WRS – Chapter 50

A few days later, Wang Ling made a special visit to Jin Xiuzhu to tell her that she had refused Wen Jun’s proposal.

Her heart naturally leaned toward Jin Xiuzhu, so she said directly, “I didn’t say Jingzhi disagreed just because she’s still studying—this is clearly an excuse. People aren’t fools; even if she doesn’t say anything, you can imagine what she’s thinking. I just told her that your elders had once discussed a match for Jingzhi. Both kids are still young, so it’s better to wait a little longer.”

“As for the future, if anyone asks, just give a casual excuse that it didn’t work out. They won’t be watching your family closely forever. You can simply say it wasn’t meant to be. Isn’t that reasonable?”

Jin Xiuzhu nodded and politely smiled at Wang Ling, “Sister-in-law, you really think everything through.”

The door to the room was open, and Bai Jingzhi, sitting at her desk, heard everything.

She suddenly realized that speaking is truly an art. The same meaning can come across differently depending on how it’s said.

In the living room, Wang Ling said irritably, “What else could I do? I was just afraid of offending you and making you angry. Next time, I definitely won’t do such a thankless job again.”

Jin Xiuzhu thought to herself that Wang Ling had done plenty of things like this before.

But she said politely, “I know. You meant well. Even though I don’t like the person, I appreciate your intentions.”

Only then did Wang Ling smile in relief.

Jin Xiuzhu continued, “So who exactly is this Wen Jun that you gave her so much face?”

Now that Qian Yufeng was no longer in the military, she wasn’t aware of many things.

Wang Ling waved her hand, then took a sip of tea and said, “It’s not really about giving her face. I just want to get along with her. No one knows how long she and her husband will stay here.”

Her voice lowered a bit as she continued, “I don’t know much about her husband. He seems to be just an ordinary military man. But I heard her stepfather’s family background is quite impressive. Her mother remarried him, and she grew up with her brother in her hometown before being brought over later. Both she and her brother’s jobs were probably arranged by her stepfather. But now she’s following the military, so the jobs don’t matter.”

“And her brother?”

Wang Ling replied, “I actually looked into him. He seems fine. I’ve seen photos—he’s decent-looking and has a good job.”

Jin Xiuzhu shook her head, thinking that women here were really naive; marriage isn’t just about the man or his work.

“From what you say, he’s even worse. Relying on his mother and stepfather, he probably doesn’t have the ability to make his own decisions, and at home, he likely doesn’t have much say. Jingzhi has a gentle nature; she needs someone with strong opinions, ability, and character. Family background is secondary.”

Wang Ling couldn’t argue with Jin Xiuzhu. No matter how much she said, she couldn’t change her mind.

“Then forget it. Jingzhi is still young, there’s no rush. After I spoke to her, she didn’t say much. I told her to keep an eye out for good prospects in the future. Judging by her reaction, she seemed a little disappointed—she probably really likes Jingzhi.”

Jingzhi was indeed likable. If her son had been older, Wang Ling might have considered it herself.

“She also said her brother has too high standards, always comparing with the younger one. But how can he be the same as the little one? I guess that little brother must be the child her mother had with her stepfather.”

Jin Xiuzhu nodded in agreement.

“No wonder they haven’t married yet—probably trying to outshine the younger one.”

Since Wang Ling had mentioned that Wen Jun’s stepfather had a special status, that little brother was probably doted on since childhood. Sibling rivalry would be natural. If Wen Jun’s younger brother hadn’t married yet, he was probably looking for a match with better conditions to surpass his younger sibling. If Bai Jingzhi married into that family, she might become just another tool in their rivalry—not exactly a good match.

Moreover, Wen Jun was willing to give up her job to follow her husband to this remote place, showing how complicated their family relationships were.

In an instant, Jin Xiuzhu’s mind twisted through multiple thoughts, grateful that she had refused from the start.

She said to Wang Ling, “Forget it, this is just a matter of ‘fated but not meant to be.’ No need to overthink it.”

Then she changed the topic: “How’s Sister Qian in the cafeteria? I haven’t seen her for a long time.”

Hearing this, Wang Ling smiled, “She’s great. Every time I see her, she seems to have gained weight—probably eating well.”

Jin Xiuzhu smiled too.

“She works diligently and gets along with everyone in the cafeteria. You can always hear her chatting whenever you go there.”

Qian Yufeng now handled serving food daily. Sometimes if Jin Xiuzhu went late, Qian Yufeng would set aside a portion for her. In the rice, she would hide a chicken leg or some fatty meat, making Jin Xiuzhu hesitant to eat with other leaders, afraid of being caught enjoying special treatment.

Bai Jingzhi heard all the chatter in the living room. Hearing her sister-in-law’s assessment of her and realizing how much thought they’d given to her future prospects made her heart warm. She loved the feeling of being protected by her family.

After Wang Ling left, Bai Jingzhi went out and sat beside Jin Xiuzhu, helping her sort some scraps of fabric.

Jin Xiuzhu turned to her, “You heard that?”

Bai Jingzhi nodded softly.

Jin Xiuzhu calmly said, “Even though you’re still young, there are some things you should consider. While studying at school, you can also notice classmates with good family backgrounds and opportunities—maybe get to know them.”

Bai Jingzhi looked up at Jin Xiuzhu.

Jin Xiuzhu continued, “Although our ancestors were wealthy and well-known, and we have connections in the capital, without equal stakes to maintain these relationships, marrying into another family isn’t enough. Even if you eventually marry into a good family through these connections, life won’t be easy. You’d need to spend immense effort to please your in-laws and adapt to a completely unfamiliar environment. If you suffer, your brother and I can’t protect you. It’ll be exhausting. I don’t recommend it.”

“If you want a comfortable life, it’s best to choose a family of similar background, or a man with abilities of his own. But most importantly, look at his character and competence. His family’s disposition also matters; other shortcomings are secondary.”

“Don’t think I’m pushing you to think too early. Studies are important, but so is this. Sister Wang said it right—if you’re not attentive, the good ones will be taken. Whether men or women, the excellent are rare. If you meet a good one, you must act immediately—secure them first, decide later.”

Bai Jingzhi had never heard such advice before and looked at Jin Xiuzhu in surprise.

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t think she was wrong. Women here were often ignorant, blindly following elders who themselves understood little. They only cared if the other family had good status or jobs, barely considering the person’s character.

Just like Qian Yufeng had said before: a girl in the cafeteria was married off by her mother to her current husband. Though the husband’s parents were workers, he was a fool. After marriage, he arranged a cafeteria job for her, but their two children were also fools. The parents were unemployed or near retirement. Life had no hope.

Bai Jingzhi hesitated but nodded, feeling her sister-in-law’s words made sense.

Jin Xiuzhu tilted her head and noticed her daughter staring at her with wide curious eyes. She chuckled, teasing, “What, thinking about getting married?”

Fu Yanyan rolled her eyes, “I won’t get married in the future.”

Jin Xiuzhu snorted, “If you can support yourself, you don’t have to marry. Marriage isn’t everything.”

Fu Yanyan looked at her in surprise but stayed silent.

Bai Jingzhi smiled. Suddenly, she remembered something and looked hesitant, then turned to Jin Xiuzhu to talk about her adoptive parents, “Before coming home, my adoptive mother came to school. She said the family situation is really bad. Both she and my adoptive father lost their jobs, the house will be repossessed, and my little sister doesn’t want to go to school now.”

Her adoptive mother had said this shortly after they left. Soon after, her adoptive father was summoned by the factory leadership, told that their behavior had caused serious problems, and they couldn’t stay. He sought help from another leader—who had once helped him keep his job after her uncle’s accident—but this time nothing worked. The leader now wouldn’t even see her adoptive father.

The whole family ended up relying on her adoptive mother’s work. Somehow, this situation spread in the factory, and then she lost her job as well.

The younger sister kept nagging every day for new clothes and a house.

After a pause, she said, “I gave her all the pocket money I had at the time and told her I couldn’t help her either, so they would have to figure something out on their own.”

Over the years, her adoptive mother had helped Uncle’s family a lot. She suggested that her adoptive mother ask Uncle for help, but her adoptive mother got angry. She didn’t understand why.

“My adoptive mother said they might be leaving S City and wanted me to come back for a meal before they left. But I was busy with final exams, so I didn’t go.”

Partly, she didn’t know how to face them. She always felt that if she didn’t go, in her heart, they were still in the same place they had always been. If she went, it would feel like everything was truly gone.

Jin Xiuzhu frowned. “She just said to have a meal with you?”

Bai Jingzhi had initially worried that her sister-in-law might get angry. She didn’t expect her sister-in-law to care about something as small as a meal. After thinking for a moment, she replied, “Yes, that’s what she said.”

Jin Xiuzhu thought for a moment and said, “If she says anything like that again, just tell her you’ll eat at the school cafeteria—you’ll treat yourself, and you don’t have time to go out.”

Bai Jingzhi looked at her sister-in-law in confusion.

Jin Xiuzhu shook her head, smiling, “With so many people around, they wouldn’t dare make excessive demands.”

It’s wise to be cautious, but there was no need to say this aloud.

Fu Yanyan glanced at her little sister-in-law. She felt Jin Xiuzhu was right—someone as naive as her little sister-in-law would do best in the future to find a partner with a pure heart and a simple family.

Bai Jingzhi nodded thoughtfully and agreed.

In the morning, Jiang Mingchuan had gone out. Although his injury hadn’t fully healed, he could walk with crutches, and the leaders had called him away to handle official documents.

At noon, after finishing her meal, Jin Xiuzhu asked Fang Min to go out for a walk.

Usually, Zhu Ying would keep an eye on her, but now that Zhu Ying wasn’t around, Jin Xiuzhu worried she might not be careful.

Fang Min obediently held her belly and went downstairs with Jin Xiuzhu. The two of them walked around the cafeteria and the supply-and-marketing cooperative, bought some snacks, then went to the backyard plot to take a look. They picked some vegetables to cook for dinner.

Fang Min hadn’t received her own plot at first, so she didn’t know how to manage these things, and neither did Jin Xiuzhu. But Jiang Mingchuan used to check on the place after dinner. Sometimes he forgot, and Grandma Wu would help take care of it.

These vegetables were all planted by Grandma Wu for their family.

When they reached the stairwell, they happened to see Zhao Yun coming down.

It had been some time since Jin Xiuzhu last saw Zhao Yun at the hospital. At a glance, she noticed Zhao Yun seemed to have gained some weight.

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t think much of it and stepped aside with Fang Min to let her pass first.

Zhao Yun glanced at Jin Xiuzhu, pressed her lips together, and as she walked past, couldn’t resist stopping and asking, “I heard you’re pregnant.”

She always wore loose clothing, so if one wasn’t paying attention, it was hard to tell.

Jin Xiuzhu recalled a few days ago Yang Yingxiong had accidentally mentioned her pregnancy at home. At the time, she had seen the guilty look on his face and reassured him that it was fine.

She didn’t know why Zhao Yun brought it up now—was she trying to warn her that Yang Yingxiong was blabbing about her family, or was she mocking her for only being pregnant now?

She certainly didn’t think Zhao Yun had good intentions.

Jin Xiuzhu smiled at her, neither denying nor confirming, and said, “You’re worrying over nothing. By the way, you don’t look too well. Have you been overworking yourself?”

It was almost as if she wanted to say: mind your own business.

Hearing this, Zhao Yun felt Jin Xiuzhu was mocking her for becoming ugly and fat. Her expression darkened, but she forced a smile and said, “They all say this one’s a boy, so my pregnancy isn’t looking so good. When I was pregnant with Yingying, it wasn’t like this.”

“Oh, really? I seem to be doing fine.”

Jin Xiuzhu laughed even more brightly and turned to Fang Min: “That’s great. Mingchuan keeps saying he wants a daughter like me. Now he’s finally gotten his wish.”

Fang Min didn’t understand the implication. She looked down at her belly and gently said, “I also want a daughter. One day, the two can be close sisters.”

Seeing Jin Xiuzhu not only unbothered but happy, Zhao Yun, even if she suspected it was just an act, felt very displeased. She tugged at the corner of her mouth, said nothing further, and walked away.

After she left, Fang Min finally asked Jin Xiuzhu, “Weren’t you two not getting along before? How come you’re talking again?”

Jin Xiuzhu hummed, “Who knows? Since she spoke to me first, I couldn’t just ignore her. It’s actually quite fun to tease her a bit.”

She turned her head to glance at the departing figure and chuckled lightly, thinking that she really was pretending to be good-natured.

Later, when she got the chance, she wouldn’t make things easy for her.

Fang Min nodded. “She’s quite strange.”

“What’s strange? She knows I’m close to Yang Yingxiong and deliberately said that one line. If Yang Yingxiong hadn’t told me in advance, I’d have taken it to heart.”

Then she recounted the recent incident with Yang Yingxiong to Fang Min. Fang Min was astonished. “She…”

For a moment, she couldn’t speak, unsure if Jin Xiuzhu had misunderstood, but then she thought Jin Xiuzhu was much smarter than her and wouldn’t make things up.

She whispered, “She even schemed over a child?”

Yang Yingxiong had suffered enough already.

Jin Xiuzhu remained calm, “Because she couldn’t bear to see our family doing well.”

Fang Min frowned at Jin Xiuzhu. Jin Xiuzhu suddenly smiled at her, “Some people just can’t stand seeing others better off than themselves.”

“I once heard an old village joke. In ancient times, a wealthy man had several wives, and two concubines entered the household at the same time. One was favored, and the other was not. The one not favored was jealous and always came earlier to pay respects. Later, she found the favored one coming later, so she came even later herself, even if they arrived simultaneously, she would always step in after her. Eventually, the mistress noticed. She didn’t dare touch the favored one, so she found an excuse to get rid of the unfavored one.”

Fang Min had never heard such a story. After hearing it, she realized Jin Xiuzhu had a point. She nodded. “Quite an interesting story.”

Jin Xiuzhu smiled but said nothing.

Interesting, isn’t it?

If Fang Min knew that the unloved one had been sold by the mistress, would she still think it was interesting?

Of course, Jin Xiuzhu wasn’t exactly innocent herself. She had once been very skilled at using others to do her dirty work.

Fang Min parted ways with Jin Xiuzhu at the door. She didn’t go straight to bed when she got home; instead, she went to the study and wrote down the story Jin Xiuzhu had just told her.

At the end, she added a line: “My friend Xiuzhu always has so many unexpected stories. One day, I must have her tell them properly.”

Satisfied, she closed the notebook. On the cover, she had written “A Few Stories of a Military Wife”.

——

By the end of August, Bai Jingzhi was about to start school. The whole family accompanied her to the city train station.

Bai Jingzhi sat by the window, waving quickly at them.

He Yan’s eyes reddened. “Little Aunt, write to us when you get to school, okay?”

“Okay.”

After the train disappeared from view, the family of four finally left.

On the way back, He Yan couldn’t help but say, “Dad, can we go pick up Little Aunt during winter break? I’ve never seen a university before.”

Jiang Mingchuan thought for a moment. “We’ll see then.”

He didn’t want to promise outright, in case something unexpected happened. But he thought it should be fine. Since they wouldn’t return to the capital this year for the New Year, there was no need to take annual leave.

Jin Xiuzhu, hearing this, also looked forward to it. But then she realized she would be heavily pregnant by that time and definitely couldn’t go. She immediately deflated. “Always thinking about this and that. You’re about to start school too. Have you finished your homework?”

He Yan felt a pang of guilt—he still had some homework left.

Fu Yanyan didn’t hesitate to betray her brother. “I saw him copying Wei Ningqing’s homework yesterday.”

He Yan immediately ran forward.

Jin Xiuzhu shouted from behind, “He Yan!”

Jiang Mingchuan shook his head. “This kid…”

Fu Yanyan couldn’t help but giggle.

After Bai Jingzhi left, He Yan and Fu Yanyan were about to start school.

It was Fu Yanyan’s first day, and the whole family took it seriously. The daughter was only five this year, entering school early. Jiang Mingchuan and Jin Xiuzhu got up early to prepare breakfast. After eating, the whole family went to take her to school.

Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan walked in front, Fu Yanyan in the middle, and behind were He Yan, Wei Ningqing, and Yang Yingxiong.

After a while, Yang Yingxiong quietly tugged on He Yan’s clothes and whispered, “Your parents are still coming?”

He Yan looked helpless. “They insisted on coming, as if they’re afraid I’ll lose my sister.”

Wei Ningqing found it amusing. He thought the whole He family was fun. Before, he had thought Captain Jiang was very strict, having seen him train soldiers, which was intimidating.

But after getting to know him better, he realized the man was actually very kind.

Yang Yingxiong whispered again, “My little sister starts school today too.”

He Yan asked, “Then you’re fine being alone?”

Yang Yingxiong shook his head. “It’s fine. She doesn’t like playing with me.”

He Yan made a sound of understanding, not quite grasping Yang Yingxiong’s sister. His own sister, though she said she didn’t like him and often teased him, still cared about him whenever something good happened.

Wei Ningqing interjected softly, “Your sister is like a little leader now.”

Surrounded by everyone.

He Yan: “Right? She’s so proud of herself.”

Fu Yanyan, walking in the middle, was speechless. Which part of her made him proud? She didn’t notice her parents walking ahead, leaving her alone with the three of them side by side.

Still, no matter what, Fu Yanyan finally experienced being sent to school by the whole family. In her previous life, she could only envy her classmates.

The feeling was really nice.

It was the first day of school. When they arrived, many students had already come. But Jin Xiuzhu’s family still drew some attention because in rural areas, it was rare for parents to accompany their kids on the first day. Especially with Jin Xiuzhu being pregnant.

Seeing many students in the class, Jin Xiuzhu didn’t go in. She asked Jiang Mingchuan to clean the front row seats. Since her daughter was small, sitting at the back would make it hard to see.

He Yan put his sister’s bag in the drawer and even found a small stone for her to rest her feet on, since the desk was a bit wobbly.

Fu Yanyan stood by the podium, watching her dad and brother help her.

She faced the curious eyes of the other children without flinching.

At that moment, Zhao Yun led her daughter to the door. She saw Jiang Mingchuan and Jin Xiuzhu, paused, pressed her lips, and pretended not to notice, walking straight to the back door.

Inside, she had her daughter sit in the back. She turned away to speak, avoiding Jiang Mingchuan who was cleaning the desks.

Tang Ying didn’t want to sit at the back. She also saw Fu Yanyan in front. She recognized her—it was the girl living downstairs from their building, whose whole family came to see her off, including Yang Yingxiong.

Tang Ying was a bit angry. Her stepfather also wanted to come, but her mother said it wasn’t necessary.

Otherwise, someone would have helped her clean her desk too.

Fu Yanyan felt complicated seeing Tang Ying. The same situation had happened in her previous life, only their roles were reversed. Back then, she had sat at the back, while Tang Ying was surrounded and cared for.

She remembered that after Tang Ying’s family left, she came over with a few new friends and asked with a smile, “Where’s your family? Why didn’t they come?”

Fu Yanyan forgot how she had answered, only that she felt very, very sad.

After finishing, Jiang Mingchuan took Jin Xiuzhu away, reminding their daughter to tell the teacher and her brother if anything happened, and reminded He Yan to take care of his sister and not let anyone bully her.

He Yan earnestly said, “Don’t worry. I’ll come see her as soon as class is over.”

Jin Xiuzhu waved at her daughter. “Be good. You can come home this afternoon.”

Fu Yanyan calmly responded with an “Mm.”

She watched them leave. After they were gone, He Yan patted his sister on the shoulder, pretending to be mature. “Don’t be sad. Goodbyes are temporary. You’ll see them soon. You still have your brother.”

Fu Yanyan: “Shut up.”

He Yan looked aggrieved. “Then you’re not cute anymore.”

Fu Yanyan rolled her eyes and sat at her desk.

Then she gave him the boot. “You can go now.”

He Yan: “……”

Wei Ningqing and Yang Yingxiong chuckled quietly. After leaving, He Yan still tried to argue with them. “She’s just too sad. She didn’t want me to see her crying.”

Wei Ningqing and Yang Yingxiong turned and saw He Yan’s sister lying on the desk, sleeping, her delicate face toward the door. Not a hint of crying in sight.

They nodded seriously. “Makes sense.”

He Yan breathed a sigh of relief, feeling he had maintained his brotherly dignity.

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