Chapter 15: The Vicious Female Supporting Character in the 1980s (15)

Since the beginning of the year, maybe because kids had more red envelope money, the sales of the magazine ‘Happy Children’ kept hitting new highs, even breaking into the top ten children’s magazines nationwide.

Moreover, the numbers kept rising, showing a trend of pushing forward.

In the same month Chen Guoliang helped Su Qin apply for a raise in her article fee, her payment doubled. To make her provide exclusive reports for their magazine, the editor-in-chief promised that if sales improved further, they would continue to increase the pay.

Besides this, Su Qin could also submit articles to their other magazines, which will be given priority.

Su Qin received her article fee and salary, gathered enough money, and planned to buy a desk and two chairs over the weekend.

She had just stepped out when she ran into Cheng Wenfeng.

They lived across from each other and worked at the same factory. Recently, they often met going to and from work early in the morning or evening and sometimes walked together, chatting casually.

“Morning.” Su Qin smiled and greeted.

“Morning.” Cheng Wenfeng looked at her and asked, “Are you going to the bookstore?”

“No, I’m going to buy a desk today.”

Cheng Wenfeng handed her a bag.

“What did you bring for me again? I feel embarrassed.”

Cheng Wenfeng had brought her cured meat two days ago, sweet cake the day before that, and previously some vegetables and various fruits and pastries. He said these were leftovers from Cheng Lan or others who couldn’t finish them.

As a courtesy, Su Qin occasionally brought him things she bought herself or returned the favor.

“My aunt brought over a big bag of flat peaches and asked me to give some to friends. I also have to send a bag to He Peng.” Cheng Wenfeng said this, trying hard to clarify it wasn’t just for her.

“Oh, thanks.” Su Qin took the bag and turned to open the door. “I’ll put it away first. The weather is dry lately, so eating fruit is good.”

Seeing she didn’t doubt him, Cheng Wenfeng sighed in relief.

They walked out of the alley together. Cheng Wenfeng casually asked, “Where are you buying the desk?”

“Just at Xinghai Furniture on South Street. Last time I went there was no stock. They told me to come today.”

Cheng Wenfeng asked, “What kind of wood is it made of?”

“Oak.” Su Qin replied, then added, “I just want to use it for now. The college entrance exam is coming soon. Writing on the kang is inconvenient and hurts my neck.”

She felt like she had gotten a great deal. “It’s only five yuan after the big discount, and delivery is free within three kilometers!”

Cheng Wenfeng looked at her and spoke softly, “That store has big discounts regularly, but in reality, their prices are higher than others. The wood isn’t good either.”

“!” Su Qin suddenly stopped, looking very disappointed. “Really?”

“Did you pay a deposit?”

“Two yuan.” Su Qin looked pained. “The boss said he had to restock and couldn’t refund the deposit. At first, he wanted eight yuan, but after I argued for a while, he agreed to sell it to me for five!”

It turned out it was all a trap.

“Try to see if you can get your money back.” Cheng Wenfeng walked ahead.

Su Qin happily followed close behind.

Two yuan could buy how many meat buns?

They arrived at Xinghai Furniture. When the owner saw Su Qin, he immediately greeted her with a big smile. “The desk has arrived. You said you wanted two chairs that day. Take a look at the styles you want. I’ll give you a discount once you decide.”

Seeing the owner’s sincere face and remembering Cheng Wenfeng said the store’s prices were high and there was no real discount, Su Qin felt cheated and said on the spot, “I don’t want the desk anymore. Please refund my deposit.”

The moment the owner heard she wanted a refund, his smile disappeared. He frowned and said angrily, “Young lady, I told you already. This is a special order and can’t be returned. If you don’t want it, the deposit won’t be refunded.”

Su Qin was displeased. “You don’t have a real big discount at all.”

“How isn’t it?” The owner stepped closer, trying to intimidate her with his presence. “I told you everything clearly that day. Don’t talk nonsense. If you hadn’t bargained for so long, I would’ve sold it to someone else for eight or nine yuan. I’m just saying—”

Before the owner could continue, Cheng Wenfeng stepped in front of her with a dark and intimidating look. The owner swallowed his words and stammered, “Anyway, discounted goods can’t be returned.”

“You sell something worth two or three yuan for five and still act so aggressively?” Cheng Wenfeng’s sharp gaze froze on the owner like cold light.

The owner looked flustered and like a deflated balloon, but he still tried to argue, “It’s not two or three yuan! You’re lying!”

Two minutes later, Su Qin got her two yuan deposit back and left the store with Cheng Wenfeng.

She was happy but also angry, “Why do people only bully the weak?”

“Many people are like that.” Cheng Wenfeng sighed silently, especially those as innocent as her who are easy to deceive and bully.

He had been worried that something like this would happen, and in the end, it did — but luckily, this time she only lost some money to a scam.

“You just said elsewhere they only sell for two or three yuan, where exactly?” Su Qin turned her head to ask him.

“Let’s first find He Peng and borrow a tricycle from him to go and bring it back.”

Cheng Wenfeng and Su Qin headed toward the canning factory.

Before they reached the employee’s dormitory, he said to her, “Why don’t you wait here? I’ll go find him.”

“I’ll be under that tree,” Su Qin understood what he meant. She didn’t want to run into the Su family either, so she pointed to a tree not far away.

“Okay.”

Su Qin walked to the tree and rested her back against it.

She waited a while, but Cheng Wenfeng didn’t come down. Instead, she saw Liu Mei’s son Zhao Yong come out of the Su family’s place. A woman followed him down the stairs.

Su Qin hid behind the tree, turning sideways.

Zhao Yong and the woman didn’t see her and walked ahead. Zhao Yong reached out to the woman, “Where’s the red envelope my mom gave you for meeting me? Give it to me.”

The woman reluctantly took out a large bill. Zhao Yong took it and said, “Only ten yuan?”

“What did you expect?” The woman pouted.

Zhao Yong said, “I already told her I’m definitely going to marry you and made her save face, so how come it’s only ten yuan?”

“How would I know? Your mom’s stingy,” the woman said, annoyed.

“Don’t talk nonsense, or I’ll hit you.” Zhao Yong raised his hand threateningly, and the woman instinctively blocked it. He looked around and then put his hand down, “Next time I bring you here, you can pretend to have morning sickness. I’ll go back and tell my mom that you’re pregnant and ask her to give you the betrothal money. If she can’t come up with the money, you can say you want to abort the baby, understand?”

“What if your mom actually manages to come up with the money?”

Zhao Yong rolled his eyes, “Of course she can. Then I’ll give you some money. You just disappear, and I’ll say you ran off with the money.”

The woman said, “You’re really going to take your mom’s life savings?”

“That’s the old man’s savings. My mother slept with him for so long. What’s wrong with her giving me some money? I’m waiting to use it.” Zhao Yong finished and then coaxed the woman, “Once I win this time, we’ll buy a house and get married. Who cares about living in that old man’s small house? Then he can pass his job to you, and you become a formal worker at the factory. I’ll go outside and make the big money.”

Zhao Yong painted such a rosy picture that the woman was nearly overwhelmed. She smiled brightly.

After they left, Su Qin came out and looked toward the direction Zhao Yong had gone. Then she glanced at the Su family with a bitter feeling.

Liu Mei had fought so hard for this son, but it seemed he didn’t even appreciate it.

Not far away, a tricycle arrived. He Peng saw Su Qin and said, “Isn’t that Su Qin? Didn’t she cut ties with the Su family? Why is she here?”

Before he finished, Cheng Wenfeng stopped the tricycle, and Su Qin got on, giving He Peng a polite smile.

He Peng: “…”

Wow, wow, wow.

Cheng Wenfeng told him he wanted to borrow the tricycle to help a friend move furniture. Since He Peng had free time, he came along without asking further questions. But that friend turned out to be Su Qin.

When did they become friends? Weren’t they just two people who disliked each other as blind date candidates?

Cheng Wenfeng drove the tricycle to a furniture wholesale warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The person in charge recognized him and, learning Su Qin wanted to buy a desk, took her to pick one from the back.

Complete range and low price.

One desk and two nice solid wood chairs cost only four yuan in total.

Su Qin paid, and Cheng Wenfeng called to He Peng, who was standing nearby, “Come help.”

“Oh.” He Peng snapped out of his thoughts and hurried over to do the heavy work.

Cheng Wenfeng drove the tricycle back, Su Qin got off to open the door, and He Peng and Cheng Wenfeng helped carry the desk inside and set it up.

After the desk was placed, Cheng Wenfeng walked out quickly, seeing Su Qin struggling to carry a chair. He reached out to take it, “I’ll do it, you can’t carry this.”

“Thank you.”

Cheng Wenfeng looked at He Peng and said, “You go carry the other one.”

He Peng’s eyes flickered between the two of them, then silently went to carry a chair.

Cheng Wenfeng showing attentiveness to a girl was truly shocking news.

After setting up the desk and chairs, Su Qin looked at the wall behind, “It’d be nice to have a bookshelf, but I don’t like any of the ones in the store.”

“Is there a style you like? I can help you find someone to make one,” Cheng Wenfeng replied.

Su Qin was pleasantly surprised, “Really?”

Cheng Wenfeng nodded, “There’s a carpenter near the board store. You just buy the wood and pay the craftsman a bit. It’ll probably be cheaper than buying.”

“I’ll draw the design and give it to you.”

“Okay.”

The three walked into the yard. Su Qin washed some peaches and gave one to each of them, thanking them sincerely, “Thank you so much. Without you, I definitely couldn’t have brought it back alone and would’ve gotten scammed.”

She spoke genuinely and even washed peaches for them. He Peng’s impression of Su Qin instantly improved, and he chuckled, “I was just at home with nothing to do, no need to be polite.”

Su Qin smiled.

“You live alone here? Not bad.” He Peng sat on the steps, biting into a peach. “These peaches are sweet and delicious.”

“I’ll wash another one for you.” Su Qin immediately got up and went to wash one for him, then wanted to give another to Cheng Wenfeng.

“I’m not eating,” Cheng Wenfeng said.

“If you’re not eating, give it to me. These peaches are so tasty.” He Peng reached out and took it from her, eating while asking, “Where did these peaches come from? So good.”

Su Qin answered, “Team Leader Cheng brought them. Cheng Wenfeng couldn’t finish eating, so he said he would send you a bag too.”

“You still have a bag?” He Peng took a big bite and started planning, “I’ll take it home and share some with my colleagues.”

He looked very happy and didn’t notice Cheng Wenfeng didn’t respond.

They didn’t stay long at Su Qin’s place. After He Peng left, he followed Cheng Wenfeng back to his home. As soon as they entered, He Peng followed closely, asking, “Do you like that Su Qin?”

Cheng Wenfeng ignored him.

“You definitely like her. I’ve never seen you act like this toward any other girl. That time we ran into her at the dorm entrance, you were different. You actually walked off with her.” He Peng recalled, then confirmed again, “Do you like her?”

Cheng Wenfeng looked at him with a blank expression. “And then?”

“You really do like her!” He Peng’s eyes widened, almost jumping in excitement.

Cheng Wenfeng turned and walked to the kitchen to feed the chickens, not bothering with his overreacting friend.

He Peng looked curious again and asked, “Are you pursuing her? Did you win her over?”

Cheng Wenfeng paused and looked at him with dark eyes. “Do you have any good ideas?”

That meant he hadn’t won her over yet.

“That’s easy. You live so close, just invite her to dinner or a movie. Have you asked her to watch a movie?” He Peng asked.

Cheng Wenfeng frowned in thought. “She has to take the college entrance exam. She has no time. Besides work, she also goes to the bookstore to study.”

He Peng twitched his mouth. “She still has to take the college entrance exam?”

That was really a bit of a problem.

He thought for a moment. “How about just finding a chance to confess directly?”

“Will that affect her college entrance exam? She’s really busy these days.” Cheng Wenfeng hadn’t found a suitable moment to speak up either.

He was afraid of scaring her.

“That’s true. She rejected you at the matchmaking last time. If she rejects you again—”

“That was because of the college entrance exam.” Cheng Wenfeng interrupted. “She told my aunt that.”

“I see. Then you’ll have to wait until after the exam. She probably has to take it again to give up completely.” He Peng had heard about Su Qin’s previous college entrance exam score. He figured this time wouldn’t be much better and thought she just didn’t want to give up.

Seeing that He Peng didn’t have any good ideas, Cheng Wenfeng ignored him and continued with his own work.

He Peng yawned. “I’m going back.”

“Mm.”

He waited for a long time. When Cheng Wenfeng didn’t respond, he reminded him, “Where are my peaches? I’ll just take them with me to save you a trip.”

Su Qin had just said that Cheng Wenfeng would also give him a bag.

When he mentioned it, Cheng Wenfeng turned around and narrowed his sharp eyes at him, speaking in a deep voice. “You already ate three. How many more do you want?”

He had calculated exactly enough for her for a week, and today He Peng had eaten so many already. He hadn’t even settled the score with him yet.

In the end, He Peng stood at Cheng Wenfeng’s door holding two jars of pickled vegetables and a can of fish. He stared at the tightly shut door, blinking, then blinked again, completely confused.

Seriously, he only ate three.

Did that mean there really wasn’t a bag of peaches for him? But that was what Su Qin told him. Didn’t she say Cheng Lan brought a whole big bag that they couldn’t finish?

He Peng looked at the pickled vegetables in his arms. Fine, there was still canned fish. He would take it to Liu Xiaoyan.

Thinking this, he felt happy again.

*

At night.

Su Qin sat at her newly bought desk. After doing a few practice papers last night, she drew two sketches. Right before going to sleep, inspiration suddenly hit her, and she wrote an article.

The magazine accepted both illustrations and articles. Since she could earn manuscript fees either way, and she currently lacked money, she also wanted to buy herself a more comfortable quilt and new clothes.

The next day, when she handed her drawings to Chen Guoliang, she also gave him the article.

Chen Guoliang had just finished reading it and immediately took it to the editor-in-chief. The editor approved it on the spot and even said to Su Qin, “This topic is very well chosen. I didn’t expect your writing to be this good too.”

Su Qin replied modestly, “It just came to me suddenly. Mainly, I want to earn some manuscript fees.”

Her honest attitude made both of them laugh. The atmosphere immediately lightened. They even chatted about the next issue of Happy Children.

When Su Qin came out, she saw Zhou Zhiyuan. The two brushed past each other. He stopped in his tracks, but she didn’t even turn her head.

Zhou Zhiyuan’s eyes showed disappointment. That sense of confusion rose up again.

Before, the Zhou family all wished Su Qin would stop causing trouble and not cling to him. Mother Zhou even told him to negotiate with Su Qin and use some money to appease her.

They never expected that the once constantly noisy Su Qin would now cut ties with both their families so thoroughly.

Father Su had already made it clear that Su Qin wouldn’t be supporting him in his old age. After Su Yue returned to school, the room she and Su Qin had shared was also given to Zhao Yong.

It was said he would raise Zhao Yong like their own son and rely on him for support in the future.

Su Qin and Zhou Zhiyuan’s connection seemed to be getting further and further apart. So far apart that they hadn’t seen each other in a long time.

*

The article Su Qin submitted was published in the following month. It was not only printed but placed in a very prominent position, even promoted on the cover.

She had no idea. She was still in the workshop listening to Zhou Xiufang bragging to her coworkers about her daughter Wang Zhuzhu’s good scores in the recent mock exam.

Zhou Xiufang deliberately raised her voice while glancing at Su Qin. “The teacher said, if she keeps up these scores, never mind junior college, she could get into university.”

“Your Zhuzhu is really good at studying.”

“When she gets accepted, will you treat us to a celebration banquet?”

“If she gets into university, that’s something special.”

Everyone chimed in, one after another, full of praise.

Zhou Xiufang believed it all and continued, “Her improved scores this time are all thanks to Su Yue tutoring her through the whole vacation. Especially her Chinese. Her essay scores rose so fast. No wonder she’s someone who can get published.”

Just after she finished speaking, the workshop supervisor walked in holding a magazine and said with a smile, “Our comrade Su Qin wrote an article that got published. I think it’s excellent.”

“The title of the article is The Spiritual Independence of Women in the New Era. It’s really well-written. Not only should we carry half the sky, our spirits should also be liberated and independent.”

After saying that, the workshop supervisor looked at Su Qin with admiration. “I didn’t expect comrade Su Qin to be not only good at drawing but also such a sharp writer. Not only did our Old Chen praise you, even the editor-in-chief said you have great literary talent and couldn’t believe someone like you came from our factory.”

Such a string of compliments made Su Qin a little embarrassed. “It was just a sudden idea. Mainly I just wanted to earn some manuscript fees. It’s not as amazing as you say.”

“Look at you, still being modest. You’re so young, you have a bright future ahead of you.” The workshop supervisor looked at her, the more she looked, the more she liked her.

After she left, the people in the workshop couldn’t help but express their surprise. “You published an article too? And such an impressive one?”

“No, I just casually wrote one——”

“You’re incredible if even something you casually wrote is this good.” Chen Feng gave her a thumbs-up with a face full of admiration.

Who still remembered what Zhou Xiufang had just said about Su Yue? Didn’t she only publish one article? But Su Qin published illustrations every month and casually wrote one article that was praised by the editor-in-chief. Even the workshop supervisor, who was an educated person, said it was well written.

Then it must be good.

The news of Su Qin’s article being published quickly spread to the workshop where Liu Mei worked. She had just gone to the restroom, and when she came out, she overheard someone talking about it:

“Before, I heard Liu Mei say how amazing Su Yue was. Now I think Su Qin isn’t as bad as they made her out to be. I heard from the workshop supervisor that the article was really well written and spoke up specifically for us women.”

“Exactly. She doesn’t just write articles, she also publishes illustrations in every issue and contributes to several magazines. I heard they even invited her to work at the magazine, but she said she’s preparing for the college entrance exam.”

“You guys don’t get it, do you? Su Yue came from the countryside. How could she pose any threat to Liu Mei? Of course, Liu Mei had to butter her up. But Su Qin is different. If they don’t drive her away, how will Liu Mei’s son take over Old Su’s job? Of course Liu Mei goes around badmouthing Su Qin.”

“That Su Yue isn’t a good person either. Zhou Zhiyuan was engaged to Su Qin first, and she came and snatched her fiancé. Old Su is really foolish, raising someone else’s son for them. He won’t end up with anything good in the end.”

……

Liu Mei listened to them gossip, nearly choking on her own breath, but she forcefully held herself back from rushing out to confront them.

She was from the countryside and had pulled strings to get this job. She had always tried hard to get along with everyone. She once thought she had a good relationship with them and secretly felt proud of it. She didn’t expect that these people were all two-faced.

Ever since Su Qin left the Su family, she had been waiting to see her make a fool of herself. A young girl like that—where could she go after leaving home?

Even if she had money, how could she survive?

Maybe she would even beg to come back.

Unexpectedly, Su Qin immediately used that money to buy a house. It might be a bit run-down, but she could live in it. And now she even got an article published. She was clearly living a comfortable life.

Liu Mei had been so angry these past few months that she couldn’t sleep at night.

She had never known Su Qin could write and refused to believe it.

After Su Qin left home, Su Yue also entered graduation season and started coming home more often. One day, just as she got back and hadn’t even taken off her shoes, Liu Mei couldn’t help asking, “Su Qin published an article. Did she take one of your manuscripts?”

Hearing that, Su Yue was stunned.

On one hand, she hadn’t expected Su Qin to have something published. On the other, Liu Mei’s somewhat twisted expression looked unfamiliar to her.

In her memory, this stepmother had always been kind and gentle, a warm-hearted and soft-spoken person.

Su Yue still shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“How could it be not? You know her college entrance exam scores. Think carefully, did she take any of your manuscripts?” Liu Mei brought over the magazine where Su Qin’s article was published and pointed to one of the pieces.

Su Yue took it and began to read. The more she read, the more shocked she looked.

“Is it yours?” Liu Mei saw her reaction and thought Su Qin really did steal it. “If it’s yours, you should report her.”

“I—I’ve never written an article like this.” Su Yue realized she wouldn’t be able to write something like this either and felt a little panicked. “Did Su Qin really write this?”

Liu Mei acted like she didn’t hear her, her eyes blank as she slumped back on the couch, muttering, “It wasn’t yours? Then how could Su Qin have written it?”

Every time she saw that girl, her face was glowing with health and filled with a mocking look, making Liu Mei want to strangle her.

She looked just like Liu Mei used to—pretending to be clueless while watching the Su family make fools of themselves. Because she had done this herself, seeing Su Qin do it now made her furious.

Su Yue didn’t notice how off Liu Mei was acting. She picked up the article again, still in utter shock. Holding the magazine, she went to find Zhou Zhiyuan for confirmation.

After getting his definite answer, she stood frozen for a long time.

“We should be happy for her. Maybe in the future she’ll get a job at the magazine and won’t have to work on a factory assembly line anymore. Didn’t you say you wanted her to have a good life too?” Zhou Zhiyuan said.

Su Yue averted her eyes and lowered her head stiffly. “Right. She’s my sister. I want her to have a good life.”

At the same time—

Cheng Lan stopped Su Qin after work.

Seeing how excited she looked, Su Qin walked over and asked, “Did the girl agree?”

“What’s not to agree to? My Wenfeng is a retired soldier, he has two big tile-roofed houses in the city, he’s hardworking and filial, tall with a good figure. And if the factory starts hiring temporary workers, I can get her in too.” Cheng Lan was full of confidence as she spoke about Cheng Wenfeng. “The matchmaker said their family didn’t hesitate at all. Once they heard the conditions, they agreed. They asked when they could meet.”

Su Qin smiled. “So when are they meeting?”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Didn’t you say you wanted to buy a cotton mattress? That girl’s aunt knows how to make them. I already asked about the price, it’s cheap.” Cheng Lan shared her plan. “When the time comes, I’ll buy one for Wenfeng too—treat it like a wedding item bought in advance. That girl will come with her aunt, and I’ll have Wenfeng come to pick up the mattress too. They’ll meet at your place.”

Su Qin’s eyes widened.

Seeing her surprised reaction, Cheng Lan explained, “If they don’t hit it off, it won’t be awkward, right? This just gives them a chance to meet.”

“Why don’t you just tell him directly?” Su Qin was confused.

Cheng Lan looked troubled. “If I tell him directly, he won’t go. I’ve had to trick him every time, and now even that’s getting hard. So I’ll go to your house too and say I bought a mattress for him and tell him to come pick it up. He’ll believe that.”

“……” Su Qin didn’t know what to say.

“It’s settled then. This Saturday morning.” Cheng Lan patted Su Qin on the shoulder, then praised her, “You write so well too. I’m sure you’ll get into a good college. I have high hopes for you. You’re really something, girl. If the two of them end up together, I’ll give you a big red envelope.”

Su Qin parted ways with Cheng Lan and was walking into the alley to go home when she ran into Cheng Wenfeng. He was holding a bunch of bananas and broke off half for her. “The boss at the delivery factory gave these to me. They’re fully ripe and need to be eaten within the next couple of days. Here, have half.”

“Thanks.” Su Qin took the bananas and suddenly felt a little guilty as she looked at him.

Although it wasn’t her who tricked him, it still wasn’t a blind date he had willingly agreed to.

Su Qin opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but then remembered Cheng Lan’s painstaking efforts. She had almost cried, saying she was afraid he would end up single for life. Besides, Cheng Wenfeng indeed never married. This girl looked a lot like Su Yue. He might actually like her.

She ended up swallowing her words.

“What is it?” Cheng Wenfeng sensed that she had something to say.

“Nothing.” Su Qin shook her head.

Cheng Wenfeng didn’t press further and said to her, “The carpenter won’t be available for a while. I have to deliver goods this week, so I’ll help you bring back the wood panels you need. Once he’s free, he can make the bookshelf for you.”

“No rush.”

Just before Su Qin entered the house, Cheng Wenfeng added, “I looked at the blueprint you drew. You probably don’t understand on-site construction. When they start building, I’ll help supervise the work for you.”

“Okay okay.”

Hearing him say this, Su Qin thought about how she had helped hide the truth from him, and felt even guiltier. She quickly walked into the house, covered her face, and sighed repeatedly.

But then she thought, Cheng Wenfeng is such a good supporting male character. If he could end up with that girl, it would be a good thing.

That way, he wouldn’t grow old alone.

*

On the weekend, Su Qin deliberately got up early to clean the courtyard. She even went out to buy some fruit and biscuits. Thinking they might have a meal together, she also bought some meat, half a chicken, eggplants, and vegetables.

She had truly gone all out.

When she got back home, Cheng Lan and the girl still hadn’t arrived. Su Qin remembered she hadn’t submitted her draft to Chen Guoliang yet, so she locked her house door, left the courtyard gate open, and immediately headed to the magazine agency.

When Su Qin returned home, she was dumbfounded by the scene in the courtyard.

A delicate-looking girl was wiping her tears and sobbing. Cheng Lan and another woman were awkwardly trying to comfort her.

“I, I don’t want to marry him.” The girl cried again as she looked at the woman. “I’d rather marry Daniu than marry him. He looks like he’s going to hit me.”

“How could my Wenfeng possibly hit anyone? He never hits people.” Cheng Lan explained frantically.

“His aunt said he never hits anyone.” The woman also tried to comfort the girl. “If you marry Daniu, you’ll have to herd cattle in the mountains. His aunt said if you marry him, you can work in the factory and be a worker.”

“But Daniu doesn’t hit people, and he doesn’t look at me like that either.” The girl started crying again, looking pitiful. “He looks like he wants to eat me. I didn’t even do anything to him.”

“Why does he look at people like that? Do all soldiers act like that after coming back?” The woman looked at Cheng Lan, confused.

“No!” The girl stomped her feet twice, and big tears rolled down her cheeks as she sniffled. “He must hate me. I don’t want to marry him. I want to marry Daniu. Daniu said if I marry him, I won’t have to herd cattle. I’ll just have to give him two big fat sons.”

“Alright, alright. We’ll go home and marry Daniu.”