Chapter 6 – It Wasn’t in Vain That She Had Been Married to Third for So Long

“You’re too kind, in-law.” Zhou Quansheng looked at Wang Guifen. “After all, the third daughter-in-law married our third son. It was only right for him to support her. That money was spent, so there’s no need to return it!”

“That’s right. Yun Yun and Changdong were husband and wife after all, so in-law, please don’t talk about returning the money anymore!” Chen Aihong, hearing her husband’s words, also spoke up.

Originally, they knew the Su family wanted to earn a good reputation for their daughter by returning three years’ worth of living expenses. The Zhou family had no intention of being overly courteous with the Su family.

But seeing the attitude of their third daughter-in-law now, they were truly moved.

Say what you will, but just her devotion to their third son alone was worth a fortune!

So, there was no need for any repayment!

It was clear they meant what they said sincerely, but Wang Guifen still didn’t want to take advantage of this.

She didn’t want her daughter to leave behind a bad reputation, and her family could afford this sum of money!

However, she didn’t dwell too much on this issue. She knew exactly how much money her son-in-law had left for her daughter back then—she had asked her daughter earlier.

So she said to her daughter: “Alright, wipe your tears now!”

“Mum, you’re not going to force me to divorce anymore?” Su Luyun wiped her tears and asked.

Wang Guifen couldn’t even be bothered to waste words on this daughter who seemed to have suddenly been possessed: “Just take good care of Changdong first. There are things to do back home, so I’ll head back now!”

After speaking, she didn’t linger and left ahead of the others.

She needed to talk things over properly with her husband and sons.

Seeing the way her daughter acted—never having had much sense since she was little—she was truly worried that she’d get stuck in a dead end over this kind of matter!

Zhou Changping saw Wang Guifen out before returning.

Only then did the Zhou family members turn their attention to Su Luyun.

Because this youngest daughter-in-law really didn’t want to leave, Zhou Quansheng and Chen Aihong naturally didn’t try to force her to go.

Chen Aihong hesitated slightly. “How about this, Yun Yun—you keep this money yourself…”

But before she could finish speaking, she was interrupted by Su Luyun. “I don’t want it. I still have a bit of money on hand, and besides, every month from now on, Changdong can still go collect thirty yuan in living subsidies from the government. That’s more than enough for our expenses!”

Zhou Changdong had been sent back after being honored for his service. It certainly wasn’t just compensation money and discharged soldier benefits—throughout the rest of his life, as long as he was alive, the government would continue to issue him living subsidies. The state would support him for a lifetime.

And don’t think thirty yuan a month was a small amount.

Thirty yuan might only be enough for a cup of milk tea in a few decades, but in 1980, thirty yuan a month—used frugally—could support an entire family.

Many good jobs paid only thirty-something yuan in salary.

Moreover…

“Leaving the money with Mum would also save me from being judged by some people with a dark mindset, thinking I have ulterior motives!”

He Yuling, of course, knew she was being targeted with those words. Though she didn’t quite understand what her sister-in-law was trying to pull now, she still tried to defend herself: “Sister-in-law, I really didn’t mean it like that!”

“Alright, I don’t want to hear any of your nonsense. Do you have any business here? If not, you can leave!” Su Luyun, in her usual straightforward manner, was completely blunt with her.

Since their sister-in-law relationship had never been good, she had no desire to associate with someone like her, so naturally, there was no need to be polite to this two-faced woman!

If it had been in private, He Yuling would’ve flipped out immediately. But now, in front of her in-laws and husband, she held back with great difficulty!

She was clearly holding back a breath!

Chen Aihong truly did want to keep the money, so she said: “Alright then, I’ll deposit this money in the bank to earn interest. If you need anything, come to us again.”

“Thank you, Mom.” Su Luyun nodded.

The Zhou family then all returned to the Ancestral House.

He Yuling was the first to speak. “Third sister-in-law normally doesn’t seem like much, but I didn’t expect that in a critical moment, she’d actually be pretty decent. With Changdong like that, she’s actually willing to stay.”

Even though she was unwilling, she still had to acknowledge this sister-in-law’s sincerity in front of the in-laws.

Otherwise, her own intentions would become too obvious.

“Yeah, third sister-in-law really made me see her in a new light.” Zhou Changan added.

His impression of Su Luyun, the third sister-in-law, had always been pretty mediocre.

Unreasonable, always stirring up trouble.

He and Zhou Changdong, his younger brother, had a very close bond, and he had always sincerely believed this sister-in-law wasn’t worthy of Third.

All the way up until Third had the accident.

He could see that this third sister-in-law truly wanted to stay and take care of Third.

All of her previous faults had vanished in light of her unwavering determination this time.

Just this deep affection was enough to make up for every past shortcoming!

“Will she really stay and take care of Third for good?” Zhou Changping spoke up.

Zhou Changan answered honestly: “Even if Third sister-in-law is willing, the Su family wouldn’t agree to it.”

“The fact that she has this intention is already rare.” Lin Fang, who hadn’t spoken until now, finally voiced her thoughts.

Chen Aihong agreed. For the third daughter-in-law to have this level of intention, it meant her years of marriage to Third had not been in vain.

“When Third sister-in-law goes back, Mom, you should hire someone to take care of Third.” Zhou Changan suggested, looking at his mother.

If he had time, he was willing to come back and help care for his brother, but both he and his wife were university faculty. They were truly too busy.

Fortunately, the government was providing a subsidy—thirty yuan a month, which was enough to hire a caregiver!

Chen Aihong said: “Hire someone for what? Your father and I are still able-bodied. Once Third’s wife goes back, we’ll take care of him ourselves!”

Everyone knew Su Luyun couldn’t possibly stay forever, but at this moment, their previous complaints and dissatisfaction toward her were gone.

She was just a girl who hadn’t grown up, spoiled by her family. She used to be so prideful, but no one had ever seen her cry the way she did today.

Zhou Quansheng clearly also wanted to personally care for his son. He nodded and said: “Let’s deposit this money first. Keeping this much cash at home isn’t safe.”

Chen Aihong said: “Let’s go to the bank now, before it closes.”

“Alright.” Zhou Quansheng nodded and looked toward Zhou Changan and Lin Fang. “That’s all for now at home. If there’s nothing else, you two better head back to school. You’re busy.”

Zhou Changan nodded, and he left with Lin Fang to return to campus.

For the time being, only He Yuling and Zhou Changping were left in the room.

She hadn’t said anything in front of the in-laws, but now that they were in private, He Yuling couldn’t help but say to Zhou Changping: “How many days do you think Third’s wife will last?”

Would she even make it to three days?

If she couldn’t even last three days before running off, it would be an absolute joke!

Her sarcastic tone was obvious. Zhou Changping frowned and gave her a look. “No matter what, Third’s wife has good intentions!”

She hadn’t tried to run the moment something happened to Third. She truly wanted to stay and take care of him.

As for how long she could stay… she probably wouldn’t last more than a few days.