Chapter 27: Chicken Soup

“Did you say Mom wants us to go back tonight?” Lin Qiao had just gotten off work at noon and received this news as soon as she walked in, looking slightly surprised.

Ji Duo was also surprised. After all, Xu Li wasn’t usually impatient or controlling. In the past, he could go ten days to half a month without going home, and she wouldn’t rush him. Knowing they would be back on Sunday this time, she still wanted them to return on Saturday night, unable to wait even one night.

“Mom called me this morning and said so.” He handed Lin Qiao a bundle of paper money tied with kraft paper. His muscular arm, exposed under the short sleeves of his summer uniform, showed a few prominent veins.

Lin Qiao took the bundle of cash, “You got paid too?”

“Yes.” Ji Duo didn’t care much about the salary and asked her, “Do you have any plans for tonight?”

“I don’t have anything planned. Going back tonight is fine.”

Ji Duo didn’t say more, but Lin Qiao also took out a bundle of cash from her bag, “I just got paid too. Let’s buy something for Mom and Dad.”

Compared to Ji Duo’s bundle, hers was pitifully small, less than thirty yuan. After all, she started working late and had only worked for a little over twenty days. But even a small amount was her first earnings in this world, and she wanted to share the joy with the elderly couple.

Lin Qiao kept a little for herself as pocket money and spent the rest on gifts. She bought a small wooden hammer for Old Mr. Ji to use for back massages, some new books from Xinhua Bookstore that they didn’t have at home, and even Aunt Zhang got a few small herbal packs for foot baths.

The items filled a tea table in the old house’s living room. Xu Li was naturally pleased, and although Old Mr. Ji didn’t say much, the corners of his eyes crinkled with a smile.

Only Ji Duo, stretching his long legs, sat on the side like an observer.

After Xu Li finished being happy, she nudged him quietly, “What’s wrong? Didn’t you like the things Qiao Qiao gave you?”

She realized her son was hard to please, “Alright, it’s good enough that she gave you something. You always have a stern face; who knows what you like?”

Ji Duo wasn’t unhappy, but since his mother said so, he glanced at Xu Li, “She didn’t give me anything.”

Xu Li didn’t know what to say, “Did you two have a fight? Or did you make Qiao Qiao angry?”

“No.”

In the month since they got married, Lin Qiao hadn’t had a single argument with Ji Duo. Unlike Commander Liang’s house next door, where you could occasionally hear a couple of bickering. But Lin Qiao did forget to buy something for him.

Lin Qiao didn’t actually forget; she bought things to show respect to the elders. In her mind, Ji Duo was a partner, not related to the elders.

Xu Li, however, thought differently: “Did you buy anything for Qiao Qiao with your salary?”

When Ji Duo paused, she immediately scolded her son, “You’re just like your father. If you don’t buy anything for Qiao Qiao, why should she buy anything for you?”

At that moment, Lin Qiao had just finished distributing the items and, feeling tired, sat on the sofa and rubbed her waist.

Xu Li immediately forgot about her son. “Look at me, I was so happy I lost track of time. Qiao Qiao must be hungry, right?”

Before she could call out, Aunt Zhang put away the herbal packs and said, “I’ll go serve the food.”

Xu Li turned back to her son, “And you, why didn’t you remind me? Isn’t your wife who’s hungry?”

She personally led Lin Qiao to the dining room and served her a bowl of soup first. “This is freshly stewed black chicken soup. Aunt Zhang stewed it for over five hours. Have some to fill up.”

Calling them back early and fussing over Lin Qiao, if Ji Duo couldn’t see something was up, he would have wasted all these years.

He raised an eyebrow subtly, and Xu Li, realizing she was being too obvious, said, “I’m just happy to receive Qiao Qiao’s gift. Besides, our Qiao Qiao is still young and needs to be well-nourished. Look at her sharp little face; she’s lost weight from working.”

Lin Qiao’s face was somewhere between an oval and a heart shape, with a naturally pointed chin. Ji Duo thought she had been eating well lately, feeling a bit more flesh when they occasionally bumped into each other in bed. But Xu Li’s mention of her young age made him pause. He suspected his mother knew something but hadn’t had the chance to ask further when the gate outside clanged, and Ji Jun and Ye Minshu returned.

Seeing him and Lin Qiao, the couple was clearly surprised. “You’re here too, second son?”

Although Ji Duo and Lin Qiao were married, there had been quite a few incidents. Every time Ji Jun saw his younger brother, he felt a sense of guilt. Now that he and Ye Minshu had reconciled, seeing Ji Duo again, he felt guilt and shame.

Ye Minshu didn’t want to see Lin Qiao either, partly due to awkwardness and partly because she genuinely didn’t want to interact with her sister-in-law.

Knowing that both of them usually returned on Sundays, they chose to visit the old house from Monday to Saturday to avoid them as much as possible. Unexpectedly, a month passed, and they still ran into each other.

After hearing Lin Qiao talk about Lin Wei, Ji Duo’s mindset stabilized a lot, and he greeted them as usual. Having been brothers for over twenty years, Ji Jun’s character was no mystery to him—soft-hearted and easily influenced. In the past, he could be soft-hearted towards Ji Duo because of their mother, and now he could be soft-hearted towards Ye Minshu. Both had their own families, and things were no longer the same as when they were children. He didn’t show any particular reaction, and Lin Qiao was even less likely to show any.

Everyone knew that Ye Minshu didn’t like her, so she kept her distance. As long as Ye Minshu didn’t provoke her, she didn’t bother with her either.

This indifferent attitude made Ye Minshu unhappy. She always thought of Lin Qiao as a rude country girl. Moreover, at a table full of people, only Lin Qiao had special treatment, while Xu Li, who claimed to treat her two sons equally, only added two pairs of chopsticks when they arrived.

Seeing Ye Minshu staring at Lin Qiao, the old man’s already faint smile faded even more, “How come you two have time to visit today?”

“Look at what you’re saying. We always have time to see you and Mom,” Ye Minshu immediately shifted her attention from Lin Qiao and smiled gracefully. “But we do have some good news to share this time. Ji Jun got a promotion.”

“Ji Jun got promoted?” The old man was genuinely surprised.

“Yes, the notification just came in, so I came to share the good news with you and Mom,” Ye Minshu couldn’t hide her smile.

Ji Jun felt a bit embarrassed, “It’s just a half-level promotion, nothing compared to Ji Duo.”

“That’s still good news,” Xu Li quickly called Aunt Zhang, “See if there’s anything else at home, and add two more dishes.”

Ji Jun had been in the same position for almost eight years, so even a half-level promotion was good news for him. The old man nodded.

Ji Jun had been watching his father’s reaction and, seeing his approval, finally relaxed and smiled. Ye Minshu, less concerned about propriety, even glanced at Lin Qiao, “It’s all thanks to Dad and Mom’s good teaching. Although Ji Jun isn’t outstanding, he’s always diligent and reliable in his work.”

Was she deliberately showing off to Lin Qiao, or implying that Ji Duo was ambitious but not reliable?

The old man realized that his eldest son’s wife really couldn’t be given a good face. If she wasn’t kept in check for three days, she would become arrogant. “I remember Old Yu’s fourth son got this position a few years ago.”

Ye Minshu instantly fell silent, her smile becoming a bit forced.

Old Yu’s fourth son indeed got this position a few years ago and was rumored to be up for another promotion. He was six years younger than Ji Jun.

Ji Jun knew this too, and his brief smile quickly turned into embarrassment.

The atmosphere at the dining table became a bit tense. Lin Qiao didn’t say anything, quietly got up after finishing her soup, and took her bowl to the kitchen.

Unexpectedly, Xu Li noticed, “Leave it, I’ll clean up later.”

“It’s okay, it’s just one bowl.” Lin Qiao still took it to the kitchen herself and, on her way out, instinctively pressed her waist. She felt that her period might be coming soon; otherwise, why would her waist always feel uncomfortable and achy?

Xu Li noticed and smiled, “Qiao Qiao, is there anything else you want to eat? I’ll have Aunt Zhang make it for you tomorrow.” She also gave the old man a meaningful look.

The old man was much kinder to Lin Qiao, “You work hard, no time to cook properly. Tell us what you want to eat when you come home.”

Who doesn’t work hard? Every day after work, she still had to cook for Ji Jun and help him dress. And what kind of job could a country girl like Lin Qiao have?

Ye Minshu felt disdainful but was glad to have Lin Qiao divert attention. Once the atmosphere at the table eased again, she casually mentioned, “Speaking of which, Xiao Ze has been an officer for a few years now. I wonder if he should be promoted this year.”

No one responded, and the old man didn’t even look at her.

Ji Jun didn’t expect her to say that and quickly pulled her under the table, racking his brain for a topic, “Dad just said Xiao Qiao found a job?”

The old man glanced at him indifferently and said nothing.

It was Ji Duo, usually taciturn, who spoke, “She found a job, teaching high school at the children’s school.”

“Teaching high school at a school?” Ji Jun was quite surprised, “I didn’t expect Xiao Qiao to be so young and already able to teach high school.”

He was genuinely surprised. Having always heard Ye Minshu refer to Lin Qiao as a country girl, he assumed she wasn’t well-educated.

Ye Minshu, however, didn’t take it to heart, still preoccupied with what she had just mentioned. Unfortunately, throughout the entire meal, the old man didn’t give her a chance to speak. Ji Jun clearly didn’t want her to bring it up again, and as soon as they finished eating, he pulled her away, “It’s getting late. We’ll come back another day to see you and Mom.”

The old man didn’t ask them to stay, and Xu Li, who had become increasingly distant from Ye Minshu since the rumors, said nothing either.

However, Ji Duo and Lin Qiao had rushed back after work, and it was indeed getting late. Shortly after they left, Xu Li sent them to their room to rest.

Before they left, she pulled Ji Duo aside, “I see Qiao Qiao is quite tired. Be mindful, and don’t exhaust her.”

Ji Duo initially didn’t understand what she meant by exhausting Lin Qiao, but then Xu Li lowered her voice, “I mean, in that aspect, be careful. Qiao Qiao is still young and can’t handle too much.”

So that’s what she meant. No wonder she kept emphasizing Lin Qiao’s young age.

Ji Duo was a bit speechless and didn’t like discussing everything with his mother, so he just nodded, “Got it.”

After he left, the old man couldn’t help but say to Xu Li, “What if it’s not? Getting pregnant right after marriage, how could it be so fast?”

“What if it is? Didn’t you see Qiao Qiao always rubbing her waist? When I was pregnant with Ji Duo, my waist was also uncomfortable.”

Seeing the old man still wanting to say something, she smiled, “I know you’re worried it might not be, and I’ll be happy for nothing. But even if it’s not, just for Qiao Qiao’s filial piety, I’m willing to take extra care of her. Besides, I didn’t say anything wrong, she is still young. If I could have a granddaughter, she would be about the same age as Qiao Qiao.”

Xu Li’s first child was a daughter; if she had lived and married early, her granddaughter could indeed be around Lin Qiao’s age. Because of this, she always saw Ji Yan as her own. Ji Yan’s father passed away early, and she followed her mother to remarry. Unfortunately, her mother also passed away, leaving her alone and helpless in her stepfather’s house. Without a second thought, she and the old man took her in and raised her themselves.

This was the old man’s lifelong regret, and he fell silent.

Xu Li didn’t want to bring up sad memories, “If it’s true, it would be next spring. But I don’t know if Qiao Qiao still wants to take the college entrance exam. If she does, I can help take care of the child. It won’t delay anything.”

She even acknowledged that it might not be true, but she was already planning who would take care of the child. While planning, she also complained about her son, “Ji Duo is really something, why so fast? I wasn’t prepared at all.”

“I saw you were quite happy when you thought he was fast,” the old man said from the bedside.

Xu Li was happy, so she didn’t bring up the eldest son’s family. She was already thinking about new plans.

Ji Jun also found it unbelievable. As soon as he and Ye Minshu entered the house, he couldn’t help but ask, “Last time you caused such a big fuss, Dad is still angry. How dare you bring up Xiao Ze?”

“I think they’re doing quite well. They just got married and might already be expecting,” Ye Minshu pouted.

Seeing Ji Jun’s confusion, she added, “Why else would Mom be so tense when Qiao Qiao rubbed her waist? Didn’t you see Mom giving her chicken soup?”

“What does that have to do with you? If they’re doing well, does that mean you weren’t wrong before?”

Ye Minshu moved her lips, wanting to say something, but remembering Ji Jun’s previous anger, she swallowed her words, “I’m just worried about Xiao Ze. He hasn’t come home for months. When I asked about his plans, he was vague. Who knows if he’s having trouble at work.”

Talking about their son, Ji Jun had nothing to say. He couldn’t help his son much. But he still felt his wife’s idea was inappropriate, “You better not bring it up with Dad. Ji Duo didn’t rely on anyone back then.”

“Ji Duo didn’t rely on anyone, but you had already changed careers by then. Dad’s resources and connections didn’t go to him. Besides, times are different now. If Xiao Ze wants to move up, it’s harder than it was for him. We can’t just do nothing for our son.”

Seeing it was getting late, Ye Minshu fetched a basin of hot water and personally brought it to Ji Jun, “You’ve been busy all day. You must be tired. Soak your feet.”

Seeing her move a small stool in front of him, Ji Jun immediately said, “I’ll do it myself.”

“Can you reach your feet?” Ye Minshu glared at him, washed his feet, and then massaged his acupuncture points, “No one else knows, but I know how hard it was for you to get this promotion. You were practically living at work, always on the go. Look at your swollen feet.”

The right amount of pressure and gentle words gradually relaxed Ji Jun.

As he was about to let out a long breath, Ye Minshu softly said, “If Dad is still angry, could we ask Ji Duo to help? He’s a regiment-level cadre…”

Before she could finish, Ji Jun pulled his feet back.

“What are you doing? I’m not done yet.”

Ji Jun’s face had already changed, “You’ve been a burden to Ji Duo all his life, and now you want him to help Xiao Ze? Where’s your face?”

“How is it a burden? Isn’t Ji Duo doing quite well? Besides, the Lin girl may have a humble background, but she is attractive and can even teach high school. Maybe Ji Duo likes her type. Otherwise, why didn’t he look at any of the girls introduced to him before, but married her right after meeting her? And now, they’re already expecting a child right after marriage?”

At this moment, she remembered that Lin Qiao was teaching high school, but she clearly didn’t care. Seeing Ji Jun remain silent, seemingly listening, she picked up his other foot, “Why don’t you let that girl speak up for you? I see the old man and Ji Duo both like her. Besides, she doesn’t know who the original engagement was with…”

“You wish!” Ji Jun suddenly lifted his foot, breaking free from her hand.

Ye Minshu, not sitting steadily, fell to the ground, her hand getting scraped red. She looked at him in surprise.

Seeing her pained expression, Ji Jun’s face froze, and then he recalled her earlier words.

She actually had the nerve to mention Ji Duo and Lin Qiao?

She really had the nerve to mention Ji Duo and Lin Qiao?!

No wonder after they reconciled, when he assured the old man she knew her mistake and wouldn’t dare again, the old man looked at him so meaningfully.

Turns out she hadn’t learned her lesson at all; her previous apologies were just to placate him…

Ji Jun’s face burned, unsure if it was from anger or shame. Without even putting on socks, he slipped on his shoes and left the room.

By the time Ye Minshu realized and got up, the door had already closed behind him.

Unaware of the latest family drama, Lin Qiao yawned as Ji Duo returned, making room for him on the bed. She felt her period was really coming, as her waist was uncomfortable, and she was particularly tired. Earlier, while Ji Duo was out, she had already placed some tissue paper.

Ji Duo, having taken off his shirt and wearing only a vest, got into bed in the space she made. Just as Lin Qiao was about to turn off the light, she heard him ask, “What do you like?”

She was taken aback but still turned off the light, “What do you mean, what do I like?”

“Is there anything you want?” Although Xu Li’s words made him uncomfortable, Ji Duo still listened to a few of them.

Hearing this, Lin Qiao thought there were many things she wanted. First and foremost, she wanted sanitary pads. The toilet paper of this era was not delicate enough, and she didn’t dare move with it. Then there were mobile phones and the internet. Thanks to the absence of these two things in this era, she could maintain an early bedtime and wake-up routine.

But saying too much would only bring tears. In the dark, Lin Qiao solemnly said, “I want the development of the times, technological progress, and our country to be prosperous and civilized.”

This request was a bit grand, and Ji Duo was silent for a moment, “Choose another.”

“Then let’s sleep.” In dreams, everything is possible. Lin Qiao was really tired and didn’t even read a book before bed.

The next day, she felt like a martial arts novel character whose internal energy had been sealed. Feeling unwell, she didn’t stay in the room reading. Instead, she chatted with Aunt Zhang, helped Xu Li water the flowers, and sat on the swing Old Mr. Ji had made for Ji Ling, watching Old Mr. Ji and Ji Duo play several games of chess under the shade of a tree. She saw Old Mr. Ji go from calm and composed to gradually losing his smile and finally falling silent.

Ji Duo remained steady throughout, only tossing the chess piece onto the board when Old Mr. Ji was completely speechless, “Do you want to continue?”

Xu Li couldn’t help but say, “You don’t know how to let your father win a bit.”

“There are no father and son on the battlefield.” Ji Duo didn’t even lift his eyelids.

Old Mr. Ji glared, “Do I need him to let me win? Continue.” Then he fell into a longer silence.

Lin Qiao didn’t understand, but she was greatly impressed. She thought that if the roles of father and son were reversed, Ji Duo, with his stoic demeanor, would make a fitting father. It wouldn’t seem out of place. This man was incredibly steady, rarely showing his emotions, and never seemed to lose his composure.

That evening, they returned to the base under the old man’s disapproving gaze. On Monday, Lin Qiao had to prepare for the end-of-month exams.

In the office, the exam papers for each class had already been sorted. Lin Qiao carried them to the classroom and, before distributing them, jokingly said, “For those who have written cheat notes on their hands, desks, or erasers, remember, I have 20/20 vision. Don’t let me catch you, or you’ll lose your chance to participate in the experiment.”

Many students instinctively touched their noses, but with this warning, they took the exam more seriously.

After the exam, as Lin Qiao started grading the papers, Teacher Yang came in and called her aside, “Last time during the period check, why did you and your husband report differently?”

“Differently?” Lin Qiao thought Ji Duo would know how to answer correctly.

Even if she had been busy buying things and forgot to ask him when they returned to the old house, Ji Duo should have mentioned it to her.

Seeing her reaction, Teacher Yang realized she didn’t know, “When they cross-checked, he reported that you hadn’t had your period. So, did it come or not?” She advised, “You and your husband aren’t having an extra child, so even if it didn’t come, it’s okay. Just don’t misreport it.”

“I didn’t misreport it,” Lin Qiao said, a bit speechless. “It came during the days he was away; he might not know.”

Teacher Yang understood, “I’ll go and inform the higher-ups.”

Teacher Yang was quick with her words and actions. Once she confirmed, she left in a hurry.

Lin Qiao returned to the office, thinking she should inform Ji Duo about this to ensure they were on the same page and avoid such mix-ups in the future. Just as she sat down and picked up a red pen, she heard a physics teacher from the neighboring classes exclaim, “Who has the guts to submit a blank paper?”

A blank paper? All the teachers who heard looked over.

This wasn’t a matter of not knowing the answers; it was clearly a challenge to the teacher. Most students, even if they didn’t know the answers, would write something down, hoping to get lucky.

Since they were grading papers, Vice Principal Qi was also in the science office today. Hearing this, he took the paper, “Let’s see who it is.”

To ensure fairness, the papers were bound with kraft paper strings, and the name section was covered with kraft paper. However, the binding wasn’t very tight, so with some effort, you could see a bit. Both physics teachers were curious to know who had such audacity; however, as soon as they revealed two characters, Vice Principal Qi’s expression changed.

The next second, he turned and left the office, ignoring the shocking “Old Qi” from behind, heading straight to Class Four.