Chapter 30: Liu Feng Wanted to Buy Pink Fabric

As she spoke, Li Laidi gritted her teeth, as if she was expressing her indignation on behalf of Fourth Brother Fu.

However, seeing Li Laidi like this, Su Ruanruan couldn’t shake the feeling that there was some envy and jealousy mixed in.

To reach the position Liu Feng had as a woman was indeed something to be envied.

Other women, once married, had to take care of everything inside and outside the home. They not only had to work to earn labor points but also had to do housework, raise children, and be filial to their elders.

If their husbands were considerate, they might lend a helping hand.

If their husbands were not, they might even end up making things more difficult.

But looking at Liu Feng, it seemed that getting married had elevated her to an ancestor-like status.

She did not need to do anything, nor did she have to worry about anything.

Li Laidi’s envy, jealousy, and resentment toward Liu Feng were certainly understandable.

According to Li Laidi’s account, Liu Feng was living the life of a pampered wife.

From one perspective, Liu Feng was indeed a winner in life. She would spend her entire life enjoying comfort without suffering any hardships.

But from another perspective, she was also a failure.

As a wife, she enjoyed her husband’s efforts without understanding the need to share responsibilities or give anything in return.

As a mother, she had no nurturing kindness toward her child. Despite being in the prime of her life, she already took it for granted that her eight-year-old daughter should be filial to her.

Su Ruanruan did not know whether others could accept someone like Liu Feng, but she herself certainly did not like her.

Going over Li Laidi’s words in her mind, Su Ruanruan asked the only question that came to her: “Second Sister-in-law, is Fourth Sister-in-law’s family well-off?”

“Not at all!”

Perhaps due to her agitation, Li Laidi’s voice was a bit too loud when she said this. She quickly covered her mouth, then pulled Su Ruanruan toward the other side of the courtyard.

Li Laidi quietly glanced in the direction of the kitchen. Seeing that no one was coming out, she lowered her voice and continued.

“Her maiden family is from the production brigade next to ours. That Liu family—aside from being dirt poor—was also notorious for valuing sons over daughters.”

When she was at home, she washed clothes, cooked meals, swept the floor, fed the chickens, chopped firewood, and carried water—what task did she not do?

Yet, once she married into the Fu family, it was as if her hands and feet had been broken, and suddenly, she could do nothing? She was clearly just pretending.

And yet, Fourth Brother was the only one who fell for her act. Who knew what kind of spell she had cast on him?”

The more Li Laidi spoke, the angrier she became. It was unclear whether she was angry about Fourth Brother Fu’s early death or about the fact that he had been so willing to pamper Liu Feng.

Su Ruanruan searched through the Original Owner’s memories and did manage to recall some fragments about Fourth Brother Fu and Liu Feng.

However, at that time, the Original Owner had been somewhat introverted, with many daily tasks to handle. She had not paid much attention to others, so her recollections were limited.

Even so, the little she remembered was quite similar to what Li Laidi had described.

“I’m telling you, you absolutely cannot be like her. Even if you want to slack off, there has to be a limit. If you work your man to death, what will you do for the rest of your life? Don’t you agree?”

“Seventh’s Wife, I’m pouring my heart out to you here, yet why aren’t you saying anything?”

Su Ruanruan smiled at Li Laidi and said: “Second Sister-in-law, I think what you just said is absolutely right. Since a couple chooses to marry and build a family together, they should support each other. Whether it’s a man or a woman, neither should take it for granted that the other should bear all responsibilities.”

“Why do you always talk so formally?” Li Laidi frowned but quickly brushed it aside. She continued pulling Su Ruanruan into more gossip.

“Seventh’s Wife, your Fourth Sister-in-law is not a simple woman. It’s been a few years since Fourth passed, and she and some of the men in the production team…”

Li Laidi did not finish her sentence, merely giving Su Ruanruan a knowing look.

Su Ruanruan did not take her words to heart at all. They went in one ear and out the other.

After not getting any response from Su Ruanruan, Li Laidi was visibly displeased.

“Seventh’s Wife, you…”

“Second Son’s Wife, what are you chattering about so early in the morning?”

Hearing Wang Maoni’s voice, both Su Ruanruan and Li Laidi looked up toward the main hall entrance.

No one knew when Wang Maoni had come out, but she was standing there with a stern expression, looking in their direction.

Li Laidi, who had been speaking enthusiastically just moments ago, shrank her neck and immediately made herself scarce.

“Mother, nothing, I just remembered I haven’t folded the quilt yet. I’ll go back and fold it now!”

Wang Maoni glared at Li Laidi’s retreating figure in annoyance. “It’s the middle of summer, what quilt are you covering yourself with?”

By the time she finished speaking, Li Laidi had already disappeared into her room, completely ignoring Wang Maoni’s words.

Wang Maoni turned her head slightly and looked at Su Ruanruan, who was still standing in place.

Su Ruanruan did not dodge or evade her gaze. Instead, she smiled at Wang Maoni and asked: “Mother, is there anything you need me to do?”

“There’s nothing for you to do.” Wang Maoni hesitated for a moment before adding: “Your Second Sister-in-law likes to talk too much. Don’t learn from her.”

Su Ruanruan obediently nodded. “Mother, I understand. I won’t.”

After all, she had barely spoken just now—she had mostly been listening.

Seeing this, Wang Maoni said no more and turned back into the house.

With nothing else to do, Su Ruanruan also returned to her room.

Not long after, someone outside called for breakfast.

As they ate, Su Ruanruan discreetly glanced at Liu Feng.

Compared to most of the Fu family members, Liu Feng’s skin was indeed fairer, and her hair was jet black and glossy, looking well-maintained. She had tied it into a thick, neat braid.

A few loose strands at her temples and forehead softened her features, adding a touch of charm.

If Su Ruanruan had not known that Liu Feng already had three children—with the eldest son being fifteen this year—she might have thought that Liu Feng had yet to have any children at all.

As Su Ruanruan was staring, Liu Feng seemed to sense it. She turned her head and looked over.  

Before she even spoke, Liu Feng first revealed a gentle smile. “Seventh’s Wife, what are you looking at?”  

Su Ruanruan also smiled, her expression sweet. “I was just looking around. My mouth can’t stay idle while eating, and neither can my eyes.”  

“Seventh’s Wife is young and curious.” Liu Feng said with a chuckle.  

She did not wait for Su Ruanruan to respond before returning her attention to her meal.  

After breakfast, the other family members all headed to the fields for work—except for Liu Feng.  

Although she never cooked, on the days when it was Fourth Household’s turn to prepare meals, she also would not go to work in the fields. This was something Li Laidi had secretly told Su Ruanruan before leaving the house.  

When she said it, Li Laidi’s tone was filled with genuine envy, jealousy, and resentment—her emotions were extremely complicated.  

Su Ruanruan had initially thought that even if Liu Feng did not cook, she would at least wash the dishes. But to her surprise, Liu Feng did not even do that.  

Eight-year-old Fu Siya was the one cleaning up—clearing the table, wiping it down, and washing the dishes—so busy that her feet barely touched the ground.  

Su Ruanruan frowned deeply at the sight, but she did not step in to help.  

If she helped at this moment, she would be nothing but a fool.  

Not wanting to watch any longer, Su Ruanruan chose to spare herself the frustration and turned to head back to her bedroom.  

Just as she stepped inside, Liu Feng followed closely behind.  

“Seventh’s Wife, can I buy some fabric from you?”  

Su Ruanruan looked at Liu Feng and saw her holding money as she walked in.  

Raising her eyebrows, Su Ruanruan asked: “Fourth Sister-in-law, what do you need fabric for?”  

Liu Feng chuckled. “What do you mean—of course, I’m buying fabric to make clothes. I happened to see that you brought back some pink fabric, but you haven’t made anything with it yet. Could you sell me a few feet?”  

“Pink? Fourth Sister-in-law, are you making clothes for Siya?”  

“No.” Liu Feng said as she raised a hand to smooth the loose strands of hair at her temple. “I’m making them for myself.”