Chapter 78.2

Li Xianglan was just as cheerful as usual.

It had only been two months, so her belly hadn’t shown yet. Overall, she looked much better than the last time Ruan Mingfu saw her—she was a lot plumper.

“Sister-in-law, don’t fuss over us.” Li Xiaoyue called out to Ruan Mingfu, who was pouring water. “If you keep this up, we won’t dare come again next time.”

“That’s not an option! You have to drink when you come here.”

It was just a glass of water—how much effort could that take? If Mrs. Ruan found out she neglected guests, she would definitely pull her ear and scold her.

Ruan Mingfu moved quickly. “What brings you both here today?”

“We happened to run into each other at the door,” Li Xianglan said while taking a sip of her water. “Sister-in-law, you have no idea—now I’m being monitored by Old Wang for everything I do. I don’t even get a moment to breathe. It’s driving me crazy.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Exactly,” Li Xiaoyue chimed in. “Captain Wang knows you’re struggling with your pregnancy. He cares for you, so don’t be ungrateful.”

Compared to their first meeting, Li Xiaoyue now seemed more cheerful, her eyes lacking the gloom from when they were in the hospital.

Li Xianglan smiled shyly.

Since Captain Wang sent her mother-in-law away, her life had become much easier. Captain Wang was extremely obedient to Li Xianglan, making the other sisters-in-law envious.

“By the way, you should let your mom come over to take care of you during your pregnancy,” Li Xiaoyue said, her gaze dimming slightly. “But don’t overdo it. You don’t want to end up like me.”

Ruan Mingfu understood she was reminded of her own heartache.

“How are you doing now?” Ruan Mingfu asked, looking over at her. “What about your mother-in-law…”

Looking at Li Xiaoyue now, she sighed a little.

There’s a saying that rings true.

A woman has to shed a layer of skin, losing half her life, to grow.

Li Xiaoyue was one such example.

She dropped the smile on her face. “My father-in-law came from the countryside, scolded both of us and then went to the hospital to apologize. I’m doing pretty well now, and my health is recovering. Old Gu… he’s scared I’ll leave him, so he’s been extremely obedient.”

Li Xiaoyue’s mother-in-law was a difficult person, but her father-in-law was reasonable.

Even after learning she was unable to have children due to her injuries, he didn’t say anything negative. Instead, he comforted her and urged her not to dwell on those matters.

Ruan Mingfu bit her lip.

She saw the struggle in Li Xiaoyue’s eyes.

“Let’s not dwell on these random issues,” Li Xiaoyue took a deep breath. “I named my daughter Gu Xi, which my father-in-law picked.”

“What a lovely name.”

Talking about her daughter brought a deeper smile to Li Xiaoyue’s face.

“My father-in-law loves her so much. No matter how busy he is, he insists on holding her every day. He even takes care of diaper changes and feeds her. Her dad gets frustrated but can’t compete with her grandfather.”

Li Xianglan nodded. “Your good days are just beginning.”

“My husband and I have agreed to raise our daughter well,” Li Xiaoyue said.

With her father-in-law’s support, her mother-in-law wouldn’t dare to act up. Even if she favored boys over girls, she wouldn’t show it.

Li Xiaoyue had stopped caring about her mother-in-law.

After that incident, her relationship with the old hag was irreparable. As long as Li Xiaoyue didn’t humiliate herself in front of her, she couldn’t be bothered to engage with her.

“Sister-in-law,” Li Xiaoyue pulled out a wad of cash, “I’m here to pay you back.”

She felt very grateful to Ruan Mingfu.

And she could never forget the sisters-in-law who helped her during her toughest times.

Ruan Mingfu pushed the money back.

“Who said this was for you? It’s a gift for the baby.”

“That’s great!” Li Xianglan laughed. “The baby will be a little wealthy from birth!”

Seeing that Ruan Mingfu was adamant, Li Xiaoyue reluctantly accepted the fifty yuan.

“In a few days, when the baby turns a month old, Old Gu and I plan to set up a couple of tables at home. You and Xianglan must come.”

Both Ruan Mingfu and Li Xianglan agreed.

“It’s all in the past, we should look forward. Oh, by the way, my brother got a lot of fish from somewhere a while ago, and I can’t finish them all. Each of you can take one back and replenish yourselves.”

“That won’t do!”

Li Xianglan and Li Xiaoyue quickly refused.

When the fish arrived, Ruan Mingfu had already sent one to each family, and they felt they had taken advantage enough. It would be embarrassing to take more now.

“Sister-in-law, if you keep offering like this, we won’t dare to stay any longer.”

Li Xianglan and Li Xiaoyue looked serious, clearly not joking.

Ruan Mingfu: “…”

“Fine, fine, I won’t give you any.”

“Honestly, sister-in-law, if you can’t finish the fish, you can dry it to make fish jerky,” Li Xiaoyue suggested, relieved. “The weather’s been nice lately. Drying it for a week should be enough.”

Li Xianglan nodded in agreement.

“You can also make fermented fish, which is a dish from my hometown. Once it’s prepared, it can be kept for months. With winter coming, it’ll still be good until spring!”

As Li Xianglan spoke, she could feel her mouth watering.

“Fermented fish is especially fragrant; you just need to pan-fry it with a bit of oil to eat. It can also be steamed or used to make soup, and it tastes great!”

“Is that true?”

Ruan Mingfu’s eyes lit up.

Gu Yilin felt tempted after hearing Li Xianglan.

“A little while ago, I made some. I’ll bring some to you, Sister-in-law,” Li Xianglan said shyly. “But it won’t taste as good as my mom’s, so don’t judge me!”

“How could that be? The name alone sounds delicious!”

Li Xiaoyue laughed. “I’ve tried it, and it really is good. When Xianglan teaches you how to make it, call me over so I can learn too.”

“…I definitely won’t forget you.”

That evening, Li Xianglan actually brought over a portion of the fermented fish.

The fish was cut into chunks the size of mahjong tiles, and coated in a thick layer of red chili powder, and there was no strong fishy smell at all.

Ruan Mingfu handed it over to Mrs. Ruan.

She watched as Mrs. Ruan heated it in hot oil and added some garlic sprouts. When it came out of the pan, the aroma was incredible. Besides the unique fish flavor, there was also a special fermented scent.

As soon as it was served, Ruan Mingfu and Gu Yilin dug in.

The only alarming part was the excessive chili powder on the surface. Everything else was quite good. Since Mrs. Ruan deep-fried it, the fish bones were crispy, and the fish was firm, with a light hint of alcohol in the taste.

The only downside was that it was a bit too salty.

Overall, it was still delicious.

“Let’s ask Sister Xianglan to teach us how to make this fermented fish tomorrow!” Gu Yilin said, feeling very satisfied.

She polished off a large plate of fish, and even the usually small-eating Mrs. Ruan managed to eat a few more pieces.

Mrs. Ruan nodded. “It’s really good. Next time, make more. I want to take some back to the frontier.”

“Mom, are you leaving?”

The news hit Ruan Mingfu like a bolt from the blue.

“We’re leaving the day after tomorrow,” Mrs. Ruan said, sipping her tea. “Your dad and I have been here for several days, we’ve had enough.”

Ruan Mingfu’s face fell.

“Can’t you stay a few more days?”

“No way!”

Ruan Mingfu pouted. “Mom, can I go with you?”

As a pampered daughter, even though she often got scolded by her mother, she felt completely safe with Mrs. Ruan around!

“That’s enough,” Mrs. Ruan rolled her eyes at her. “You’re already married, but you’re still so shabby. We’re going back. It’s not like we won’t see each other again. If you have anything, just call me and your dad. Who are you trying to show off your dead face to?”

“……oh.”

How infuriating! She got scolded again!

“Since Auntie is leaving the day after tomorrow, I’ll leave then too.”

Ruan Mingfu suddenly turned to Gu Yilin. “You’re leaving too?!”

“Well, I know you can’t bear to leave me,” she stroked her long hair, “but I’ve been out for so long, I’m afraid Old Gu will be worried if I don’t go back.”

This is so frustrating!

Everyone is leaving…

Ruan Mingfu felt a wave of emotion rising.

“Hmph! Don’t flatter yourself. Who would miss you?”

Gu Yilin shot her a glance, feeling quite pleased.

Let that fake friend be stubborn!

“Auntie, my parents said they would help you reclaim your house.”

When Gu Yilin learned that Father Ruan and Mrs. Ruan had been rehabilitated, her own parents panicked for a while since they had been assistants before. Now that the Ruan couple were reinstated, they had to clear the way.

What could be more prestigious in Haicheng than being the director of a steel plant and the head of the supply and marketing cooperative?

During those few days, Gu Yilin’s parents were so anxious that they developed blisters in their mouths.

When they found out that Father Ruan and Mrs. Ruan were planning to stay at the farm for some reason, they felt like they had hit the jackpot.

It was bewildering.

Once they regained their composure, they felt a wave of joy, especially since their daughter was still staying with Ruan Mingfu. They decided to return the favor by helping reclaim the Ruan family house.

“That’s great! Please thank your parents for me,” Mrs. Ruan nodded with a smile. “When we go back for the New Year, I’ll thank them properly.”

Gu Yilin scratched her head.

“Auntie, no need to be so polite.”

Her parents had benefited greatly. What’s wrong with helping to get back a house?

Isn’t that what they should do?

Ruan Mingfu was a bit dissatisfied. “Mom, what time are you leaving the day after tomorrow?”

“Your brother bought the tickets for me and your dad. We’re taking the seven o’clock train the day after tomorrow.”

“Ah? That means you only have one day left!”

Ruan Mingfu was unhappy.

“Mom, why are you and Dad going to the farm? The conditions there are so harsh. You’d be better off staying here, and I can take care of you!”

“Go tell your dad that,” Mrs. Ruan shot her a glance. “If he wants to stay, I will.”

Ruan Mingfu: “…”

Actually, she couldn’t say anything.

Since her dad came, she had already subtly persuaded him many times, but Father Ruan was determined to stay at the farm. The more she talked, the more he seemed to rebel, disappearing without a trace.

She was at a loss.

“Fine,” Ruan Mingfu said reluctantly. “I’ll prepare more things for you tomorrow.”

“I’m afraid it’s too late.”

Curious, Ruan Mingfu looked at Mrs. Ruan.

She put down her cup and said ominously, “We have business tomorrow!”

*

The next day, after Ruan Mingfu got in the car, she found out what Mrs. Ruan was talking about.

It was to seek revenge.

It’s still the same group of people as before.

But today there is one more Gu Yilin and one less Xie Yanzhao.

The dog man has something to do and can’t come.

The driver was Qi Yangyan, with Ruan Mingfu sitting in the passenger seat. In the back were Mrs. Ruan, Luan Rong, and a visibly excited Gu Yilin. Unfortunately, Father Ruan had been unceremoniously kicked into the bodyguard’s car.

Gu Yilin was bouncing with excitement, leaning against the car window and eagerly watching the scenery zoom by.

“Sister, did you see that big lake just now?” She licked the corner of her mouth, “There must be a lot of fish in it.”

Ever since she tasted that fermented fish, Gu Yilin had been completely captivated and couldn’t get the flavor out of her mind. Every time they passed a body of water, she imagined the fish transformed into fermented fish dishes and how delicious they must be.

Ruan Mingfu: “…”

Honestly, she didn’t feel like engaging with her rather eccentric friend.

The road today was smoother than before.

Ruan Mingfu felt more comfortable in the car this time.

Their group hurried along, and by noon, they finally arrived.

Luan Rong’s grandmother’s family was well off; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to marry Uncle Luan. They lived in a small town, which was not prosperous but better than the rest.

The arrival of seven or eight cars broke the tranquility of the entire town.

Many curious children looked at the cars, with some brave ones even chasing after them, clapping their hands excitedly, making it feel like a festive occasion.

Mrs. Ruan brushed the hair from Luan Rong’s face and asked, “Xiao Rong, can you tell your aunt where your grandmother’s house is?”

…

The small town was mostly surrounded by a river, and the family closest to the river was preparing for a meal.

An elderly woman with a small frame came out of the kitchen carrying a bowl, her eyes squinted in anger as she muttered complaints.

“You are all here to collect debts! You are all so grown up, but you still want me to serve you ladies. Get out of here!”

“Useless! Eat, sleep, sleep and eat. Pigs can also be sold for money…”