Chapter 37.2

“Congratulations! Little sister, your good fortune has arrived! You found such a good family, and now you’re pregnant and going to be a mother. Truly a double happiness! I’m so happy that I couldn’t sleep well last night.”

“Second sister-in-law, did you put honey on your lips today?”

The second sister-in-law kept smiling, and Mother Zhou, being perceptive, led the two girls to the kitchen to prepare meals. The second sister-in-law glanced at her brother-in-law, Zhou Qingshan, who remained still. What exactly did she want? She wouldn’t let her difficulty fall on Luo Lan; that wouldn’t do.

“Well, here’s the thing,” the second sister-in-law quickly seized the opportunity to speak, ignoring the fact that the eldest sister-in-law was also present. “Your nephew is getting married next year on the eighteenth of the first month. I’m preparing bedding and thought I could ask you to help me buy two sets like those you got for your wedding.”

The eldest sister-in-law disapproved of her opportunistic behavior. Those items from the supply and marketing cooperative weren’t essentials; there was no need to rely on her sister-in-law’s favor. Since she was getting benefits from her sister-in-law, she couldn’t bring it up herself. Moreover, knowing Luo Lan, she wouldn’t let her be manipulated.

“Sure.”

As soon as she said this, the second sister-in-law’s smile bloomed. But before she could fully enjoy her happiness, Luo Lan’s next words froze her smile in place.

“The fabric from the supply and marketing cooperative costs double, and I need fabric tickets. You’ll have to give me the money first so I can ask someone for help.”

“Is it that expensive?”

“It might not even be available. If it weren’t for my classmate being so close to me, they wouldn’t even want to help.”

With a price double the usual rate, the second sister-in-law hesitated but shamelessly spoke up again, “How about this? You lend me the money first, and I’ll pay you back when the wedding is settled next year?”

“I really don’t have that kind of money right now. After getting pregnant, my expenses will increase. Money isn’t something that just grows on trees; even a penny can be hard to come by. Please don’t put me in such a difficult position.”

“No, no,” she stammered, caught off guard by the little sister-in-law’s words. “I was just thinking about how nice it would look…”

“When your father was around, he used to say that you should only eat what you can afford. Don’t be greedy beyond your means.”

So, she didn’t get the bedding and ended up being scolded by her sister-in-law instead. The second sister-in-law left in a huff, venting her anger at home to her husband. Her husband was as thick-headed as they came; he treated his sister the same way he treated his wife, and she had no way to vent her frustrations.

“If you don’t go talk to your sister, who else will? You’re her brother, your words carry more weight than mine.”

“I’m not going.”

“You thick-headed fool.”

Her husband squatted on the ground, staying silent regardless of what she said. If she wanted to go, he wouldn’t interfere, but asking him to go was a no-go.

At school, Luo Mei brought fried rice porridge for lunch. Mother Zhou peeled two boiled eggs and placed them in a bowl for her, which made Luo Mei, as the older sister, very happy. Her sister had found a good mother-in-law. The woman was already good, but now she took even better care of her sister.

“Auntie, do you want a grandson or a granddaughter?” She asked instinctively, afraid Mother Zhou might favor sons over daughters.

“Either is fine. As long as they’re healthy, that’s what matters most.”

With Mother Zhou saying this, Luo Mei felt completely at ease. Even if her sister had a daughter this time, she wouldn’t have to worry too much. It wouldn’t be like her own experience when her mother-in-law only fed her grain water during her confinement after giving birth to a girl. If it weren’t for her mother and sister bringing her eggs and millet, she would have starved.

“Exactly. Even if this time it’s a girl, we can try for another next time.”

“Daughters are great; they’re their parents’ little darlings. Sons are good too; as long as they’re raised well, it doesn’t matter.”

“Right, whether it’s a boy or a girl, as long as they’re obedient and filial, they’re good children.”

“That’s what I think too. No matter if it’s a grandson or granddaughter, they’re all my treasures.”

Mother Zhou was gentle and kind, but she wasn’t foolish. She could sense Luo Mei’s underlying meaning and quickly reassured her, saying she would be happy with either a boy or a girl because they were all her son’s flesh and blood.

Hearing Mother Zhou say this, Luo Mei took a deep breath and looked at her sister with a hint of envy in her eyes. A woman’s marriage is like a second birth; she used to worry about her sister, but now she felt at ease.

“Don’t worry, I will take good care of Lan’er.”

“Of course. With families like yours, I have nothing to worry about. I just can’t help but be concerned since Lan’er has had such a hard time getting pregnant.”

“That’s only natural. But she looks good; she hasn’t had any morning sickness and can eat anything. That’s better than anything.”

While they were chatting, Luo Lan had already eaten two eggs and downed half a bowl of fried rice porridge. Most pregnant women suffered from morning sickness and couldn’t eat anything, but she had a strong appetite and found everything delicious. However, after finishing, she felt a little uncomfortable in her stomach and needed to walk around more.

“Sister, don’t worry. Let’s talk about some news from our brigade. Has the recent turmoil had any impact?”

“Not really. Oh, they say they’ve started fighting the landlords again. But we’re not landlords; this doesn’t concern us.”

There were indeed landlords in their brigade, and it seemed there was only one son in the family. He had drowned in the river years ago, and now only the old couple lived alone.

After staying for a while, Luo Mei left for home. Mother Zhou felt down for the rest of the afternoon and didn’t say a word on the way home. Once at home, she quickly made milk for Luo Lan, meeting her worried gaze. Mother Zhou took the initiative to explain.

“I’m happy. I was thinking if your father were here, knowing he was going to be a grandfather, he would be so delighted.”

Luo Lan didn’t know how to respond and could only smile silently. The uncertainty surrounding her father-in-law’s whereabouts made her anxious. It would be great to get some news, even if it was to confirm his death. At least that way, the sadness would only be temporary. But now, every time she heard something about the elderly, she couldn’t help but think of him.

“Don’t worry about me; I’m fine. I was just lost in thought. I’ll make you some chive dumplings for dinner since we have eggs now.”

“In this season, where would we find chives?”

“They’re dried from summer.”

Having fragrant chive dumplings to eat in the dead of winter was a treat. Mother Zhou didn’t make many. She didn’t add any tofu or vermicelli to the filling, just chives and eggs, which smelled fresh.

Zhou Junhui couldn’t help but swallow hard at the delicious aroma but said nothing and poured herself some porridge to drink. Her sister-in-law was pregnant, and their mother seemed much better. The doctor had said that having a new life in the family would give her psychological support, helping her slowly recover from the pain of losing a child.

The next day, on Monday, Luo Lan entered the office and found the director was absent again. “Sister Liu, what’s going on with the director?”

“His mother passed away suddenly, and he’s taking a week off.”

“How could she just pass away suddenly?”

“Who knows? They say she complained of chest pain while talking and just laid down and stopped breathing.”

“Oh my gosh, people can be so fragile sometimes.”

“Indeed.”

The director’s mother was not yet sixty; her sudden passing reminded everyone how unpredictable life can be. Now, only the two of them remained at the office. In the morning, Sister Liu went to a meeting and returned feeling a bit frustrated.

“What’s wrong?”

“We have to go to the countryside to convey the superior’s message.”

“When are we going?”

“Tomorrow. Are you okay to go? If not, I can go alone.”

“It’s fine; I’m in good health.”

While she was enjoying her work, one day she suddenly realized she couldn’t fit into any of her pants. Not a single pair. Early in the morning, she stood there trying on clothes, and Zhou Qingshan saw her slightly protruding belly and couldn’t help but smile.

“It’s time to make new pants.”

“It’s only been three months; how can my belly be so big already?”

“The baby is growing. Isn’t it normal for your belly to be bigger?”

“Alright.” Saying this, she put down her sweater and went to the main room, holding her belly. “Mom, my pants are so tight I can’t wear them. Can you loosen them for me?”

Mother Zhou chuckled, “Sure, take them off, and I’ll fix them for you.”

“Mom, isn’t it said you don’t show until five months? How come my pants are tight after just three months?”

“Five months is when it’s really obvious, and people can tell at a glance. But usually, your belly starts to bulge after two or three months, so your pants will definitely be tight.”

“Well, if I try hard enough, I can still—” She could fasten the buttons if she tried, but she was worried about squeezing the baby inside.

“Don’t do that,” Mother Zhou said firmly. “You need to wear loose clothes to give the baby enough space to grow.”

“Yeah, I was thinking the same.”

As they were talking, Zhou Junhui came out of the room. “I have some good news for you.”

Luo Lan asked, “What’s the good news?”

“I’ve decided to get married.”