Chapter 134

Lu Weiguo and Shi Tingyu happened to overhear this conversation and finally understood what was going on. It turned out that Lijian had become famous due to its resemblance to the dog Zhuifeng from a popular comic book.

Lu Zhen, who was more familiar with Lijian, saw the dog’s actions and looked in the same direction, spotting his second uncle and aunt. He quickly called out to them.

He was a bit nervous, worried that his second uncle and aunt might be unhappy about him bringing Lijian there.

Shi Tingyu walked over and patted Lu Zhen on the head, “Why did you come here to play?”

Lu Zhen honestly replied, “I was originally playing with Lijian and my friends, but this young man saw us. He said he liked Lijian and invited him over to play here, so I came with my friends.”

The young man’s name was Xia Jie. He didn’t have many hobbies but loved reading comic books, and he had brought two volumes of “Loyal Dog” with him this time.

These comics were quite popular among the educated youth.

When he saw Lijian from a distance, he was struck by how closely the dog resembled Zhuifeng from the comics.

So, he asked Lu Zhen to bring the dog over to the youth camp.

Other educated youths also gathered around upon seeing Lijian.

Xia Jie looked at Shi Tingyu, his face slightly red, and with a look of admiration in his eyes, he asked, “Are you Teacher Shi? Are you the author of ‘Loyal Dog’?”

Shi Tingyu was a bit surprised that her comic books had reached here.

Facing Xia Jie’s eager gaze, she nodded.

When she published the comics, she used her real name. With Lijian and Zhuifeng, and the author having the same name as her, it would be hard to deny it without seeming pretentious.

The attitudes of the people at the youth camp toward Shi Tingyu changed immediately.

Although they had been sent to the countryside, they still had a sense of intellectual superiority. For them, Shi Tingyu being able to publish comic books made her a celebrity.

The educated youths were enthusiastic and started chatting with Shi Tingyu, despite Lu Weiguo’s stern demeanor.

As time passed, snow began to fall.

Lu Weiguo said, “It’s snowing, we should head back.”

He took Lijian’s leash from Lu Zhen, and the three of them, along with the dog, headed home.

Xia Jie watched them leave with a sense of reluctance.

It was his first time meeting a live author of a comic book.

When they reached the gate of their home, they saw a young woman who had previously asked to rent a room from them. Her name was Bai Qiuyue.

As they got closer, Shi Tingyu overheard the conversation between Bai Qiuyue and Lu’s mother.

Bai Qiuyue said, “Auntie, it’s not that I’m finding fault with your daughter-in-law, but she really doesn’t know how to live. I wanted to rent a room, and she didn’t even discuss it, just turned me down. So, I had to wait until you came back to bring it up again.”

Lu’s mother frowned and retorted, “I find you interesting. My daughter-in-law said we won’t rent out the room, so why do you think I would? Am I family with you or with her? I’ve lived long enough to know what’s right and wrong. You’re clearly trying to stir up trouble between me and my daughter-in-law. If I listened to you, I’d be the biggest fool in the world.”

Bai Qiuyue was at a loss for words.

This kind of in-law relationship usually worked, so why not here?

Lu’s mother’s harsh words left Bai Qiuyue speechless. She prided herself as a city girl and couldn’t continue speaking politely to a rural woman who had just scolded her.

But Lu’s mother didn’t stop.

Did they think she was easy to bully?

Back when the factory was selecting a logistics director, she had many rivals, but she was the one who got the job.

“I really admire my daughter-in-law’s foresight. If we had rented to you, considering your habit of causing trouble and stirring up discord, who knows how much trouble it would bring? I’d rather not make money than let someone cause chaos in my home.”

Seeing how Bai Qiuyue tried to make things difficult for her daughter-in-law, Lu’s mother knew she was a vindictive person. If they had any dealings with her, she would gossip and stir up trouble, making family unity impossible.

Given that their youngest’s profession wasn’t conducive to always being home, Lu’s mother felt her daughter-in-law already had a tough time. If she listened to others’ provocations, she might lose her daughter-in-law. Everyone knew how hard it was to be a military wife.

Though she had never been one herself, she was a military family member. When her son was on the battlefield or on missions, she was always worried, fearing something might happen to him.

As his bedmate, his daughter-in-law’s life was understandably tough.

Bai Qiuyue, who was not known for her good temper and had never been ridiculed like this, turned red with anger.

She glared at Lu’s mother viciously, thinking to herself that she would remember this humiliation and get her revenge later.

Just as she was about to leave, she saw Lu Weiguo and his wife standing not far away with a child and a dog. It was unclear how long they had been there.

Shi Tingyu slightly curled her lips into a smile, not saying a word. Yet, that one expression made Bai Qiuyue feel as if her dignity had been trampled on the ground.

Unable to bear staying there any longer, she hurriedly left.

Lu Weiguo approached his mother, smiling, “As expected of the logistics director, Mom, your awareness is spot on.”

He gave his mother a thumbs-up.

Lu’s mother, who had been very imposing just a moment ago, felt a bit embarrassed by the compliment.

She pushed her son aside and, with a smile, invited Shi Tingyu and the others into the house, “I was just about to come find you. It’s snowing outside, and it looks like it won’t be light.”

The family bustled into the house, where the food was already prepared.

Lu’s mother handed a separate portion of the meal to Lu Weiguo, “Later, when everyone is eating, sneak this over to the cowshed.”

It was the New Year, and although her daughter was nearby, they couldn’t have a reunion meal together. The thought of it made Lu’s mother sigh.

Shi Tingyu felt touched. “Thank you, Mom.”

Lu’s mother gently patted her hand, her palm warm and rough yet comforting.

When most households had started their meals, Lu Weiguo got up to deliver the food to his in-laws.

Shi Tingyu didn’t ask to go along. It wasn’t as safe as at night, and she didn’t want to cause trouble for her parents.

Besides, Lu Weiguo was very vigilant. If there were any issues, it would be easier for him to handle them alone.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Lu Weiguo returned.

He sat next to Shi Tingyu and said something to reassure her, “Your parents are very happy.”

After dinner, Lu’s mother began to prepare the dough and filling for dumplings.

They planned to have dumplings ready for breakfast on the first day of the new year.

Sitting on the kang, they busily made dumplings. Among them, Lu’s mother and Shi Tingyu had the best dumpling-making skills, followed by Lu Weiguo.

Lu Weiguo had learned his skills during New Year’s celebrations with the cooking team in the army.