WRS – Chapter 78

The moment Liuliu saw Jin Xiuzhu, she immediately stretched out her arms, asking for a hug.

Jin Xiuzhu thought it was because they hadn’t seen each other for a long time and her daughter had missed her.

She quickly stepped forward, scooped Liuliu into her arms, and gently coaxed her, “What’s wrong? Did you miss Mom too much? Mom missed you too. How about I make you something delicious tonight?”

Liuliu pouted, wrapped her arms tightly around Jin Xiuzhu’s neck, and buried her little face against it without saying a word.

It was He Yan who finally spoke after taking a couple of sips of hot water. “Don’t say anything for now. Liuliu was scared out of her wits. When we got off the train just now, she was almost kidnapped.”

Jin Xiuzhu’s brows twitched sharply. “What happened?”

Fu Yanyan explained, “It’s my fault. When we got off the train, there were so many people. Dad and Brother were carrying things, and I was holding Little Sister in the middle. Just as we stepped off the train, a shadow suddenly rushed out from the side and grabbed Little Sister and ran. If Dad hadn’t reacted so fast, she would’ve been taken.”

Hearing this, Liuliu seemed to recall the terrifying moment again—her eyes turned red instantly.

Jin Xiuzhu hurriedly patted her back to comfort her. Her expression darkened. “Aren’t there police at the train station?”

Jiang Mingchuan said, “It’s the New Year. There are too many people—how could the police handle everyone?”

He Yan added, “Mom, you didn’t see it. The station was packed. Ever since the Great Man announced the new open policy, tons of people have been traveling out to work. Now that they’re all coming home for the New Year, you can’t even see the ground. Luckily Dad was there to grab her back, and he even took the guy straight to the police inside the station. The officers said lots of kids have gone missing these days. Ours is the only one they managed to recover. Some of these are organized groups—someone grabs the kid, someone else hides them. It’s all connected.”

Hearing all this made Jin Xiuzhu’s heart pound in fear. She couldn’t help but hug Liuliu tighter.

Liuliu pursed her lips and acted spoiled. “Mom, I was so scared…”

Jin Xiuzhu stroked her little head. “It’s alright, it’s alright. Mom will soothe you tonight, and you won’t be scared anymore.”

Liuliu nodded obediently.

Bai Jingzhi walked over with lingering fear written all over her face and patted Liuliu’s back. She didn’t dare imagine what would’ve happened to the whole family if Liuliu had really been taken.

Perhaps because she was still young, after being comforted by her mother for a while, Liuliu quickly recovered. She then wriggled out of Jin Xiuzhu’s arms and began running up and down the stairs.

Her room had already been tidied by Jin Xiuzhu. A small floral quilt had been spread over the bed, soft and fluffy from being sun-dried—just the sight of it made one feel warm.

Fu Yanyan, perhaps feeling guilty, stuck close to her little sister, following her everywhere. Liuliu was delighted and dragged her big sister into the kitchen to sneak food.

That evening, Zhong Xue came by with her children. She had been coming over for dinner these past few days, since Jin Xiuzhu’s cooking was simply too good.

Back when her husband’s family still had no issues, she cooked too, but she had no talent for it. Her dishes were edible, but not tasty. It wasn’t until she ate Jin Xiuzhu’s food that she realized even simple homemade dishes could taste amazing.

She even complained to Jin Xiuzhu, “I grew up eating my mother’s cooking. She makes everything the same—heat oil, stir twice, add water, cook until done. She won’t even use more than two or three drops of oil. How could it taste good?”

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. “I always wondered who Mingchuan learned his cooking from. Turns out he secretly learned from Auntie.”

Zhong Xue burst out laughing. “That’s true! When we were kids, my mom always called Mingchuan over to eat. He’s such an honest person—he’d always go help in the kitchen. He probably learned from her.”

What she didn’t add was that Jiang Mingchuan’s adoptive mother was even stingier. She would stand guard while cooking, terrified that he’d add too much oil.

Jin Xiuzhu remembered how Jiang Mingchuan used to cook back then—barely two drops of oil, never enough salt, and everything tasted like it had been boiled in plain water.

That evening’s dinner was made by Jiang Mingchuan and He Yan. It tasted excellent—everyone had two bowls, and there wasn’t a single dish left over.

After eating, Jin Xiuzhu and Zhong Xue reviewed the list again. Once they confirmed everything was fine, they discussed which household to visit tomorrow with Bai Jingzhi.

Zhong Xue agreed completely. “It’s definitely better to do this in the capital. Your in-laws have so many friends. The sooner you’re introduced, the better. It’ll help your younger ones in the future too. I’m telling you, once you start working, everyone has connections. If you don’t, you’ll get bullied. Same thing happened when I got married—my family had no one left, so they pushed me around.”

Now she could talk about it calmly, even teasing herself a little—she had truly moved on.

Then she turned to Bai Jingzhi. “Just follow your sister-in-law tomorrow and meet people properly. Be confident. Answer whatever they ask, and speak clearly. Elders like that.”

Bai Jingzhi nodded obediently. “Alright.”

Zhong Xue asked, “Our house can be last. No rush. Get all the important elders done first. The day after tomorrow is the sending-off banquet. When is the groom’s side coming?”

Bai Jingzhi replied, “Ji Ling said he’d come tonight. He went home first.”

Zhong Xue nodded. “That’s necessary. The groom’s family must be busier. I heard he doesn’t have a father, so things might be harder after you marry in. But it’s fine—as long as the man has good character and cherishes you, a few hard years in the beginning don’t matter.”

Then she turned to Jin Xiuzhu. “I’ve really figured things out now. Nothing matters more than the person themselves. No matter how good the man’s family is or how talented he is, if his character is bad, that’s the end. Marriage is a long-term thing. At first, you tolerate each other, but once time passes, who still tolerates who? Remember the man I wrote you about?”

Jin Xiuzhu thought for a moment and nodded. “The one your relatives introduced?”

“Mm. We met twice afterward. He still seemed hung up on his previous wife. I didn’t want to continue. I don’t want to marry someone whose heart belongs elsewhere. That wouldn’t be a good life.”

She chuckled. “Especially after reading your letter, I felt even more unwilling. I’m not lacking anything now—why settle?”

Jin Xiuzhu agreed. “There’s a military wife living next door. I took her as a student and teach her some traditional medicine…”

She briefly explained Li Yun’s situation, then added, “Listening to you talk, she’s actually a bit like you. I was worried she’d overthink, so I agreed to teach her. It’s good to pass things on. Otherwise some knowledge really would be lost. She has a calm nature and learns quickly.”

Hearing this eased Zhong Xue’s expression a little. She sighed. “That’s exactly what worries me. What will she do in the future?”

“She’ll probably give birth first,” Jin Xiuzhu said.

Zhong Xue sighed again. “Having a child is both good and bad. If she divorces and has no family around, it’ll be even harder.”

“But without a child, she might marry again. With a child, it’s actually more stable.”

“That’s true.” Zhong Xue nodded. “If I didn’t want to marry now, my parents wouldn’t say anything. It’s just the extended relatives who are troublesome. Anyway, enough of this. I hope Jingzhi will have a good life—like you and your husband.”

Jin Xiuzhu smiled.

As the sky darkened, Zhong Xue took her two children home. She had come by bicycle, with one child in front and one in back. She rode off steadily.

After a while, her son said enviously, “Mom, Auntie’s family is so lively.”

Zhong Xue laughed. “Our family is lively too. Your grandma says you make too much noise every day.”

Her daughter, sitting behind her, suddenly asked, “Mom, will you get married again in the future?”

“No. Didn’t you hear what your aunt said? That Aunt Li Yun already regrets it.”

Her daughter reasoned, “That’s because she met someone bad. If she met someone like Uncle Jiang, she wouldn’t regret it.”

She wanted a dad like Uncle Jiang. Even though Fu Yanyan wasn’t his biological child, Uncle Jiang treated her very well.

Zhong Xue fell silent for a moment before saying softly, “That uncle wasn’t suitable. If I meet someone good in the future, Mom will marry.”

Her daughter giggled. “I want a dad like Uncle Jiang—someone who cooks lots of delicious food and picks dishes for Yanyan and Liuliu.”

Zhong Xue didn’t expect her daughter to remember such small details. But she didn’t know how to explain that men like Jiang Mingchuan were rare. She likely wouldn’t meet someone like him again. When she was young, she chased after sweet talk and looks, thinking that was real kindness. Only after growing older did she realize many things can be faked. Only character is real.

No matter who Jiang Mingchuan or Jin Xiuzhu had married, they would’ve lived well. Together, they only lived even better.

After Zhong Xue left, Jiang Mingchuan asked about her letters—he hadn’t known about any of it.

Jin Xiuzhu explained, “Zhong Xue has good conditions. She could marry anyone—why choose someone who’s still hung up on his ex? They’d fight later for sure. You men rarely cherish the people next to you. When life isn’t going well, you start thinking about past sweetness. And if you’d really stayed together, you might not treat them well forever. Many things can be faked.”

Jiang Mingchuan regretted asking, now being lectured. He muttered, “I’m not like that…”

Jin Xiuzhu snorted. “Who knows? We’ve only been married a few years—not a lifetime.”

Then she turned and headed for the kitchen to wash up.

Feeling wronged, Jiang Mingchuan looked at the kids and his sister.

Bai Jingzhi gave him a sympathetic glance but still said, “Brother, treat Sister-in-law better in the future.”

Then she followed upstairs.

Jiang Mingchuan: “…”

Fu Yanyan held her little sister’s hand and walked upstairs. Before going, she said hesitantly, “Dad, Mom only says that because she cares about you.”

He Yan patted his father’s shoulder. “Dad, don’t disappoint us.”

Jiang Mingchuan’s face darkened. “Looks like you’re itching for a beating.”

The moment He Yan heard that, he shrank his neck and ran off immediately.

Seeing him run faster than a rabbit, Jiang Mingchuan couldn’t help but laugh in anger.

Around ten o’clock that night, Ji Ling came over carrying a large bag filled with local specialties from his hometown.

The next morning, the whole family got ready to head out. Everyone was carrying something. Aside from candies, many of the items were pastries that Jin Xiuzhu and the family had made together.

The department store also sold pastries, but the whole family felt they were expensive and not tasty, so they preferred making their own—cheaper and better.

They didn’t know if it was just because this was the capital, but everything here was much more expensive.

Walking beside Jin Xiuzhu, Bai Jingzhi felt a warm swell in her heart. The family had been running around endlessly these days for her sake. She felt both guilty and deeply touched. Having family really was the best feeling.

Their first stop was Elder Zhang’s home. Back in November, Jin Xiuzhu had already written him a letter explaining the situation. A few days after arriving in the capital, she had also visited in person, so today the elder was waiting at home for their arrival.

They arrived early, gave gifts, introduced themselves, and then left to visit the other families. They agreed to return for dinner that evening.

After that, they visited several more homes—old friends of Jiang Mingchuan’s parents.

By the time they finished, it was already after four in the afternoon. The family then headed back to Elder Zhang’s house and found that many people were there—some they had visited earlier and some younger members of the Zhang family.

A few aunties held onto Bai Jingzhi’s hand and wouldn’t let go, saying she looked just like her mother.

Bai Jingzhi responded with a generous, warm smile. Zhong Xue’s family had also come over. Since there were too many people, Zhong Xue slipped over to chat with Jin Xiuzhu.

She sighed, “I haven’t seen this many people in ages. Even during New Year, it’s not this lively.”

Jin Xiuzhu glanced at Bai Jingzhi, who was surrounded by a crowd in the living room, and smiled. “Everyone is happy today.”

Zhong Xue smiled. “It’s good. Ji Ling must be under a lot of pressure. I bet he didn’t expect Jingzhi to have so many elders backing her up.”

Hearing that, Jin Xiuzhu looked around and soon spotted Ji Ling on the other side of the room being encircled by elders. She didn’t know what they were telling him, but his forehead was slightly sweaty as he nodded repeatedly.

She couldn’t help laughing. “Our daughter isn’t so easy to marry.”

“Exactly. My parents were too easygoing before. Remember this—no matter how good a man is, you have to keep him in check. Otherwise, he’ll float off.”

Jin Xiuzhu gave her a look, then nodded. “I agree with that.”

“Right?” Zhong Xue lifted her chin proudly. “By the way, I’m planning to quit my job at the department store next year and go to the South to take a look.”

Jin Xiuzhu looked at her in surprise. “Why? Work isn’t good?”

“Not exactly. I just don’t see much future in it. I heard the South will develop very well later, so I want to check it out.”

Jin Xiuzhu thought for a moment, then told her what she had seen in the neighboring provincial capital. “If you really want to develop in the South, you should first think about what exactly you want to do. I discussed this with Wang Ling before—if her factory ever shuts down, we could take it over and open our own factory to make and sell clothes.”

“When I went to the province competition with Mingchuan, I met a sister-in-law. We got along, and she mentioned her factory wasn’t doing well. I took interest in it, but after writing her a few letters, she never replied. Later I thought, forget it—we weren’t that familiar. If we really did well with her factory, she might get jealous anyway. Better to find our own place.”

Zhong Xue nodded. “Makes sense.”

Then she lowered her voice. “Let me tell you a secret—I heard from a friend that the South will have big changes soon. If you’ve got money on hand, you can invest there. You definitely won’t lose.”

Hearing that, Jin Xiuzhu understood and lightly tapped her teacup against hers. “Thanks.”

Zhong Xue grinned.

At dinner, there were so many people that the Zhang family’s tables weren’t enough. They borrowed two tables from the neighbors. They chatted long after eating and didn’t head home until nine or ten that night.

Jiang Mingchuan walked back with a dark face, carrying the drunken Ji Ling on his back. Ji Ling had low alcohol tolerance; after a few cups poured by the elders, he was drunk. Thankfully, he didn’t collapse like before—he just sat there obediently with flushed cheeks. Jiang Mingchuan had to drink the rest on his behalf.

Walking behind them, Jin Xiuzhu and Bai Jingzhi saw the two silhouettes. Bai Jingzhi was a bit worried, but Jin Xiuzhu laughed uncontrollably. “Let your brother carry him. He’s strong anyway.”

Bai Jingzhi laughed and felt a bit distressed at the same time.

Jin Xiuzhu asked, “Are you going back with Ji Ling or coming with us?”

Bai Jingzhi knew what she meant. “We talked it over. I’ll go back with you.”

“All right. We’ll leave on the third day.”

“Okay.”

The next morning, before dawn, Jin Xiuzhu got up to do Bai Jingzhi’s makeup. The products were all bought from the department store, which now carried many women’s items—skincare, cosmetics, and more. They had existed before, but not in such variety, nor displayed so openly.

Jin Xiuzhu could feel it—some invisible force was changing everything.

Even though she hadn’t done makeup in ages, her skills remained. Using fine threads, she threaded Bai Jingzhi’s face. Bai Jingzhi didn’t dare move and fluttered her lashes lightly.

“It hurts a bit. Bear with it.”

“Mm.”

After threading, Jin Xiuzhu wiped her face with a hot towel, applied fragrant balm, and started putting on makeup.

Bai Jingzhi didn’t know how she did it. It was clearly still her face, yet after Jin Xiuzhu casually worked her hands a few times, her whole appearance changed—clearer complexion, brighter eyes, long fine brows. Once lip rouge was applied, she almost didn’t look like herself.

Then Jin Xiuzhu styled her hair. She moistened the comb with the water from earlier, smoothed the strands, and coiled them layer by layer before securing everything into an elegant bun, making Bai Jingzhi’s face appear smaller and more delicate.

Looking at her in the mirror, Jin Xiuzhu was very satisfied. She added a few red velvet blossoms into her hair and helped her put on earrings and a necklace.

The outfit Bai Jingzhi wore was made by Jin Xiuzhu—a modified red qipao. Jin Xiuzhu liked qipaos but felt they were too revealing, so she made a fitted short top with a pleated skirt.

Since it was cold, she wore a thick padded coat over it, which she would take off later during the toasting.

Bai Jingzhi was tall and fair-skinned; the outfit suited her perfectly.

She stood in front of the mirror and twirled, feeling she looked better and better. She turned to Jin Xiuzhu with a bright smile. “Thank you, Sister-in-law.”

Jin Xiuzhu propped her chin on her hand, smiling proudly. “Beautiful.”

Truly beautiful. In Jin Xiuzhu’s opinion, Bai Jingzhi’s appearance and figure didn’t suit the current era’s fashion at all. If she wore the clothing of the Great Jing Dynasty, even she would feel threatened. With such innocent, radiant beauty, who knew how many young talents she might attract?

Bai Jingzhi lowered her head shyly.

Once finished, the two went downstairs. Jiang Mingchuan and Ji Ling were already up and busy in the kitchen. When they came down, Ji Ling froze completely at the sight, standing motionless with the plate in his hands.

Jiang Mingchuan didn’t hear him respond and specially came out, only to see his hopeless expression. Irritated, he hit him lightly with the handle of the spatula. “What are you standing there for? Come help.”

Then he glanced at his beautifully dressed sister, grew annoyed again, and returned to the kitchen.

Ji Ling quickly agreed, smiled awkwardly at Bai Jingzhi, put down the dumplings, and rushed back inside.

Bai Jingzhi’s cheeks were red.

Jin Xiuzhu chuckled softly.

After breakfast, the whole family went to the state-run restaurant.

Zhong Xue had come to pick them up. No one knew where she managed to borrow a small car, but she drove Jin Xiuzhu and Bai Jingzhi there first.

Jiang Mingchuan and He Yan followed behind, while Ji Ling went to the train station to pick up his mother and uncle.

The banquet was held in the biggest private room on the second floor of the restaurant, with five tables arranged. Since the family had no relatives here, the guests were all old friends of Jiang Mingchuan’s and Bai Jingzhi’s parents.

Around ten in the morning, guests began arriving. Ji Ling also brought Zhu Ying and the political commissar. Fang Min didn’t come; Zhu Ying explained she was in their hometown and her belly was too large to travel.

Jin Xiuzhu understood and urged her to sit.

Introduced by Jiang Mingchuan, the commissar greeted the guests. His position was not low, so unlike yesterday, people treated him very respectfully. The atmosphere was harmonious.

The meal lasted until past two in the afternoon. After seeing all the guests out, the family finally relaxed.

Zhu Ying exclaimed, “Everyone here is so impressive. I didn’t even dare raise my voice.”

Jin Xiuzhu apologized. “Everything was too rushed. Otherwise, we would’ve let you take your time.”

Zhu Ying waved her hand. “It’s normal. Weddings are like this. It’s only once anyway.”

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. “What are your plans this afternoon?”

Zhu Ying said, “We’ll head home. We still have things to prepare over there. Ji Ling will go back with us. We’ll have to trouble you for everything here.”

“What trouble? We’re all done. The rest is up to you.”

Zhu Ying smiled. “Busy, but happy.”

Seeing her beaming smile, Jin Xiuzhu felt her fatigue melt away. “Yes. Busy, but happy.”

It had been a long time since she’d been this busy. Seeing the excitement on the newlyweds’ faces made her feel youthful again.

The budding sweetness of young love—something she herself had never experienced.

After tidying up, both families went downstairs. Zhu Ying didn’t let them see her off—she told them to go rest, they knew the way.

Watching the three leave, on the way back, Jiang Mingchuan and Jin Xiuzhu walked behind the others when he suddenly said, “After New Year… let’s hold a proper wedding too.”

Jin Xiuzhu turned her head in surprise.

Jiang Mingchuan smiled. “We had nothing back then. I feel like I wronged you.”

He had noticed the envy in her eyes whenever she looked at her sister-in-law today. His heart felt sour, thinking he hadn’t done enough for her back then.

Jin Xiuzhu laughed softly. “Just hearing you say that is enough. We’ve been married so long—if we do it now, people will laugh.”

“What’s there to laugh about? It’s our life. Who cares what others think? Our happiness matters most.”

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t respond, but a quiet anticipation bloomed in her heart.

Jin Xiuzhu: My husband says he wants to give me a wedding.

Jiang Mingchuan: Definitely.

He Yan: Then I want to be the best man.

Fu Yanyan: Who makes their son the best man?

He Yan: Aren’t you being the bridesmaid?

Fu Yanyan: Rules can be bent sometimes.

He Yan: Hypocrite.

Liuliu: Then I want to be the flower girl.