Chapter 18

On one side, eldest sister-in-law Liu Xiumei was talking with Su Ruo.

On the other side, in the third household, Wu Jiaoyan was flipping through the things Su Ruo had sent over. For a moment, she felt happy, but also a little disappointed. She muttered under her breath, “She’s always been close with eldest sister-in-law. Who knows what she gave her.”

Han Jialin was lying on the bed with his legs crossed, humming a little tune.

Now that Su Ruo had left and vacated her position at the school, he could go work as a school janitor at the commune primary school. He no longer had to dig for food in the fields, and he’d earn a monthly salary—he couldn’t be happier.

So even though his older brother said he’d reduce the money given to their mother, it made his heart ache… because that money would end up in his pocket eventually. But that was a future matter. Being able to work at the school was a real and tangible benefit.

As for his mother and older brother… who knew what the future would bring?

So overall, he was in a good mood.

Just then, when he heard what his wife was saying, he let out a little snort and said, “It’s just a few things, don’t make a fuss. I’m my brother’s real sibling. If there are any big benefits, they’ll still fall into my lap. What are a few things compared to that?”

Wu Jiaoyan shot him a look.

What did he know? That Su Ruo had plenty of good stuff. Thinking of that, she quickly said, “Second sister-in-law is really sly. You haven’t even started the job, and she’s already urging mom to make you hand over your wages. Second brother is a big leader now, he’s rolling in money. What’s wrong with him contributing an extra few dozen yuan to the household?”

Just thinking of that missing money made her heart ache too.

Sigh, forget it—what mattered most was the present.

After a moment’s thought, she added, “Jialin, we can’t hand over the salary. If they force us to, then let’s split from the family… no, actually, we don’t even need to split. Once you start working at the commune, why don’t we just move there together?”

She wasn’t too keen on going to the fields every day either!

Han Jialin gave her a glance and said, “What nonsense are you spouting? Move where? Here at home we eat well, live well, and don’t have to spend a thing. Why move? And what are you worried about money for? Second brother gives mom so much money every month, she’s got loads of it.”

“Big brother isn’t mom’s biological child. In the end, won’t all the money in her hands be ours? If we split the family and mom goes to live with big brother, what if she gives it all to him?”

Wu Jiaoyan curled her lips but said nothing more.

Still, she made up her mind to find a way to avoid working in the fields.

Thinking about it made her heart sour again. That second sister-in-law really had a good life. Second brother was so good-looking, had a bright future, and was rich… She glanced at her own husband. The gap was just… indescribably big.

Han Jialin had no idea his wife was feeling sour inside. He was thinking of something else entirely.

He said, “Jiaoyan, what do you think about putting our Laibao under second brother’s household registration?”

Wu Jiaoyan was stunned. What did he mean by putting Laibao under second brother’s name?

Han Jialin grinned. “I mean registering Laibao as second brother’s son. That way, he can go to school and college in the city like Guozi, and later work in the city or even join the military like second brother.”

It sounded good, but Wu Jiaoyan hesitated. “Isn’t that like giving Laibao away to second brother? But we only have one son.”

Han Jialin clicked his tongue. “Second brother already has a son, why would he care about yours? With how uptight he is, and how aloof second sister-in-law is, they’re not the type to covet Laibao. It’s just letting him live at their place. But I’m not planning to bring it up right now either. I was thinking we’d wait until Laibao is a bit older. Let him finish primary school here first, then send him over. That way he won’t grow distant from us.”

Now that he explained it, Wu Jiaoyan found it reasonable.

But thinking of the argument between her mother-in-law and second brother earlier that night, she became worried again. “Jialin, mom and second brother argued so badly today. Do you think they’ll even agree to take in Laibao in the future?”

Han Jialin smiled. “Why wouldn’t they agree? Mom is always like that—quarrel one minute, nothing the next. Besides, I’m second brother’s real brother. Registering Laibao under his name is no trouble. Why wouldn’t he say yes? Don’t worry, once we beg a little, second brother will definitely agree.”

If Su Ruo had heard the couple’s conversation, she’d definitely have scoffed and thrown in a sarcastic “keep dreaming.”

But right now, she didn’t know any of this.

She was about to leave, and the matters of the Han family were no longer something she cared much about.

Still, something tugged at her heart. She lay in bed, unable to sleep.

Everything that had happened over the past two days felt like a dream.

No—that wasn’t quite right. In just two days, she had lived through five years.

Tomorrow morning, she’d be heading to a completely unfamiliar place, with a man who she should be familiar with, but had only known for two days in reality.

He was lying next to her right now. Even though she couldn’t sleep, she didn’t dare toss and turn like she used to in her own room.

Adding to that was what her eldest sister-in-law said earlier… No, no, no. She needed to forget about that. It wasn’t that kind of relationship between her and him.

“Go to sleep early. It’ll take about ten hours to reach the army base tomorrow. We’ll leave early in the morning, arrive around noon, and handle the formalities in the afternoon. I’ll show you and Guoguo around to get used to the environment.”

In the darkness, a voice suddenly spoke from beside her.

His voice was deep, as if restraining something. Though the words were ordinary, they had a calming effect.

Su Ruo turned her head to look at him.

But his eyes were lowered, and even though he was speaking to her, he wasn’t looking at her.

Su Ruo’s restless heart gradually calmed down.

She recalled the chaotic events of the day and suddenly wanted to ask him—was she really that bad to him in the past?

She had asked him the same question last night. But after just one day, her mindset had already changed.

The answer she wanted now was no longer the same shallow one she’d received the night before.

But even if she got the truth—what then?

If she had truly treated him badly over the past few years, would she treat him well in the future?

She felt a little lost.

But saying nothing made her feel stifled.

After hesitating for a long time and weighing her words carefully, she finally asked in a soft voice, “Can we… get along well from now on?”

Han Zecheng paused slightly, surprised.

He turned his head to look at her, but as soon as he did, her gaze darted away like a startled deer.

His heart softened, yet a sour emotion gradually rose within him.

He said, “Okay.”

“Don’t overthink it. I’m usually very busy. Even if you come with me to the army base, I probably won’t be home much. You just need to live well with Guoguo and focus on your studies. If there’s anything you’re not used to or want me to do, just tell me.”

Su Ruo let out a breath of relief.

She heard the underlying meaning in his words, and much of her unease vanished. But soon after, a wave of gratitude and guilt rose in her heart.

Under the blanket, her fingers twitched, and then, fumbling slightly, she reached out and grasped his hand—well, a few of his fingers. In a low voice, she said, “Thank you.”

His hand was rough and warm, just like him—someone who gave a sense of security.

Su Ruo was just momentarily emotional, wanting to express her complex feelings of gratitude and guilt. After grabbing his hand, although her heartbeat sped up and she felt a bit shy, she had no other intentions. She thought, if he didn’t mind, then this was quite nice… His hand really did give a sense of reassurance and strength.

Han Zecheng’s fingers twitched.

Her hand was soft and smooth, and when she grabbed his like that, he felt a numbing jolt run from his fingers up his arm and through half his body. It was tingly and electric, making him unconsciously hold his breath.

He wanted to pull his hand back—but couldn’t bear to.

This time, it was his turn to lose sleep.

…..

Han Zecheng got up at 3 a.m. the next morning.

Su Ruo and Guoguo were still sleeping. Han Zecheng didn’t wake them—he simply carried all the things Su Ruo had packed yesterday to the car. Once everything was loaded and ready, he returned to wake her.

He stood by the bed for a moment, then called Su Ruo. She mumbled a “no,” pouted, and turned over, pulling the blanket over herself like she was acting spoiled.

Han Zecheng froze, staring at her fair little face and the soft hair hanging by her cheeks. His eyes darkened noticeably.

He took a deep breath and said, “A’Ruo, we need to get going.”

He called her several more times and finally managed to wake her up before resorting to shaking her.

When Su Ruo opened her eyes, she stared at him in a daze for a moment, disappointment flashing through her eyes. She closed them again, then opened them once more, returning to normal.

Then she perked up with excitement.

They were leaving.

In just two days, Han Zecheng had already grown used to the many expressions that flitted across her face.

He turned and said, “I’ve already loaded the things into the car. Do a final check, then get changed and we’ll head out. I’ll carry Guoguo to the car.”

He didn’t plan to wake Han Guo, just wanted to carry him to the car to keep sleeping. But the moment he picked him up, Han Guo rubbed his eyes and woke up… He remembered they were leaving early today, very alert. What if Mom and Dad left without him?

After Su Ruo changed and checked both her and her son’s room, Han Zecheng led the two visibly excited people out the door.

Just outside, they saw the rest of the family already up to send them off.

Wu Guizhi’s eyes were red as she watched her second son leave with Su Ruo and their child.

This—this was exactly why she never wanted her son to marry some random educated youth, some woman with unknown roots. She was afraid this day would come.

If he had married a village girl, his roots would still be here.

The money he earned would go to the family, and his heart would stay in this home.

How could something like today have happened?

When her second son said what he did yesterday, she nearly went mad.

With her temper, she definitely would have continued to cause a scene.

But Han Heping stopped her—firmly. He had never lost his temper with her in all these years, but last night was the first time. He told her, if she truly wanted their second son to cut ties with the family forever, she should go ahead and raise a ruckus.

She wasn’t afraid—she said if he dared to do that, she’d go to his army base and raise hell.

Then Han Heping said, “Think about it—how many years did you actually raise him? And how much money have you taken from He Huai and him over the years? All of it is recorded. His wife is a teacher with a good reputation. The villagers speak well of her. If you really stir up trouble and this is investigated, what good will come to you?”

“There will be many times in the future when this family will need him to support us. If you cause trouble now, you’ll be cutting yourself off from that.”

Only then did she finally quiet down.

But deep inside, she was still upset.

So now, seeing her son leaving with Su Ruo and her grandson, her heart felt like it was being doused in oil—bitter and painful.

She didn’t want to speak to Han Zecheng and Su Ruo, but in the end, she pulled out a handful of red dates from her pocket—who knew how long they’d been there—and stuffed them into Han Guo’s hand, tearfully saying, “Guozi, remember to come back during the New Year so Grandma can see if you’ve grown taller. In the future… if your mom and dad are busy, you can still come live at home.”

When Han Guo heard that last part, his hand that had just reached for the dates nearly pulled back.

He knew it—his grandma couldn’t stand to see him doing well. Even right before he left, she had to scare him…

Fortunately, he held it together.

This time, he didn’t refuse her to save her face. He accepted the handful of dates and said, “Grandma, don’t try to scare me. I’m about to leave, and you give me a handful of red dates like you wish I’d choke on them? Even if my parents are busy, they’re still my real parents. You act like my step-grandma—why would I come back?”

Wu Guizhi: …

She was so angry her head went blank.

This little brat—so infuriating!

To be fair, Wu Guizhi was clearly biased, but it would be wrong to say she didn’t care about Han Guo at all.

After all, he was still her real grandson.

She still wanted to win him over… and had tried to treat him well in her own way. Unfortunately, Han Guo didn’t buy into her act. Every time he pushed back, it made her want to explode and whip him!

But she never stopped to think: children are sensitive.

She thought she treated Han Guo well, but in her actions, every time he had something, she’d make him share or directly give it to Han Laibao. When Han Zecheng sent things home, since Su Ruo had already bought things for Han Guo, the better items would go to the third son’s family for Han Laibao, the rest to the eldest son’s family. Han Guo got nothing.

Being so blatantly biased and self-righteous about it—how could Han Guo not think of her as a step-grandmother?

Once they got in the car, Han Guo leaned against the rear window, looking at Wu Guizhi and the rest of the Han family still standing at the door, and at the gradually receding village. He let out a sigh.

Su Ruo saw how a child so young could sigh like an old man. She found it both cute and a little heartbreaking.

She didn’t believe that just because he was young, he didn’t understand things.

In truth, children were the most sensitive.

Su Ruo reached out and wrapped an arm around him. “Reluctant to leave? We can come back and visit when we get the chance.”

Han Guo gave a soft “Mm” and said, “Actually, I do like it here. I like Brother Dong, Brother Chun, and even the big yellow dog at home. But no matter how much I like them, they can’t compare to Mama and Dad.”

Brother Dong and Brother Chun were Han Laidong and Han Laichun, the two sons of the eldest branch of the family. They treated Han Guo well—whenever they went out to collect bird eggs or catch fish, they always took him along.

Hearing her son say this filled Su Ruo’s heart with warmth and tenderness.

She didn’t even mind that he had compared her and his dad to the family’s big yellow dog.

She hugged him tighter and said, “To Mama, nothing compares to Guo Guo either.”

Even though she had inexplicably ended up here and lost her original family, in that original family, she had always felt like an extra.

But now, she had a new family.

Even though she had only known them for two days, it felt like she was already an important part of their lives…

Thinking of this, she hugged Guo Guo and glanced up at Han Zecheng.

Just in time, Han Zecheng happened to look back at her.

Su Ruo blushed and guiltily looked away.

She didn’t even know what she was feeling guilty about.