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“She brought back a lot of things for her family visit—cigarettes, liquor, brown sugar, candy, snacks, and more. I think she’s deliberately trying to outdo you!”
It was Jiang Shuihua the same girl from before. Having nothing better to do, she went to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative to find Jiang Yue and talked about Jiang Qian’s and Han Shiguo’s return visit.
Her tone was filled with envy.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yue responded with a look of disdain and mockery.
She and Jiang Qian were now the biggest contrast in the village.
Everyone was laughing at her, saying she had lost a great husband.
While her marriage in town was considered one of the best, that was before the Han family’s proposal.
Now, the comparison between the two families had made many people envious and sarcastic.
But Jiang Yue genuinely didn’t care about those things. They were just some trinkets, cigarettes, liquor, and candy—common items in the future; what were they worth?
She didn’t care, but everyone around her did.
It was because her in-laws didn’t give her anything, so her family had to buy her a sewing machine to save face.
Her father said that they couldn’t afford not to; they couldn’t bear the shame!
Even after spreading the word that her in-laws would give her a sewing machine, the villagers still laughed, saying that the Han family gave three major appliances and a bicycle, while the Wang family only gave a sewing machine!
Jiang Yue was annoyed but helpless.
However, this situation had brought out her inner potential. She hadn’t thought about it before, but now that she desperately needed money, a plot from the book came to mind—a place where she could engage in speculative business!
Speculative business was extremely profitable in this era!
If she could make money, her parents wouldn’t treat her poorly, her sister-in-law wouldn’t dare to be sarcastic, and her family would treat her like a queen.
The Wang family would also value her more; her mother-in-law would no longer be hung up on Jiang Qian.
Jiang Yue’s focus was now entirely on this venture. She planned to make her move once her salary arrived in a few days.
Because of this, Jiang Qian’s visit was insignificant to Jiang Yue.
“It’s good that Jiang Qian is doing well. She’s my cousin, and I wish her well,” Jiang Yue said, hiding her contempt behind a smile.
She couldn’t possibly live that kind of life. She would only accept the best and live like a superior!
Jiang Shuihua truly admired her. “Jiang Yue, tell me honestly, do you really not regret breaking off the engagement?”
That was a fantastic opportunity; Jiang Shuihua felt that if it were her, she would regret it deeply.
Jiang Yue thought of Han Shiguo’s looks and talent, and scoffed inwardly. Such a handsome guy who was also short-lived? Even if he were to be given to her, she would refuse. That good fortune belonged to Jiang Qian.
She was waiting for the day Jiang Qian became a widow and remarried!
“Regret? I’m not doing badly either. I don’t care about what people in the village say,” Jiang Yue said with a smile, looking pleased with herself.
Jiang Shuihua was surprised but said, “You’re right. Those villagers are just jealous. The Wang family is from town, your husband works for a town unit, and he’s willing to give you a sewing machine. That’s not bad at all. Besides the Han family, no one in the ten miles around here gives a sewing machine as a wedding gift.”
This was true. Most families gave only a certain amount of money and some other gifts. This was considered a good deal.
Large items like a sewing machine were out of the question.
Jiang Yue didn’t say anything. After all, they hadn’t bought the sewing machine yet. The family planned to pool together some money once her salary came in this month.
Thinking about it, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration. She was angry at how the Wang family looked down on her. When they were marrying Jiang Qian, they bought everything needed, but when it came to her, they even returned the large items that had already been purchased.
Wasn’t this blatant favoritism? What made her any worse than Jiang Qian?
Jiang Yue took a deep breath and suppressed her dissatisfaction.
She had other plans now!
Her thoughts were focused on that, so she didn’t dwell too much on these issues.
Back in the village.
Han Shiguo had just finished the lavish lunch prepared by his mother-in-law. Since he had also shared a drink with his father-in-law and brothers-in-law, and with his departure for the army scheduled for tomorrow, there was no rush to head back today.
Zhou Guiyun suggested they rest for a while after lunch and leave after dinner.
So, at the moment, Jiang Qian and Han Shiguo were in her room.
Just as her mother had said, even though Jiang Qian was now married, this room had been kept just for her. All her belongings were still there, and everything was neat and tidy, as if she had never left.
Jiang Qian looked around the room, feeling overwhelmed with emotions.
She truly hadn’t expected to be married so soon. Not long ago, she wouldn’t have even dared to imagine it.
Han Shiguo sat on his wife’s bed, looking around the small room. His face, slightly flushed from the alcohol, softened with tenderness. He knew how much the Jiang family cherished their daughter, Jiang Qian.
Even though she was a village girl, many city girls didn’t have the kind of living conditions she did. She had her own room, complete with a full set of furniture—bed, wardrobe, desk, and chairs.
There was even a bookshelf, though not large, packed full of books.
He could easily imagine her sitting in this room, studying and reading.
She must have looked so well-behaved, he thought with a smile.
With that thought, Han Shiguo pulled Jiang Qian into his arms. She looked up at him, confused, but before she could ask, he gently pushed her down onto the bed and kissed her.
Jiang Qian’s eyes widened in surprise, but she couldn’t resist, so she had no choice but to endure it.
After a long moment, Han Shiguo finally let go, and she couldn’t help but quietly ask, “What are you doing?”
“Nothing, just wanted to kiss you in your room,” Han Shiguo replied, a smile in his eyes. But it was clear he wanted more than just a kiss.
“You scoundrel,” she murmured.
“Good wife, how many more days do we have to wait?” Han Shiguo, feeling like he was about to lose his patience, asked with a hint of frustration.
Jiang Qian’s voice was soft and sweet as she replied, “Usually about five days.”
“That’s soon!” His eyes lit up.
By his count, this was already the fourth day.
“After it’s over, we still can’t be together right away. We should wait a day or two to make sure it’s fully done. Otherwise, it’s bad for the body,” Jiang Qian explained. She took good care of her health, knowing that if she didn’t look out for herself, no one else would.
“Alright, I’ll listen to you. Just let me know when it’s okay,” Han Shiguo said, giving her a gentle kiss.
Jiang Qian couldn’t believe there’d be a day when she’d discuss such topics with a man. It seemed like personal boundaries were indeed meant to be pushed.
“You’ve had a drink. Go take a nap now,” Jiang Qian playfully scolded him.
With a happy smile, Han Shiguo pulled her close and took a nap with his wife.
When they woke up, they enjoyed another delicious meal at Jiang Qian’s family home—a hearty chicken noodle soup. Only after this did the couple, with much reluctance and heartfelt farewells from Jiang Qian’s family, return to the Han household.