jiang Yiwei received far less attention. Now, seeing them willing to buy Yiwei a sewing machine, some thought maybe they weren’t so unfair after all.

But a voice cut in, scoffing, "Hah, don’t you know? Yiwei charges for making clothes, and now she works as a seamstress herself. She could’ve scraped together the cash herself."

"If she waited for Zhang Cuifen and Jiang Sanjie, she’d be waiting half her life."

Everyone knew how things were for Yiwei in the Jiang household.

It’s not like she was starving, but with Jiang Yuexin around, Yiwei was often overlooked. Expecting Zhang Cuifen and Jiang Sanjie to help? Yeah, right.

"Exactly," a few muttered agreement.

Jiang Yiwei was unaware of the chatter.

After getting off the tricycle, she peeled back the black cloth, revealing the faded-but-sturdy sewing machine.

Though it was old, sewing machines were usually only bought for weddings, so owning one was a sign of capability.

A couple uncles jumped in, offering help moving it. Yiwei immediately replied, "Uncle Liang, if you don’t mind."

The sewing machine was heavy, and she was more than happy to accept assistance.

With the driver, Uncle Liang, Yiwei, and Zhang Jiahui all pitching in, they carried the machine into the house and placed it in the living room.

"You sure this spot’s okay? Should I ask your Aunt Qiuhe to help carry it in?"

Uncle Liang had intended to take it straight to her room, but Yiwei insisted on leaving it in the living room. Figuring she didn’t want men in her room, he suggested his wife help instead.

Yiwei, quick on the uptake, understood the implication.

"Uncle Liang, keeping it in the living room makes it easier to fix if it acts up."

"Repairs?" Uncle Liang blinked, then caught her meaning.

"Isn't this supposed to work? How come it's broken?"

"Did someone scam her?"

Uncle Liang knew it was a used sewing machine but never expected it to be broken.

He thought someone had taken advantage of Jiang Yiwei's young age, talking her into buying a faulty sewing machine.

Jiang Yiwei realized Uncle Liang had misunderstood and was about to explain when Zhang Jiahui spoke first.

"Uncle Liang, it’s because it’s broken that Yiwei got the chance to buy it."

"Think about it—a brand-new sewing machine costs a fortune! Plus, you’d need a coupon just to buy one. Where would you easily get one?"

She patted the sewing machine. "If it’s broken, we’ll fix it. Isn’t Brother Minhua working at some machinery factory? He’ll know how to fix it."

At first, Zhang Jiahui wondered too whether Jiang Yiwei had been scammed. But then she realized a broken one was fine as long as it could be fixed—it’d save a ton of money—totally worth it.

"Jiahui’s right."

Jiang Yiwei assured her she hadn’t been scammed—it was legit.

"The sewing machine can definitely be fixed later."

Uncle Liang got nervous—what if it couldn’t be fixed?

Seeing his troubled expression, Jiang Yiwei and Zhang Jiahui exchanged a smile.

"Uncle Liang, does she look stupid to you? Of course not! She bought it ’cause she knew it could be fixed."

"Even if it can’t be fixed, Yiwei’s the one who’ll be stuck with it."

Jiang Yiwei was sharper now and wouldn’t make a losing deal. "Uncle Liang, relax. Yiwei didn’t get scammed—this sewing machine will definitely be fixed."

Zhang Jiahui told Uncle Liang.

If Jiang Yiwei bought it, it’s gotta be fixable. Zhang Jiahui inexplicably trusted Jiang Yiwei’s judgment.

"Exactly! Uncle Liang, once the sewing machine’s fixed, you can see for yourself if it works."

Jiang Yiwei grinned, knowing Uncle Liang cared for her. But as Zhang Jiahui said, since she’d bought it, she’d make sure it got fixed. Besides, the sewing machine was just discarded by the First Garment Textile Factory—it wasn’t completely busted.

So, Jiang Yiwei reassured Uncle Liang to trust her.

Uncle Liang wasn’t totally sold by Jiang Yiwei and Zhang Jiahui’s words.

To him, both Jiang Yiwei and Zhang Jiahui were just kids. But since Jiang Yiwei had given her word, he had no choice but to believe them.

Jiang Yiwei thanked Uncle Liang and the cart driver before seeing them off. As they stepped out, she noticed Zhang Cuifen and Jiang Yuexin surrounded by a crowd. Zhang Cuifen wore a proud smile, while Jiang Yuexin scowled the whole time.

With everyone praising Jiang Yiwei, Jiang Yuexin’s expression grew even stormier.

"You should be careful—she might pull something shady."

Zhang Jiahui had clearly caught the resentment on Jiang Yuexin’s face.

Among Jiang Sanjie’s three daughters, Jiang Lingxin and Zhang Jiahui had a significant age gap, so they only exchanged greetings when they met. As for Jiang Yuexin, Zhang Jiahui couldn’t stand her—Jiang Yuexin was domineering and loved bullying others, so Zhang Jiahui avoided her.

As for Jiang Yiwei, Zhang Jiahui hadn’t liked her temperament before, but now, she quite liked the current Jiang Yiwei.

Seeing the jealousy and anger in Jiang Yuexin's eyes, Zhang Jiahui worried that Jiang Yiwei might be bullied, as anyone familiar with their family knew Jiang Yuexin always bullied Jiang Yiwei, and both Zhang Cuifen and Jiang Sanjie favored Jiang Yuexin.

At this thought, Zhang Jiahui shot Zhang Cuifen a sidelong glare.

They were both daughters—how could a mother play favorites like that?

"Don’t worry, no one can bully me now," Jiang Yiwei patted Zhang Jiahui’s hand reassuringly, assuring her she didn’t need to worry about Jiang Yuexin.

If Jiang Yuexin wanted to bully her, she wasn’t capable of it.

She wasn’t scared of her.