Shao Qingfeng and Han Weidong were already waiting for Lin Hongying.  

They had bought high-quality cotton fabric and two hundred pairs of cotton gloves, stuffing the trunk full.  

Lin Hongying glanced at the license plate, which started with the character “京” (Jing, for Beijing). Based on this body’s memories, she knew the car belonged to the Shao family.  

She was slightly surprised. In this era, aside from military and government units, families who owned cars were exceedingly rare—either extraordinarily wealthy or influential.  

It was a classic Ford, an old black model with a glossy finish. Compared to the refined interiors of modern cars, this ancestor was crude yet iconic. It might be simple, but it was undeniably stylish.  

Lin Hongying got into the car. The spacious leather seats were covered with cowhide casings, the matte brown surface exuding an understated elegance. As the car started, a strong, choking smell of gasoline and exhaust fumes filled the air, and the ride was bumpy.  

Last time, Shao Qingfeng’s grandfather had come all the way from Beijing to meet Lin Hongying, riding in this same car.  

So Lin Hongying guessed that this time, another relative from the Shao family had arrived.  

Shao Qingfeng was driving, while Lin Hongying and Han Weidong sat in the back.  

Shao Qingfeng remained silent, but Han Weidong seemed quite interested in her.  

“Little sister-in-law, you were very brave earlier. Who taught you that first aid? And what brought you out shopping today?”  

Shao Qingfeng was twenty-eight, and Han Weidong was the same age. Lin Hongying had just turned eighteen, so calling her “little sister-in-law” wasn’t entirely wrong.  

She replied offhandedly, “I just picked it up somewhere. Don’t remember.”  

“As for shopping—well, obviously because I needed things.” The corners of her lips curled into a faint, almost mocking smile.  

After a couple of exchanges, Han Weidong subtly sensed Lin Hongying’s indifference.  

In the past, Lin Hongying had also been quiet, but it felt more like nervousness and shyness, as if she hung onto his every word.  

Now, she simply didn’t care about him at all.  

Han Weidong’s brows knitted together in frustration, belatedly realizing—he was actually being looked down upon by a country girl!  

From the rearview mirror, Shao Qingfeng watched Han Weidong’s disgruntled expression and reminded him, “Weidong, quiet down.”  

Soon, they arrived at the residential compound.  

Han Weidong carried the cotton fabric and gloves to the logistics department, while Shao Qingfeng parked the car and went with Lin Hongying to the mailroom to pick up her things.  

Lin Hongying could sense Shao Qingfeng’s aloofness, but also his good upbringing.  

Due to her work in the past, Lin Hongying had interacted with many well-bred individuals from privileged families. They generally fell into two categories: one type was extremely passionate, driven, and kind-hearted, while the other was outwardly polished but rotten inside—no matter how well they hid it, the decay in their souls was unmistakable.  

But Shao Qingfeng was different. Lin Hongying could feel his good manners, as well as the arrogance ingrained in his bones.  

Shao Qingfeng said, “My mother came from Beijing today and wanted to meet you. If you’d rather not, I can tell her to leave.”  

Lin Hongying thought it over carefully and quickly made a decision. “No need. I’d like to meet her too.”  

Shao Qingfeng stacked the coal bricks in the corner of the room, covering them with large sheets of oiled paper. The compound had recently distributed winter coal reserves, but he frowned—Lin Hongying had received very little, nowhere near enough to last the winter.  

Now he understood why she had gone to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy coal.  

His brow smoothed as he said to Lin Hongying, “I’ll have a soldier bring you two tons of coal another day.”  

Lin Hongying smiled. “Thank you.”  

She accepted his offer without refusing. The people in the compound disliked Shao Qingfeng’s rural fiancée and had been trying to ostracize her, hoping she’d take the hint and go back where she came from.

The coal yard delivered the winter reserve coal to the compound for unified distribution based on household registration, but the person in charge had deliberately failed to notify the original owner. By the time she hastily completed the formalities, only a small amount of poor-quality coal remained—scattered and broken chunks.  

After Lin Hongying arrived, she kept the house warm every night, quickly depleting the coal supply.  

Shao Qingfeng escorted Lin Hongying to her doorstep but did not enter.  

“My mother is staying at the guesthouse now. There’s a restaurant nearby—would you be free to meet her tonight?”  

She replied, “Of course.”  

In the evening, Lin Hongying went with Shao Qingfeng to the restaurant.  

It was a well-regarded state-owned restaurant in the county, known not only for its flavorful dishes but also generous portions. Each hearty dish cost between three to nine yuan—a price only workers with decent incomes could afford in those days. Dual-income couples with higher wages might occasionally treat themselves to a meal here.  

A middle-aged woman in work attire greeted them warmly when they arrived. “Xiao Feng and Hongying are here! The director has already arrived and is waiting inside. Come in and eat!”  

This was Lin Lan’s secretary. Lin Hongying guessed that Shao Qingfeng’s mother must hold a fairly high position.  

Secretary Zhang asked about Lin Hongying’s preferences while arranging the dishes. “Hongying likes chicken, right? Then you must try the famous braised chicken with mushrooms here!”  

Lin Hongying entered the restaurant and saw the older woman seated inside. She wore a plain Zhongshan suit, well-maintained, her features still carrying traces of her youthful beauty. Perhaps due to her high-ranking position, there was an air of authority about her, commanding respect without needing to raise her voice.  

Lin Lan spoke briskly, “Hello, I’m Qingfeng’s mother. I’ve been wanting to meet you for a long time but only now found the time to come to Lan County.”  

The words sounded polite, but they carried an undeniable firmness. Lin Hongying greeted her in return.  

As soon as Lin Hongying sat down, the waiters began bringing out steaming dishes one after another.  

Sweet and sour pork, braised chicken with mushrooms, cabbage stewed with glass noodles, and a tomato soup. In the Northeast winter, fresh greens were hard to come by—cabbage was the most common, and new vegetables wouldn’t be available until summer.  

Even cabbage was a scarce commodity in those days.  

Though there were only four dishes, being able to afford four hearty, high-quality dishes at once was already a luxury by the standards of the time. This meal likely cost at least fifteen yuan.  

The secretary cheerfully served Lin Hongying, refilling her bowl with her favorite dishes whenever it emptied. She skillfully guided the conversation, ensuring no one felt left out, making everyone feel at ease.  

Lin Hongying ate with relish, thoroughly enjoying the meal.  

Indeed, the older generation’s cooking skills were unmatched—rich in flavor and satisfyingly hearty, a true feast for the palate.  

Earlier, she had glanced at the menu prices. A single substantial dish cost between three to ten yuan—not cheap at all. A meal like this could easily cost a worker half a month’s wages.  

Lin Lan did not speak during the meal, only wiping her mouth with a handkerchief afterward.  

It was impossible for her to have no reservations about this sudden daughter-in-law who had appeared out of nowhere.  

She had previously arranged for her son to meet another girl, but Lin Hongying’s appearance disrupted everything. In terms of background, Lin Hongying was indeed far outmatched.  

But since this marriage had been arranged by the elders, she couldn’t say much.  

Last month, the old master and three younger relatives had secretly traveled to Lan County to see Lin Hongying. Upon returning, Qingfeng’s aunt had complained that the old man was making a mess of things, ruining the boy’s future. Her words were full of disdain for Lin Hongying, making it clear how unsatisfactory that visit had been.  

Using work as an excuse, Lin Lan had rushed from Beijing to Lan County.