In early May, the farm work wasn’t as busy.

In the south, peach blossoms withered as early as March or April, but here, they were blooming brilliantly and romantically.

For the past few days, Su Rui had been feeling down. Her grand ambition of marrying a live-in son-in-law had been crushed. Other than working, she was listless most of the time.

To make up for Su Rui’s fragile and wounded heart—and also to lend her a hand—Fang Chiye hired a construction team to build the new house.

With one less thing to worry about, Su Rui spent her days helping out at the construction site after finishing her farm work. She mixed cement, carried bricks, and stayed busy all day.

Su Yuqin and Su Chang’e thought that Su Rui was using the money that they had given to build her house and assumed it wouldn’t be very big. They sat at home every day, mocking and sneering.

At the same time, they were busy preparing for the arrival of the military officer who would soon become their son-in-law.

Su Rui was responsible for providing lunch to the workers each day. Today, she carried a bamboo basket to the supply and marketing cooperative.

May was the perfect season for fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. Water spinach and garlic scapes were also great for a hearty meal.

Su Rui never shortchanged the workers. Every day, she bought fresh vegetables from the cooperative and stir-fried them with lard. Sometimes, she even made scrambled eggs or added a meat dish.

When Su Rui entered the cooperative, Yan’er nodded toward the opposite side. She turned and saw Su Yuqin, dressed in a new gray cloth dress, buying pork.

“Make sure to cut us some extra fatty pieces. Our son-in-law is coming over today—he’s a company commander. We have to make a couple of dishes rich in oil and flavor.”

Su Yuqin was afraid no one would hear the words “Company Commander,” so she deliberately spoke louder. She had even tied her hair up at the back, and Su Chang’e had drawn her eyebrows. She looked radiant.

Yan’er lowered her voice and said, “I can’t stand her showing off. It’s not even her getting married. Look at her, new dress, new shoes, and buying fatty meat. Back then, when she treated you and your father that way, you never even got a whiff of meat.”

Su Rui replied in a low voice, “Mothers-in-law always see their sons-in-law as treasures.”

She wanted to buy some garlic scapes, as they were great stir-fried with soy sauce.

Yan’er stopped her. “These are leftovers from yesterday. They’re too tough. You’d be better off buying some bok choy. I saved some fresh tofu for you this morning. You can cook bok choy with tofu and sprinkle in some dried shrimp—it’ll be just as delicious.”

Su Rui agreed. Eating garlic scapes every day could get repetitive. Bok choy was fresher and cheaper. For just five cents, she could get four pounds, and if she stewed it with tofu, it would be nutritious, too.

“We never eat bok choy alone at home. Without some meat, it’s too dry.” Su Yuqin walked over, carrying a basket with half a pound of fatty pork inside.

For the past few days, whenever she saw Su Rui looking downcast, she and Su Chang’e had secretly been overjoyed.

Su Rui pretended not to hear her. People who set themselves on fire were just asking for it.

Su Yuqin deliberately blocked Su Rui’s way and said, “Our family has already done more than enough for you and your father. If you run out of money while building the house, don’t come looking for us.”

Su Rui stepped aside and said, “Don’t worry. We’re not even family, so why would I come to you?”

Su Yuqin smiled and said, “Chang’e is bringing her partner home today. You see, people really are different. She’s capable enough to find a military officer, while you… when is your prisoner partner coming home?”

From behind the counter, Yan’er frowned and said, “Stop spreading rumors. Who said Su Rui found a prisoner as a partner? If you keep talking like that, I’ll take you straight to Sister Zhao.”

Su Yuqin patted her mouth and smiled. “Oops, did I let that slip? I was just thinking about how hard life will be for you in the future and wanted to give you a little advice.”

Su Rui said coldly, “You should worry about yourself. I suggest you don’t spend all your money, or you might not even have enough for your coffin one day.”

Su Yuqin’s face darkened instantly. “You’re just jealous that Chang’e has a better life than you. Even if I spend all my savings on her, I’m happy to do it. At least she’s filial and knows how to find a military officer to let me enjoy life in my old age. What about your father? What will he have when he’s old?”

After saying that, Su Yuqin glanced at the wall clock and walked away.

Yan’er spat on the ground and said, “She’s unbelievable. Spreading rumors that you found a prisoner as a partner? I bet her own son-in-law is one.”

Su Rui burst out laughing. “Your words might just come true.”

Yan’er said, “You’re still laughing? Don’t tell me you’re really upset about this? If you have any trouble, just let me know, especially with building the house. I don’t have much, but I can still help a little.”

Su Rui was deeply touched by her kindness, so she told her directly, “Don’t worry, I didn’t find a prisoner. My partner is a military officer. Just wait and see—Su Chang’e is in for a real slap in the face.”

Yan’er reached out and touched Su Rui’s forehead, wondering if she had a fever.

Everyone had been talking about Su Chang’e’s military partner since last year. They spoke as if they had seen him themselves, claiming he was a company commander in the army—young, promising, and good-looking.

The rumors spread so much that everyone believed them. Every young girl envied her.

Now, Su Rui was saying Su Chang’e’s partner was actually a prisoner in a labor camp, and that her own partner was the real military officer. Yan’er couldn’t help but suspect that Su Rui had been driven mad by anger.

Yan’er gritted her teeth and handed Su Rui half a pack of milk powder. “Take this. Your father isn’t back yet, and you’re living on your own. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Drink this when you need it.”

Su Rui waved her hand. “My partner already bought me two cans. I haven’t even drunk much since I’ve been busy and didn’t want to overheat. You should keep this for yourself. But I really appreciate the thought.”

“You should face reality and live a good life. That’s better than anything else.” Yan’er ignored Su Rui’s protests and forcefully stuffed half a pack of milk powder into her basket before pushing her away.

Su Rui had no choice but to accept it. When she got home, she soaked the vegetables that needed washing and placed the half-pack of milk powder next to the other two cans of milk powder.

After cooking, she delivered the food to the workers, quickly ate a few bites herself, and then hurried to the village committee office for work.

When she arrived, Sister Zhao had a guest in her office. It was none other than Wu Dan.

Su Rui had a bad impression of him and didn’t want to listen to what he had to say. However, the door was open, and their voices were loud, so she and Huang Bei had no choice but to overhear the entire conversation.

Wu Dan smoked a cigarette and continued stating his purpose: “The military wants to install underground cables. Why should they pass through our village?”

Sister Zhao replied, “Then how do you propose we solve this? The construction plan specifies this route. You can’t expect the military to detour around your village. Besides, the military has made it clear that this is beneficial for us civilians too. In the future, there won’t be a need for electric poles. Electricity will be transmitted directly, which is twenty years ahead of our time. Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Good?” Wu Dan snuffed out his cigarette under his foot and laughed. “Everyone knows the military favors your village. I don’t know if it’s because all the women in your village have bewitched them or—”

Sister Zhao immediately rebuked him, “If you have an issue, speak about the issue. Don’t bring gender into this. Does changing your gender make you any less of a person?”

Wu Dan chuckled awkwardly. “I’m sorry. Then I’ll be direct. I would like to cooperate with Xiaoba Village to facilitate the cable installation in Yi Wang Village. If this is such a great thing, shouldn’t their village get a turn too?”

Sister Zhao frowned. “You look young, but your thinking is outdated. The military has already explained that this is beneficial, yet you’re still doubting it. What exactly are you worried about?”

Wu Dan said, “Doesn’t construction take time and money? Doesn’t it occupy land? Why is it that when the military takes Yi Wang Village’s land, they compensate them with new housing, but our Qingnan Village gets nothing for free?”

Sister Zhao replied firmly, “I won’t cooperate with you on this. I trust the military.”

Wu Dan sneered. “That’s because it’s not happening in your village. If it were, you’d oppose it too. Anyway, our entire village disagrees. If we don’t get money or housing, we absolutely won’t allow the cables to pass through our land!”

Sister Zhao said, “You need to look toward the future—”

Wu Dan knew there was no room for negotiation today. He stood up, cutting her off. “Enough with the pretenses. I’m looking toward the money. If they won’t pay, they can forget about it. I’m making my stance clear today.”

After Wu Dan left, Su Rui knocked on Sister Zhao’s door.

Sister Zhao rubbed her temples and said, “Come in.”

Su Rui stepped forward and sat across from her. Sister Zhao looked up and asked, “What is it?”

Su Rui said, “I overheard what Secretary Wu said just now.”

Sister Zhao got up, closed the door, and turned back to her. “I was actually planning to discuss this with you. You’re young, progressive, and full of new ideas. I want to hear your thoughts on installing underground cables.”

Su Rui knew that underground cables were not yet widely used, and many villagers didn’t understand their importance.

She sat up straight and spoke earnestly. “I believe we should fight to have the cables installed in Xiaoba Village.”

This aligned with Sister Zhao’s own thoughts. She asked seriously, “Can you tell me why?”

She needed solid reasons to convince both herself and the other women in the village.

Su Rui explained, “I’ve read reports on this. Underground cables aren’t just for military use. They also provide electricity to civilians. They’re much safer than power poles. In the future, they’ll support communication, data transmission, and signal distribution. Later on, they’ll be involved in aerospace, construction, transportation, and other critical industries. They are an essential infrastructure.”

“It’s that important? You read this in the newspaper?”

“Yes, all of this was stated in government reports.” Su Rui didn’t dare to say more and attributed everything to official sources. Her sincere tone and logical explanation made Sister Zhao fall into deep thought.

After a while, Sister Zhao stood up and walked to the window.

“Xiaoba Village is a poor village that has always lagged behind. I have a dream that one day, we will break free from poverty and become one of the leading villages in the township, even in the county. I hope that the hard work and kindness of our women will receive the recognition they deserve.”

She turned back, placed a firm hand on Su Rui’s shoulder, and said, “Give me a definite answer. I trust you. What do you think we should do about the cable installation?”

Su Rui grasped Sister Zhao’s hand in return. Sister Zhao’s hopes were her hopes as well.

With conviction, she said, “Ignore Wu Dan. We must do everything in our power to ensure the cables are installed in Xiaoba Village. We won’t ask for money or houses. Even if we have to pay out of our own pockets and tighten our belts, we must make this happen!”

“Alright.” Sister Zhao patted her hand and said, “I’ll call the military leadership right now and fight for this with everything we have!”

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Ayalee: Hey guys, do check out Ayalee’s other translation works here (❀‿‿❀)