Chapter 9: Looking for Trouble

The next morning, Ye Fan and her sister-in-law each rode a 28-inch bicycle to the supply and marketing cooperative.

Li Mingyue had originally thought that the Chen family was too poor to afford a bicycle, and that Chen Xiaohui hadn’t learned how to ride one in the countryside, which was why she offered to take her there. However, Chen Xiaohui could ride, so Li Mingyue asked her to ride her mother-in-law’s bicycle and follow her.

The Ye family lived southeast of the supply and marketing cooperative, and the Geng family lived northwest of it. The cooperative was three miles from the Ye family’s home, but less than two miles from the Geng family’s, and they didn’t need to cross any roads. If it weren’t for Yu Wentao being so busy, Tao Chunlan wouldn’t have been willing to let Ye Fan stay at home.

Yu Wentao woke up early, having breakfast ready by 6:30. After Ye Fan and Geng Zhiqin finished their meal and went to the cooperative, Chen Xiaohui and Li Mingyue only just left their house. While waiting for Chen Xiaohui to arrive, Ye Fan spoke to the director, suggesting that if Chen Xiaohui couldn’t handle the job, they should replace her with Xiaoqin.

The director chuckled and teased, “I was just telling your sister-in-law this morning, Ye Fan is generous—when it comes to work, she says it’s fine to pass it on.”

“It’s just a job,” Ye Fan said dismissively, “Do I lack work?”

The director nodded, “Still the Ye Miss I know. But think about it, I’m telling her to stay for a day—”

“Stop right there! She has no grudges with you. If you make things difficult for her, everyone will know I’m the one behind it, or maybe you’re just helping me vent. If she can’t stay here, won’t my mom have to worry about it? Not to mention how much she’s done raising Dabao and Erbao for me these past few years, I can’t be adding to my mom’s troubles.” Ye Fan voiced her dislike for Chen Xiaohui to her father, but she didn’t encourage any further conflict. She didn’t want her father to dislike Chen Xiaohui in the future. Even if she couldn’t drive the person out of the house, it would only lead to her father getting upset with himself.

Although Ye Fan was usually forthright, there were exceptions, which is why the director had said what he did earlier: “So what’s the reason?”

“My mother-in-law insists I’m not being impartial.”

When the director heard that Ye Fan truly had no such intention, he quickly changed the subject: “We all thought you’d have Xiaoqin step in.”

Ye Fan replied, “After I leave, ask Chen Xiaohui if she can drive a three-wheeled cart, if she wants to pick up goods and sell vegetables, or if she wants Xiaoqin to handle the accounts.”

“Do you think she can handle it?” The director was doubtful.

Ye Fan nodded, “She’s been in the countryside for many years and knows how to deal with the locals. She’s also been to high school, and she managed to make it all the way from Shencheng in one piece. Her mind is sharp enough to handle this.”

“Since that’s the case, and with you guiding her, she should be able to sort out the accounts.”

Chen Xiaohui saw that the accounts were simple, and after half a day of training with Ye Fan, she said she had learned it.

Ye Fan watched her speak with confidence, her handwriting neat and orderly, and the abacus clicking away accurately. Ye Fan agreed to let her give it a try.

However, when it came to public matters, Ye Fan couldn’t afford to be careless. Before heading home, she secretly instructed the cashier to help Chen Xiaohui if she came across anything she didn’t understand. Outside, she saw Geng Zhiqin…

“Qin, also ask Geng Zhiqin to give Chen Xiaohui a ride home after work, in case she gets lost.”

Geng Zhiqin muttered, “She’s not a child, can’t she just ask if she takes the wrong path?”

“She just returned from the countryside, and she’s never been to the capital before.”

Geng Zhiqin waved his hand distractedly, “Got it.”

Ye Fan didn’t feel entirely at ease, but after thinking it over, she didn’t see any immediate concerns, so she went home to be with the children.

Around noon, Ye Fan and her mother-in-law were in the kitchen when they heard the sound of clanging. Ye Fan went outside and saw Geng Zhiqin pushing a cart inside, his face long. “Is there a problem?” she asked.

Geng Zhiqin froze for a moment, then shook his head. “Who would dare cause trouble at the supply and marketing cooperative? They’d be asking for trouble.”

Ye Fan raised an eyebrow. “That’s quite a bold statement.”

“Well, it’s true. If they don’t buy rice, flour, or oil from him, what will they eat?” Geng Zhiqin set the cart down and went to wash his hands. Erbao came running out with candy. “Aunt, candy!”

Geng Zhiqin picked up his niece and kissed her on the cheek. “Erbao is such a good girl, my little darling.”

Geng Zhiye said, “She’s had enough.”

“Well, I’m happy to spoil her.” Geng Zhiqin carried his niece to the main room.

Ye Fan asked, “Really, nothing happened?”

“I was just startled by a dog.” Geng Zhiqin didn’t want his sister-in-law to feel torn. “If I hadn’t seen she was already taken, I would’ve gone to the street authorities about that dog biting people. It should be put down humanely.”

Ye Fan asked, “Did you argue with the dog’s owner?”

Geng Zhiqin shook his head.

Ye Fan didn’t believe him, but it didn’t seem like a big deal, so she went back to the kitchen to continue washing vegetables.

Geng Zhiye gave his sister a look, signaling to step outside for a chat.

Geng Zhiqin handed his niece to her father, then leaned against the wall outside. “I knew I couldn’t hide it from you.”

“I’ve been out with Dabao and Erbao these past couple of days and haven’t seen anyone with dogs. You’re just taking advantage of the fact that your sister-in-law isn’t around and talking nonsense. What exactly happened?”

It wasn’t really a big deal.

Before getting off work, Geng Zhiqin went to find Chen Xiaohui, asking if she needed him to walk her home. Chen Xiaohui initially said it wasn’t necessary, but then she asked if it would be too much trouble for him to accompany her for a bit, as she wasn’t familiar with the area.

Geng Zhiqin thought to himself, Third Sister-in-law really is something, she even anticipated this.

After leaving the supply and marketing cooperative, Chen Xiaohui mentioned that she had heard of Geng Zhiqin, probably from the elders of the Ye family. Geng Zhiqin nodded but didn’t say anything.

Chen Xiaohui continued chatting with him, asking how old he was, how many years of schooling he had, and whether he had been formally employed. Out of respect for his sister-in-law, Geng Zhiqin patiently answered. When they reached a turn in the road, Geng Zhiqin pointed ahead. “Just keep going east, past the familiar houses, and cross the street—you’ll be at Ye’s place.”

Chen Xiaohui thanked him, and as Geng Zhiqin was about to leave, she added, “I’m twenty.”

“You’re still young, no need to rush into marriage.” Geng Zhiqin subconsciously nodded. But the more he thought about it on his way home, the more something seemed off. Chen Xiaohui had spoken to him in a tone like she was an elder, as if he were the one who was neglecting his duties and couldn’t live without a man.

Geng Zhiqin voiced his thoughts and couldn’t help but curse. “Third Brother, do you think she’s crazy? It’s just so ridiculous. And it’s my mom’s fault for always pushing me to go on blind dates. Now look what’s happened.”

“Even Chen Xiaohui knows how desperate I am to get married.”

Geng Zhiye didn’t expect it to be related to her. “I should have never asked.”

“Is she really crazy?” Geng Zhiqin crossed his arms, looking a bit scared.

Geng Zhiye replied, “From now on, just treat her like a distant relative you greet when you see her but keep your distance and don’t interact privately.”

“Shouldn’t we be a little cautious?”

Geng Zhiye shook his head. “If she had bad intentions, it would be easier to deal with. By the way, no matter what you hear at the supply and marketing cooperative these days, just pretend you don’t know anything. And you absolutely cannot tell your sister-in-law. Once I manage to send her off, you can talk freely with Dad and Aunt Yu.”

“Can Sister-in-law really go back on her word now? Dabao’s school has already been withdrawn.”

Geng Zhiye replied, “If my mother-in-law says she’s still worried about Chen Xiaohui, Ye Fan won’t dare let me leave first.”

To avoid anyone from the supply and marketing cooperative coming to their home, after lunch, Geng Zhiye suggested taking the children out to play. Dabao and Erbao were so excited that they skipped their afternoon nap.

The next day, Ye Fan and Geng Zhiye took the children out again, visiting relatives. First, they went to Geng Zhiye’s uncle’s house, and then to the Tao family’s home, where they personally explained the “switched at birth” situation.

The relatives from both the Geng and Ye families found the matter absurd and uncomfortable, but the attitude of Geng Zhiye and Ye Fan told them to treat it as just gaining another relative. Once the two families calmed down, they accepted Chen Xiaohui’s presence.

Once everything that needed to be explained was done, Geng Zhiye told Ye Fan to go to the Ye family to pack up her and the children’s clothes.

Tao Chunlan looked at Ye Fan’s now-empty wardrobe and dressing table, and her heart felt empty as well. Her eyes filled with tears, and she looked upset.

Ye Fan helplessly put her arm around her shoulder. “Mom, I’m not going to the front lines, just to the military base. Besides, the train is convenient, and if you’re free, you can always come visit for a few days.”

Tao Chunlan sighed. “But I can’t just leave.”

Tao Chunlan rarely cried, and she felt a bit embarrassed about it.

Geng Zhiye said, “Chen Xiaohui can take care of herself.”

“That’s not the point. You leave first, and I follow right after… she wouldn’t know what to think.”

Ye Fan laughed. “By the time I get settled over there, what would you even come for? Of course, you can go after the New Year.”

“But it’s only the fourth month of the lunar year.”

Ye Fan had never been away from Tao Chunlan for more than a month. Geng Zhiye, though he understood his mother-in-law, was also getting annoyed. “Why does she have to be so clingy with her daughter?”

He was annoyed. It was ridiculous that Ye Fan even said her mother opposed her going to the military base because she was worried Dabao and Erbao wouldn’t be able to adjust.

Only she herself believed that!

“So, should I go back from here?” Ye Fan took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears. “It’s convenient to take the bus from here.”

Tao Chunlan replied, “Tell your dad to drive you.”

Geng Zhiye wanted to facepalm. “Dad just got back a few days ago. Do you want him to make a special trip out just to send you? What would others think?”

Tao Chunlan responded, “Then you go back and bring the things over. You’ll stay here for the next couple of days.”

It wasn’t hard to understand why his father-in-law often complained about him being raised by the Ye family. Geng Zhiye joked, “My second brother and sister-in-law are coming back in a couple of days. We’ll come over the day after tomorrow.”

“Your tickets for the day after tomorrow!” Tao Chunlan couldn’t help but raise her voice.

Geng Zhiye didn’t want to argue with her. “Get the things ready first. Fan Fan, don’t bring Erbao’s old clothes. Take one of your winter coats, and pack a few pairs of thick wool pants and boots. It’s cold and damp in the South, your feet and legs will freeze.”

As soon as Tao Chunlan heard this, she said, “Fan Fan, I’ll pack it. You go pick up Dabao and Erbao.”

“Are you not afraid of my in-laws coming to scold you?” Dabao and Erbao’s looks perfectly avoided their parents’ flaws. Yu Wentao loved to show them off wherever she went. Geng’s father also liked the grandchildren who didn’t cry or make a fuss, and who loved to eat and play.

Once the kids leave, it would be at least a year before they return. If they were brought over now, Geng’s father might really scold them.

Tao Chunlan said, “They’ve been gone for more than ten days.”

Ye Fan replied, “But they’ve been living with us all these years. You and Dad can go visit for a few days, but my father-in-law’s health won’t allow it.”

“Well, considering he can’t take care of himself, I suppose it’s fine.”

Does she even know how to speak? Geng Zhiye thought. My dad just needs to take medicine regularly.

Ye Fan packed two bundles full and then went with Geng Zhiye back to her in-laws’ house.

The next morning, the couple went to the Friendship Store to buy a big bag of food and supplies. When they got home, they divided it into three parts: one for their niece and nephew, one for Geng Zhiqi, and the last one kept in a bag for the family of four to use on the road.

Yu Wentao took the luncheon meat and said, “Pack it for Dabao and Erbao.”

Geng Zhiqi reached out to snatch it away. “How are you going to eat it on the train?”

“You how are you going to eat? There’s no bread.”

“Can’t you put it in steamed bun slices? If you’re really concerned about them, then buy two roasted ducks or braised chickens. Dabao and Erbao can hold them and nibble on them.”

Yu Wentao hadn’t thought about taking braised chicken on the train. “Do they allow you to bring that?”

“Steamed buns and cola can be brought too,” Geng Zhiqi said as he put the things in the room and locked it. “Are you going or not? If you’re going, I’ll take you, but when you come back, you can take the bus yourself.”

Yu Wentao loved to stir up trouble.

“Get the money from the house.”

When they reached the alley, Geng Zhiqi began setting her up: “Mom, tomorrow, my third sister-in-law and third brother are going to the Ye family, and from there, they’ll go to the train station. Do you know why?”

“Why?”

Geng Zhiqi answered, “Aunt Tao is worried about you. I think you should wait before buying anything. Tomorrow, prepare some food and supplies. They’ll arrive at the Ye family in the morning, and you can go in the afternoon. It’ll be a good chance to see what Chen Xiaohui looks like.”

For the past few days, Yu Wentao had been complaining every time she thought about it, not knowing what kind of person Chen Xiaohui was. She came and immediately started taking over the job.

Upon hearing this, Yu Wentao asked Geng Zhiqi to stop. It wasn’t far from home, so she walked back.

The next evening, when Chen Xiaohui returned from work, Tao Chunlan was in the yard picking vegetables to prepare dinner. Yu Wentao arrived, handed the things she bought to Ye Fan, and then warmly praised her daughter. She said, “You’re so pretty, and you look smart. Unlike my own silly Geng Zhiqin, who’s been working at the supply and marketing cooperative for years and still just sells vegetables. Not like Xiaohui, who became an accountant right after joining.”

Chen Xiaohui’s smile froze, and Ye Fan, noticing this, almost sighed—who brought her here?

“Dabao, Erbao, look what Grandma bought for you.” Ye Fan spoke, and Yu Wentao temporarily spared Chen Xiaohui. “Dabao, Erbao, Grandma bought you a big roast duck and a big marinated chicken. You can eat them on the way.”

Dabao asked, “Can we eat it now?”

“No!” Dabao and Erbao had small appetites and couldn’t finish the food. The daughter-in-law would help them eat, but it was impossible to have Chen Xiaohui just watch. Yu Wentao shook her head. “If you eat now, there won’t be any left for the trip.”

Ye Fan said, “I bought some.”

“You’re the mother, I’m the grandmother. It’s different.”

Ye Fan didn’t want to argue with her. “How did you come here? I’ll take you back.”

“No need for you to take me. I came by bike.”

Ye Fan said, “Then go back. It’s getting dark, it’s not safe to walk.”

Tao Chunlan invited her inside to rest for a while. Chen Xiaohui’s expression slightly changed. Ye Fan again felt like sighing—didn’t she think what she said was harsh enough?

“Xiaoqin should be making dinner now.” Ye Fan stared at her, it was enough already.

Yu Wentao pouted in frustration. “What time are you leaving tomorrow?”

“The earliest bus,” Ye Fan replied.

Yu Wentao asked, “So next time, you’ll have to wait for Third Brother’s day off to come back?”

Ye Fan answered, “I can’t take both of them to change buses on my own.”

Yu Wentao sighed, “By next year, you probably won’t even remember me.” She picked up her little granddaughter. “Erbao, come to Grandma—”

Ye Fan quickly interrupted, “Give her to me! Go home!”