Chapter 149

The arrival of Shi Tingyu and Lu Weiguo made Lu’s mother feel proud and elated.

Even after they had returned home, news about Shi Tingyu spread throughout the factory.

Those who had seen her praised her beauty, while those who hadn’t were eager to catch a glimpse. In a factory where most people were familiar with each other, there wasn’t much news that everyone didn’t already know.

So, the appearance of Shi Tingyu, this new and interesting figure, invigorated many.

Some even approached Lu’s mother, “Director Chen, I heard your younger daughter-in-law came by? I was busy and missed her. Will she be coming again to bring food?”

They were eager to see her.

Lu’s mother smiled and shooed them away, “Go on, my daughter-in-law is very busy. She can’t come every day.”

The person was skeptical, “But Weiguo is home on leave, and your daughter-in-law doesn’t have a job here. How is she so busy?”

Lu’s mother’s face showed a trace of pride, “My daughter-in-law is very capable. Although she’s on winter break from her teaching job, she has other work. She’s an excellent painter and has even published books. That takes a lot of brainpower, something we can’t manage. It requires education and talent.”

This piqued the person’s curiosity, “Your daughter-in-law has published books? That’s impressive.”

Lu’s mother replied, “Of course. That’s why I say Weiguo has good taste.”

Thus, Shi Tingyu quickly became famous at the textile factory.

Since everyone was familiar with each other and the usual gossip was old news, the arrival of someone new was exciting.

Xiao Min heard about it too and couldn’t help but marvel at Qin Ping’s impressive sister-in-law.

Just one visit had made her a sensation at the textile factory.

But this gave Xiao Min more material to gossip about in front of Qin Ping.

Qin Ping’s expression grew increasingly indifferent as Xiao Min continued to stir up trouble, and eventually, she snapped.

Xiao Min never expected Qin Ping to be so bold, given her usually introverted and timid nature.

She was momentarily flustered but quickly became angry.

Fine, if they broke off, so be it. She wasn’t too keen on maintaining the friendship anyway.

Qin Ping remained stern throughout. She now saw Xiao Min for who she truly was.

Xiao Min was the kind of person who couldn’t stand others being better off than herself.

At first, Qin Ping had valued Xiao Min’s company, especially when they first joined the factory and Xiao Min had helped her. But as Qin Ping’s life improved, Xiao Min became less agreeable.

Qin Ping was determined not to let anyone disrupt her family’s stability and harmony.

After work in the evening, Lu’s mother learned that Qin Ping had severed ties with Xiao Min, and her smile broadened.

“That’s the way. I’ve always said she’s too petty, but you wouldn’t believe me. Now you see what kind of person she is.”

Lu’s mother had her reasons for disliking Xiao Min. When her eldest son first got married, Xiao Min had made several insinuating remarks in front of her. Luckily, she saw through them. Otherwise, she might have developed a dislike for her daughter-in-law.

Qin Ping nodded, having learned her lesson. She was a daughter-in-law who appreciated her mother-in-law’s advice.

At the gate of the residential compound, the two parted ways and returned to their respective homes.

When Lu’s mother entered, she saw Lu Weiguo using broken pieces of pottery to peel potatoes and quickly told him to stop.

She bustled around, “Put those down. I’ll take care of it.”

Knowing his mother’s temperament, Lu Weiguo didn’t argue. The lunch they had brought her had made her proud, and she was now in a mood to spoil them.

Anyone who tried to take over her tasks would face her ire.

Lu’s father came home not long after. Seeing his wife preparing dinner, he approached and quietly asked, “How did it go today? Did our daughter-in-law impress?”

Lu’s mother, smiling broadly, couldn’t help but raise her voice, “Of course. Even if she didn’t bring food, just her presence is enough to cause a stir.”

Lu’s father grinned, “Tomorrow it’s my turn to get lunch.”

The next morning, Lu’s father woke up early and rummaged through his wardrobe, finally finding a nearly new coat to wear over his padded jacket.

Lu’s mother noticed but said nothing. She knew he was trying to look good because their son and daughter-in-law were bringing him lunch.

When Lu Daming arrived at the factory, several colleagues greeted him.

“Lu, you’re looking sharp today.”

“What’s the occasion, Lu?”

Lu Daming smiled, “It’s the New Year. I just felt like dressing up a bit. What’s wrong with that?”

People didn’t press further and walked away, smiling.

They had thought there might be some special event at the steel factory, but apparently not.

At lunchtime, a colleague invited Lu Daming to the cafeteria.

Father Lu cleared his throat and said, “You all go ahead. Today, my son and daughter-in-law are bringing me lunch.”

Everyone found this interesting and asked, “Which son and daughter-in-law?”

“You see the eldest every day, so of course, it’s my second son.”

Everyone understood and looked curious.

Some of the workers, whose wives worked at the textile factory, had heard their wives mention that the youngest daughter-in-law of the Lu family was no ordinary person—beautiful and capable.

When Lu Weiguo and Shi Tingyu arrived, everyone realized that their wives had not exaggerated.

The steel factory had mostly male workers who were straightforward, not as gossipy as those at the textile factory.

Seeing his wife curious, Lu Weiguo said, “They do have conflicts, but when they argue, they resolve it quickly.”

Shi Tingyu nodded in confusion, realizing that conflicts could be resolved like this.

The couple’s arrival brought great pride to Lu Daming, even the factory director made some jokes about it.

Lu Daming wasn’t annoyed; he was beaming with joy.

He was a Level 7 worker at the steel factory, and the leaders showed him a lot of respect.

The next day was the Lantern Festival, and Lu Weiguo and Shi Tingyu were scheduled to take the train to Beijing the day after.

On their way back from the steel factory, Lu Weiguo asked, “Should we call my brother-in-law to let him know we’re coming?”

Shi Tingyu declined.

“My brother always tells me the good news and hides the bad. Before our parents were sent to the countryside, he was fine. After they were sent away, he always wrote that everything was okay, telling me not to worry. I think we shouldn’t tell him in advance this time; it’ll be good to see his situation firsthand.”

Lu Weiguo related to this since he also reported only good news to his family and parents, so he didn’t bring up notifying them in advance again.

That evening, Lu’s mother came home later than usual, carrying quite a few items.

There were pastries, malted milk, and some fruits.

Shi Tingyu was surprised since buying fruit wasn’t common these days.

“Mom, why did you buy so much?”

Lu’s mother explained, “You’re going to Beijing the day after tomorrow, so I bought some fruits and pastries for you to eat on the train. As for the malted milk, you can take it to your brother-in-law.”

Just as Shi Tingyu was about to say something, Lu’s mother cut her off.

“We made quite a lot of sausages before the New Year. You should take some to your brother-in-law too, so he can try our local flavors.”