Chapter 51.1

With only the two of them left in the classroom, Principal Cai carefully observed Jiang Suihan: “I’ve been friends with your mother-in-law for many years. When there’s no one around, you can call me Aunt Cai.”

Jiang Suihan, understanding the situation well, climbed the ladder smoothly and responded obediently, “Aunt Cai.”

Principal Cai switched to a more elder-like tone: “How long have you been in the army? Are you getting used to it?”

Jiang Suihan replied, “About a month. I’m getting used to it. Although the customs are a bit different from where I’m from, it’s quite interesting.”

Principal Cai had two children with Chief of Staff Xu, a son and a daughter, both of whom were not around. Seeing the gentle and sweet young woman, she couldn’t help but recall the days when her own daughter was still at home. Her gaze softened and became even more affectionate.

She joked with a smile: “You wouldn’t know, Xu Zhao is so focused on work. People his age are either married or already a father, and he’s still single. His mother was extremely anxious, but unexpectedly, he got married quietly. We were all so happy!”

At that time, Xu Zhao’s father, Xu Zhenguo, made a decision without consulting anyone and hurriedly arranged the marriage with the Jiang family. He only informed Xu Zhao’s mother, Su Ying afterwards, nearly making her ill. However, by then, the decision was final. Father Jiang had done Xu’s family a favor, and Xu Zhenguo and Father Jiang had played together as children. Su Ying had no choice but to accept Jiang Suihan as her daughter-in-law, even though she was not happy about it.

Later, Xu Zhenguo took the trouble to persuade his wife for a long time and explained a lot of reasons to her. Only then did Su Ying reluctantly accept Jiang Suihan as her daughter-in-law. Her husband was right about what he said. If her son didn’t really like her, he would not agree even if you put a knife to his neck and forced him.

….

“You’re back. What are you holding in your hand? Such a big package.” The people in the compound saw a large package tied to Su Ying’s bicycle and asked curiously.

Su Ying, with a hint of pride, casually said, “Oh, it’s probably just some food. Xiao Jiang insisted on sending things from so far away. We don’t really need it, but she said they were local specialties and wanted us to try them. If they’re good, she’ll send more next time.”

She wanted to show everyone that despite their gossip about her son’s age and their criticisms of her high standards and picky nature, Xu Zhao had married a good wife. Look, Xu Zhao was married and had such a good daughter-in-law. Jiang Suihan was so filial, even sending gifts from afar. Unlike some daughters-in-law who only think about taking things from their in-laws to their own homes.

Wang Chunyan awkwardly tugged at her lips and rolled her eyes, thinking, ‘Every family has a daughter-in-law. Just because Xu Zhao’s wife is particularly obedient doesn’t mean she’s the best. Before Xu Zhao got married, I didn’t see you showing off all day long‘.

Xu Zhao’s grandfather, Grandpa Xu, held a high military rank and had real power. Wang Chunyan’s family was not as prominent, though they were neighbors. Wang Chunyan had always been displeased with Su Ying. They had been elementary school classmates and had a strained relationship since childhood. Su Ying’s life had turned out better than hers, but Wang Chunyan had three sons, which she took pride in. Her sons had married and given her grandsons, which made her even more smug.

Seeing Su Ying worrying about Xu Zhao’s marriage and wishing she could pick all the girls of the right age in the compound, Wang Chunyan watched the joke with her grandson in her arms. So, what if she married someone better than her? She still wouldn’t have a grandson.

To her surprise, one day Su Ying happily announced her son’s marriage to everyone, making sure the whole compound knew. She joyfully bought gifts for her daughter-in-law, sending everything from food to daily necessities to Li Province.

Wang Chunyan, uninterested in the large package, remarked, “Your daughter-in-law seems fine, but since you and Old Xu are getting older, it would be better if she came back to take care of you. Staying in Li Province, where the food and living conditions are not great, could be harmful to her health. It would be much better in the capital.”

Su Ying was not swayed: “Old Xu and I are in good health and don’t need their care. Besides, Xiao Ling married nearby and visits us from time to time, so we don’t lack people to take care of us.”

The young couple was in a good relationship, so there was no need for her to be a wicked mother-in-law. She also wanted to have a grandson soon.

Seeing that Su Ying wasn’t taking the bait, Wang Chunyan didn’t want to hear any more and came up with an excuse to leave. When she returned home, she found her younger daughter-in-law eating cookies in the living room, which made her even angrier.

“Even after finishing work, you don’t cook. You just wait for me, an old lady, to take care of you and your little ones. You’re so precious, only knowing how to eat but not cook. With a daughter-in-law like you, I must have been terribly unlucky for eight generations.”

Wang Chunyan’s youngest daughter-in-law wasn’t the kind to back down easily. With a young and fiery temper, she stood up with her hands on her hips: “Mom, what are you doing? You come home and start scolding people. It’s just a few pieces of cookies. I’ve been at work all day and am starving, so I ate a couple. If you can’t stand me, I’ll go back to my parents’ house to avoid upsetting you.”

She grabbed her son, picked up her bag, and didn’t even spare her mother-in-law a glance before walking out.

Wang Chunyan pointed at the door with trembling fingers, her chest heaving. She wanted to scold someone, but the person wasn’t there. Who could she scold? When her son came back that evening, she complained to him. When he heard that his wife had taken their child back to her parents’ house, he didn’t hesitate to grab his bicycle and rush over to pick them up.

None of them were obedient. That night, Wang Chunyan couldn’t help but grumble to her husband as she lay in bed. Her husband, uninterested, turned over and snored peacefully. Wang Chunyan was furious all night, tossing and turning until she barely managed to fall asleep.

When Xu Xiaoling entered the house, she immediately noticed a large package in the living room. “Mom, who sent this?”

Su Ying came out with scissors, squatting down to cut the string on the package. “It’s from your sister-in-law. She sent some local specialties from Li Province for us to try. If we like them, she’ll send more next time.”

Xu Xiaoling also squatted down to help. “That’s nice. At least she remembers you and Dad. Has Xu Zhao called recently?”

She felt it was a pity. Her brother was so outstanding but had married a girl with no parents. She didn’t have any particular issues with Jiang Suihan, as she had never met her and couldn’t judge her. She just thought her brother deserved someone better. Although Jiang Suihan wasn’t bad, her family background wouldn’t be able to support Xu Zhao’s career.

Recently, a new colleague had joined her unit. She was a twenty-one or twenty-two-year-old young woman whose parents worked in government offices, and her uncle was a high-ranking officer in a military district. The girl was quite good-looking, though a bit spoiled. Her character was somewhat willful, but she was cheerful. Xu Zhao was aloof, so they seemed to complement each other well.

She had planned to introduce them to each other when Xu Zhao came home at the end of the year. This would solve the problem of her brother’s marriage and, if they became relatives, it would help her husband in his official career. It seemed perfect.

However, her father took it upon himself to arrange a marriage for her brother, leaving no room for change. Her brother got married, and the girl found another partner. The plan was ruined.

Su Ying set down the scissors and forcefully tore open the string. “Not yet. The last time we talked was a month ago. Oh, and there are photos too.”

She picked up a single photo from the package. It showed two young people sitting properly together. Xu Zhao looked as expressionless as ever, while Jiang Suihan smiled sweetly at the camera, her eyes crescent-shaped.

….

She and Wu Guihua had planned to go to the county together. The night before, Xu Zhao said he had a meeting in the county as well, so he drove her there. Once they arrived, they went their separate ways—one to the meeting, the other to shop.

After Xu Zhao finished his meeting and saw that it was still early, Jiang Suihan noticed a photo studio by the roadside. She remembered they didn’t have a wedding photo yet, so she dragged him inside for a few shots.

Xu Zhao rarely took photos and disliked facing the camera. He was tense and serious the entire time.

The photographer poked his head out from behind the camera. “Don’t be so tense, relax a bit. Come on, smile.”

Jiang Suihan turned to him, unable to stop herself from laughing. “Exactly. It looks like I forced you into this. Smile a bit more, and say ‘cheese’ with me.”

Xu Zhao glanced at her, clearly thinking how silly her words were. Jiang Suihan, annoyed, pinched him on the waist, but his solid muscles made him not feel it. Her hand grew tired.

Seeing his sharply defined profile, Jiang Suihan was inspired and quickly leaned over to peck his left cheek just before the photographer took the shot.

By the time Xu Zhao reacted, the photo was already taken.

Jiang Suihan kept her gaze straight ahead, her face slightly flushed but refusing to look at him.

Xu Zhao’s ears turned red instantly. He glanced at her quickly and whispered, “Stop fooling around.”

The photographer was delighted. Jiang Suihan had each photo printed in duplicate, spending over four dollars in total.

Jiang Suihan was too embarrassed to include the photo where she had stolen a kiss, as she still cared about her image. That evening, while she was taking a shower and had forgotten her hair tie, she caught a glimpse of Xu Zhao smiling at the corner of his mouth as he stared at that photo for a long time.

He secretly complained that he seemed to be taken advantage of in the photo studio. He kept a distance from her when walking on the street. Look at this night, his true nature was revealed without a doubt, in two words, repressed and sultry.

Su Ying couldn’t stop admiring the photos: “These two really make a good match. Look how well-suited they are, both so good-looking.”

She had already begun to imagine how beautiful and adorable their future grandchildren would be. The more she thought about it, the more eager she was to call and urge them to have children soon.

Xu Xiaoling curiously leaned in. “Where is it? Let me see.”

She snatched the photo from her mother’s hand. Wow, they do look good. My brother’s looks aren’t exaggerated. Among the entire compound and even in the area, he’s among the best. Back when he was in school, many girls followed him around. It’s surprising that his wife is as attractive as he is. They really are a perfect pair.

Su Ying was worried her daughter might damage the photos, so she didn’t grab them back. Instead, she pulled out a letter from the package, written by Jiang Suihan.

The letter started with greetings. Since Xu Zhao was often away, his parents surely missed updates about him. Jiang Suihan wrote about everything in detail, including minor things like how Jiang Leyun had been tricked into kneading dough and sneezed, causing flour to scatter. Even these small details were mentioned. She concluded by listing the items she bought, noting that some had a short shelf life and needed to be consumed quickly.

Xu Xiaoling noticed her mother reading the letter with a smile and leaned in to ask, “What did it say? Have you finished reading it? Let me see.”

Su Ying handed the letter to her daughter and rubbed her cheeks. “You can read it. We’ll show it to your grandfather and father when they get home tonight.”

She thought to herself that her daughter-in-law was quite considerate to write back. The letter was witty and humorous, making people smile.

Xu Xiaoling skimmed through the letter quickly. “I didn’t realize Xu Zhao had this side to him—he kept it well-hidden. Mom, I have to admit, this young couple seems quite sweet. Dad made a good choice here.”

Back then, when her father hastily arranged the marriage for Xu Zhao without even meeting the person, the family had strong opinions. They thought her father was too traditional, making decisions about his children’s lives without considering modern concepts of free love. Her mother was nearly driven mad by this.