Chapter 24: Su Dahai’s Fatherly Love

Li Xiangbei felt he had already won the approval of his mother-in-law, but the father-in-law was still a hurdle. So, when the afternoon work bell rang, Li Xiangbei went to work with Su Dahai.

Su Dahai’s work was physically demanding. It was right after the winter wheat harvest, and the fields were covered with wheat stubble.

Su Dahai’s task today was to clear the stubble and loosen the soil in preparation for the next season’s planting.

The two went to the tool distribution area, each picked up a hoe, and headed to the patch of land assigned to Su Dahai.

Unlike Shen Qiuxia, who patiently taught Li Xiangbei how to work, Su Dahai didn’t bother with instructions.

He swung his hoe vigorously, uprooting clumps of wheat stubble with the roots, throwing them aside, and then began to hoe the ground skillfully. His confident and practiced movements showed he was a veteran who had spent many years working the fields.

Li Xiangbei glanced over and then imitated Su Dahai’s motions. At first, his movements were a bit awkward, and his force and angle were not quite right. But as time passed, he got into the rhythm, and the hoe swung more smoothly in his hands.

Su Dahai noticed Li Xiangbei’s serious attitude and gradually improving skills out of the corner of his eye and nodded inwardly, gaining some approval for this future son-in-law.

Before long, the two figures in the field moved rhythmically, their hoes swinging faster and faster, as if competing silently.

Other workers nearby noticed and cast curious looks.

“Hey, Dahai, you better pick up the pace or your son-in-law’s going to surpass you!” An elder man stopped his work, wiped the sweat off his forehead, and joked loudly.

“This young guy is really capable — helping Qiuxia in the morning and then helping Dahai in the afternoon. Truly diligent!”

“You didn’t realize it, but Dahai’s just trying to give the son-in-law a warning! But this young man looks strong, not easily beaten.”
Su Yue also joined Shen Qiuxia in the fields. Since their tasks weren’t many, they finished in half an hour.

Afterward, they walked toward where Su Dahai and Li Xiangbei were working to check on how the two men were doing.

Shen Qiuxia looked at them and teased, “Your dad’s something else — at his age, acting like a kid, competing with his son-in-law.”

Su Yue’s face glowed with happiness as she softly said, “Dad just can’t bear to let me go.”

When Su Yue was born, carrying memories from a previous life, she felt a barrier toward Su Dahai and couldn’t feel close to him.

Even though she learned to call all family members by name, she found it hard to call him “Dad.”

But Su Dahai never minded and continued to love her as always.

He would hold her gently in his hands and carry her on his shoulders.

Meanwhile, Su Dahai and Li Xiangbei continued working hard in the field.

Although Li Xiangbei was already exhausted, breathing heavily and with sore arms, seeing Su Dahai still full of energy, he gritted his teeth, pushed through the fatigue, and swung his hoe even harder.

Su Dahai looked at Li Xiangbei’s determined expression and silently nodded, very satisfied with his future son-in-law’s perseverance and toughness.

Su Yue and Shen Qiuxia exchanged glances and helped gather scattered wheat stubble to use for compost.

Soon, Su Dahai and Li Xiangbei completed their tasks for the day.

Li Xiangbei straightened up, stretching his sore shoulders that felt numb and painful, then looked at Su Dahai with eyes full of expectation, as if waiting for the father-in-law’s evaluation.

Su Dahai also stood up, wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand, dusted off his clothes, and looked at Li Xiangbei. “Not bad!” His voice carried a trace of fatigue but also clear approval.

Hearing this, Li Xiangbei’s heart bloomed with joy, and a bright smile spread across his face. He quickly said, “Dad, I will definitely take good care of Yueyue.” His tone was firm, and his eyes full of sincerity.

Su Dahai nodded slightly, a flicker of comfort in his eyes. “Let’s go home.”

The two men handed in their hoes and walked home side by side.

At this time, Su Yue and Shen Qiuxia had boiled two large pots of water.

Seeing the two men return, Su Yue smiled and urged, “Dad, Xiangbei, hurry and go take a bath. You’re all sweaty; a wash will make you feel much better.”

Then she looked at Li Xiangbei and said, “You’re about the same size as my third brother. A while ago, I made him a set of clothes but haven’t sent them yet. You can try them first. The clothes and towels are in the bathroom. Go take a hot bath and relax.”

About ten minutes later, Li Xiangbei came out of the bathroom.

“Yueyue, these clothes fit perfectly. Didn’t expect you to be able to make clothes,” he said with a hint of expectation in his eyes, almost wanting to say, “I want you to make clothes for me too.”

Su Yue caught his meaning and smiled, “I’ll make some for you in the future.”
Li Xiangbei smiled, “Thank you, Yueyue. You’re so kind.”

“Cough, cough, cough!” Just then, Su Dahai walked over, pretending to be stern and putting on a serious face. He said to Li Xiangbei, “Not even married yet, and you’re already bossing my daughter around? Come on, move it, don’t dawdle here.”

Shen Qiuxia gave Su Dahai a sharp look, as if saying, “Stop messing around.” Then she turned and, full of motherly affection, said to Li Xiangbei, “Xiangbei, don’t mind him. I washed some peaches; take some and eat.”

“Mom, you keep the peaches. I’ll just eat tomatoes. That’s what I like, refreshing and light,” Li Xiangbei replied as he went to the vegetable basket, picked a plump tomato, washed it at the water basin, and took a big bite.

Juice burst in his mouth instantly. His eyes lit up, and he exclaimed, “Mom, your tomatoes are so delicious! So grainy and sweet. The taste is just different from those at the supply store.”

Su Dahai rolled his eyes at Li Xiangbei, “Those tomatoes were grown by me.”

Li Xiangbei immediately praised, “Dad’s tomatoes really are delicious.”

Shen Qiuxia smiled and said, “It’s still early. Let’s go to your uncle’s house. For the furniture and stuff, it’s better if you guys decide for yourselves. By the way, Xiangbei, I packed some tomatoes, cucumbers, and water spinach for you to take back.”

Li Xiangbei didn’t refuse and said with a smile, “Thank you, Mom.”

Su Dahai immediately said, “I’m going too.”

Su Yue laughed, “Dad must go. He knows me best and knows what I like.”

“That’s right, daughter. You know, no one understands you better than your dad.”
Su Yue gave a heavy “Mm” in agreement.

After Shen Qiuxia locked the door, the four of them carried their things and headed toward the commune office.

At the village entrance, they saw Wu Zhiqing holding a basket, seemingly waiting for them. When he saw the four approaching, Wu Zhiqing immediately went back to the Zhiqing’s courtyard.