Hu Xiu was tempted by her daughter-in-law’s suggestion, but she hesitated. “Let me think about it for a few more days,” she said.

Since it was an important decision, Lin Ting understood. “There’s no rush. We still have time.”

A few days passed.

While her mother-in-law was still deciding whether to sell the house, Lin Ting kept busy.

She became interested in weaving.In those days, cloth coupons were scarce. Families often had to save for years to buy enough material for clothing, so many villagers wove their own homespun cloth. This type of cloth was typically blue, narrow, and featured simple plaid or printed patterns.

When Lin Ting married, her family gave her a large dowry. They loved her so much that they hid small bills inside the rolls of cloth—mostly 50-cent and 1-yuan notes—totaling around 20 yuan. This money was only for emergencies.

She had learned to weave as a child but rarely did it. With time on her hands, she decided to try again based on her memories and unexpectedly found it enjoyable.

Just as she was getting excited about her progress, her second brother, Lin Wei, arrived on his bicycle in the snow, bringing six red eggs ^[1]which is traditional gift symbolizing good fortune and celebration after childbirth..

After pushing his bicycle inside, he dusted off the snow while Lin Ting helped, using her apron. “Did our eldest sister give birth?” she asked. “Boy or girl?”

She already guessed it was a boy—six eggs were a generous gift. She also recalled that when their eldest sister had two daughters, no eggs were sent.

Sure enough, Lin Wei warmed his hands by the stove before replying, “A boy. Mom asked if you want to visit our sister.”

Feeling sorry for her brother running errands in the cold, Lin Ting made him a cup of malted milk and handed it to him. “I don’t really want to go. Just take some money for a gift.”

Lin Wei looked at the malted milk and felt his love for his sister was worth it. But her refusal made him pause. “Where’s your mother-in-law and nephews?” he asked casually.

Lin Ting saw through his intention and rolled her eyes. “Don’t even think about it. They all went to Uncle San’s house.”

Lin Wei wasn’t embarrassed. He chatted about their eldest brother’s work, then tried persuading her again. “Our elder brother is free today. How about I go with you?”

“Didn’t you discourage me before?”

Lin Wei playfully tapped her forehead, his peach blossom eyes curving in a smile. “I don’t like meddling, but you’re joining the army soon. Who knows how long you’ll be gone? Mom won’t feel at ease if you two stay distant.”

“I see. You didn’t come here just to deliver eggs. You’re a lobbyist.”

Lin Wei didn’t deny it. “So, are you going?”

Lin Ting sighed. “Fine. There’s no deep grudge anyway.” She had initially refused to match her original personality’s temperament.

—

Lin Shuang, their eldest sister, was married in town. Though not as developed as the county, it was considered a good match by village standards.

Her husband, Zhao Kai, had attempted university entrance exams multiple times without success. Eventually, he secured a job as a Chinese teacher in the town’s primary school through family connections.

Zhao Kai had caused the fallout between the two sisters, and Lin Ting never liked him. After her university dream was shattered, he treated her coldly during family gatherings.

But this time, things were different.

As soon as Lin Ting got off the bicycle, Zhao Kai greeted them warmly. “Second Brother, you’ve worked hard. Second Sister, are you cold? Come inside and warm up.”

Zhao Kai was of medium height, with a pleasant face, fair skin, and a friendly smile. His sudden enthusiasm made Lin Ting wary. She knew he was only acting this way because of Huo Xiao ^[2]which is her husband, who was from a well-off and respected family.. Still, she remained polite and exchanged a few words.

Once inside, she took the opportunity to kick her brother’s leg.

At first, she had refused to visit just to maintain her original personality. But now, she was genuinely annoyed.

After her university plans failed, Zhao Kai had ignored her. But now, because she had married well, he suddenly became friendly again.

Such opportunism was ugly. She should have stayed home.

Lin Wei noticed her unhappiness but played along with the Zhao family’s enthusiasm, giving her a chance to slip away and visit their eldest sister and newborn nephew.

Lin Ting gave her two nieces red envelopes ^[3]which refers to small red packets containing money, traditionally given during celebrations for good fortune. and played with them for a while before heading to the west room.

—

Unlike the Huo family, which had a spacious west room, the Zhao family had multiple sons, so space was divided and cramped.

When Lin Ting stepped inside, she found it difficult to move around.

Though she knew this was normal for most families, it still made her dizzy.

“Now that you’re here, sit by the bed. There’s no space for a stool,” Lin Shuang said lightly, her head wrapped in a scarf.

Lin Ting approached the bed and first looked at the baby.

A red, wrinkly monkey—that was her immediate thought.

She took a red paper envelope from her pocket and tucked it into the baby’s blanket, then looked at her sister.

Lin Ting was very beautiful, but in a different way from Lin Qing, their second sister. Lin Qing had a gentle and elegant look, while Lin Ting was charming and striking.

By the standards of the older generation, Lin Qing was the ideal daughter.

The two sisters were five years apart in age, but 27-year-old Lin Qing was already a mother of three.

She looked pale and exhausted, likely due to recently giving birth.

Lin Ting frowned and asked, “How was the food during your confinement period^[4]refers to the postpartum recovery period, traditionally lasting a month, during which new mothers rest and eat nourishing foods.?”

Lin Shuang looked at her sister in surprise. Seeing the genuine concern in her eyes, she felt a lump in her throat. Not wanting to reveal too much, she turned to her son and replied, “The food is good. Our father brings soup every day.”

Lin Ting pursed her lips. How unreliable must the in-laws be for their father, Lin Shengli, to take on such a role? Was food really being taken away from a woman who had just given birth? Unfortunately, it seemed possible.

Still, Lin Ting remembered why the sisters had fallen out. Both valued their pride, so she chose not to bring up the past.

But what should they talk about next? Leaving immediately would be awkward.

Lin Qing broke the silence. “When are you joining the army?”

“In about half a month, but I’m not sure of the exact date yet,” Lin Ting replied.

“That’s good,” Lin Qing said. “I heard from our parents that your brother-in-law values you highly.”

Lin Ting raised an eyebrow. “I’ll do my best.”

Hearing this, Lin Shuang finally smiled. “That’s right. You’ve always known what you wanted since childhood.”

Lin Ting didn’t know how to respond, so she simply smiled back.

After a few more minutes of small talk, Lin Ting decided to leave.

Lin Qing nodded but, just as her sister reached the door, she called out, “Tingting.”

Lin Ting turned around.

Lin Qing hesitated, then gave up trying to smile and simply said, “I was wrong before. You were right. A woman needs to be capable, even after marriage.”

Lin Ting frowned. “What did Zhao do?”

Lin Qing’s heart clenched, but she responded, “What do you mean ‘Zhao’? He’s your brother-in-law.”

Lin Ting studied her sister for a moment but didn’t see anything unusual. “Take care of yourself,” she said, then left.

After Lin Ting and her brother-in-law left without staying for dinner, Zhao Kai hurried inside. “So? What did Tingting say?”

Lin Qing’s expression was indifferent. “She refused.”

Zhao Kai’s face darkened. “Why? It’s just a small favor—asking her brother-in-law to talk to someone at the Bureau of Culture and Education. He got his own brother a job at the furniture factory, so why can’t he help me too? It’s just a word.”

Lin Qing knew the truth—her brother helped because he valued his sister. Zhao Kai, on the other hand, was nothing to him. But she kept her face neutral and said, “My relationship with my second sister has been bad for years. It’s normal for her to refuse.”

“Then apologize and make up! Can sisters really hold grudges forever?”

“Why should I apologize?”

Zhao Kai was furious. “Why? Just because her man is capable!”

Lin Qing fell silent, turning away to pick up her son and hum a lullaby to calm him.

Zhao Kai took a deep breath, trying to soften his tone. “Wang Meimei and I are innocent. How long are you going to hold on to this? You can’t ruin my future over baseless accusations. If I get into the Bureau of Culture and Education, I’ll be a cadre^[5]refers to an official or manager in the Chinese government or Communist Party.. My salary will increase, and we’ll get a house. Wouldn’t it be good for our family of five?”

Innocent? Just chatting and laughing? Just holding hands in a corner? Lin Qing recalled the scene she had witnessed while heavily pregnant. The irony burned, but she stayed silent.

Zhao Kai, frustrated, reached out to shake her.

Unexpectedly, Lin Shuang recoiled, screaming, “Don’t touch me!”

Zhao Kai froze, his expression unpleasant.

Their two daughters, who had been eavesdropping at the door, rushed in to shield their mother. The older one glared at Zhao Kai. “Don’t touch Mommy!”

Zhao Kai was so angry he nearly fell backwards.

_

Meanwhile, as they left the Zhao family’s home, Lin Ting tugged at her brother’s sleeve. “Brother, check on Zhao Kai.”

Lin Wei’s eyes darkened. “What did our eldest sister say to you?”

“She apologized for no reason and told me I was right—that women should be capable even after marriage… Maybe I’m overthinking, and she’s just matured.”

Lin Wei continued pedaling his bicycle, his tone calm. “I’ll ask around.”

But out of his sister’s sight, his usual cheerful eyes turned dangerously sharp.