RGL – Chapter 15

Over the next few days, after finishing her chores, Liao Zhaodi often came to hang out with Su Min. But most of the time, the two of them just huddled over the table reading and doing homework together.

As they went back and forth like this, their parents eventually got to know each other too.

Su Min only realized that the familiar-looking middle-aged woman she’d seen before was actually Liao Zhaodi’s mother, Zhang Hui, when she ran into her by chance. No wonder she’d found her familiar—Zhaodi took after her mother quite a bit.

Zhang Hui was a gentle woman. She spoke softly and was warm and friendly toward others. Zhaodi definitely inherited that part of her personality.

With Zhaodi’s help and her own self-study and practice, Su Min soon reached the level of a primary school graduate. To test her skills, she even bought a set of practice exams from the bookstore. When she realized she could handle all the questions with ease, she finally set the elementary school books aside.

She planned to ask her parents to look out for some junior high textbooks while collecting recyclables after the New Year—buying a used set at second-hand prices so she could continue studying on her own.

On New Year’s Day, Zhang Hui and Boss Zhu officially registered their marriage. Boss Zhu even hosted a small wedding banquet with a few tables at a little restaurant.

After marrying, Zhang Hui really did stop washing dishes at the small inn. Instead, she started working with Boss Zhu at the local market, selling vegetables. The two of them got along well—so well you’d never guess they were a couple who came together later in life.

The two families were getting along better and better, too. When she had time, Sun Qiufang would even go over to chat with Zhang Hui.

The Su family’s business was booming more than ever.

Especially with the Lunar New Year just a month away, every household was clearing out old things and tossing out more recyclables than usual. Su Changrong and Sun Qiufang were cheerful all day long, and watching the numbers grow in their bankbook gave them even more motivation to work hard.

By the end of January, Su Changrong and Sun Qiufang were discussing going back home for the New Year.

Even though they’d already split off from the main family, the elders were still around, and it just wouldn’t feel right to celebrate the holiday elsewhere. Plus, all the relatives were still in the village. It would be too lonely spending the New Year away.

Su Min was reading when she overheard this. Her heart gave a little jolt. She put down her book and said, “Dad, Mom, I’m fine with going back for the New Year—but you’ve got to listen to my advice on one thing.”

Su Changrong had grown to truly value his daughter’s opinion, seeing more and more just how smart she was. Seeing how serious she looked, he chuckled and said, “Alright, go on.”

Su Min said, “I’m not trying to speak badly about the elders, but you two understand Grandpa and Grandma better than I do. Last time, the family had a few thousand yuan in savings, but they only gave us a little over a hundred when we left—we nearly ended up sleeping on the streets. I know they don’t value me because I’m a girl and think giving money to me is a waste. They’d rather give everything to Can Can. But, Mom, Dad, are you really okay with giving all your hard-earned money to Second Uncle’s kid and leaving nothing for me?”

Sun Qiufang frowned. “What nonsense are you talking about? Of course the money your dad and I earn is for you.”

Su Changrong nodded. “Exactly. Everything we do is for you. No matter how close your second uncle is, he’s still not our daughter.”

“Then great. Here’s what you do—when we go back, if anyone asks how we’re doing, don’t tell them the truth. Just say we’re barely scraping by and haven’t saved anything.”

Su Changrong’s eyes widened. “Why wouldn’t we tell them we made money?” He’d been looking forward to going back and holding his head high.

“If you say it, and Grandpa and Grandma come asking for that money, are you going to give it to them or not? If you don’t, are they just going to let it go during the holidays?” After half a year of working, they’d saved over a thousand yuan. That was a big sum. Su Min remembered that Second Uncle’s family was planning to buy land and build a house in town after the New Year. If they found out her family had that kind of money, they’d definitely start scheming.

Su Changrong was stumped for a moment.

Sun Qiufang suddenly had a realization too. She knew what kind of people her in-laws and Second Uncle’s family were—always eager to squeeze out every last cent from others. If they got wind of this money, they’d be all over it. And if they kicked up a fuss during the New Year, there’d be no peace.

Her face turned serious. “We’ll do what Minzi says. We’ll act like we’re struggling, maybe even squeeze some money out of your parents instead.”

Back when they were all under the same roof, with the parents collecting all the harvests, there wasn’t much to fight over. But now? Every cent they had was earned through their own hard work. All the shouting, freezing mornings, and tiring days of collecting recyclables—why should any of that benefit someone else?

Su Changrong knew this was the sensible thing, but the thought still made him feel bitter. Other people could show off their success, but they had to hide it. All because of family drama.

Seeing his mood dip, Su Min said, “Dad, haven’t you heard the saying? ‘Get rich quietly.’ As long as we know we’re doing well, that’s enough. If others find out, we might not even get to keep our meals.”

That made him feel a bit better. “You’re right. Money shouldn’t be flaunted, or it’ll just attract trouble.”

Once everything was laid out clearly, Su Min finally felt at ease.

She was still too young to hold much sway in the family. If a fight broke out, her words wouldn’t carry any real weight. And her parents hadn’t gone through the hard lessons she had in her past life, so they’d probably cave if Grandma started throwing a fit. They’d end up wronging themselves again.

Considering there wouldn’t be much space to stay in the village and that staying too long would be inconvenient, the plan was to return on the 29th, help prep food, and leave right after the New Year’s Eve dinner. Anyway, Third Uncle Su Changgui’s family had always done the same—they’d only show up for the meal and go right back to the city after. No one had ever made a fuss about it.

To prep for the New Year, Su Changrong took a break from collecting recyclables, and the family gave their home a thorough cleaning. He went to the market to buy meat and vegetables to bring back for the holiday. Meanwhile, Su Min and Sun Qiufang went to visit Liao Zhaodi and her mother to wish them an early New Year. This was Zhaodi’s first time not celebrating back in her hometown, and she was clearly feeling homesick, chatting with Su Min for a long while.

On the 29th, the family packed up and headed back home.

Their mood on the journey was completely different this time. When they’d left before, it had been with nothing but shame, nearly forced to sleep in the streets. Now, they not only had money but also a thriving business. The couple’s confidence had never been higher.

They arrived in town by mid-morning and, carrying the goods they’d bought, hurried toward the village. Along the way, they ran into a few familiar faces.

The whole village knew that Su Changrong and Sun Qiufang had gone to the city. For rural folk, living in the city was a rare and enviable thing. Everyone had been speculating about how they were doing. Seeing them return, folks were eager to ask about life in the city.

Sun Qiufang smiled and said, “Ah, we don’t have any special skills, didn’t make much—just enough to get by.”

Everyone seemed to accept that easily. After all, it would be more surprising if villagers did make it big in the city.

Still, the fact that they’d managed to stay in the city for over half a year was impressive in itself.

When they returned to the village, the festive atmosphere was unmistakable. Every household was busy preparing for the New Year, and even the children were running around cheerfully. When they spotted Su Min, they started calling her name from afar.

Su Min had gone to the city just a few days after being reborn and hadn’t had a chance to see these childhood playmates. Now that they were reunited, she felt a bit out of place. After exchanging greetings, she simply followed behind Su Changrong and Sun Qiufang back home.

“Hey, big brother and sister-in-law are back!”

Li Yulan was sweeping chicken droppings in the yard. When she saw them enter, she straightened up and smiled brightly.

Especially after seeing the things they were carrying, her grin widened. She immediately turned and called into the house, “Mom, Dad! Big brother and sister-in-law are back!”

“What, they still remember how to come back?” came Grandma Su’s annoyed voice from inside.

Hearing that tone, Su Changrong felt a mix of emotions. Over the years, he’d lived under his parents’ roof. Going off on his own had felt a bit strange. He would be lying if he said he hadn’t missed home at all. But now, hearing his mother’s attitude, he felt a sour twinge in his heart.

Carrying the bags, he stepped into the house. “Mom, we’re back.”

Only then did Grandma Su emerge from the main room. When she saw her eldest son and his family, a flash of joy crossed her face—though it vanished quickly, replaced by a long face. “Oh, so you do remember how to come back? Thought you’d gone off to the city to live the good life.”

Sun Qiufang led Su Min into the house, her heart twisting at the words. When the third son’s family came back from the city, the old woman had welcomed them with a big smile. But here they were, being treated like they owed her something.

Su Changrong replied, “Mother, what kind of talk is that? No matter how things are outside, we’re still coming home for the New Year.”

Li Yulan, eyeing the large bags they’d brought, remembered how poor they’d been when they left. Now not only had they stayed away for over half a year without looking destitute, but they’d also come back with gifts. That clearly meant they’d made some money. Her mind whirled, and she quickly stepped in to smooth things over.

“Alright now, Mom. Big brother and sister-in-law are finally back. Don’t hold it against them. We’re all one family, and it’s nice to have everyone back for the holidays.”