Chapter 7 – Shen Li

Shen Li smiled and said, “I already know about this. When I went to the small shop to find Xiao Hui this morning, I overheard those women gossiping. This way, at least the village will be quiet for a few days.”

“Although Big Mouth and Copper Hammer are sick, there’s still Gou Sheng, right? He also likes to wander around aimlessly,” Zhang Daniu sighed.

Shen Li laughed heartily and said, “Him? He won’t be wandering around anymore. He ran into Zhang Laoye’s pigs outside my door this morning. He didn’t hit them lightly, either!”

Zhang Daniu burst out laughing and asked, “How did he end up running into the pigs?”

“I was washing clothes in the yard this morning, and Gou Sheng was standing at the gate talking to me. Later, he said something inappropriate, so I chased him with a stick,” Shen Li explained.

“Who knew he ran so fast that he accidentally bumped into Zhang Laoye, who was herding a few pigs? The pigs squealed, and he fell hard,” Shen Li recalled.

Zhang Daniu laughed so hard that tears started to form, holding her stomach in amusement.

She then chuckled and said, “Old Zhang always likes to walk around the village with his pigs. That Gou Sheng is really unlucky.”

“Tell me about it! I was so scared, worried he’d get hurt. After all, it was because I chased him that he ended up running into the pigs,” Shen Li said.

By now, Zhang Daniu was laughing so much her face was turning red. She knew Old Zhang wasn’t exactly an easy person either, so Gou Sheng was indeed unlucky to run into him.

“Xiao Li, at least you can enjoy a few quiet days now. The three of them will probably stay home and behave for the next few days,” Zhang Daniu said.

Shen Li smiled as she thought about being able to sleep peacefully at night, without worrying about anyone bothering her.

Gou Sheng and his two companions were really unpopular in the village. No one liked them, and even their parents were often annoyed with them.

Zhang Daniu stood up, still chuckling, and said, “Haha, I’d better go now. You’ve really cracked me up today. I’ll leave you to your work.”

“Take care, Zhang Daniu! Come by again next time!” Shen Li escorted Zhang Daniu out.

Then, returning to the yard, she smiled and said, “That old lady really is funny.”

She sat back down on her stool and began doing some sewing. Shen Li bent her head, focused and serious.

Suddenly, someone covered Shen Li’s eyes from behind and said, “Guess who I am?”

Shen Li was startled, her body shaking slightly. The voice was a woman’s, somewhat familiar, but she spoke with a high-pitched tone.

Shen Li couldn’t figure it out immediately. The woman released her hands and said with disappointment, “You can’t recognize my voice after not seeing me for a few days?”

“Xiao Yu? How come it’s you? With that weird tone of voice, who could recognize it? When did you come back?” Shen Li asked, delighted.

“Hehe… I just got back and came to see you. When I saw you so focused on your work, I thought I’d surprise you,” Xiao Yu said happily.

Shen Li put her sewing down, grabbed Xiao Yu’s hand, and pulled her closer affectionately.

Xiao Yu was Shen Li’s best friend, the one she had met after marrying into the village. They shared a close relationship and were inseparable, able to talk about everything.

Shen Li held Xiao Yu’s hand and said, “Yu, why didn’t you stay a few more days at your uncle’s place? They treat you so well.”

“Uncle and Auntie are great, but it’s so boring there. No one to play with. It’s way more fun at home, and I can visit friends anytime,” Xiao Yu pouted.

Shen Li smiled and looked at Xiao Yu happily. It felt like they hadn’t seen each other in ages.

Xiao Yu grinned and said, “What’s the matter? Don’t recognize me? Why are you staring at me and grinning like that? Did you miss me?”

“Of course! I can miss anyone, but I can’t miss my Xiao Yu. You’re my best friend!” Shen Li replied.

“Wow, look at you, getting so sweet after just a few days. I think you must be thinking about Wang Tao! Haha,” Xiao Yu teased.

Shen Li playfully raised her hand to pinch Xiao Yu, but Xiao Yu laughed and dodged.

“You cheeky girl! As soon as you return, you start making trouble. I’ll make sure you find yourself a powerful husband. Let’s see if that makes you behave!” Shen Li said, blushing.

Xiao Yu often joked about Shen Li and Wang Tao, and the villagers thought they made a good match.

At that moment, Shen Li became serious and said, “Don’t joke like that. Wang Tao is still a young man. Besides, so many girls in the village like him.”

“You mean Zhang Qian, Xiao Ping, Juan Juan, and the others? Wang Tao would never like them. Compared to them, you’re way better in looks, figure, and manners,” Xiao Yu said confidently.

“But they’re all young girls, and I’m a widow. I don’t have their confidence. Wang Tao wouldn’t like me, and his parents definitely wouldn’t approve,” Shen Li said, feeling disheartened.

Shen Li had always been reluctant to remarry, mainly because she had lost her confidence. She felt like no one would want her—she was a widow with a child.

Xiao Yu sighed and said, “Stop saying widow all the time. It sounds so bad. You need to be more confident, okay? You’re so beautiful and still so young! Don’t let your attitude make you sound like an old woman.”

Shen Li gave a cold laugh, “Heh, I am a widow. Even though I’m young, I’ve been married before, and that’s a fact.”

Xiao Yu helplessly hugged Shen Li, smiling at her.

“My dear Miss Shen, you’re a single mother now. Don’t call yourself a widow anymore. It sounds creepy. It’s so unpleasant!” Xiao Yu ordered.

Shen Li suddenly burst out laughing; it was the first time she had heard that term.

She turned to Xiao Yu and said, “Where did you learn that new term? Single mother! Haha… it feels a bit awkward.”

“Awkward? Isn’t it better than widow? Xiao Li, it seems like you really need to get out more. You’re starting to become out of touch with the world,” Xiao Yu remarked.

Shen Li thought to herself, “Yeah, I’m getting out of touch with society. I don’t know anything new, and I haven’t been to the city in so long. Sigh, I’m almost becoming a fool.”