Chapter 51 : Granddaughter-in-law is filial

A series of new ideas poured out, leaving Qin Xiaoting a little dizzy, but her sharp ears caught the word “wig.”

“Lizi, you can make wigs and sell them!”

As soon as she said it, Qin Xiaoting dismissed the idea herself. “No, no. Not many people in our county can afford wigs. Besides, collecting hair would require going door-to-door, which isn’t practical.”

“Why not make hairbands? They’re low-cost and will definitely be popular if the designs are attractive enough.”

Jiang Li, always quick to act, was dragged back to the youth dormitory by Qin Xiaoting, where she sketched out three designs on the spot.

The first was a double-layered hairband with green lace on the outside and a red rose pattern on a white background inside, a simple yet classic style.  

The second was a windmill-style hairband that looked square at first glance but transformed into an elegant and ladylike accessory when worn.  

The third was a modified version of the scrunchie, complete with a bow and two trailing ribbons, giving it a fairy-like appearance.

“The fabric for the hairbands needs to be carefully chosen. If we can’t find it at the supply and marketing cooperative, we can try the department store. It’ll definitely be a hit,” Qin Xiaoting said with confidence, her eyes practically lighting up with money signs.

Encouraged by her optimism, Jiang Li nodded eagerly. “Let’s head into the city early tomorrow morning.”

“Deal!”

On the way home, Jiang Li couldn’t hide her excitement. Qi Shaoqiang noticed and asked, “You seem so happy. What’s the good news?”

“Secret for now,” Jiang Li teased, swinging her legs and humming cheerfully.

As soon as she got home, she used scraps of fabric she had on hand to make a classic hairband. The material was yellow floral cotton, given to her by Chen Xianyun. Jiang Li stared at it and muttered, “It would look even better with some lace sewn along the edge.”

—

After taking a shower, Qi Shaoqiang circled Jiang Li, trying to get her attention. When it got late, he sighed dramatically and said, “Lizi, I’m heading back to work tomorrow. The factory only gave me one day off for the wedding.”

Jiang Li, distracted by her project, responded absently with an “Mm-hmm.”

Qi Shaoqiang folded the bed sheet with exaggerated care and tried again. “Lizi, what are you planning to do tomorrow?”

“Xiaoting and I are going to the department store. Didn’t I already tell you?”

“Oh, right. I forgot for a moment.” He lay down on the bamboo mat, resting his head on his hands, and deliberately flexed his toned abs. “Wife, it’s late. Come to bed.”

Seeing no response from Jiang Li, who was engrossed in her work, he walked over and scooped her up in his arms. “Whatever you’re working on, it can wait until you’re in bed.”

Before she could protest, Qi Shaoqiang silenced her with a kiss and blew out the oil lamp.

“Lizi, I feel so wronged,” he murmured, hugging her tightly and resting his head on her shoulder like a giant, sulking puppy.

Her heart softened despite herself. “What do you want me to do?”

“There’s only one way to make it better,” Qi Shaoqiang whispered, his warm breath brushing against her shoulder. His mischievous suggestion left Jiang Li flustered and red-faced.  

“You’re such a rogue!”

“I’ll only ever be a rogue for my wife, even if the king of heaven objects!”

—

That night, the wind and rain danced outside while soft dewdrops formed on the tender leaves, swaying under nature’s rhythm until all fell still.  

The next morning, Jiang Li woke naturally, though her right arm felt sore. Qi Shaoqiang was still sleeping soundly, his eyelashes casting shadows over his face. Annoyed, Jiang Li gave him a light smack.  

He turned over, wrapped her in his arms, and kissed her hair, his voice laced with affection. “Thank you for your hard work, my wife.”  

Seeing her disheveled and radiant appearance, he couldn’t resist. Tightening his embrace, he asked slyly, “It’s still early. How about another round?”

Realizing his intentions, Jiang Li hurriedly pushed him away, declaring, “I have to get up! I have things to do today!”

Seeing Jiang Li running off in such a hurry that she didn’t even put on her shoes, Qi Shaoqiang burst out laughing, his chest shaking with mirth. “Slow down, don’t trip!”

After washing up, Qi Shaoqiang gave her a ride to Dashuping.  

Given Qin Xiaoting’s less-than-stellar cycling skills, Jiang Li worried she might end up in a ditch again, so they agreed to meet directly at Dashuping.  

—

As they set off, the two passed by some Bailutang villagers hard at work in the fields.  

Qi Shaoqiang greeted everyone with a bright smile, and Jiang Li sweetly called out, addressing uncles, aunts, and grandparents respectfully.  

“Shaoqiang’s wife, are you heading into the city?” someone asked.  

Jiang Li nodded, saying little, but Qi Shaoqiang chimed in, “We’re out of salt at home, so we’re going to pick up two kilograms.”  

The villagers sighed with admiration, “Qi Shaoqiang’s wife really is beautiful.”

But not everyone was kind. Chen Qiuxiang, Wu Meiling’s mother, muttered sourly, “What’s the use of being good-looking? She’s just a temptress. She’ll never settle down and will cuckold Shaoqiang sooner or later. Doesn’t even work in the fields and spends money all day long. How much money can the Qi family even have to give her?”  

Her jealousy burned as she watched the couple ride away, looking inseparable.  

The son-in-law she had hoped for had been taken by this young woman who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere.  

“Bah, it’s just because she has a prettier face,” she thought bitterly. “My Meiling works hard and is one of the best girls in the area. Shaoqiang is blind! And so is Chen Xianyun. They gave up a treasure for trash!”

—

Someone close to Chen Xianyun couldn’t hold back. “Meiling’s mother, you sound jealous. Shaoqiang didn’t want your Wu Meiling and chose someone from Dashuping instead.”  

“You’re the jealous one!” Chen Qiuxiang snapped, putting her hands on her hips. “My Meiling works at the supply and marketing cooperative! Handsome young men are lining up to propose to her. She doesn’t need Qi Shaoqiang or any of your opinions!”  

But the other woman wasn’t backing down. “Tsk, everyone knows your family went to the Qi family to propose and got turned down. And now you dare to talk big here?”  

At that moment, someone exclaimed, “Look, Shaoqiang’s mother is here! The old lady’s out for a walk too!”  

Chen Xianyun had overheard the quarrel as she approached, basket in hand. She cast a cold glance at Chen Qiuxiang but didn’t bother engaging.  

Chen Qiuxiang, however, avoided her gaze. She still felt guilty.  

Their families had been on good terms once, and Chen Xianyun had even been eager to match their children. But after Meiling started working at the supply and marketing cooperative, she’d set her sights on marrying into the city and distanced herself from the Qi family.  

When Qi Shaoqiang later got his job at the food factory, they came back proposing marriage again. The shame of the failed match still stung, leaving Chen Qiuxiang feeling awkward around Chen Xianyun.  

—

Meanwhile, Old Lady Qi appeared with her radio and a small stool. The villagers greeted her warmly, “Old Lady Qi, had your breakfast yet?”  

She beamed with pride. “I’ve already eaten! My granddaughter-in-law is so filial, she’s gone to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy batteries for my radio.”