Chapter 29: Make up for the Dowry

The aunties scolded Li Tiantian relentlessly, leaving her speechless. Her usual arrogance vanished. She inwardly hated Su Nan! Su Nan, unconcerned, returned home and continued writing.

 She planned to write several thousand words that day. The characters in her new novel were loosely based on the people in the compound. Today’s events, after some editing and embellishment, would be included in her novel.  With a real-life story as inspiration, Su Nan wrote smoothly, producing 5,000 words. Hearing noises outside, Su Nan knew everyone was returning. She hadn’t seen Song Chunfeng all day, so she put her manuscript away and went out. “Second sister-in-law, I heard you taught Li Tiantian a lesson. Well done!” Song Chunxiao gave Su Nan a thumbs-up.

 If someone had accused her of smelling bad, she would have been equally angry. She saw nothing wrong with Su Nan’s actions; in fact, she envied her impulsive reaction. “You’re well-informed,” Su Nan replied casually. She had done what she had done, and she wasn’t afraid of anyone knowing. “The aunties stopped me as soon as I came back. I couldn’t help but hear,” Song Chunxiao chuckled, as if discussing someone else’s family matter. Su Nan, while talking to Song Chunxiao, looked for Song Chunfeng.

 “Where’s your second brother?” He had told her he was going out, but she hadn’t thought much of it, assuming he’d be back soon. Now, hours later, he was still gone.  “I don’t know,” Song Chunxiao said. As they spoke, Song Chunfeng appeared at the entrance, carrying a large bag of things. “Did you go to the department store?” Su Nan asked, surprised. “Yes,” he replied. “I bought you some things.

” Song Chunfeng brought the things inside, followed by Su Nan. Song Chunxiao and Li Tiantian watched eagerly from the doorway, envious. Su Nan smiled, closed the door, and locked it. “Why did you buy so much?” “I wanted to buy the ‘Three Turns and One Ring’—it’s customary for weddings now.” A saleswoman at the department store had suggested it; he didn’t really understand. “I’ve applied for you to join me in the military.

A bicycle and sewing machine aren’t practical to bring, so I’ll get those for you later in the military district. Today, I bought you a radio, a watch, some clothes, and a pair of shoes. Do they fit?” He had checked Su Nan’s shoe size before leaving that morning. Su Nan sat down, about to bend over to get the shoes, when Song Chunfeng knelt down and carefully put them on her. Su Nan was momentarily stunned. “Thank you,” she said. “You’re welcome.” Su Nan stood up and took a few steps.

The black shoes fit perfectly. “I love these shoes.” They were much nicer than her cloth shoes. “I’m glad you like them. Let’s try the clothes,” Song Chunfeng said softly. He had bought her two simple dresses, a white shirt, and black trousers. He had searched the entire clothing section before choosing them. He hadn’t been this meticulous about buying clothes before. In fact, he hadn’t bought clothes for himself in a long time; he wore the uniforms provided by the army. Su Nan turned her back and changed her clothes in front of Song Chunfeng.

She wouldn’t have done this before, but she wasn’t a young girl anymore. She was changing in front of her husband, not another man. Song Chunfeng wasn’t as open-minded. His face flushed, and he averted his gaze. Su Nan, dressed, turned around expectantly. “Do I look good?” Song Chunfeng looked at her. The simple dress made her skin look even whiter. Her eyes were clear and pure.

 “You look good. It suits you,” he said, trying to sound enthusiastic. Su Nan smiled. “It means you have good taste.” Song Chunfeng smiled, his eyes sparkling. Su Nan complimented him, “You look even better when you smile.” His smile widened. The clothes fit well, so Su Nan didn’t need to return them. Next, she tried on the watch. The narrow strap was decorative; Song Chunfeng had good taste. “These are all for me? What about you?” Su Nan asked, surprised. “This is your dowry,” Song Chunfeng explained patiently.

 Su Nan was startled. He had already given her so much money and bought her so many things, while she had come empty-handed. She remembered he had been wearing army-issued clothes, so that night, while he was asleep, she secretly measured his shoulders and height to buy him some clothes. The first rays of sunlight woke Su Nan.

Song Chunfeng kissed her gently before getting up to get ready. His habit of waking up early was ingrained. Now that someone was sleeping in the living room, Song Chunfeng avoided the area, trying to spend as little time there as possible.  He Xiaomei noticed that Li Tiantian sleeping in the living room made the men uncomfortable. Li Tiantian was only related to Ye Hong; she had no blood relation to any of the men in the house. If someone wanted to cause trouble, it could be problematic.

Also, Li Tiantian was unmarried, and it wasn’t good for her reputation. He Xiaomei, taking her toiletries, went outside to wash up—though they had a bathroom, everyone preferred to wash up outside.

She squatted near Song Chunfeng and whispered, “Chunfeng, don’t you think it’s inconvenient for Li Tiantian to sleep in the living room?” Song Chunfeng nodded thoughtfully, answering his sister-in-law. “Have you considered talking to your father about this?”  Her husband couldn’t speak to Song Tongzhou directly; she wanted him to resolve this.