Chapter 22 – The Female Supporting Character in the Confession Book

During the time when food and clothing were scarce, the Lunar New Year was not particularly extravagant, apart from slightly better meals than usual. 

On New Year’s Eve, after eating dumplings at midnight, snow began to fall outside and didn’t stop until the morning of the next day. The beginning of the new year started with sweeping the snow on the morning of the first day.  

After breakfast, children from familiar families in the village began visiting to pay New Year’s greetings. If they were close, they would receive a single coin as lucky money; for those less familiar, they were given a piece of candy or a handful of pine nuts, and no one would complain.  

The children, after finishing one visit, would rush off noisily to the next house. Meanwhile, older women gathered together, exchanged a few words, shared bits of gossip they’d heard, and then moved on to the next house.  

Young unmarried women like Wen Xin were more reserved. Most stayed at home helping with chores. Wen Xin, however, spent the first day of the new year sleeping in. When she woke up, she read a book for a while, and the day passed just like that.  

On the second day of the new year, her brothers left with their wives to visit their in-laws, leaving Wen Xin at home to endure another boring day. On the third day, Wen Xin went with Zhang Xiuying to visit her grandmother’s house.  

Zhang Xiuying’s grandmother’s house was a large family home. Zhang Xiuying alone had six siblings—three brothers and two sisters. In families with many children, it was hard to treat everyone equally. Being a middle child, Zhang Xiuying had been overlooked since childhood. Even when it came to marriage, she had to find her own partner, as her grandparents had never cared much for her. When she got married, they gave her nothing but a few pieces of clothing.  

However, Zhang Xiuying wasn’t one to cling to her family. After marrying into the Wen family, she prioritized her new household. No matter how much her maternal relatives complained about being poor or lashed out verbally, Zhang Xiuying never took anything from her husband’s household to help her natal family, except for the occasional holiday or New Year’s subsidy for her grandparents.  

Over time, her grandparents stopped expecting to benefit from the Wen family. Even during New Year’s visits, Zhang Xiuying brought nothing valuable. Any precious gifts meant for her family were locked away securely in her cabinet. Wen Xin’s aunts also brought nothing expensive to these gatherings.  

When there were many people, conversations became chaotic. At some point, the topic shifted to Wen Xin. Zhang Xiuying’s eldest aunt-in-law looked Wen Xin up and down before casually bringing up her own nephew, suggesting him as a potential match for Wen Xin.  

Zhang Xiuying rolled her eyes so hard they nearly reached the sky. She had seen the nephew in question—scrawny and small, the eldest in a family with three or four younger siblings. Despite being only twenty-one or twenty-two, he worked in the fields all day and looked closer to thirty. Was her sister-in-law out of her mind?  

Right then and there, Zhang Xiuying retorted sharply and, as if to shut everyone up, revealed that the man’s family was hosting an engagement banquet at the State-Owned Restaurant on the sixth day of the new year. This immediately captured the attention of the entire group.  

In a calm tone but with a smug expression, Zhang Xiuying outlined the basic details of Gu Xiuping, Wen Xin’s fiancé. The moment she finished, everyone’s gaze toward Wen Xin shifted.  

Zhang Xiuying’s eldest aunt-in-law looked embarrassed. She had only casually suggested her nephew and hadn’t expected anything to come of it. Besides, she hadn’t known Wen Xin had found such a good match. If she had known, she would’ve kept her mouth shut.  

Amid her aunt-in-law’s regret, Zhang Xiuying proudly led Wen Xin back home.  

After eating dumplings on the fifth day of the new year, the festivities were considered over. By noon on the sixth day, the entire Wen family dressed up in their new celebratory clothes and headed joyfully to the State-Owned Restaurant in the township for the engagement banquet.  

The village brigade leader, who had a close relationship with Wen Yuejun, was also invited to the banquet. As a gesture of goodwill, the brigade leader generously offered the use of the village’s prized tractor. The group happily climbed aboard, brimming with excitement.  

The two pregnant sisters-in-law couldn’t endure the bumpy ride on the tractor and had to walk at a slower pace instead, accompanied by Eldest Sister-in-law and Wen Second Brother.  

The State-Owned Restaurant, which rarely hosted such banquets, began preparations early in the morning.

By 8 a.m., the Gu family, equally dressed to the nines, had already arrived at the restaurant and were waiting. Hearing the distant rumble of the tractor, Gu Xiuping glanced down the main road, called out to his parents, and the two greeted their guests with beaming smiles at the entrance. Gu Xiuping and Wen Xin, as the couple of the day, stood side by side.  

The siblings Gei Wei and Ge Fu were the first to arrive. Upon seeing Wen Xin, Gei Wei handed her a red envelope. “Congratulations! Wishing you a harmonious marriage and a lifetime of happiness.”  

Gu Xiuping, who loved hearing auspicious words, nodded warmly at Gei Wei. Ge Fu also handed him a red envelope. “Congrats, old Gu!”  

Gu Xiuping grinned at Ge Fu and chuckled: “Thank you, old Ge! In a couple of days, I’ll treat you to a meal.”  

Gu Xiuping’s engagement banquet was only attended by four or five comrades-in-arms; the rest were either on duty or had gone home for family visits.  

“Of course! If you don’t treat us, who will? I’ll head inside now while you continue greeting guests.” Ge Fu pulled Gei Wei, who was whispering to Wen Xin, along into the restaurant.  

By 9 a.m., relatives from the Zhang family began to arrive. They didn’t bring many people—only one representative from each household. The exception was Wen Xin’s eldest maternal uncle and aunt, who both came along with Zhang Grandma.  

Wen Xin’s eldest aunt-in-law showed no trace of awkwardness, behaving as if she hadn’t tried to match Wen Xin with her maternal nephew just three days prior.  

Before 10 a.m., Wen Xin’s colleagues also arrived at the restaurant. Minister Zhang, though retired from the military for many years, still deeply respected soldiers. Upon seeing Gu Yonglu, he stood upright and saluted him.  

Minister Zhang had seen Gu Yonglu from a distance when he first joined the military. Gu Yonglu’s fair complexion and refined demeanor had stood out in contrast to the rough, burly men around him, leaving a deep impression. Minister Zhang hadn’t expected to see him again and was filled with emotion, gaining a deeper understanding of Gu Xiuping’s family background.  

At 11 a.m., dishes prepared by the head chef were served one after another. They were all meat dishes; even the braised cabbage and tofu were cooked with pork.  

Such an extravagant spread astonished the guests, who ate even faster in their excitement. Zhang Grandma, chewing on a piece of tender braised pork, glanced at Zhang Xiuying, who was glowing as she busily greeted the guests.  

Her emotions were mixed. Zhang Xiuying had been the child she cared the least about. Their relationship had even soured when Zhang Xiuying refused to support her maternal family after marriage. Because of this, Zhang Grandma hadn’t paid much attention to Zhang Xiuying’s children either.  

Who could have imagined that the daughter she had neglected the most would end up achieving such success?  

The banquet lasted until past noon, finally wrapping up after 12 o’clock. Once all the guests had left, Ye Xianya handed Wen Xin a jade bracelet. The bracelet’s luster was exceptional, with a smooth, vibrant green glow.  

Ye Xianya said to Wen Xin: “This was given to me by Xiuping’s grandmother when I married his father. She said it’s a tradition for all the daughters-in-law of the Gu family to have one. Now I’m passing it on to you. Take good care of it. Though you may not wear it, it holds significant meaning.”  

Wen Xin understood the value of the jade bracelet. With its level of quality, it would only become more priceless in another twenty years. It was far too precious. However, the symbolic meaning behind the bracelet made it impossible for her to refuse.  

Gu Xiuping quickly took the bracelet from his mother’s hands and placed it into Wen Xin’s arms with a bright smile. “Thank you, Mom.”  

Ye Xianya’s decision to present the bracelet today was a clear sign of her full approval of Wen Xin as her future daughter-in-law. Wen Xin’s acceptance into the family was the greatest joy of the day.  

Gu Weimin, who had been toasted repeatedly by Wen Xin’s relatives, had drunk a bit too much. Clapping Gu Xiuping on the shoulder, he said: “Now that you’re engaged, you’re officially a man with a family. From now on, you need to work even harder and strive further to provide for your wife and future children.”  

Grandpa Gu Yonglu didn’t say much. His gaze occasionally lingered on the bracelet in Wen Xin’s hands, a nostalgic look in his eyes.  

Gu Xiuqi, Gu Xiuping’s younger sister, stood off to the side, silent but occasionally rolling her eyes. She couldn’t bear to watch her brother’s overly doting behavior toward his fiancée.  

If the kids from the military compound saw the way Gu Xiuping was acting around Wen Xin now, they’d probably think he was possessed. After all, everyone knew that Gu Xiuping, the golden boy of the compound, was notoriously aloof toward women.  

Back in high school, the prettiest girl in school once confessed to Gu Xiuping in front of the entire student body, nervously handing him a love letter. But Gu Xiuping, as cold as ever, walked past her without so much as a glance. The girl, unable to handle the humiliation, burst into tears on the spot.  

Of course, Gu Xiuping didn’t escape unscathed either—he was cornered by the girl’s admirers for several days and got into multiple fights over it.  

The Gu family left on the afternoon of the seventh day of the new year. Wen Xin made a special trip to see them off, bringing along a generous assortment of local specialties. There were preserved meats that Zhang Xiuying had cured herself, various dried mushrooms, pine nuts distributed by the village, home-dried vegetables, and fresh sweet potatoes.  

These were not valuable things—just items that the Gu family could buy with some money or ration coupons. However, for the Wen family, these were the best things they could offer.

The Gu family didn’t show a hint of disdain. They loaded everything onto their car and brought it all back home.

On the evening of the 18th day of the Lunar New Year, Wen Panting suddenly ran to the Wen family after nightfall. The moment she entered, she knelt in front of Wen Yuejun and Zhang Xiuying.

“Uncle, Aunt, please save me! My mom is going to sell me. The people are coming to take me away tomorrow. I don’t want to go with that family. Please save me, please! I’ll do anything for your family in return, like a servant for life.” Wen Pandi cried uncontrollably, her face covered in tears and snot.

Wen Yuejun said nothing, while Zhang Xiuying sat calmly on the kang, her expression unreadable as she stared at Wen Pandi for a long moment. “Pandi, what do you want me to do to help you?” she asked.

A spark of hope flashed in Wen Pandi’s eyes. She stood up and took a couple of steps closer. “Aunt, my mom took 200 yuan from that family. They said as long as the 200 yuan is returned, the marriage will be void. Consider this money a loan from me. I’ll repay you in the future, even if I have to work like a slave for you.”

As Wen Panting spoke, her eyes brimmed with anticipation. Zhang Xiuying had money—everyone knew that Wen Xin’s bride price had been 999 yuan, almost a thousand. To Zhang Xiuying, 200 yuan was nothing more than a drop in the bucket.

Wen Panting didn’t want to marry that man. He was old, ugly, and carried an indescribable stench. Just looking at him made her stomach churn. Compared to Gu Xiuping, who was clean and refined, the difference was staggering.

Wen Panting had already recovered from the humiliation Gu Xiuping had inflicted upon her. She no longer harbored any hope of winning him over. After all, not every man was like her father, Gu Xiuping is someone who cherished and protected his woman.

As for repaying Zhang Xiuying, that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. Wen Panting was just a young woman earning a few work points—barely enough to feed herself. How could she possibly spare money to pay back a loan?

Promising to serve Wen Yuejun and Zhang Xiuying was nothing more than empty words.

Wen Panting had calculated her plan well, her expression growing even more pitiful and mournful. She bore a faint resemblance to Wen Xin, and as a child, Wen Panting had often been beaten by Liu Guixiang.

Back then, the Wen family hadn’t yet split up. Every time Zhang Xiuying saw Wen Panting’s face, so similar to Wen Xin’s, wearing that pitiful expression, she couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. She would always comfort her, give her food, and show her care.

However, all that kindness ended abruptly when Wen Pandi and her two sisters attacked Wen Xin. Wen Pandi grew to hate Wen Xin and Zhang Xiuying, believing the latter to be too heartless.

Wen Pandi’s words didn’t convince Zhang Xiuying in the slightest. “Panting, this isn’t something you can bring to us. Our families have long been separated, and you know how things are between your mother and me. I can’t get involved in your family’s matters. She’s still your mother, after all. If you don’t want to marry, talk to her properly. You’re her biological daughter—how could she not care about you?”

Wen Panting froze, stunned by Zhang Xiuying’s refusal. She hadn’t expected it. Zhang Xiuying had plenty of money—taking out 200 yuan should’ve been effortless for her. Why wouldn’t she help?

Zhang Xiuying continued: “And as for your promise to work for my family like a servant, I don’t buy it. All these years, living in the same village, you’ve walked past us without even saying hello. Now, when you’re in trouble, you suddenly remember we exist.”

“Enough, enough. Go back quickly. Your mother is on her way.” Zhang Xiuying said flatly. Just as she finished speaking, Liu Guixiang arrived, clutching a thick stick in her hand, her face twisted with fury.

Liu Guixiang stormed up to Wen Pandi and began striking her with the stick. Wen Pandi tried to dodge, but no one stepped in to protect her. Dragging and beating her, Liu Guixiang hauled her back home.

Wen Panting’s cries echoed throughout the village, followed by the barking of dogs.

After she left, Wen Xin and the others emerged from their rooms, gathering in the main house to discuss the matter. Everyone agreed that they couldn’t help.

Wen Panting wasn’t the type to show gratitude. If they helped her, she would take it for granted, thinking it was her uncle’s family’s duty to assist her.

On top of that, she’d once entertained thoughts of seducing Gu Xiuping, which made it even more unacceptable to help her. If they did help her, she might cling to them, and who knew when she might turn around and harm Wen Xin?

After all, in Wen Xin’s past life, that’s exactly what had happened.

Helping her would only lead to endless trouble.

The next day, Wen Panting still got married. There was no banquet—she left with nothing but a small bundle of belongings and her bruised, battered body. In the village, it wasn’t uncommon for girls to marry like that, and no one would talk about it. But because Wen Pandi had a cousin like Wen Xin to compare to, her marriage became a hot topic of conversation.

By mid-March, Second Sister-in-law Wen went into labor one morning. Second Brother Wen rushed her to the township hospital. By the time Wen Xin got off work that afternoon, she had a brand-new little nephew named Wen Liangcheng.

The baby weighed seven pounds at birth, with a red, scrunched-up face and sparse hair. All he did was eat and sleep, sleep and eat. He changed visibly every day, and within a week, he had transformed into a plump, fair little baby.

Wen Xin’s favorite activity after work was observing him for a while. Even in her letters to Gu Xiuping, a significant portion of her writing was about her little nephew.

Gu Xiuping, who also loved children, couldn’t help but smile warmly every time he read those parts of her letters. It was a smile that could only be described as that of a doting father.

Ever since the engagement, Gu Xiuping had made it a point to visit the Wen family every Sunday, as long as nothing urgent came up.

Sometimes, he joined Wen Yuejun and the others in the fields, helping with farm work. On days without work, he spent time chatting with Wen Yuejun and the family while strengthening his bond with Wen Xin.

After the arrival of the baby in the family, Gu Xiuping, now officially the baby’s uncle, showed his care by exchanging ration coupons for milk powder. He brought two cans of milk powder to the Wen family as a gift.

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Time flew, and soon it was October.

On October 12, 1977, a historic day for the nation, the government announced the restoration of the college entrance examination system. 

That day, countless young people across the country rejoiced. Educated youth who had been sent to the countryside, factory workers, and young soldiers in the military all picked up their books and threw themselves into intense study.

That evening, Gu Xiuping took a leave of absence and borrowed study materials intended for the son of the political commissar. Braving the cool October night, he brought the materials to the Wen family.

His gesture elevated his standing within the Wen household. The entire family came together to support Wen Xin’s preparations for the exam. They shielded her from any household worries, allowing her to focus entirely on her studies. Even her workplace eased her workload, and the fire reports she usually handled weekly were personally written by Station Chief Lin.

Ge Wei, who also aimed to take the exam, joined Wen Xin daily during lunch breaks for study sessions. The two supported and learned from each other, and their relationship grew even closer.

By late October, Wen Xin received additional study materials from Ye Xianya in Yanjing. These materials were like treasures for both Wen Xin and Ge Wei, boosting their preparations.

That year, winter arrived later than usual. Snow didn’t fall until mid-December, gently blanketing the ground and adding a unique charm to a winter filled with hope and determination.

The exam was scheduled for late December. On the day of the exam, Wen Xin rode in Gu Xiuping’s vehicle as he personally drove her to the examination site.

Before she entered, Gu Xiuping reached out and gently ruffled her hair. “Do your best. Don’t rush. If it doesn’t go well, there’s always next time.”

Wen Xin shot him an exasperated look, holding his military-issued water flask to warm her hands. “Hmph, you really can’t say anything nice, can you? Just wait and see—I won’t fail.”

Her playful glare, half annoyed and half teasing, made Gu Xiuping’s heart melt. He pulled her into a tight hug and took a deep breath, letting her faint fragrance fill both his lungs and his heart.

Leaning close to her ear, he planted a soft kiss and murmured in a raspy voice: “Go on, I’ll be waiting for you.”

Wen Xin turned her head, gave him a quick kiss on the side of his face, and pushed open the car door to step out.

She walked a few steps before stopping and returning to knock on the car window. Smiling warmly, her eyes sparkling with determination, she said: “Gu Xiuping, if I pass this time and receive my admission letter, let’s go register for our marriage certificate that same day.”

After Wen Xin finished speaking, she walked away without looking back. Gu Xiuping stood there, watching her retreating figure, grinning like a fool.

Gei Wei had arrived earlier and was waiting inside the examination center with her fiancé. From a distance, she had seen Wen Xin and Gu Xiuping behaving affectionately outside. When Wen Xin finally entered, Gei Wei teased her a little, lightening the mood to ease the tension.

But as the start of the exam approached, Gei Wei began to grow nervous again. “Xin Xin, what if I don’t pass?” she asked anxiously.

Gei Wei’s wedding was already set ufor early next year, and this college entrance exam was her only chance. If she failed, her dream of returning to school would slip away forever.

Wen Xin took Gei Wei’s icy hands into her own warm ones, heated from holding the flask Gu Xiuping had given her. “Don’t worry, don’t be afraid. We’ve done so many practice exams together. Based on your scores, you’ll definitely get into college.”

Taking a deep breath, Gei Wei nodded. Wen Xin was right—they had gone through numerous mock tests, grading each other’s work. As long as she performed as usual, she was sure she could pass.

Gei Wei’s fiancé stood quietly by her side, offering silent support.

When the exam time finally arrived, the candidates began to enter the examination hall one by one. Wen Xin walked into the exam room, while outside, Gu Xiuping was far from idle. From the moment Wen Xin stepped inside, he began silently praying to every deity he could think of—even to Zhu Bajie, the pig demon from folklore—just wishing for Wen Xin’s success.

Back at home, the Wen family was on edge. Zhang Xiuying, usually calm and composed, was completely distracted. Not even her two young grandsons could bring her joy.

Second Brother Wen’s son, Wen Liangcheng, who had just learned to crawl, was moving around the heated kang bed and soon wriggled into Wen Yuejun’s arms, grabbing at his tobacco pipe. Big Brother Wen’s son, Wen Liangyu, was only a little over three months old and lay on the bed, babbling unintelligibly in baby talk.

In the kitchen, Wen Xin’s two sisters-in-law were chatting as they worked. Both were hopeful that their younger sister-in-law would succeed in the exam. Having a college student in the family would elevate their household’s standing, after all.

With a successful sister-in-law, their own sons might benefit from her connections in the future, right?

When Wen Xin returned from the exam, no one in the family dared to ask how she had done. Zhang Xiuying, who was already anticipating her return, made her a bowl of sweet red sugar eggs. After finishing the comforting treat, Wen Xin fell into a deep, peaceful sleep, exhausted from the day’s events.

Gu Xiuping did not leave either. The next morning, Wen Xin woke up and discussed the college application plans with everyone. After some deliberation, Wen Xin decided to apply to Provincial Capital University.

The reasons were twofold: First, Provincial Capital was close to home, so she could come back during the holidays anytime. Second, Gu Xiuping was scheduled to be transferred to Provincial Capital in the spring of the following year. If she studied there, she could accompany him.

In January, the college entrance examination results were released, and Wen Xin made it onto the list. She went to the high school in the county to fill out her application, and then the long waiting period began.

Before the Spring Festival, the postman delivered Wen Xin’s university acceptance letter to the Wen family.

Wen Yuejun held the acceptance letter and tears fell from his eyes. “Good, good, good. Our Wen family has produced a college student. It’s a whole new beginning. After the New Year, we’ll set up two tables at home, invite our relatives and friends, and have a proper celebration.”

When Wen Yuejun said this, tears shimmered in his eyes.

Zhang Xiuying stood on tiptoe to look at the letter. She had never attended school, but she had memorized her daughter’s name thoroughly. Looking at her daughter’s name, she was so happy that she couldn’t speak.

That night, when the house was quiet, Wen Yuejun and Zhang Xiuying took a basket and went up the mountain. They were going to visit the ancestors’ graves. With their family’s achievement of a college student, such an honor, they had to tell their ancestors properly.

Hongshu Village buzzed with excitement once again. This time, not only Wen Xin had taken the college entrance exam, but also the youngest son of the village head and the daughter of the party secretary. Both were high school seniors this year, but neither of them had been accepted into college.

When they learned that Wen Xin had been accepted, the village head couldn’t wait to congratulate her and then awkwardly asked to borrow some study materials from her.

The study materials Wen Xin no longer needed, so she generously lent them out. The village secretary, who was a bit late, didn’t bother to chat with Wen Yuejun but hurried off after the village head.

The acceptance letter had arrived in the morning, and Gu Xiuping got home in the afternoon. He was dressed in brand new military attire, with the scarf that Wen Xin had knitted for him wrapped around his neck. Standing with his long legs supporting his bicycle, he smiled brightly in the sunlight.

His big, white teeth were exposed.

Wen Xin smiled as well and raised the document in her hand. “Why are you only here now? I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”