Chapter 117 : Pulling Hair Flowers

Xu Lihua chattered on with her complaints, then suddenly had a bright idea and remembered that Jiang Ting had also gone back to the countryside.

She turned to Lin Hongxia, filled with anticipation, and asked, “Isn’t your Jiang Ting back home too? I bet she’ll bring back quite a bit as well.”

Lin Hongxia thought the same, even if she didn’t bring back as much as Jiang Yu, it wouldn’t be too far off.

With this thought, she felt hopeful too.

Xu Lihua envied her, saying, “Your daughter-in-law is great, she’s willing to go back to the countryside. Just look at my daughter-in-law, she can’t lift a finger! Even washing clothes is like a death sentence for her.”

Lin Hongxia felt that since Jiang Ting had come into the family, she had finally gained some face.

“Jiang Ting may come from humble beginnings, but her character is unquestionable, she works hard.”

Since Jiang Ting arrived, she had been taking care of the household inside and out, which had made things much easier.

By comparison, Xu Lihua felt her own daughter-in-law was lacking in every aspect.

“I just saw Jiang Yu bring back a bunch of fresh matsutake mushrooms. Old Lin, your Jiang Ting is capable, she must have brought back even more. Make sure to share some with me later!”

Lin Hongxia smiled broadly, as if she could already envision the items Jiang Ting would bring back. “Sure, I’ll share some!”

Seeing her agree, Xu Lihua eagerly showered her with praise.

“After all these years of being neighbors, you’re the most open and generous person. No wonder your family is doing so well, it’s all thanks to your good management!”

Lin Hongxia waved her hand in modesty, “We’re all pretty much the same.”

“Not at all! Sun’s family, especially Ruan, is much worse than you. Yesterday, Old Zeng announced his marriage, and that night, Ruan snuck into his room. Who knows what they did in there, did you see it?”

Lin Hongxia was shocked. “Really? I didn’t see that.”

Xu Lihua laughed triumphantly, “No one in this courtyard can escape my watchful eye and ear. Ruan  went to find Zeng Chang because she wants his money, plain and simple.”

Lin Hongxia exclaimed, “That can’t be! If she’s after his money, why not just marry him?”

“You really don’t get it!” Xu Lihua scoffed.

If Sun’s mother remarried, they’d have to live together, right? The room where Zeng Chang lives would definitely be taken back by the factory, which would mean she’d have to share her current space.

There wouldn’t be enough room like before.

It’s not just a housing issue, but also about food, daily necessities, and sleep.

At her age, to find a man to take care of her, she’s got no issues.

To keep Zeng Chang at arm’s length while still enjoying the benefits of his gifts and money without giving anything in return, Sun’s mother is truly clever.

Lin Hongxia nodded in realization, sighing, “I see! I never thought Old Ruan would be that kind of person.”

Just as Xu Lihua was about to continue, a furious shout came from behind, “Xu Lihua!”

She turned around to see Sun’s mother’s face twisted with rage.

Before Xu Lihua could explain, Sun’s mother, who usually seemed weak and gentle, lunged at her and slapped her hard.

The slap left Xu Lihua stunned.

Before she could say anything, another slap came down.

“I’ll teach you to keep your mouth shut! Just because I’m not angry, you think I’m a sick cat?”

Lin Hongxia quickly backed away, fearing she might get caught in the crossfire.

She didn’t expect this seemingly frail woman to be so fierce when it came to fighting.

Xu Lihua wasn’t a pushover either, she wasn’t just good with her words but also knew how to fight back. She grabbed Sun’s mother, causing her face to contort and let out pig-like squeals.

Jiang Yu, who had been peeling persimmons in the yard, couldn’t help but peek out to watch the commotion.

What a sight it was! The fight was intense!

Xu Lihua and Sun’s mother were tugging at each other’s hair, throwing punches energetically from the entrance to the yard.

Xu Lihua was quick with her words and not only hit but also kept taunting.

“What did I say wrong? I saw you enter Zeng Chang’s room last night, you were in there for at least half an hour! What could you possibly do in half an hour that I need to spell out?”

“You shameless thing, how much have you taken from Zeng Chang over the years? Letting that fool spend money and do all the work, even using the gifts the factory gives him, and then you dare say it has nothing to do with you!”

“Now that you see he’s getting married, you rush to offer yourself. Don’t you think? He’s marrying a twenty-something young woman, who would look at an old woman like you!”

Jiang Yu’s jaw dropped. Sun’s mother really went into Zeng Chang’s room last night?

How did she miss that?

“Jiang Yu, let me help you peel persimmons.”

Sister Lin came in with a small stool, ignoring the ruckus outside.

Jiang Yu made space for her but couldn’t help stealing glances outside.

Finally, the two fighters were separated by the Old Duan, who had just returned to the courtyard.

Sun’s mother covered her face and cried, explaining her grievances to Duan.

Xu Lihua refused to back down, insisting she wasn’t spreading rumors, as many others had seen it too.

Sun’s mother sobbed, “I just went to congratulate him! Why do you think the worst of us? I’m old enough to be a grandmother, how am I supposed to live with this?”

Xu Lihua smirked, “Alright, alright, you two are innocent, it’s my fault for being nosy. Is that enough?”

Old Duan, looking serious, reprimanded, “Next time, mind your own words! And you too, Ruan Xiuyu, knowing your age, you should set a good example and behave yourself.”

Both sides got scolded, which was fair enough.

Jiang Yu secretly asked, “So Ruan really went into Uncle Zeng’s room?”

Lin Donghua looked at her with curiosity and couldn’t help but laugh.

“How could I be lying?”

“Wow, half an hour?”

Lin Donghua shook her head. “I didn’t time it, but it definitely wasn’t just a casual visit.”

“Wow, is your cousin really going to marry Uncle Zeng?”

Jiang Yu shrugged, casually replying, “I’m not sure, I don’t have a close relationship with that cousin.”

“That’s good otherwise, things would get complicated.” Lin Donghua, having been in the courtyard longer, understood Sun’s mother’s character.

She rarely fought seriously, often using softer tactics that didn’t hurt but were annoying.

Zeng Chang, being unclear-headed, would also be a burden if he married her.

Jiang Yu wasn’t concerned and smiled.

“Everyone has different interests, just because we think it’s bad doesn’t mean my cousin feels the same.”

Sister Lin chuckled, realizing something.

“That’s true. These matsutake mushrooms you’re drying look good, they seem tender.”

Jiang Yu generously said, “If you want some, take a handful to stir-fry, they’re fresh.”

Lin Donghua quickly declined, “No, no, but my Huzi loves persimmons. Can I take two home?”

“Of course! Take more if you want, there are plenty.”

Lin Donghua still insisted, “Just two, I don’t want to keep taking your things when you have many kids at home.”