Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Su Linjin paused, then shook her head. "Unless it’s somewhere truly fun, and besides, if I go with you, you’d have to look after me. How inconvenient would that be?"

Here, she didn’t lift a finger, enjoying perfect conditions for her studies.

Jiang Wang made a mental note. "Alright."

The Jiang family members gradually returned from work for dinner.

Zhou Juan was beaming at the table, her chatter once again revolving around Jiang Yue and Jiang Yan’s prospective partners, as if they were already her destined daughter-in-law and son-in-law. She also remarked that buying New Year goods this year felt more strained than usual and expressed a strong desire to visit the temple fair next week to stock up on festive treats for the family.

Su Linjin complimented her, "Auntie, the Pea Cake you bought is truly delicious."

"You bet! It’s so hard to find now. I waited ages outside Fangshan Restaurant. No matter the cost, it was worth it."

"It pains me to eat it. I heard a tiny plate costs two yuan."

Zhou Juan glanced at her, clearly thinking she hadn't seen much of the world. "Tch, since when does our family ever skimp on snacks for you!"

Elder Jiang nodded. "Oldest daughter-in-law, make sure to gather all our northern snacks so Jin Jin can try them. Buy more of the ones she likes."

Zhou Juan smiled in agreement and quickly shifted the topic to New Year's Eve dinner preparations.

After the meal, Elder Jiang indeed kept Jiang Wang back. "Xiao Wang, come here."

The others lingered at the table, chatting after finishing their meal. Once the dishes were cleared to the kitchen, Song Lili and Zhou Juan, who would never dream of letting Su Linjin do chores, watched her return to the east wing room.

Jiang Lin said to Song Lili, "Mom, I want to go play with Sister-in-law."

Song Lili first glanced at Jiang Yongsen, whose face was expressionless, then at the east wing room.

Although the two had already registered their marriage, perhaps due to Jiang Wang’s distant relationship with his parents, Su Linjin wasn’t close to them either.

Every time they met face-to-face, she would just politely call her "Auntie," without using the proper term.

Now Jiang Lin wanted to go play with her—might she be turned away?

As Song Lili hesitated, Zhou Juan declared loudly, "What’s the harm? It’s only natural for a younger sister-in-law to chat with her elder sister-in-law. Who knows, maybe Jin Jin can even help Jiang Lin study properly!"

Her sarcasm was thick and undisguised.

It just grated on her.

If things had gone smoothly, Su Linjin would have long been their son’s wife, not ended up with the second branch.

Even though this girl, in the prime of her life, didn’t work and just lazed about reading all day—

But Elder Jiang valued her, and even Jiang Wang rose in his grandfather’s esteem because of it. When had he ever been summoned for a private word before?

So, could Song Lili, that pushover, really manage Su Linjin?

She was just waiting for the show.

Song Lili caught the dig in her sister-in-law’s words and looked down at her daughter. "Go ahead, but be polite. Don’t bother her if she’s busy."

"Mm, I know."

Jiang Lin stood at the door of the east wing room and rapped lightly. "Sister, can I come in?"

"Come in."

The east wing room was spacious. After Su Linjin moved in, she gradually added cushions and tablecloths, making it feel homey.

The room was connected to the heated kang, so it was perfectly warm.

Su Linjin had taken off her coat and was now wearing an old sweater, her long hair loose, one leg draped over a stool as she lolled lazily.

"Sit."

Jiang Lin sat down and pulled a soft-covered notebook from her coat pocket. "Sister, I jotted down all the vocabulary from the book you lent me last time. I’ve learned them all now."

Su Linjin reached out to take it, praising her neat handwriting. "Well done. Keep reading. Take a few more books back this time."

She pulled out several copies of *Little Soldier Black Egg* from her suitcase and handed them to the girl.

Jiang Lin looked at her sister-in-law, thinking she was stunning and enchanting, even prettier than Xi’er from the revolutionary operas.

And she wasn’t at all like what Auntie said—idling about at home.

The books she read were surely over their heads. That’s called knowledge!

Jiang Lin took the books, drew a deep breath, and began reading.

The books were so good.

After finishing, Jiang Lin sighed before closing the book and looking up to find Su Linjin watching her.

The girl’s face flushed instantly. "Sister, did I read out loud?"

She had sworn she wouldn’t disturb her...

"No, I just thought you were very focused. That’s great." She glanced at the comic book. "Same as before—note what stumps you. Oh, and have you learned English?"

"No, I heard they’ll teach it in middle school."

Jiang Lin was ten after the New Year, still in third grade.

"Here, let me teach you some words."

Jiang Lin probably didn’t realize that the way she cast her eyes down and focused on the book merged in Su Linjin’s memory with the image of a little boy in a blue vest.

By the time Su Linjin realized it, she had already opened a blank notebook and written down common words for the girl.

Only when Jiang Lin began spelling them out did it hit her—oh, that little boy was Jiang Wang, wasn’t he...

Meanwhile, in the side room of the main house, Elder Jiang laid out the chessboard. "Come, play a game with Grandpa. Same as last time. Your move first."

"Alright." Jiang Wang placed the first black piece.

Just as Su Linjin had predicted, halfway through the game, Elder Jiang casually asked, "When are you returning to the unit? You went AWOL—look, you can’t even spend the New Year at home."

Jiang Wang held the smooth chess piece between his fingers, hovering mid-air without placing it. He looked up at the stern old man across from him, pressed his lips together, and said, "Grandpa, I put in for discharge. I’ll report to my new unit after the New Year."

"What?"

Elder Jiang was so shocked that the chess bowl fell from the table, scattering pieces across the floor.

He glared at his grandson, his face clearly conveying: *You worthless whelp.*

Jiang Wang faced the old man's furious expression calmly and said, "I applied for a transfer. When I went back last time to submit my marriage application, my superior approved it. After the New Year, I'll report to Logging Ridge Military School."

What kind of place is Logging Ridge Military School?

It's a retirement post for officers—seemingly prestigious, requiring a certain rank to even qualify. But once you go, it's essentially a path to retirement.

Though he didn’t favor this grandson, he couldn’t bear to see him trade his hard-earned future for such a mediocre prospect.

The old man hissed through gritted teeth, "You're absurd! Your superior approved this? What was he thinking? That old codger doesn’t know how to assign work or use talent properly. I’d love to crack open his thick skull and see what’s inside!"

Once angered, his soldier’s vulgarities came flooding back endlessly.

A regiment commander under 25, going to a military school as an instructor—just the thought made him fear embarrassment.

Though the words outside were muffled, the intensity of the old man’s fury was unmistakable.

In the back room, Zhou Juan glanced at her silent sister-in-law and sneered, "Oh, what has Xiao Wang done to upset the old man again? Not that I blame you—even as his stepmother, you should discipline the child."

Jiang Yan snorted, "With that temper of his, he’ll never change. I don’t know what some people see in him, thinking he's so special."

She even made sure her meaning was clear by glancing toward the eastern wing.

Had Su Linjin been present, she would have marveled—with her having lived two lives of experience, Jiang Yan’s ability to offend two people in one sentence was unparalleled.

Jiang Wang endured his grandfather’s rage and poured him a cup of lukewarm water. "Grandfather, let me explain."

"What else is there to say?"

Jiang Wang remained seated calmly. "I applied for the military school position myself. Now that I’m married to Jin Jin, I want to spend more time with her."

This made matters worse. The old man’s chest heaved violently. "Nonsense! Didn’t I say this before?! I never wanted you to marry Jin Jin! Without a future, how can you take responsibility for her, huh?"

"This has nothing to do with marrying her. My superior originally planned to assign me elsewhere, but I felt unqualified. Besides, being transferred directly from Cotton Land Force would only cause resentment."

The position he mentioned dumbfounded Elder Jiang.

It was higher and and more prestigious than the one he himself had held before retirement.

"So I compromised. In peacetime, Cotton Land Force doesn’t have many missions. I might as well spend a few years at the military school first. If I do well, I’ll gain experience. If not, I won’t have the face to ask for more."

"Oh."

Elder Jiang stared blankly at the scattered chess pieces, then crouched to pick them up.

Jiang Wang wouldn’t let him. He pressed the old man back into his chair and gathered the pieces himself.

"Grandfather, shall we continue the game?"

"..." The old man’s anger had subsided. "Yes, of course. You interrupted before we finished."

"Alright. This time, you go first."

"You brat!"

Though grumbling, the old man was finally calmed down.

After cleaning the kitchen, Zhou Juan glanced at the still-lit adjacent room and waved at her sister-in-law. "We’re heading back. You should take Jiang Lin home soon too. Looks like the old man’s lecture isn’t over anytime soon."

Jiang Yongyao put his hands behind his back and turned to Jiang Yue. "Next time, take the initiative to play chess with Grandfather. Don’t let him get so worked up—it’s bad for his health."

"Alright." Jiang Yue grinned and followed his parents out.

Song Lili shifted uncomfortably, too embarrassed to knock on the east wing’s door. She finally left the courtyard with Jiang Lin trailing behind Jiang Yongsen.

The night wind was chilly, but fortunately, their oil refinery housing complex wasn’t far—just through White Lotus Alley and around the corner.

Noticing her daughter’s constant smile, she couldn’t help asking, "What’s got you so happy?"

"Mom! My sister-in-law is amazing! She showed me the coolest picture books, gave me poria cakes, and even taught me English!"

Jiang Yongsen scowled. "Don’t learn from her. Holed up at home reading all day—utterly impractical."

"Dad, that’s not true! My sister-in-law is wonderful!"

Song Lili stepped between her daughter and his cold gaze and ushered her to her room before whispering, "Why scold Lin Lin? In my opinion, she’s just distracted by grief. She’ll adjust in time."

Turning away, her voice grew smaller and more aggrieved. "Isn’t it just because she reminds you of Xiao Wang’s mother?"

It had been years since anyone mentioned that standoffish woman in front of him.

Jiang Yongsen went rigid before muttering, "Nonsense! I just can’t stand her copying Jiang Wang’s disrespect. Neither of them shows proper respect. I should’ve let him leave with his mother back then! That’s why Father always looks down on me."

The next day, Jiang Yongsen’s supposedly "disdainful" father put on his best military uniform and took Su Linjin to another residential compound—Ren Dashan’s.

Ren Dashan was Elder Jiang’s former superior, now retired but still wielding considerable influence. Many active young officers still sought his guidance to avoid mistakes in their work.

"Lao Jiang! What brings you here?" Ren Dashan sat basking in the sunlight by the glass window, his voice resounding.

"Nothing but business would drag me to your place," Elder Jiang replied, pulling up a chair. "Come meet my granddaughter-in-law."

Su Linjin quickly presented the pastries she’d made that morning. "Grandfather, try some Snowflake Nougat."

"Snowflake Nougat? Never heard of it." Comrade Ren opened the box, greeted by a creamy fragrance. "Hmm, smells good!"

Like the soldiers they were, he took a bite without hesitation. His face became animated, and after a few quick chews, he immediately reached for another.

"Delicious! Where’d you buy this? I’m getting some!"

Elder Jiang smirked. "Good luck finding it! My granddaughter-in-law made it!"

"You old goat! You never visit unless you’ve got something to brag about!" Despite his stern appearance, Ren’s teasing sounded like a reprimand.

Elder Jiang observed Su Linjin, satisfied to see her composed as she smiled graciously at the stranger. He patted Ren Dashan’s shoulder. "Lao Ren, remember Su Xinquan?"

The name fell like a boulder into calm waters, ripples spreading endlessly.

Ren Dashan went quiet, lost in memory. His face grew grave. "I remember."

They had both fought in that war.

"My granddaughter-in-law is Su Xinquan’s sole granddaughter." Elder Jiang gestured to Su Linjin. "Come, Jin Jin. This is your Grandfather Ren."

"Grandfather Ren."

Ren Dashan then looked closely at Su Linjin: "Come to think of it, she does resemble Old Su a bit. You old coot, rubbing it in my face, aren't you? Such a pretty granddaughter-in-law, and she can make these... what were they called again? Yummy treats."

"You hick, you've already eaten two and still can't remember—they're called Snowflake Nougat! I may not have matched you in anything else in my life, but at least my granddaughter-in-law can give yours a run for her money."

As they were comparing, the door swung open with a creak, and two little girls with twin ponytails entered one after the other. One said, "Grandpa, what are you eating? It smells so good!"

The other piped up, "Grandpa, Mom said you can't have sweets! You're sneaking them!"

Behind them walked in an elegant woman who bore some resemblance to Ren Dashan. She shot the old man a look and said, "Dad, now you're busted by Xiaofu and Xiaorong, aren't you? The doctor said you shouldn't eat too many sweets—it's bad for your cholesterol and blood sugar."

"I only had two! Fine, take the rest and give them to Xiaofu and Xiaorong." The previously gruff Ren Dashan now softened like a lamb in front of his daughter and granddaughters, sheepishly handing over the freshly made box of Snowflake Nougat.

"Let me introduce everyone," Ren Dashan said, pointing to the woman. "This is my youngest daughter, Ren Qi, and these are my two granddaughters, Shen Fu and Shen Rong. You must have met Uncle Jiang before, right? And this lovely young lady is Uncle Jiang's granddaughter-in-law."

Ren Qi gave a polite nod to Elder Jiang and Su Linjin, she carried herself with refinement and dignity, unlike the daughter of a military man.

Su Linjin first called out cheerfully, "Aunt Ren," then smiled at the twins and said, "If you like them, I'll make even tastier ones for you next time. This batch has less sugar."

Ren Qi blinked in surprise. "That's very thoughtful of you. My dad really shouldn't eat too many sweets."

The little girls, holding the box of Snowflake Nougat, shared a look and thanked Su Linjin sweetly.

Unable to resist, Ren Dashan swiped two pieces back and turned to Elder Jiang, boasting, "You may have a wonderful granddaughter-in-law, but I have twin granddaughters! What about you? Hurry up and tell us how our granddaughter-in-law made this Snowflake Nougat!"

Hearing this, Ren Qi and the twins stayed to listen.

Elder Jiang proudly launched into an embellished retelling of how Su Linjin had made the snacks that morning.

Su Linjin hadn’t known he was visiting a friend today.

She had simply noticed he was acting unusually.

Not only had he gotten up earlier than usual, but he had also been pacing the courtyard with his hands behind his back.

During breakfast, Zhang Ma whispered to her, "Comrade Jiang is acting strange today. He keeps going on about what gift to bring but won’t say who it’s for or when."

Su Linjin gave a thumbs-up and asked between bites, "Grandpa, you’re up so early today—are you visiting a friend? Paying a New Year’s visit?"

At the mention of a "New Year’s visit," Elder Jiang lit up. "Yes, a New Year’s visit! Jin Jin’s right. Tell me, what should I bring as a gift?"

"Is the other person also a grandpa? Does he have family?"

"Just an old man. Higher rank than me, worse temper. Kids... who knows how many. Lives alone."

Su Linjin nodded thoughtfully. "A grandpa like that would have all the basics covered. Let’s prepare something unique and novel—something special for the occasion. He might appreciate it more. How about I make a special snack you can’t buy anywhere else? Would that work?"

The old man's face lit up. "Perfect!"

In her past life, Su Linjin had worked in finance operations, where sharp business sense and a good grasp of business dynamics were essential.

Gift-giving was naturally part of her expertise.

During her last trip to the Friendship Store, besides chocolate, she had bought powdered milk, milk candies, and marshmallows. She immediately had Zhang Ma shell some roasted peanuts and walnuts for her while she prepared the other ingredients.

Inspired by the puffed rice cakes Zhang Ma had bought, she decided to make Snowflake Nougat.

Puffed rice cakes were tasty but too sugary for elderly people.

Snowflake Nougat was easier to moderate—though still rich in oil and sugar, the added milk made it rich, so a little goes a long way.

She reduced the sugar and substituted hard-to-come-by unsalted butter with lard.

Melting the lard over low heat, she slowly stirred in marshmallows. Once fully melted, she glanced at her wristwatch, noted the time, then quickly added powdered milk and mixed well. Next, she tossed in peanuts and Golden Rooster crackers, stirred everything together, and scooped the gooey mass onto the board Zhang Ma used for dumplings.

The cold Northern Yan weather quickly firmed up the mixture.

After bringing it back inside, she cut it into pieces and had Zhang Ma help wrap each piece in wax-coated kraft paper.

Zhang Ma marveled, "How clever! So fragrant and pretty."

Su Linjin took two less perfect-looking pieces, giving one to Zhang Ma and eating the other herself.

"This... this is delicious!" Zhang Ma praised. "Better than nougat—less sweet and softer. Even I can chew it!"

Su Linjin wasn’t entirely satisfied.

Without butter, it wasn't as creamy, but the Friendship Store’s powdered milk was rich enough to compensate.

The only regret was the lack of variety in nuts—pine nuts or pecans would’ve been perfect.

But there was a nice surprise: the Golden Rooster crackers added an unexpectedly delicious crunch.

Su Linjin picked a slightly imperfect piece for Elder Jiang to try.

The old man took one bite and immediately praised, "This is it! That old so-and-so won’t see it coming—give him a taste and leave him craving more."

After hearing the story, Ren Dashan glared. "You old devil! Out with it—what brings you here today if not just to get down to business?"

Elder Jiang hadn’t expected him to get down to business so quickly and looked sheepish.

Ren Qi naturally ushered the twins away. "Come on, let’s sneak off and eat Grandpa’s Snowflake Nougat."

Once they were gone, Elder Jiang awkwardly began, "Today, I’ve come shamelessly to ask a favor for my no-good grandson."

"Your little grandson? Isn’t he in Mianlu? Didn’t he just win some award that got reported up to the military district? They’re holding him up as a model."

Elder Jiang actually knew little about Jiang Wang’s military achievements and simply replied, "But now he wants to transfer—just went and decided to go to Logging Ridge Military School! I was thinking, since the transfer is unavoidable, could we at least get him reassigned somewhere better? I can’t let Jin Jin suffer because of him."

Hearing this, Ren Dashan’s eyes widened, and he slammed his palm on the table. "How could you marry Old Su’s only granddaughter to that wild child of yours?"

He went on angrily, "Isn’t it said that he disrespects his elders at home and treats people poorly outside? Doesn’t even know basic courtesy! Are you out of your mind?"

"I..." Elder Jiang stammered. He couldn’t very well say in front of Su Linjin that maybe his granddaughter-in-law was just taken by his grandson’s looks.

Disrespectful? Lacking courtesy?

Su Linjin could guess where these stereotypes came from. Straightening up, she smiled and said, "Grandpa Ren, that’s not quite right. Jiang Wang may be quiet, but he’s reliable and trustworthy. As for disrespecting elders, that’s a misunderstanding—he observes all proper etiquette. I don’t know who’s been so determined to ruin his reputation, but if he were truly incompetent, how could he have become a regimental commander so young? Would others follow him?"

Ren Dashan was stunned.

He was used to people falling silent when he got angry and pounded the table. Now, here was someone who not only wasn’t intimidated but answered him point for point with perfect logic.

And she wasn’t done. "Grandpa Ren, I think it’s truly malicious to smear a young person like this. You and Grandpa are both leaders—isn’t this unfair to him?"

"It is unfair," the two respected elders meekly agreed.

"But is it true he disrespects his elders and is stubborn?" Ren Dashan recovered first. "Etiquette is one thing—respect is another."

Thinking of all the times Jiang Wang had been overlooked, and how he’d lost his mother so young, growing up like a lone wolf fighting his way up, Su Linjin’s voice caught slightly. "Why must he show respect if his elders never treated him well? Should he seek out more mistreatment? And if he were truly so terrible, would the military leadership be foolish enough to promote him so young?"

"Tell me who's spreading these false rumors, and I'll get to the bottom of this for him."

Su Linjin stood tall, her gaze clear and unwavering as she looked at the two elderly men.

Ren Dashan hadn't quite figured out the source of the "rumors" Su Linjin mentioned.

By the time such words reached him, they had already been through the grapevine.

As for firsthand information, what usually made it to his attention were policy matters and major decisions.

But Elder Jiang, at this moment, felt like he'd been struck by lightning—a sudden, blinding clarity that illuminated a long-buried concern in his heart.

Among these retired senior officials, there was naturally a network of connections. But beyond their own meetings and interactions, much of the communication was delegated to their sons.

The one who had always represented him was his eldest son, Jiang Yongyao.

Under Su Linjin's steady gaze, Ren Dashan finally coughed lightly. "Don't worry, my dear, I'll look into it for you. As for the matter of his transfer..."

He turned to Elder Jiang. "I really don’t know whether to say you're blessed or lucky."

"Cut to the chase!" Elder Jiang snapped impatiently. "What’s the difference between being blessed and lucky?"

"Say you're blessed, it's because you have our Xiao Su as your granddaughter-in-law. Say you're lucky? Well, that military academy isn’t just any ordinary one. I can’t say more, but you’ll see!"

For someone of Ren Dashan’s standing to hint at this much was already highly unusual. Today, out of respect for Su Linjin, he had dropped this little hint.

Elder Jiang knew better than to push further. He gave a solemn nod and changed the subject.

After chatting for about half an hour, he bowed slightly in farewell and prepared to leave.

As he pushed the door open, Ren Qi emerged from the side room, holding two sticks of candied hawberries. "Xiao Su, wait a moment."

She handed them over. "These are made at home, with a bit of sweet filling. Try them and see if you like them. If you have time, come visit us sometime."

Ren Qi was warm and poised, and Su Linjin immediately liked her. She nodded. "Sure. Next time, I’ll make them even tastier snacks."

Ren Qi couldn’t help but laugh. "Today’s box of Snowflake Nougat already amazed them. If you make something even better next time, they’ll be running to your place every day."

"I'd welcome that. I adore girls like them." Su Linjin had never imagined having children of her own, but she thoroughly enjoyed spoiling well-mannered, lovely "other folks' children" like Shen Fu and Shen Rong.

Ren Qi smiled. "I heard you're engaged now. If you like kids, you can have your own soon."

Elder Jiang, watching the two chat happily, stepped back, smiling approvingly.

"Look at me, making you stand in the cold courtyard. Next time, I’ll arrange a proper get-together—you must come." Ren Qi patted her hand lightly.

"Of course." Su Linjin waved goodbye, then glanced up to see the twins’ faces pressed against the window, their tiny hands waving too. She winked at them, and the girls giggled into their hands.

After seeing them off, Ren Qi pushed open her father’s door. The old man was leaning back in his chair, eyes closed as if napping.

But she knew he was just upset. "Dad, what’s wrong?"

"How did Old Su’s granddaughter end up marrying that boy? I still think Old Jiang didn't handle this right."

"Maybe there’s more to it? Xiao Su seems clever—if her fiancé were truly no good, she’d never agree to marry him. If you’re worried, why not check it out?"

"You’re right. I shouldn’t just believe everything I hear. Being away from the frontlines for so long has made me careless. Call Jian Guo for me—I need to talk to him."

"Alright." Ren Qi stood. "I really like Xiao Su, Dad. I’d like to get to know her better."

She knew her father well—most people stumbled over their words when lying to him. Someone as poised and straightforward as Su Linjin was rare.

And she admired that.

Ren Dashan thought for a moment. "Fine."

Normally, he discouraged his children from getting too friendly with his colleagues’ families, wary of talk or trouble.

But Su Xinquan’s granddaughter was different.

If not for Su Xinquan saving those soldiers, their entire squad would have been wiped out. Without that brave act, he would never have been promoted.

That was why he had always ensured the veterans' affairs offices took care of those disabled veterans.

He believed in repaying kindness. If their descendants were out of reach, so be it—but now that the granddaughter was here, he would look after her, even offer help.

Unlike Ren Dashan, who had to send his son-in-law to investigate, Elder Jiang knew exactly where the rumors of "disrespecting elders" had originated.

Noticing his quiet mood after leaving the Ren residence, Su Linjin asked, "Grandpa, what’s wrong?"

"Nothing." He waved it off.

This was a family matter—he had no desire to discuss it.

Checking her watch, Su Linjin suggested, "Grandpa, let’s enter White Lotus Alley from the other end. The car can wait at the entrance—it’s easier for Xiao Song. Driving all the way to the courtyard gate gets in the neighbors' way, especially now when it’s crowded."

"Alright, as you say." Elder Jiang nodded, then noticed the new watch on her wrist. "Did they add this to the betrothal gifts?"

He remembered the gift list being pretty ordinary, assuming they’d give more dowry for her aunt to spend as she pleased.

He hadn’t expected them to include such a nice watch.

Su Linjin held out her wrist proudly. "Not at all! Jiang Wang bought this for me—said it’d help me keep track of time. Used his own money."

Elder Jiang froze, then snorted automatically. "Own money? As if he’d ever hand money over to the family."

"He gave it to me. So any money not in my pocket is private savings, right?"

Embarrassed, Elder Jiang rubbed his nose. "...Well, I suppose that counts."

He looked at the watch closely. "Not bad at all."

He actually knows how to care for someone?

Elder Jiang thought to himself.

"Of course it’s good—it’s a Longines! Very expensive."

Xiao Song, glancing in the rearview mirror, chimed in with a smile. "Comrade Jiang, Longines is top-quality. Last time I heard, there was a line out the door at the Friendship Store when a new shipment came in."

As they spoke, the car reached the entrance of White Lotus Alley.

The alley had two openings—one wider, the other narrower.

Xiao Song usually took the wider route, while the narrower one led straight to a bus stop, making it more convenient for the locals.

It grew colder as dusk settled in.

Su Linjin walked arm in arm with the elderly man into the alley.

At this time, before most households had started cooking, neighbors were either picking vegetables at their doorsteps or chatting in small groups.

Among the chatting crowd, one group stood out as particularly large.

The person at the center of the group spoke with full vigor: "Just you wait, I don’t believe a decent young lady can last with some military brute. By the time our eldest son might already have children, she’ll be the one regretting it."

"Your second son also looks quite fierce—just how awful is he? I heard his second mother can’t even hold a conversation with him?"

The central figure replied smugly: "You got it right! Not just no conversation—he won’t even look at her properly. All these years, not once has he called him 'Dad.' Who knows what sin was committed in a past life to bring forth such a thing!"

"What a shame for that girl, so bright and charming—like a fresh flower planted in manure!"

"Well, in my opinion, every pot has its lid..."

Su Linjin listened quietly as Zhou Juan guided the gossip deeper and broader.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Elder Jiang’s face turn stormy.

Su Linjin asked with feigned innocence: "Excuse me, but what kind of pot and what kind of lid are we talking about?"

The crowd turned at her voice, whispering nervously among themselves as they parted to reveal Zhou Juan standing opposite her.

Zhou Juan froze at the sight of Su Linjin.

Being caught gossiping about someone was awkward, no matter how shameless one was.

But when she spotted Elder Jiang behind Su Linjin, her face paled, and she scrambled for excuses: "Dad, I—"

Before she could finish, Elder Jiang turned away with a face like thunder and quickened his pace toward home.

Su Linjin hurried after him, supporting the old man.

After they left, the crowd under the old locust tree slowly dispersed. Zhou Juan’s face flushed with alternating shame and anger as she stood there for a long while before finally dragging her legs like jelly back home.

"Grandpa, don’t let it bother you," Su Linjin said gently. "In this world, how can we control what others say? I don’t care."

"But I do!" the old man snapped. "Letting you suffer such humiliation—it’s my shame!"

What stung most was that the source of this humiliation was his own family, filling him with shame and guilt.

"Well, thinking about it now, wouldn’t marrying Jiang Yue be the real humiliation?" Su Linjin coaxed playfully.

She had planned this precisely, deliberately leading Elder Jiang through this route.

Zhou Juan had lived up to her expectations—played her part perfectly.

Elder Jiang’s anger subsided at her gentle words.

He realized this family needed setting straight—otherwise, Su Linjin would truly be bullied.

Dinner was unusually tense. The usual lively atmosphere was absent, with Zhou Juan keeping her head down, stealing furtive looks at Su Linjin and Elder Jiang.

Jiang Yue shot her several urgent signals, but she ignored him, oblivious even to Jiang Yan’s anxious gaze.

Just as she was trying to sink into the floor, Su Linjin asked cheerfully: "Auntie, have you finished buying New Year’s goods? Can we add tanghulu?"

At this point, even if Su Linjin had asked for Hujiang specialties, Zhou Juan would have moved heaven and earth to obtain them: "Oh, that’s easy! I’ll get you the best tanghulu!"

Then, turning to Elder Jiang, she pleaded: "Dad, see? Jin Jin isn’t holding a grudge. Just treat what I said earlier as nonsense—those busybodies egged me on. I won’t gossip with them anymore, Dad, really..."

Having been part of the Jiang family for so long, Zhou Juan knew the old man was all bluster without bite—he hated seeing his children drift apart and cared deeply about face.

Her public self-flagellation was like slapping herself, but she knew Elder Jiang would let it go to save face.

She had been careless today, not expecting the girl and the old man to come in through the narrow alley.

But discretion is the better part of valor. With Jiang Yue and Jiang Yan on the verge of marriage, having a grandfather like him and a home like this would give them standing.

Once the two got married—especially Jiang Yue, if he could marry someone with a powerful family—she wouldn’t need to kowtow to the old man daily.

Yet to her surprise, Elder Jiang cut her off with a gesture: "Enough! Stop wailing—it’s grating. I didn’t want to say this in front of everyone to spare you some dignity, but since you’ve forced my hand..."

He recounted the scene he had witnessed, watching Zhou Juan’s face shift between green and white, before dropping the bombshell: "I’m starting to think it might be time to split the household."