Chapter 255: Envy and Jealousy

After a busy day at the shop, the grandmother and granddaughter realized it was already afternoon and hadn’t even had lunch. They each headed back home with their own goals in mind.

“Sister, I have good news! Come out and listen,” Wang Qian couldn’t contain her excitement as soon as she reached her grandmother’s house.

It was certain that everyone at home would be delighted upon hearing about the acceptance letters.

Helping her grandfather tidy up the house, Wang Xuan hurried out upon hearing the commotion. “Qianqian, why are you back now? I thought you just left?” she inquired.

Seeing her flushed and overheated sister, Wang Xuan felt a pang of sympathy and handed her a damp towel. “Quickly cool down. What’s the rush? Why are you in such a hurry?”

Wang Qian wiped herself down before revealing the university acceptance letter. “Take a look. Isn’t this something worth celebrating?” she shared.

Although Wang Xuan was confident in her academic performance, seeing the acceptance letter had a different impact on her.

“I got in! Haha, I knew I could do it. It feels amazing,” Wang Xuan exclaimed, finally seeing the fulfillment of her long-held dream, joy evident on her face.

Wang Qian, catching her breath, found it strange that the house was empty except for the two of them. “Sister, where have the others gone? Why don’t I see anyone around?” she inquired.

Wang Xuan carefully examined every word on the acceptance letter without looking up. “Big brother and Grandpa went to purchase materials for building the house. Yang Nuo and Cong Tao are at the construction site digging the foundation. Mingyuan took a team to gather seafood. We need to prepare dinner tonight, and since you’re back, come help me out. Later, Neighbor uncle San will also come over to assist,” she explained.

“Sister, wash the fruits I brought back. We can have them when the others return. I’ll go help you cook,” Wang Qian offered.

For dinner, Wang Xuan cooked a large pot of stew with potatoes, kidney beans, and chunks of fatty meat—rich and satisfying.  Their Neighbor prepared two pots of pancakes to accompany the meal, making it a hearty and cost-effective dinner for those who had worked hard. The sisters only made a pot of tomato and egg soup for a light post-dinner snack.

“Sister, has Zhou Ping returned?” Wang Qian was still concerned about this matter. They had agreed to release her today, not intending to be overly harsh, but some reprimand was necessary. If they didn’t teach her a lesson now, she might continue to act recklessly, and it would be their grandfather who suffered in the end.

“She’s back, but hasn’t stepped out of the house since entering. I guess she’s embarrassed. People in the village have some opinions about her family. She’s probably avoiding criticism by staying indoors,” Wang Xuan explained.

Wang Qian felt that Zhou Ping wasn’t one to fear criticism, suspecting that being caught this time had simply startled her. Dealing with someone like her, instilling fear would be necessary for discipline to take hold.

In the evening, Yang Nuo and the others returned. Learning that both had been accepted into university, the excitement was palpable. The helpers, hearing they had assisted two future university students, were pleasantly surprised. Upon discovering that Wang Xuan had also been accepted and had cooked the meal, the atmosphere shifted.

Amidst the admiration and envy, Zhang Wanyou remained composed. “Don’t envy us. Educate your children well when you go home, encourage them to study hard and go to university. You’ll soon be the parents of university students, a source of pride. You’ll also enjoy the benefits,” he advised calmly.

Encouraged by the grandfather, these individuals made a silent resolve to discuss the importance of university education with their children when they returned home, aiming to emulate their peers.

“Yang Nuo, let’s go catch some crabs tonight. You can take them home tomorrow to treat your guests. Your aunt mentioned you’ll be hosting visitors, and with the food we bring, the dishes will be even more impressive,” Wang Qian suggested.

Yang Jian and Cong Fei were hesitant to leave. With such fun and delicious food, they were reluctant to depart. However, with the eldest brother heading to university, they had no choice but to bid farewell.

The next day, after seeing off Yang Nuo and the others, Mingcheng stayed back for a few more days to help out until Zhang Hua and Qu Cungen arrived to take over. Before leaving, Wang Qian pulled Zhang Wanyou aside.

“Grandpa, Aunt and Uncle came to help. Make sure you compensate them appropriately. After all, they can’t work for free on our house. Don’t forget, okay?” she reminded him.

Touching her head, the grandfather nodded, “Don’t worry, dear. Grandpa knows what to do.”

Zhang Wanyou had been experiencing some coughing and shortness of breath recently. Wang Qian suspected it was due to inhaling sulfur dioxide while working on the construction, urging him to persistently drink honey water before they departed.

As Wang Xuan and the others left, Wang Zhenhe purposely set off fireworks at the doorstep to celebrate their family’s second university student. The excitement and joy in their hearts were indescribable, drawing congratulatory crowds from passersby on the street.

Upon hearing that his granddaughter had been accepted into university, Wang Deshan hurried over to see her. At lunchtime, Zhang Lan didn’t host a grand banquet but instead followed the usual tradition of entertaining a few relatives who came to congratulate them. However, Wang Zhenguo and his wife did not attend, while Wang Zhenjiang and his family did. Wang Qian couldn’t help but notice the envious glances from Han Cui, which seemed quite obvious.

Considering that they didn’t accept monetary gifts and simply provided a meal for everyone, it was odd for Han Cui and her husband not to attend. At lunch, Zhang Lan sent Mingcheng to take some food to the elderly lady. While she didn’t invite her over, it didn’t mean she would neglect this gesture. The grandfather sighed as he watched his grandson bring food to his wife, regretting not treating the third son’s family better in the past.

In the afternoon, the radio broadcast focused on family planning. Wang Deshan sighed upon hearing this. “Ah, it seems Wang Zhenguo and his wife won’t be having any more children.”

Understanding the strict enforcement of family planning policies, especially for Wang Zhenguo and his wife who were both state employees, Wang Qian acknowledged the implications. “Grandpa, if they can’t have more children, then they can’t. At least they have a son to continue the family line.”

However, Wang Deshan had a different perspective. “One child is not enough. Having more children brings blessings and happiness in old age. Just look at your generation, and you’ll understand,” he remarked.

Wang Deshan’s sentiments were met with resignation, acknowledging that he couldn’t force his son and daughter-in-law to have more children, especially risking dismissal from their jobs. These thoughts were shared only with Wang Zhenhe and his family.

Currently, there was minimal communication between them and Ma Fenqing’s family. Greetings were exchanged at most during encounters, and any surplus conversation was avoided. Wang Zhenguo had been busy lately, often heading out to socialize after meals. Despite the grandfather’s intentions to intervene, his son didn’t heed his advice, as the child grows, the father’s influence diminishes.

Wang Zhenhai, however, had a different view. “Dad, we should stay out of the young couple’s affairs. If they want to have children, let them. If not, it’s none of our business. Let’s focus on living our own lives peacefully,” he asserted.

As the family sat together chatting, Wang Mingshan rushed in. “Dad, you should go back home quickly. Grandma and Auntie are having a disagreement,” he informed urgently.

Concerned, the patriarch got up swiftly and left, followed by Wang Zhenhe and his brothers. Han Cui, not wanting to stay behind, took her child and left, while Wang Juan stayed inside, questioning her son in detail.

The situation was straightforward. Wang Deshan had come over for a meal, leaving the elderly lady alone at home. Feeling upset and then seeing Mingcheng in military uniform delivering something, she vented her frustration upon hearing the family planning broadcast. This led to a confrontation with Ma Fenqing, escalating into a heated argument.

Wang Juan expressed her frustration, “The old lady is always creating trouble. She’s unbearable, always poking her nose into others’ business. She’s obsessed with how many children others have. She’s really a busybody.”

“Why don’t you go and check on them? It’s a bunch of men over there, so it might not be easy to calm things down,” Zhang Lan suggested.

Considering the scorching heat and the escalating argument, Zhang Lan was concerned about how the elderly lady would cope. Wang Juan, realizing the potential consequences, decided to intervene. “Alright, I’ll go and have a look, you all stay here and wait for updates. It’s never quiet, even on a scorching day,” she remarked before heading over to the scene.

As Wang Juan left, Zhang Lan discussed with the children about what essentials Wang Xuan should bring. Since Mingcheng had military-issued bedding, he didn’t need to bring his own. However, for Wang Xuan, who hadn’t undergone military training yet, she needed to pack her own bedding, pillows, and other necessary items.

“Mom, just use my bedding set from high school; it’s still in good condition. No need to make new ones. You can restuff my pillow with chaff, it’s not heavy,” Wang Xuan suggested.

Observing her sister’s clothing, Wang Qian noticed the difference in attire between Wang Xuan and her brother. Being in a big city, Wang Xuan needed some new clothes, unlike her brother who wore hand-me-downs.

“Mom, let’s make two new outfits for big sister. If she needs more in the future, she can buy them in the capital city,” Wang Qian proposed.

Before long, Wang Juan returned, plopping down on the heated brick bed, covered in sweat. Wang Qian quickly fetched her some cool water to drink.

“Oh my, I’m exhausted. Ma Fenqing may not say much usually, but when it comes to arguments, she’s quite skilled. It was a real showdown with the old lady; I was sweating profusely, and my throat feels like it’s on fire,” Wang Juan recounted her experience.

After she had some water, Zhang Lan inquired, “How is Ma Fenqing holding up? Is she okay?”

Wang Juan chuckled as she replied, “Little sister, who can outtalk our mother-in-law? Even if she’s angry, she won’t let it get to her. Ma Fenqing, on the other hand, was really worked up. It’s probably her first time going head-to-head with the old lady. In the past, the old lady treated her respectfully. Now that Wang Zhenguo has become an official, she thinks she’s someone important, acting like a princess.”