Chapter 42: One After Another

Chapter 42: One Thing After Another

Since she'd already agreed to the blind date, she couldn't just half-ass it. Lin Zhijin picked out a simple, nice outfit, paired it with leather boots, braided two pigtails that hung over her chest, and put on a pearl hairpin. Once she was sure everything looked right, she headed to work.

"Zhijin, you smell so good. What perfume did you put on?" Wang Xiaoyao wrinkled her nose.

Lin Zhijin raised her wrist to sniff, then leaned her face closer, "This one?"

"Yeah, what face cream smells so good?" Wang Xiaoyao looked at Lin Zhijin's fair, soft face and couldn't help pinching it.

Her skin was really nice—fair, smooth, and soft. Her own skin was more yellowish, with a few spots. Wang Xiaofen couldn't resist pinching again, feeling envious.

Lin Zhijin swatted her hand away and gave her a sideways glance, "It's from Xiuzhenfang (a cosmetics shop). A friend gave it to me—there are a few different kinds. You should go take a look sometime."

A couple of days ago, Lin Shishu came by to visit her, and this face cream was her gift, along with two tubes of lipstick, saying she didn't need them since she was trying to get pregnant.

"I'll go after work. Zhijin, wanna come with me?" Wang Xiaoyao asked eagerly.

Thinking she had nothing to do tonight and hadn't gone out in a while, Lin Zhijin simply nodded in agreement.

As they chatted, Wang Xiaoyao's smile suddenly dropped. "I asked my mom last night. She never said she couldn't afford to support my eldest sister. When my dad passed away, my mom wanted to take my eldest sister with her, but then my grandparents said if she took my eldest sister, she'd have to take them in too. That's when my mom said she couldn't afford it. And that's the only part my eldest sister caught. Combined with them constantly stirring up trouble, it made my eldest sister misunderstand my mom even more."

Lin Zhijin nodded, "So that's how it is. Then just have your mom explain it to Xiaofen."

Whether that was true, Lin Zhijin didn't know—it all depended on whether Wang Xiaofen would believe it.

"My eldest sister's got too deep a grudge against Mom. Even if Mom explained, she'd probably think she was just making excuses." Wang Xiaoyao suddenly looked at Lin Zhijin, "Zhijin..."

Lin Zhijin raised her hand, "Hold on. I've only met your eldest sister a few times and exchanged a few words. We're basically just acquaintances. Stuff like family matters—I'm afraid I can't help."

Wang Xiaoyao was enthusiastic, outgoing, and helpful—those were her good qualities. But she had zero sense of boundaries. This had already happened once before, and now she was trying to get Lin Zhijin to be the middleman again.

"Alright, I just feel like my sister really likes you." Wang Xiaoyao said a bit sheepishly.

"Likes me how? She happened to have a problem, and I happened to help her out. So she's grateful to me. I can't just use that gratitude to stick my nose into her personal business." Lin Zhijin refused almost bluntly.

"Sorry, I didn't think it through. You're not mad, are you, Zhijin?" Wang Xiaoyao looked at her cautiously.

"Nah, it's fine." Lin Zhijin smiled. "Let's get to work."

The two sisters-in-law who'd caused a scene last time over splitting the family property came in again. Their hair was a mess, and their faces were all scratched up like they'd been in a catfight—clearly they'd been fighting again.

Right behind them came their husbands, Dafu and Dagui. Those two weren't in any better shape either—faces black and blue, limping as they walked. Clearly, they'd really gone at each other.

Last came the old lady, wailing. She wasn't injured, but her clothes and hair were a mess—probably from trying to break up the fight.

Chen Qiuqiu's face darkened. "Tell me, what's going on here?"

Dafu and Dagui stayed silent. The old lady was about to start wailing again when Chen Qiuqiu silenced her with a look. "Not you. And not you two either—let the brothers speak."

Dafu mumbled and couldn't get a word out. Dagui covered his face and said, "It's my eldest brother—he's too greedy. He blames Mother for being unfair, even though he agreed to it himself before."

"I did agree before, but you guys? You tricked me! Mother, I'm your eldest son. You'll be depending on me to take care of you in your old age, yet you secretly gave the bigger share to Dagui. Fine then—from now on, Dagui's the one who takes care of you." Dafu looked like his heart was broken.

Seeing that Chen Qiuqiu didn't stop her, the old lady immediately slapped her thigh and wailed, "Heavens above, open your eyes! I swear on my conscience, where am I being partial? Dafu, we agreed in front of the elders and the leaders—the house goes to you. Your brother has no house, so he gets more money to rent one. Where did I go wrong?"

Dafu sneered, "Oh yes, 'a bit more.' A hundred silver dollars—he gets eighty, I get twenty. No, wait, maybe even more than that?"

Dafu stared hard at the old lady's eyes. When he saw her look away guiltily, he flew into a rage. "Fine, so there really is more! Tell me, how much did Dad leave? How much did you give the second one? I'm going to find the elders and the cadres."

Dagui wasn't guilty at all. He glared at the old lady, "Mother, what do you mean? You hid money? Why? Saving it for your old age? Fine then—if that's the case, I don't need to support you anymore either."

Seeing his reaction, Dafu knew the old lady hadn't given Dagui extra money. But he had no intention of letting this go. Dagui was smooth-talking and knew how to please her—the money in her hands would end up with him eventually. Might as well force it all out today.

"Mother, looks like you don't need me to support you either. You're so capable, you can manage just fine on your own."

"What are you doing, what are you doing—abandoning your elderly mother right in front of us?" Chen Qiuqiu's face darkened.

The old lady had been panicking, but hearing Chen Qiuqiu's words, her eyes lit up and she puffed up, "Exactly! I'm your mother! If you dare not support me, the state will lock you up!"

"Old lady, feeding you meat counts as support, and giving you a bowl of plain porridge counts as support too. We can't watch over you every minute." Chen Qiuqiu said meaningfully.

This old lady was clearly no pushover. If Chen Qiuqiu said today that they'd look after her, she'd come running to them for every little thing afterward. So Chen Qiuqiu couldn't let her get too pleased with herself.

Sure enough, the old lady deflated immediately. She looked cautiously at her two sons, and seeing their dark faces, didn't dare cause more trouble. In front of the Women's Federation leaders, she agreed to divide the family property fairly—and of course, both sons and daughters-in-law had to guarantee they'd support her in her old age.

The house still went to the eldest. Of the hundred silver dollars, the eldest got forty and the second got sixty. Of the 2.4 million in cash, each got one million. The remaining thirty silver dollars and 400,000 in cash were kept by the old lady as her personal savings. As for the gold and jewelry, the old lady would keep those, and whoever was most filial to her in the future would inherit them.

"Any problems? If not, press your fingerprints here." Chen Qiuqiu rewrote the family division agreement and had them sign and fingerprint it.

Both daughters-in-law actually wanted a share of the jewelry, but with Chen Qiuqiu and the others standing guard, they didn't dare say a word. They reluctantly pressed their fingerprints.

After seeing that family off, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"Know why I didn't divide the jewelry?" Chen Qiuqiu tested them.

"I know! Since the old lady has something in her hands, they have to treat her well if they want it." Wang Xiaoyao raised her hand and answered eagerly.

Lin Zhijin nodded, "You specifically said whoever is most filial gets it. If they want the jewelry, they have to outdo each other in filial piety."

Chen Qiuqiu smiled and nodded. "Correct."

Nothing else came up after that. Lin Zhijin read until the end of the workday. Just as she stepped out, she saw Sister Wu waiting there.

"Xiao Lin, let's go, let's go! Xiangwen is already waiting at the noodle shop."

Lin Zhijin felt a bit speechless—was there really such a rush?

"Zhijin, I'll go with you?" Wang Xiaoyao chased after her.

"Oh, I'll be there with her. You think I'd let anyone bully Xiao Lin? Don't worry." Sister Wu looked around, then leaned in and whispered to Wang Xiaoyao, "Too many people is awkward—it gets noisy."

Wang Xiaoyao didn't care what she said. She kept her eyes on Lin Zhijin, and only smiled when she saw her nod. "Alright then, I'll go eat first."

When they arrived at the noodle shop, Zhu Xiangwen was already waiting. Seeing them approach, he hurried over and greeted them somewhat nervously, "Sister Wu, Cadre Lin, you're here?"

"Let's go, let's go—don't stand out here. Let's get inside, it's freezing outside." She made sure to pull Lin Zhijin along with her, afraid she might run off.

Zhu Xiangwen attentively took Lin Zhijin's scarf and gallantly pulled out her chair, saying, "I originally wanted to book a Western restaurant. This place is a bit beneath you."

Looking at Lin Zhijin's beautiful face and elegant, refined aura, he felt she belonged in an upscale Western restaurant, not this small, dim noodle shop.

Lin Zhijin looked around the noodle shop. "No, I think this place is just fine."

"Exactly. What's so good about foreign food? It's expensive, and it's cold outside—the Western restaurant is far away. This place is close to the office, within walking distance. Nothing beats a hot meal right after work." Sister Wu echoed Lin Zhijin's words.

"Cadre Lin prefers Chinese food? Then next time I'll take you to Rongji—their braised pork belly is amazing." Zhu Xiangwen quickly said.

They hadn't even finished this meal, and he was already planning the next one?

"We'll figure that out when we get there," Lin Zhijin said, politely turning it down.

"What can I get you three?" the waiter asked as he came over.

"How about the shredded pork noodles? They're really good here," Sister Wu said, turning to Lin Zhijin.

"Sure," Lin Zhijin said, noticing Zhu Xiangwen staring at her. She frowned slightly and looked down.

"Same for me," Zhu Xiangwen said. He knew it wasn't right to keep staring at a female comrade, but he just couldn't look away.

"Okay, three bowls of shredded pork noodles it is," Sister Wu said quickly, noticing how awkward they both looked. "Xiao Lin, you might not know this, but Xiangwen fell for you the moment he saw you. The second he found out you worked at the Women's Federation in the Southern City Street Office, he begged someone to set him up with you. It just so happens he's a distant relative of mine, and the moment he described you, I knew it was you—there's no one in the whole Southern City Street Office who looks as good as you."

"Sister Wu, you're laying it on too thick," Lin Zhijin said with an embarrassed smile.

Wait—did Zhu Xiangwen's parents not even know about this blind date?

"Cadre Lin, do you remember when it snowed last time, and you were walking your bike along the road? I fell off my bike, and you helped me up," Zhu Xiangwen said. Back then, he'd only seen Lin Zhijin's eyes, but those peach blossom eyes had hooked him instantly. He'd secretly followed her, watched her go into the Southern City Street Office, and asked around about her, wanting to know everything he could.

His words jogged Lin Zhijin's memory. She did remember helping a man who'd fallen off his bike that day, but he'd been wearing a scarf, so she hadn't gotten a good look at his face.

"So that was you!" Lin Zhijin looked him up and down. He was indeed good-looking—fair-skinned, refined, neatly dressed, and clean. She'd noticed earlier that he was about 1.75 meters, which was considered tall in the southern city. "You didn't get hurt, did you?"

"No, I was wearing thick clothes. Were you out on official business that day, Cadre Lin?" Zhu Xiangwen tried to keep the conversation going.

"Yes, the Women's Federation found jobs for some female comrades from struggling families or those without family, and I was delivering the referral letters. Comrade Zhu, you work at the post office?" Lin Zhijin didn't like awkward silences, so she tossed out a question.

"Yes, I joined the post office right after high school, and I'm a deputy section chief now," Zhu Xiangwen said, nervously gripping his pants, afraid Lin Zhijin might look down on him.

He'd heard from Sister Wu that a lot of military officers and cadres were pursuing Lin Zhijin, including a regiment commander and a deputy division-level cadre. Compared to that, his rank seemed a bit low.

Lin Zhijin was surprised. He seemed so refined and modest?

He seemed decent enough—maybe worth keeping an eye on.

"Here are your noodles!" the waiter said, setting the bowls down.

The atmosphere got awkward again, so Sister Wu praised the noodles while also talking up Zhu Xiangwen.

"Zhijin, Xiangwen's been sensible since he was a kid. He always ranked at the top of his class in school. If it hadn't been for the war, he definitely would've gone to college. He's been diligent and hardworking at work too—the bosses and coworkers at the post office all speak highly of him. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made deputy section chief at just twenty-three."

"Xiangwen's dad is the deputy director of the Finance Bureau," Sister Wu leaned in and whispered to Lin Zhijin. "The previous director had some problems and is under investigation, so his dad will probably get promoted."

"Xiangwen's mom is a primary school teacher and is great with kids. If you two have children, you won't have to worry about their schooling."

"Oh, and Xiangwen, your sister works at the hospital, right? I remember your brother-in-law is a doctor—a surgical director, I think, very skilled. Your younger brother's a junior in high school? He'll be taking the college entrance exam soon. How are his grades?"

Sister Wu went through each family member and sang their praises.

Zhu Xiangwen pursed his lips, a bit embarrassed. "Sister Wu, you're too kind. My grades were average, and I'm still working hard at my job. But my brother's grades really are good—his teacher says he can get into college."

A slight smile tugged at Lin Zhijin's lips. "Being recognized by everyone at work shows that Comrade Zhu is truly impressive."

Hearing Lin Zhijin's compliment, Zhu Xiangwen felt a warm sweetness inside, and his face flushed a little without him meaning it to. "No, no, compared to you, I still have a lot to learn. You're so young and already working at the Women's Federation, helping so many female comrades with their problems. Everyone sings your praises."

Lin Zhijin was taken aback. "Me? I wouldn't go that far. I'm just doing what I can—mostly learning."

Sister Wu watched the two chatting happily and felt secretly pleased, thinking this might actually work.

She seized the moment and said, "You two shouldn't be so modest. One's young and promising, the other's beautiful and capable. If you two got together, you'd be a match made in heaven."

At that, Zhu Xiangwen's ears turned bright red, and he stole a glance at Lin Zhijin's face.

Lin Zhijin frowned slightly. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Eat your noodles—they'll get soggy."

Zhu Xiangwen quickly took a bite. "Right, they're perfect right now. Sister Wu picked a great place. We should come back sometime."

Sister Wu smiled and said, "See, I knew you'd like it. Xiao Lin, Xiangwen's parents are both very kind people, and you've seen Xiangwen—he's refined and gentle. So what do you think?"

"Sister Wu, Comrade Zhu and I just met," Lin Zhijin said. She felt like Sister Wu was pushing for marriage, which was actually making her lose some of the good impression she had of Zhu Xiangwen. She hated being pressured into decisions.

Zhu Xiangwen noticed Lin Zhijin's displeasure and quickly nodded. "Cadre Lin is right. Feelings need time to develop. It's too early to talk about this. Let's eat."

Sister Wu also realized she'd been too hasty and tried to make up for it. "I just saw how well you two matched and got ahead of myself. Alright, I'm done eating. You two talk—I won't bother you."

After Sister Wu left, Lin Zhijin and Zhu Xiangwen were left sitting across from each other.

After a brief silence, Zhu Xiangwen gathered his courage and said, "Cadre Lin, I... I might not be the most impressive person you've ever met, but I hope you'll give me a chance to pursue you."

Not a relationship, but a chance to pursue—he kept his stance humble, which made it hard for Lin Zhijin to say no.

But with a family like his, could they really accept her?

"Do your parents know about our blind date?" Lin Zhijin asked, setting down her chopsticks as she finished eating.

Zhu Xiangwen had looked into Lin Zhijin's past and immediately understood what she meant. "Yes, my dad likes you a lot. He says you're clever and brave, and that if we ended up together, it'd be me marrying up. He told me to listen to you more."

He mentioned his dad but not his mom—it seemed his mom wasn't happy about it or didn't approve.

And as for his dad, whether he really approved or was just saying so was another matter. It was probably a delaying tactic because he saw his son was smitten.

Lin Zhijin looked at Zhu Xiangwen's sincere eyes and said calmly, "Comrade Zhu, I can feel your sincerity, but matters of the heart can't be rushed. Let's start as friends first."

She'd rather find someone with fewer advantages but whose in-laws didn't cause trouble—or who had no in-laws at all—than marry into a family that looked down on her. Her back was bad; she couldn't bend over.

A flicker of disappointment passed through Zhu Xiangwen's eyes, but he quickly smiled again. "Alright, let's start as friends."

Lin Zhijin nodded and said nothing more. They continued eating their noodles, chatting occasionally, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

After they finished, Zhu Xiangwen offered to walk Lin Zhijin back to her office, but she declined.

She could guarantee that if he walked her back today, by afternoon the rumor would be that they were dating, by tomorrow that they were married, and by the day after, they'd have a baby.

Zhu Xiangwen looked at her with disappointment and said reluctantly, "Cadre Lin, are you sure I can't walk you back?"

Lin Zhijin smiled. "It's just a few steps. You've got a ways to go back to the post office—hurry along, don't be late."

Zhu Xiangwen watched until Lin Zhijin's figure disappeared from sight before turning to leave.

Back at the office, Wang Xiaoyao immediately came over. "So? Is this one any good?"

Not just her—Su Jianhong and Chen Qiuqiu were also listening in.

"He's good-looking, decent height, and has a refined personality—a very nice male comrade," Lin Zhijin said, then added a "but" as Wang Xiaoyao's smile grew more suggestive. "His parents probably don't approve, so it's probably a no-go."

"Did he say his parents don't approve?" Wang Xiaoyao asked, puzzled. He couldn't be that dumb, could he?

"No, I figured it out myself," Lin Zhijin said, sharing some details, then laughed. "I can understand it. I'm from a rural background, never went to school, and was married off to a dying old man to bring him luck. Put yourself in their shoes—I probably wouldn't approve either."

"But you never consummated the marriage, you have a city household registration now, you work at the Women's Federation, and you're a Party member. Oh, and you're young and beautiful, and you're going back to school. With your grades, you'll have your junior high diploma next year, and in a few years, you might even become a college student. Who's really not good enough for whom is still up in the air," Wang Xiaoyao said, counting Lin Zhijin's strengths on her fingers.

"You're talking about the future," Lin Zhijin said with a light laugh.

So she really wasn't in a hurry to get married, and didn't even want in-laws. Her starting point in this life was indeed low.

As the year-end approached, everyone was busy, but Zhu Xiangwen would find opportunities to get close to Lin Zhijin whenever he had free time, even bringing her gifts. However, Lin Zhijin didn't accept any of them—it wasn't as if she couldn't afford them herself.

Wang Xiaoyao noticed and teased, "I can tell he's really into you. If you think he's worth a shot, why not give him a chance?"

"Zhu Xiangwen? Forget it. Hurry up and get the materials ready—we're heading out to hand out flyers later." Yesterday, a woman died in childbirth at home, and the higher-ups issued a notice for the Women's Federation to go door-to-door promoting safe childbirth practices to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

"I heard Old Master Chen's concubine, who was pregnant with his posthumous child, died in childbirth, right? Poor thing. Did you know her?" Wang Xiaoyao asked curiously.

"Yes, I did. Her name was Hu Xiaoyue, a very beautiful woman." When Hu Xiaoyue came up, Lin Zhijin could barely recall her face, only that she had a delicate, alluring charm.

"With all that money, the Chens still didn't take her to the hospital." Remembering that Lin Zhijin had also been a concubine to that old man Chen, Wang Xiaoyao felt a wave of relief. "Good thing the old man died fast, or you'd have been in real danger."

Lin Zhijin nodded with a grateful expression. "Exactly."

If she hadn't transmigrated into this body, Hu Xiaoyue's death would have been her own.

On her way home from work, she ran into Sheng Huaimin. Lin Zhijin felt a bit dazed—it had been quite a while since she'd seen him. He looked pale, as if just recovering from a serious illness. But it wasn't her concern. She gave a slight nod as a greeting and continued walking with her bag. Just as she turned the corner, she saw Yang Su standing under a big tree, waiting for her.

Author's note:

None.