Chapter 68

The mother and daughter of the Sun family ate the noodles, leaving the stove dirty and cluttered, with bowls and chopsticks piled up in the sink. The kitchen floor was a mess, with oil stains here and footprints there, and the stove was greasy and filthy.

Although Father Sun had fallen ill, he was normally healthy and had no major illnesses. The shock he received was too severe, which led him to the health center. After two days of IV drips, his condition improved enough to be discharged and return home.

The real issue was that there was no one at home to support him, which made him uneasy.

Father Sun was well aware that Mother Sun had always been arrogant and enjoyed a respected status. Previously, there was a distant relative living with them, who, while presented as a family member, mainly helped with household chores. When Lin Hongna entered the family, this distant relative returned home to retire, leaving the two daughters and the son as ineffective, relying entirely on him to maintain the family’s reputation. If something happened to him, it would be disastrous.

As expected, Sun Jialiang completed the discharge procedures, and Lin Hongna, carrying a travel bag, helped support Father Sun on either side as they made their way home.

Father Sun valued his reputation, and the recent incident had nearly destroyed the face he had built over the years. This illness had made him look much older. His hair had turned grayer, and after two days of not eating, he walked with difficulty, taking each step slowly. The sight of him, frail and aged, made the doctors and nurses at the health center sigh with sympathy.

Seeing the gazes of others, Father Sun’s eyes flashed with a sharp gleam as he stumbled a few more steps.

The Sun family returned home quietly. When Father Sun entered the house, he frowned at the trash bins piled up in the yard and the once tidy living room now in disarray. The coffee table still had leftover bowls and chopsticks.

Mother Sun, exhausted and disheveled, was sleeping in her room, and the eldest and second daughters were sleeping in their own rooms. The three of them had turned the once orderly home into a pigsty.

Father Sun’s suppressed anger flared up, and he exploded in a fit of rage, scolding the three women harshly. He immediately stripped Mother Sun of her management rights and gave them to Lin Hongna.

Mother Sun, who had prided herself on her husband’s attentive care throughout her life, could not believe that after over fifty years, Father Sun would turn against her and hand over the household management to the daughter-in-law from the countryside whom she despised.

Wasn’t this a slap in the face?

Mother Sun was livid, her face reddened, and she scolded Father Sun fiercely, accusing him of being ungrateful and disdainful of his wife.

Father Sun didn’t genuinely want Lin Hongna to take over. He only wanted to teach Mother Sun a lesson. Seeing her in such a state, he became more determined to have his daughter-in-law take over.

With tears in her eyes, Mother Sun was heartbroken, and the eldest daughter tried to stand up for her mother. Father Sun shouted, “This is the Sun family’s domestic matter. What right do you, an outsider, have to interfere in your natal family’s affairs? A married daughter is like spilled water. If you continue to cause trouble, don’t blame me for not considering our father-daughter relationship!”

The meaning behind Father Sun’s words was clear—if she continued to make a fuss, he would disown her.

Sun Jiayu’s face turned pale instantly, and Mother Sun fainted from anger. “How can this be? The mother-in-law is still alive, and the daughter-in-law wants to seize her authority. What have I done to deserve this? There is no justice!”

Before Mother Sun’s words had fully faded, Father Sun, eyes reddened, struggled to suppress the pain in his throat, and roared, “Stop the noise. There’s no meaning in living like this. If you don’t want to live anymore, let’s go to the street office tomorrow and get a divorce!”

When these words were spoken, Mother Sun was immediately left speechless, like an old hen with its neck squeezed. What was the old man doing? She was just making a fuss. How did it escalate to talking about divorce?

“Dad, don’t be upset. Mom didn’t mean it that way. Let’s sit down and take a break.”

Lin Hongna was secretly pleased, but on the surface, she was helping Father Sun calm Mother Sun down.

Father Sun felt reassured, and Sun Jialiang also tried to mediate, “Yes, Dad, please sit down. You’ve just been discharged; you need to recover.”

Sun Jialiang wanted to defend his mother, as she was both his real mother and older sister.

Lin Hongna had learned from past experiences not to add fuel to the fire. She had become more astute after a few previous lessons.

Sun Jialiang helped Father Sun to sit down and then went to support Mother Sun.

Mother Sun wouldn’t act tough in front of her son, but Sun Jiayu shot Lin Hongna a hateful glare. She knew Lin Hongna was no fool. Ever since Lin Hongna married into the Sun family, their fortunes had declined. Lin Hongna seemed to bring misfortune wherever she went, a calamity by nature!

It’s possible that her husband seeking out the Tofu Beauty was also orchestrated by Lin Hongna!

Sun Jiayu’s eyes were filled with a hatred that seemed like it could consume Lin Hongna.

Sun Jiayu’s younger sister, Sun Jiarong, watched nervously from the side and quietly tugged at her sister’s sleeve.

With Father Sun present, Sun Jiayu couldn’t be reckless. Mother Sun soon regained her composure and suggested to Father Sun that since she was older, it was reasonable to grant Lin Hongna some authority. However, Lin Hongna was still young and perhaps too extravagant with money. Mother Sun proposed that Lin Hongna should learn from her for a while before fully taking over the household duties. Let Lin Hongna follow her for six months to a year before taking charge.

Mother Sun’s proposal was reasonable and acceptable.

Father Sun nodded in agreement.

Lin Hongna had long understood Mother Sun’s temperament. This old woman’s temper had to be managed carefully to avoid trouble.

When Father Sun asked for Lin Hongna’s opinion, she cursed inwardly but smiled and agreed.

Mother Sun immediately brightened up and praised Lin Hongna for her understanding.

Lin Hongna’s tactfulness led Sun Jialiang to treat her more kindly that night.

By the end of March, the town was quiet at night, with the moonlight casting a white glow outside. The family compound at the grain station was pitch dark, with no lights in sight. Everyone had gone to sleep.

Lin Hongna came to check on Lin Hongwu’s progress with monitoring the Gu family.

Lin Hongwu was lounging on the kang, first complaining, “The Gu family is not easy to approach. Gu Shi’an, being a former soldier, notices any slight disturbance. They also have a fierce orange cat. I was crouching outside the fence when the cat suddenly jumped out and nearly scared me to death.”

Lin Hongwu had a past scare with an orange cat, which Lin Hongna knew about. She found it hard to believe that a grown man could be frightened by a cat.

She truly looked down on Lin Hongwu’s cowardice. What was wrong with the men in the Lin family? Each one seemed more embarrassing than the last!

“You’ve been in the countryside for several days and didn’t even get near the Gu family’s door?”

Lin Hongna’s face darkened, her voice filled with frustration.

Lin Hongwu shrugged, “No, didn’t you just ask me to keep an eye on them? If I couldn’t keep an eye on them, I would come back.”

The Gu family’s remote location was freezing cold at night, and it was foggy.

Lin Hongna was furious, realizing that without someone to monitor, getting the money from Lin Yao would be impossible.

Lin Hongwu insisted he wouldn’t do it anymore.

Lin Hongna had no choice but to find another solution.

*

Soon it was time for Eldest Uncle Zhang’s grandson’s full-month celebration.

In a time of famine, ordinary families worried about feeding themselves, so a new baby boy wasn’t particularly celebrated.

Another mouth to feed meant more trouble.

A baby girl would be even less welcome, as many newborn girls in the countryside were abandoned.

However, this was Zhang family’s first grandson, and in the countryside, family lineage was important. The birth of the first grandson needed to be celebrated.

Moreover, Zhang’s family was relatively well-off. Eldest Uncle Zhang’s eldest son worked in town, his second son was in middle school, and Eldest Uncle Zhang himsel was the village head. Their family was better off than most town folks.

Even so, they faced food shortages.

Zhang Cuilan prepared five pounds of dark flour and two pounds of cornmeal for Eldest Uncle Zhang. Lin Yao brought a brick of red sugar.

“Mom, Eldest Uncle’s family doesn’t lack meat. Red sugar is for replenishing blood. It’s hard to get sugar tickets in the countryside. We have a way to get it, so use this up and we’ll buy more if needed. I have a block of red sugar, so give this to Uncle for now.”

Zhang Cuilan laughed, “Such a big block, your uncle’s family will use it for ages.”

Lin Yao insisted, “It’s not that exaggerated. It’s just a block of red sugar. One bowl today, one pot tomorrow, and it will be gone in a few months.”

Zhang Cuilan tapped her forehead, “You’re almost a mother now and still speak so recklessly.”

Lin Yao smiled and snuggled into Zhang Cuilan’s arms, “Who told you to be so kind to me.”

Zhang Cuilan hugged Lin Yao, and they chatted privately.

*

It was a rest day, and Gu Shi’an had returned home. He borrowed an old donkey cart to take the family to the Dongfanghong Production Team.

By the end of March and the beginning of April, the mountain sunshine was gradually warming up, and the green hills by the riverbanks were turning green. The jeep drove along the road with the green willow branches reflected in the clear creek water. The Dongfanghong Production Team had planted dozens of acres of rapeseed flowers, covering the hillside in a golden hue. Lin Yao and Gu Shi’an excitedly peered out from the cart, occasionally spotting a kingfisher flying among the rapeseed flowers, causing both to be startled for a moment.

Upon arriving at Eldest Uncle Zhang’s house, Gu Shidong jumped out of the car first. Second Uncle’s son, Shuanzi, came running over, and the two mischievous boys chatted away before running off together.

Second Aunt came over holding the baby, Niuniu. After a few months apart, Niuniu still had the same adorable face, smiling like a little apple.

“Second Aunt.”

“Ah, Yao Yao’s belly is showing a bit now. Come on, let’s go inside.”

Inside the house, Zhang Cuilan drank the water that her eldest sister-in-law had handed her, wiped her mouth, and began taking out the cornmeal, black flour, and brown sugar she had brought. Finally, she pulled out a tightly wrapped piece of floral cloth from her bundle.

“Sister-in-law, take these.”

“Sister, what are you doing? Grains are expensive in March. These are already considered good grains. We’re not lacking anything at home, so take them back.”

“Alright, sister-in-law, stop insisting. I know the situation at home. Look, even Shunzi’s wife’s sleeves are short. These are not top-quality materials. They’re just defective goods from the supply and marketing cooperative. The only issue is that the patterns weren’t dyed properly, so they didn’t sell well outside. Chunmei brought them home. Spring is here, so I’m making a jacket for Shunzi’s wife and a bellyband for the little boy. What kind of woman wouldn’t want a new bellyband for her baby?”

Eldest Aunt felt warm inside. “Alright, I’ll remember your kindness. I’ll keep them!”

Zhang Cuilan smiled as she tidied up. “Don’t remember my kindness. The brown sugar is from Yao Yao, and the fabric was brought back by Chunmei. Just remember to appreciate the children.”

Second Aunt came in to join the conversation.

Zhang Cuilan said, “Second Sister-in-law, when Haiyan gets married and has children, she’ll get her share too.”

Second Aunts eldest daughter, Haiyan, was already twenty and of marriageable age. She had her own preferences and refused to see any matchmakers introduced by the village. Instead, she found a partner in town.

Her partner also worked at the pharmaceutical factory. He was a nice young man, good-looking, with an older sister who was married off. His parents were straightforward people, but their living conditions were a bit cramped.

Fortunately, both of them worked at the factory, so after they got married, the factory would provide them with housing, and their salaries would increase.

Haiyan’s partner’s family were all workers, so this was considered good by town standards.

Hearing this, Second Aunt smiled broadly and clapped her hands. “Alright, I’ll look forward to it.”

The Zhang family’s full moon celebration was modest—no alcohol or sweets, just a meal with the family.

The food was quite plentiful: a stir-fried cabbage, a pot of wild rabbit stew with potatoes, steamed cornbread, and wild vegetable porridge. It was much better than usual.

Eldest Aunt and the others were busy in the kitchen, while Eldest Uncle Zhang and Second Uncle Zhang worked in the yard, chopping straw and feed for the mules and cows in the village. They used a chopper to cut up sorghum stalks, soybean stems, and peanut vines, and then fed them into a stone trough.

Zhang Shun and his brother also helped at home. When Gu Shi’an arrived, the three brothers worked together to chop straw, move sorghum stalks, and deliver the feed to the village’s cattle shed.

Eldest Uncle Zhang and Second Uncle Zhang had nothing to do for the moment.

Eldest Uncle Zhang took out a pack of cigarettes and gave Second Uncle Zhang a look.

“Second Brother, how about a game of Go in the backyard?”

“Afraid of losing?”

“Let’s wager a pack of eight cent cigarettes.”

“Eight cents is too low. If we’re betting, let’s make it a pack of twelve cents.”

“Alright, Second Brother is feeling generous. Got some extra cash in your pocket?”

“Not really. Haiyan’s partner just gave me a pack of cigarettes.”

Second Uncle Zhang was pleased with himself.

Eldest Uncle Zhang sighed. “It’s better to have daughters. I’ve got a bunch of boys in my house, really! Look at these troublemakers. Still not working? Go, get out of here!”

Zhang Shun and Zhang Ping, the two brothers, just stood there silently.

Zhang Shun’s wife was inside nursing the baby. Both mother and child were drowsy, and it wasn’t until noon that Zhang Shun’s wife came out holding the sleepy little chub.

The baby, Zhang Doudou, was only three months old. The family wanted to give him a good name, but for now, since his mother liked to eat Northeast sticky bean buns, he was called Doudou.

Zhang Doudou was chubby and white, sucking on his fists and making little noises.

Seeing the baby’s innocent appearance made Lin Yao’s maternal instincts surge. She couldn’t help but want to hold him.

Zhang Shun’s wife smiled as she handed the baby to her. “Support his head with your left hand and his bottom with your right.”

Lin Yao, who was soft and fragrant, was particularly liked by the baby. As soon as Zhang Doudou was in her arms, he leaned in happily.

When Zhang Shun’s wife tried to take him back, the little boy waved his hands to push his mother away.

Zhang Shun’s wife was at a loss, patting her son’s chubby bottom. “You little rascal, are you rejecting your mom?”

Zhang Doudou cooed in response, and everyone in the yard burst into laughter.

In the evening, the Gu family returned home, and Eldest Aunt sent them off with a basket of raspberries and ground loquats. The raspberries, known as March bubbles in Yun County, grew on the back mountain and were similar to strawberries. They were ripe at this time of year, tart and sweet. The village kids would pick them all over the hills whenever they had free time. Ground loquats, known as earth fruits, grew in fields and were easy to find.

Lin Yao loved the sweet and sour taste. Once she got home and washed them, she ate almost a whole bowl, and didn’t even notice the juice staining her pretty face.

When Gu Shi’an came back from his bath, he wiped his hair with a towel and came over to wipe her face. “Is it really that delicious?”

“Mm, it’s good. Do you want one?”

Lin Yao brought a raspberry to Gu Shi’an’s mouth, and he ate most of it in one bite.

Lin Yao playfully hit him in frustration.

Gu Shi’an wasn’t afraid of her light taps, and he pulled her close for a kiss.

“Is the baby giving you trouble?”

Lin Yao snorted. “The baby is well-behaved. It’s you who’s not.”

At that moment, Gu Shi’an was wearing a loose, oversized pajama that Lin Yao had specially made for home. Lin Yao couldn’t help but run her hand over his abs and could not help swallowing hard.

Oh my god, this guy is about to become a father, why is his figure still so attractive?