WRS – Chapter 74

Jin Xiuzhu stayed in S City for a week with her three children. During that week, she helped Bai Jingzhi prepare many things needed for the wedding. Everything was packed up and neatly placed in the guest room, ready to be brought out when the year-end wedding arrived.

She even calculated the amount of alcohol and drinks needed for the wedding banquet and wrote the invitations in advance. Bai Jingzhi worked during the day, and at night she would come home to check through everything together with them. Her sister-in-law was meticulous—she listed everything from the big matters like whom to invite, to the small details like tea and snacks.

Before this, Bai Jingzhi had always thought getting married simply meant inviting guests for a meal. She never expected there to be so many things to handle.

If that wasn’t enough, Jin Xiuzhu even took the time to check Bai Jingzhi’s pulse. She said her constitution was a bit weak and prescribed her a medicinal formula, telling her to go to the traditional Chinese medicine hospital to get the herbs and drink the decoction for a month before coming back for another prescription.

Once the wedding on the groom’s side was done after the New Year, they could start preparing for pregnancy—it would be good for her health.

Bai Jingzhi had always thought her health was quite good. In the past, her stomach would hurt badly during her period, but after drinking the floral tea recommended by her sister-in-law, the pain had improved a lot. She didn’t expect her sister-in-law to now tell her that her body was still weak.

Jin Xiuzhu explained, “This isn’t a recent issue. It’s an old problem that’s been with you since childhood. You must have suffered a lot of cold when you were young.”

Bai Jingzhi listened silently.

She had indeed suffered from the cold frequently when she was young. Ever since her family’s house had been sold to compensate her uncle for hitting someone with his carriage, her adoptive parents never bought her any clothing. She wore the same jacket all year round, and the quilts weren’t warm. Her bed had never felt warm in winter. She matured early and started doing housework at a young age—washing clothes, cooking—using cold water in winter.

She never thought much of it back then. It wasn’t until she met her sister-in-law that she learned girls shouldn’t touch cold water—it was bad for their health. Her two nieces had been raised with such reminders since childhood, and they were both very healthy.

Jin Xiuzhu continued, “Once your health is properly nurtured, it’ll be good for the baby when you get pregnant.”

Bai Jingzhi obediently nodded.

But fearing that Bai Jingzhi might forget, Jin Xiuzhu took her straight to the TCM hospital the next day after work. The two of them bought the medicine and a jar, and she taught her how to cook the decoction when they got home.

The medicine smelled strange—bitter, sour, and even a little stinky. Jin Xiuzhu told her it would replenish her qi and blood.

Bai Jingzhi pinched her nose and swallowed it. After drinking it for two days, she wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but she felt she slept more soundly at night. She used to wake up easily in the middle of the night, but now she could sleep until dawn.

Before leaving, Jin Xiuzhu took the three children to the department store to buy some gifts. For Fang Min, she bought a red fountain pen. For Zhang Qiulai, a jacket. For Wang Ling, a pair of leather shoes. As for Qian Yufeng, Jin Xiuzhu wandered around for a long time but couldn’t find something suitable, and in the end, she bought her a necklace.

She remembered Qian Yufeng’s old watch. Although Qian Yufeng dressed plainly, Jin Xiuzhu always felt she still loved beauty inside. It was perfectly normal for women to like pretty things. Whether it suited her or not wasn’t important—what mattered was that she liked it.

In the morning, Bai Jingzhi accompanied the four of them to the train station. When it was time to leave, she was reluctant and held onto Jin Xiuzhu’s hand. “If only I could live with you in the future. I really don’t want to be apart from all of you.”

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t tease her. “It’s not impossible. Maybe you’ll get the chance in the future.”

Bai Jingzhi knew her sister-in-law was comforting her, but hearing it still filled her with a bit of hope.

After Jin Xiuzhu and the three children boarded the train and sat down, they waved goodbye to Bai Jingzhi outside. Once the train started moving, He Yan kept twisting around to look backward, watching his aunt grow smaller and smaller until she disappeared from sight. His heart felt a little heavy.

He suddenly asked, “Mom… do people always have to separate when they grow up?”

Jin Xiuzhu asked, “Why do you say that?”

“Auntie is like that. When we were little, she spent every winter and summer break with us. Later she began working and only came home on long holidays, and even then she could only stay a few days before leaving. Now she doesn’t even come back for long holidays—she has to go look for Uncle Ji.”

He sighed deeply. “It feels sad… like she’s been taken away from us.”

Jin Xiuzhu looked at her disappointed son and after thinking a moment, said, “Your aunt has grown up. She needs to build her own family now. In the future, she’ll have her own child. For that child, they’ll be a family of three. Just like you—you have your parents and your sister. We’re the people closest to you.”

He Yan nodded gloomily. “I know… but it’s still sad. Will my sister and I also leave you someday? I don’t want that.”

Yanyan, who was sitting beside them, heard this and couldn’t help inserting, “You can just not get married and stay home forever.”

He Yan shot her a glare.

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. “Don’t say silly things. You don’t have to leave—maybe you can choose to live near us in the future. We can visit each other anytime, and your dad and I can always help you.”

He Yan glanced at her. “Mom, I’m not as foolish as Auntie. Anyone can tell that’s impossible. I’m going to apply to a military academy. How could I stay by your side?”

Then he lowered his head and pulled out his book from his bag to read.

He wasn’t saying it to upset her—he simply knew his own path. That was also why he had chosen to travel with his mother and sister this time. Not because he really wanted to have fun, but because he wanted to treasure the chance to be with them. He feared that in the future, he would end up like his aunt, barely able to see his family a few times a year.

Jin Xiuzhu opened her mouth but couldn’t find anything appropriate to say.

What she told Bai Jingzhi earlier was never something she truly believed. She knew clearly that Ji Ling was a soldier. Where the young couple would eventually settle was unpredictable. Living close to each other in the future was even more unlikely.

It was the same for He Yan. He’d apply to a military academy; his future would be far from the family.

The sweet words that once coaxed a little child no longer worked. Now her son understood everything and could even point out gently that she was comforting him.

A faint sense of disappointment washed over her. For the first time, she truly felt that her son had grown up.

And that he would soon leave her.

Her nose stung slightly. She turned to look out the window to hide the loss on her face.

When she married Jiang Mingchuan back then, all she wanted was a better life. Regarding He Yan, she simply wanted to raise him properly so he wouldn’t grow up into trouble. As for how much affection she had in between, there really wasn’t much. She was merely good at putting on a proper façade—being good in front of Jiang Mingchuan, good to the neighbors, good to the child, making others believe Jiang Mingchuan didn’t marry the wrong woman. That way her life in the military compound would be easier.

But at some point… she gradually began to treat He Yan as her own child—caring for him, defending him, teaching him life principles…

And now, the child she carefully nurtured was telling her he didn’t want to be separated from her.

Her heart felt sour yet also warm.

He Yan said nothing, silently reading his book.

Only Liuliu, who didn’t understand what her mother and brother were talking about, turned her head to look at her mother, then at her brother. Just as she was about to speak, her sister pinched her lips shut.

She widened her eyes innocently.

Yanyan softened, lowered her voice, and whispered, “Let’s draw together.”

Liuliu nodded obediently.

Yanyan took out a notebook and pen from her bag and began teaching her little sister to draw animals, stroke by stroke.

While her sister copied her drawings, Yanyan glanced quietly at their silent mother and brother, then pursed her lips. She was surprised.

In her past life, these two had never shared such deep feelings. The former “Jin Xiuzhu” was more concerned with pleasing He Yan than truly loving him, and He Yan had felt disgust and rejection toward her. Yet now, they were both feeling sad and lost at the thought of being apart.

It was… strangely moving.

But Yanyan couldn’t help thinking about her own future. In her previous life, she had no “future”. But now… would she also eventually leave Jin Xiuzhu and Father Jiang one day to build her own family?

She had never thought about it before, but the sudden realization left her momentarily dazed.

The four of them sat on the train the entire day. When they arrived back in the county, it was already past six in the evening. Fortunately, the sky still hadn’t darkened yet.

Before coming, Jin Xiuzhu had already called the textile factory. Wang Ling and Qian Yufeng both knew she was arriving, and Qian Yufeng even came to the pier to pick them up. When she saw them, her eyes turned red.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. You’re still as beautiful as ever.”

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. “Why are you crying? Aren’t I standing right here?”

“It’s not the same. We used to see each other anytime we wanted. Now you’re so far away; it’s so hard just to see you once. Ever since I heard you were coming, I’ve been counting the days.”

Jin Xiuzhu linked arms with her. “Exactly. I was planning to go home, but I thought about it and decided I had to come see you two. It’s too far, and we rarely get the chance.”

Qian Yufeng said, “Come have dinner at my place. Erzhu is cooking already. We don’t live over there anymore—we’ve moved into a small apartment assigned by his workplace. It’s nice enough, just a bit small, but convenient for the kids to come home. Ever since my mother-in-law passed, the two children come home every day. Xiaojun has also become much more sensible.”

She paused as if remembering something. “I wasn’t planning to tell you at first. I thought you lived so far away that even if you knew, it wouldn’t help, and it’d only make you worry. I didn’t expect Sister-in-law Wang to tell you anyway. And you even sent fifty yuan in a red envelope—honestly, I don’t even know what to say. Who gives that much? Even if you make money from drawing, you still shouldn’t waste it like that.”

“What do you mean ‘waste’? I don’t like how that sounds. When I first arrived at the army base, you and your mother-in-law took great care of me. I’ve always kept that in mind. Especially little Yan—he lived at your place for half a year, and he even called Aunt Wu ‘Grandma.’ Our families have a special relationship. Since I couldn’t come back in person, I wanted to give a bigger red envelope. Think of it as our heartfelt blessing.”

Qian Yufeng couldn’t help giving a helpless smile. “I knew you were a good one. People really shouldn’t compare with others. Sister-in-law Wang probably told you, right? Not a single person from the child’s uncle’s family showed up. No news afterward either. We didn’t send any money back, but they wrote two letters asking for it. I threw them both away. I didn’t want to look at them.”

“I finally understand—distant relatives really can’t compare to nearby neighbors. That saying is absolutely true.”

Jin Xiuzhu listened quietly. She didn’t know if it was because the old Madam Wu had passed away, but she felt that Qian Yufeng had become much steadier than before.

The two chatted as they walked and soon reached where Qian Yufeng lived now.

Wu Erzhu now worked at the police station, and the unit assigned him an old apartment nearby. Though it was a bit small, the location was great—right in the county center, and very close to schools.

Jin Xiuzhu followed her up to the third floor. It was much better than the tube-shaped building, somewhat like the old army quarters—two households per floor with doors facing each other.

Qian Yufeng’s home was on the left. She unlocked the door. The apartment wasn’t big—one glance was enough to see everything inside, about forty to fifty square meters, with a living room and a small balcony.

Introducing the place, Qian Yufeng said, “It’s a bit small, just two rooms. We use the bigger one, and the smaller one is for Daya. Xiaojun is living in the factory dorms now, only coming home for meals.”

Jin Xiuzhu was surprised. She didn’t expect Daya to be living alone already.

She smiled. “Living alone is good—helps with studying. Our He Yan is the same. He studies by himself until late at night. I keep worrying he’ll wear himself out.”

“Exactly! She goes through one candle a day—burns money for real. But what can we do? Kids have to get into college. Her dad and I don’t even dare talk loudly at home now.”

As she spoke, she shook her head. “Her eyesight’s gotten worse. We’re planning to take her to the city this weekend to get glasses. Her dad insists on getting a good pair or it won’t be good for her eyes.”

A smile spread across Jin Xiuzhu’s face. “It’s all for the children.”

“Of course. We’re nothing compared to you all, but even compared with others, who spoils their daughters like we do? There was a girl in her class who ranked third in the whole school before. Her parents dragged her back home to marry someone offering a two-hundred-yuan bride price. Even the teacher went to persuade them, but they scolded him!”

The three children, hearing this, looked at Qian Yufeng in shock.

She chuckled as she poured tea. “You three are lucky. Your parents dote on you to the core. Not everyone has that blessing.”

He Yan couldn’t sit still. After a while he got up to walk around, then went to help Wu Erzhu in the kitchen. Soon, voices drifted from inside.

He asked about Daya too—she had apparently gone out to buy vinegar.

Qian Yufeng added, “Xiaojun will be back later. He swapped shifts today because he knew you were coming. He was supposed to be on the night shift.”

“It’s been so long since we saw Xiaojun. I’ve missed him,” Jin Xiuzhu said.

“Right? He’s grown so tall now—taller than his dad.”

As they spoke, footsteps approached the door. Then came a knock. Liuliu, never shy of strangers, eagerly ran to open it. At home she was always the first to open the door.

It was Daya, back with the vinegar. Seeing Liuliu, she immediately smiled. “Liuliu—!”

Liuliu remembered her too and chirped, “Sister Daya!”

Daya stepped in, greeting everyone one by one. “Auntie Jin, Yanyan—”

Hearing the noise, He Yan ran out from the kitchen, smiling brightly. “Daya—”

Jin Xiuzhu scolded, “Call her Sister.”

He Yan puffed up his chest. “She’s not even taller than me. I’m not calling her that.”

Daya laughed. “You still have to. Age is age. I’m older.”

He Yan snorted and went back to the kitchen.

Qian Yufeng laughed. “Kids are all like that. Last time Daya went to see Xiaojun at the factory, someone asked who she was. He said she was his younger sister. When I asked why he lied, do you know what he said? He said Daya is too short, and admitting to having such a short older sister would be embarrassing. Can you believe that kid?”

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. “Same here. At parent-teacher meetings, He Yan insists I go because I look young and make him look good. Says his dad is too old. His dad gets so mad.”

They burst into laughter.

Daya joined in, then headed to the kitchen to tease He Yan.

Fu Yanyan sat at the table eating snacks, smiling as she listened to them.

After a while, Daya came out and brought Yanyan and Liuliu into her room to play.

Yanyan followed. Daya’s room was small—a narrow bed against the wall, a wardrobe, a small desk by the window. There were no bookshelves, so the books she couldn’t fit on the desk were stacked neatly in the corner.

Everything was clean and tidy—clearly arranged with great care. Daya looked like a child showing off her treasures as she shared her favorite belongings with Yanyan: hair clips from friends, clothes her mom bought, a pair of shoes from her younger brother Xiaojun…

Yanyan sat on the bed, smiling gently. She felt that this lively Daya was wonderful.

After showing her things, Daya sat down beside Yanyan. “Yanyan, do you remember when you introduced your room to me back when you moved into the army housing? I was so envious. I really wanted my own room too. And now I finally have one.”

Yanyan paused for a moment, looking at Daya’s bright smile, stunned.

What Daya didn’t know was that back then, Yanyan herself had never been treated with such care either. That was why she had been so happy then.

Daya smiled softly. “I’m really happy now. Dad and Mom treat me well. My brother treats me well.”

Yanyan nodded. “That’s good, Sister Daya. I’m happy for you.”

She felt Daya was luckier than she had been—at least she didn’t have to wait as long as she did.

Daya beamed. “Thank you.”

Then added, “I’ve never been jealous of you—only envious. But not anymore. Now I just want to get into a good university and find a good job in the future.”

“Sister Daya, you’ll only get better and better.”

“You too.”

In the evening during dinner, Wu Xiaojun came back. He was with Wang Ling—she had heard that Jin Xiuzhu was back and happened to run into him on the road, so she brought him along.

But Xiaojun was too heavy, so after a stretch of riding, Wang Ling ended up sitting on the back while he pedaled—a boy’s strength really was different. Even carrying someone, he still rode fast.

They arrived home before seven.

Wang Ling threw herself at Jin Xiuzhu excitedly.

Qian Yufeng fetched the dishes. Wu Erzhu had made ten dishes for dinner, crowding the whole table. Everyone squeezed around to eat and chat.

Especially Wang Ling—she had endless things to say. No one else could get a word in.

As for Xiaojun, once so energetic and domineering, he now said nothing the entire time. He Yan sat right next to him, trying to talk to him, but Xiaojun only responded when asked—short answers, nothing more.

He Yan glanced at him again.

Xiaojun’s hand holding the chopsticks paused for a moment before he went back to eating.

When they were kids, he didn’t know better. He always felt He Yan was inferior in everything, so when he saw He Yan doing better, he felt jealous and bullied him. But now the gap between them had widened so far that jealousy didn’t even come anymore—only envy. Envy that He Yan had loving adoptive parents, a comfortable life, good grades, and a bright future.

Unlike himself—he couldn’t even qualify to become a soldier anymore.

After dinner, Jin Xiuzhu left with Wang Ling. Before leaving, she took out a gift for Qian Yufeng.

When Qian Yufeng saw the necklace, she froze. “This… this is for me? How could I wear something like this? I’d die of embarrassment.”

Jin Xiuzhu said, “Why would it be embarrassing? When I saw it, I thought of you. You always say I look good, but I want you to look good too. I want you to be happy.”

Qian Yufeng was deeply touched. She held Jin Xiuzhu’s hand and walked her all the way to the intersection.

Finally, Jin Xiuzhu patted her hand. “Go back. I’ll visit again when there’s a chance.”

“Okay.”

Qian Yufeng stood there watching them walk farther and farther away until she couldn’t see them anymore, then turned back.

She held the necklace tightly. Earlier she had proudly shown Jin Xiuzhu the wristwatch she had bought for herself—she never dared wear one before, but now that she made her own money, she wore one everywhere. No one dared say she didn’t deserve it anymore.

She never expected Jin Xiuzhu would buy her a necklace. She had never even dreamed of owning something so beautiful—she always thought such things were only for pretty people. She never believed she deserved it. But Jin Xiuzhu told her that what she liked mattered most.

She sniffled and smiled, then put the necklace on.

Back home, she asked her children if it looked good. Daya said yes. Xiaojun only nodded perfunctorily.

Wu Erzhu, same as always, scoffed without thinking. “Necklace looks good. The person doesn’t.”

But Qian Yufeng no longer got angry at such remarks. She rolled her eyes at him, then went to admire herself in the mirror, finding it prettier the more she looked.

That night, Wang Ling arranged for the family of four to stay at the factory dormitory. She had prepared the rooms in advance—the quilts were all washed and aired.

The three females shared one room; He Yan had one to himself.

Wang Ling also stayed at the factory that night, chatting quietly with Jin Xiuzhu.

Suddenly, Jin Xiuzhu remembered. “Xiaojun should be able to join the army this year, right?”

She remembered hearing that he would work at the factory for two years and then enlist when he reached the required age. “He’s grown now. That’s good. It’s been so long since I saw him—he seems much more mature.”

Hearing this, Wang Ling sighed. “That used to be the plan. Not anymore. Didn’t you notice tonight? The boy was eating with his left hand.”

Jin Xiuzhu: It’s really lively to be back.

Jiang Mingchuan: Wife, when are you coming home? Did you forget me?

He Yan: Dad, stop. No one misses you.

Fu Yanyan: Don’t say such painful truths aloud.

Liuliu: Daddy, don’t worry. Once we finish playing, we’ll come back.