At the dining table, Grandma Mu still wore a long face, occasionally shooting sharp glances at Mu Jinyue, but in the end she didn’t say anything unpleasant.

When the meal was almost finished and Mu Jinyue was about to get up, Grandpa Mu—very unusually—called her by name.

“Jinyue, although you’ve married into the city, after all, you came from this family. Your uncles have all treated you well—don’t forget their kindness.”

“Hah, now that she’s eating white-flour buns in the city, how could she still remember the uncles back home eating bran and chaff?”

“No, no. Jinyue isn’t that kind of child. She’s always been obedient and filial since she was little.”

The old couple spoke in turn, covering both sides of the matter. If she didn’t agree, she’d immediately be painted as unfilial in their words.

“I’ll remember the kindness of my uncles.” Just remembering it in her head was enough; it cost nothing.

With that answer, Grandpa Mu finally let her leave the table in peace.

Afterward, Mu Jinyue helped clear the dishes and washed them clean in the kitchen before returning to the second branch’s room.

Lin Guihua pulled her straight onto the heated brick bed, carefully looking her over. “You’ve put on some weight, and your face looks fairer. As long as you’re living well, we can feel at ease.”

Father Mu thought the same.

Mu Jinyue felt they were exaggerating. There was a mirror at the Jiang house, and she looked at herself every day—she hadn’t noticed much change.

Lin Guihua wanted to have a private talk with her daughter, so she sent Father Mu out. “So, what’s the situation at the Jiang family? How’s your mother-in-law’s health?”

“The family’s fine. Mother-in-law has trouble with her legs, but her temper is good. I just need to take care of her properly.”

“Yes, that’s how it should be. Anyone who’s been ill for a long time will feel uneasy inside. Be more tolerant of her. At home and outside, you must shoulder everything. And with your husband too—you must treat him well. Have a child sooner, warm his heart, and life will go smoothly.”

This was a mother’s earnest advice. Mu Jinyue agreed to everything, just to make her mother happy.

When she had said enough, Mu Jinyue finally asked, “How are things at home lately?”

“Good, everything’s fine at home. Winter’s coming, there isn’t much work in the fields, so your father can finally rest a bit.”

Mu Jinyue nodded. “Mom, since winter’s coming, let Dad avoid going up the mountains too much. From now on, he doesn’t have to work so hard. When you and Dad grow old, I’ll take care of you both.”

“Good, good. Your father will be so happy to hear that.”

After saying this, a trace of hesitation flickered across Lin Guihua’s face, but she still spoke up. “As for your cousin, no matter what your husband says, you mustn’t get involved. And don’t meddle. You don’t have to come back home often either—just focus on living your own life well.”

Mu Jinyue hadn’t expected her to bring this up. For a moment, she was moved. “Mom…”

“Yueyue, listen to me. Go back and live well. Your father and I are still young. You don’t need to worry about us.”

“Alright. I’ll live well.”

Mu Jinyue stayed at home for a little while longer. When she felt it was about time, she prepared to leave. Lin Guihua didn’t have the authority to give her anything, so she left just as she came—empty-handed.

…

At this time of day, most people in the brigade were either eating or napping, so there wasn’t much activity outside. She went straight to the brigade leader’s house. The gate was open, and as soon as she stepped into the courtyard, before she could even call out, the brigade leader’s wife, Wu Yan, came out of the house.

“Yue girl, you’re back! Come in, come in.”

“Aunt Yan, is Uncle Xu home? I have something to discuss with him.”

“He’s inside. Come, whatever it is, talk inside.” She said this while pulling her into the main room. Inside, Brigade Leader Xu was sitting on the heated brick bed. Wu Yan found a stool for her and said,

“If you need something, just tell your uncle. I’ll go pour some water.” With that, she left, leaving only the two of them in the room.

Mu Jinyue wasn’t one to beat around the bush. She came straight to the point: “Uncle Xu, I want to transfer my grain and oil ration registration.”

This matter was really just a formality. Since she was married into the city, there was nothing illegal or against the rules about it, so the procedure should have been easy. But she was worried the Mu family might cause some trouble, which was why she had been anxious about it.

Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, the brigade leader’s expression looked somewhat troubled.

The smile on Mu Jinyue’s face didn’t falter as she pressed further.

“Uncle Xu, is there some inconvenience?”

Brigade Leader Xu frowned, looking a little embarrassed.

“Ah, this isn’t easy to handle. Why don’t you wait a while and come back in a few days?”

A few days.

It was obvious he was trying to brush her off. Mu Jinyue could hear it clearly. Though stifled inside, she kept her smile and made her gaze even more earnest.

“Uncle Xu, is it really that difficult to transfer my registration?”

Brigade Leader Xu shook his head.

“It’s not easy, Yue girl, don’t make things hard for your uncle. Haven’t you been living well enough in the city these past two weeks? This transfer isn’t such an urgent matter.”

Mu Jinyue almost laughed in anger. Not urgent? This is mine by right—why should I give it up? Her hand clenched into a fist inside her sleeve.

“Uncle, I know it’s not easy. I won’t make you work for nothing. When we get to the commune, I’ll buy you two bottles of liquor.”

Brigade Leader Xu quickly waved his hand.

“No, no, can’t do that. I’m getting old—drink makes my head ache. Liquor’s no good thing.”

He hadn’t outright refused. That meant there was still a way.

Mu Jinyue leaned forward slightly, her tone a little anxious.

“Then I won’t buy liquor. The New Year’s almost here—how about I bring back some fabric for you and Auntie Xu to make new clothes?”

“Eh, fabric’s fine, but only villagers value it. In the eyes of city people, it’s nothing worth looking at.”

Still unsatisfied. The smile on Mu Jinyue’s face faded.

“Uncle, I’m a simple person. Just say what you want directly.”

Brigade Leader Xu gave two awkward chuckles.

“I heard you helped your cousin get a job in the city? I knew you were capable. Our brigade is all family here. My son Dashan’s idle at home right now…”

Mu Jinyue understood. He wanted a job for his son. Everyone wants work. But even I don’t know who to ask for my own job!

As for asking Jiang Yi? That thought never even crossed her mind. She already owed him too much for what had been done before. Unless she had the ability to repay him, she wouldn’t ask for more favors.

So she spoke frankly.

“Uncle, I don’t have that kind of ability, and neither does my husband. My cousin’s job was just that one time. It won’t happen again. How about this—I’ll keep an eye out in the city. If I hear of any recruitment, I’ll let you know first thing, and Brother Dashan can go take a look.”

Brigade Leader Xu stared at her silently.

The room fell quiet. Mu Jinyue’s face stiffened, and inwardly she gave up. He’s asking too much. If I can’t give it, then there’s nothing to discuss.

“In that case, I’ll just…” leave.

Before she could finish, the door suddenly swung open. Wu Yan came in, slipped her arm around Mu Jinyue’s shoulder, and said,

“This won’t be a problem. Yueyue, wait outside a bit. I’ll have your uncle ready the cart and take you to the commune.”

Mu Jinyue hadn’t fully grasped what was happening before she was ushered out. Left standing in the courtyard, she had no choice but to wait.

Inside the room, Brigade Leader Xu frowned at his wife.

“What are you doing?”

Hands on her hips, Wu Yan shot back,

“What am I doing? Look at what you were doing! How could you have the face to ask a young girl to arrange a job for our second son?”

Brigade Leader Xu looked a little guilty.

“W-well, what’s wrong with that? Dashan at least went to junior high. He’s nearly at marrying age. If he had a city job now, his whole life would be set. I was only thinking of his future.”

“Then if you have the ability, go arrange it yourself. Why drag Yue girl into it? Don’t you know what kind of life that family of three is living? You’ve complained to me often enough about it. So why, of all times, are you trying to take advantage of her now?

Anyone with eyes can see Grandma Mu practically sold that poor girl off. Who knows what hardships she’s facing in her husband’s family? And now you pressure her like this. What if she takes it the wrong way?”

Brigade Leader Xu froze. That possibility wasn’t far-fetched.

“I… I… ah, I must have lost my head.”

Wu Yan’s tone softened.

“Enough, then. Hurry and take her to get this done. That girl has finally gotten away from the Mu family and started living better. Let’s do her this one favor and build some good karma.”

“Ahem… alright, alright, I’ll do it. Let’s get it done now.”