Chapter 6: Jade Pendant

Mimi’s voice was clearer, also calling, “Mom.”

They were childhood sweethearts, practically betrothed from birth. Chen Yufeng had always believed she understood Han Chao well. But ever since that dream, she realized she didn’t understand him at all.

The dream said that no man truly favored daughters over sons. Daughters were merely a reflection of a man’s pride and status. Even if a man claimed to love his daughters, it was a facade.

Sons, however, were a man’s legacy and honor.

Every man wanted a son, and Han Chao was no exception.

That was why Chen Yufeng would be so desperate to have a son in the future.

Seeing her two daughters now made her anxious again.

She didn’t want to believe in that dream, but she needed to see how Han Chao would treat his daughters.

“Tiantian, Mimi, come over and call Daddy,” she said.

To Chen Yufeng’s surprise, the man’s gaze did not show the disdain or impatience she expected. Instead, he looked stunned and at a loss.

Yet, as he looked at the two little girls, his eyes were full of tenderness.

Tiantian was timid. She clung to her mother, her grape-like eyes fixed on the man, as if trying to figure out whether this father would really eat people.

Mimi was braver. She walked over to her father, like a curious child approaching a deity statue in a temple—scared, yet unable to resist her curiosity.

She was naturally competitive, and because people in town often talked about how fierce her father was and how he used to hit her mom, she saw him as an enemy.

Her father’s skin was very pale, and his gaze was sharp—sharper than Gou Erma, the man in town who secretly grew hemp and smuggled it to Gansu. But unlike Gou Erma’s hateful look, her father’s eyes were gentle.

“This is Mimi, and this is Tiantian,” Chen Yufeng introduced her two daughters.

When he left home, his wife was only eighteen. Now that he was back, their daughters were already tall enough to reach his waist.

Han Chao was already very tall, and with the lightbulb hanging above his head, his outstretched arm cast a shadow that looked like a wolf’s claw. Tiantian cried out, “Mommy, this daddy looks like the Big Bad Wolf. He’s going to eat people!”

Mimi, never one to miss out on drama, jumped up and shouted, “I don’t want this daddy. Get rid of him!”

Like squirrels scampering up a tree, the two little girls bounced and scrambled away as fast as they could.

Outside, Su Hong was descaling a fish. She paused for a moment, then smiled and continued slicing, showing no mercy to the fish.

The scene inside the house grew increasingly awkward.

Six years ago, Han Chao had already been tall and intimidating. He seemed to have grown even more over the years, his frame now even sturdier. Though lean, his shoulders were broad from years of carrying a rifle.

At that moment, he looked up and accidentally knocked the lightbulb askew with a loud clink.

Chen Yufeng almost burst out laughing. She had known Han Chao since she was a baby. At three, she watched him fight dogs, and at four, she saw him climb trees.

But she had never seen that expression on his face before.

He looked as if he’d been struck by lightning.

From her bed, Wang Guoguo yelled, “You scared the kids away! Why are you just standing there? Go after them! They’re my granddaughters. If they get hurt, I won’t forgive you!”

Han Chao turned to his mother. “Mom, your illness…”

“Mind your own business! Go back to your house,” Wang Guoguo snapped. “I’ve got my eldest son to take care of me. If he can’t, he’ll look after me for the rest of my life. It’s none of your concern!”

Kids are always afraid of elderly people who are grumpy and stubborn. Any moment now, a full-blown argument was about to erupt.

Han Chao snorted—a sound Su Hong knew all too well. It was his signature noise right before he lost his temper.

Su Hong finally felt relieved. As intimidating as Han Chao had become, his mother was even scarier—loud, unreasonable, and downright confrontational.

They hadn’t even exchanged more than a few words, and mother and son were already at odds.

She figured Han Chao would leave first thing in the morning, and Chen Yufeng would have to stay behind to take care of the old lady. After all, Han Chao had to return to work. Despite his foul temper, he was a filial son. Leaving his wife to look after his mother was only natural.

Feeling smug, Su Hong got a little carried away. It wasn’t until she tossed the fish into the frying pan that she realized she hadn’t washed off the scales. The fish would taste awful—fishy and foul. She had ruined a perfectly good carp.

As the oil sizzled and popped, a nauseating stench filled the air.

Seeing the couple leave, she deliberately called out, “Stay and eat. I’ve got fish and sausages.”

But when Han Chao turned around, Su Hong fell silent.

This younger brother-in-law had scared her so badly on her first day as a bride that she wet her pants. Just one look from him, and she felt like she needed to pee again.

The couple returned to their own house.

Chen Yufeng wanted to try again to introduce the girls to their father, but the children were already burrowed under the blankets. Mimi was still shouting, “Mommy, come sleep with us! We don’t want Daddy. Get rid of him!”

After seven years apart, Chen Yufeng had, of course, prepared dinner for her husband. She even had wine ready, but tonight was important—she had something serious to discuss, so she left the wine aside.

The kids were already fed. Now, as she started cooking, it was the perfect time for them to talk.

She lit the fire and began preparing dinner: diced cured meat stir-fried with corn, cabbage sprouts stewed with pork ribs, steamed sausages, and cold-dressed rapeseed flowers. She paired it with corn cakes—all of Han Chao’s childhood favorites.

It didn’t take long before the aroma filled the air.

Han Chao stayed in the courtyard, where a number of passersby pretended to stroll by, all curious to see what had become of the infamous troublemaker.

Old Man Sun walked by with a sack of soybeans. “Han Chao, you’re back?”

“Yes, good day, Uncle Sun,” Han Chao replied.

Old Man Sun was stunned. Years ago, Han Chao had beaten him up for gambling with his father. They had been enemies ever since. Yet now, Han Chao greeted him?

Aunt Liu, emboldened, asked, “I heard you’re taking Yufeng to the city to enjoy a good life?”

To her surprise, Han Chao’s face remained calm, and he nodded. “Yes.”

Aunt Liu was amazed. Years ago, her dog had bitten Han Chao, and he’d kicked it to death. She even had to compensate his mother with a bag of corn. Since then, Han Chao would glare at her whenever they met.

How did he change so much, becoming so gentle and composed?

“Go eat before it gets cold. Yufeng made a big meal—seven dishes and eight bowls,” Aunt Liu said, smiling.

Although it wasn’t exactly seven dishes and eight bowls, the spread was impressive, with both meat and vegetables.

Behind the house were trees, and flowers bloomed in the courtyard. Han Chao helped set the table, and the couple sat across from each other.

He picked up a piece of sausage and placed it in Chen Yufeng’s bowl. “I was gone a bit too long this time,” he said.

He had broken his promise. When he left, he knelt before her, swearing he’d return in two years. Yet he had been gone for seven.

“It’s not like you had a choice. Wars don’t wait for anyone. I understand,” Chen Yufeng said softly.

Han Chao’s voice was low as he vowed, “I won’t break my promise again!” He had sworn to take her to the city to enjoy life, and this time, he intended to keep his word.

Even though Chen Yufeng had dreamt of living half a lifetime and learned from the dream that Han Chao would never love her, she knew dreams weren’t always true. Life went on. No matter how bad his temper was, he was still the father of her children, and they would have to face everything together.

She said, “Brother, we need to talk about Mom’s illness first.”

Han Chao picked up a piece of pork rib with his chopsticks, eating with such refinement that he no longer had that ravenous look from before.

Chen Yufeng continued, “Big Brother took Mom to the city for a check-up. The doctor said she needs an X-ray, but he didn’t get it done.”

Han Chao’s chopsticks paused mid-air. He hadn’t expected his once strong and capable mother to fall ill. And as for his elder brother and sister-in-law, he knew their ways better than anyone.

“Can you stay a few more days to take Mom to the city for the X-ray?” Chen Yufeng asked.

Han Chao replied, “I’ll take her tomorrow.”

Of course, he agreed without hesitation—it was his own mother, after all. But the real challenge wasn’t convincing Han Chao; it was getting his mother to accept care from the second son’s family.

In her dream, Chen Yufeng saw how her mother-in-law had dismissed her granddaughters as useless girls and, out of love for her, refused to move to the capital, choosing instead to stay in the village under Chen Yufeng’s care. Eventually, unwilling to be a burden, the old woman had quietly slipped into the river and ended her life.

Though Chen Yufeng didn’t know much, she could tell that aside from her eyes, her mother-in-law was otherwise healthy.

If the blindness could be treated, wouldn’t everything be fine?

She added, “Brother, we should help Mom get treatment, but let’s make one thing clear—the money for the medical bills has to come from her.”

Han Chao looked astonished, setting down his chopsticks. “Yufeng, my military allowance isn’t much, but I have some savings. If you don’t want to pay, I will.”

Chen Yufeng gathered her courage and said, “That’s not how it works. Your money is my money—it belongs to our household. Mom lives with Big Brother, and she’s been working for them all these years. If she’s sick, they should pay. If they won’t, we can, but she’ll have to write me an IOU. She’ll have to pay it back someday.”

Han Chao was stunned. He stared at his wife for a long moment before pleading softly, “Yufeng…”

What thick eyebrows, she thought. They were really quite handsome.

Chen Yufeng was nervous, too. If it had been the old Han Chao—the dutiful son who would have seen her words as utter blasphemy—he would have slammed the table in rage. After all, what kind of son makes his own mother pay her medical bills?

With his short temper, he would’ve started throwing punches by now.

But according to her dream, military life had mellowed him out, giving him a more refined character and better temperament.

Sure enough, though he was likely furious, he was still keeping his composure.

His calmness gave Chen Yufeng confidence, and she pressed on, “I’m willing to pay, but Mom must promise to pay me back. You’ve been gone for years, and Big Brother and Sister-in-law haven’t made things easy for me. Mom lives with them, works for them, and even helps with their kids. Now she’s sick, and they expect me to pay?”

Han Chao wasn’t a fool. Seven years away, and his wife had built a spacious courtyard and raised two daughters all on her own. He could only imagine the difficulties she faced with his difficult elder brother and sister-in-law.

In rural families, once an elder was assigned to a household, that house was responsible for their care.

Though Yufeng’s stance was harsh, she wasn’t wrong.

After a long silence, Han Chao nodded solemnly and said, “Alright.”

They resumed their meal.

Han Chao ate quickly, finishing every bite and even wiping his bowl clean with a piece of cornbread.

Old habits died hard. He had always eaten like a starving dog, leaving his bowl cleaner than a gnawed bone.

Suddenly, there was a faint rustling outside the wall.

Just then, Han Chao put down his bowl. Yufeng gave him a look, signaling him to check it out by the wall.

Though he had just come back, their childhood bond meant he could read her intentions with just a glance.

He stood up and walked to the wall.

Through a patch of pumpkin vines, the couple peered outside. They saw his mother leaning on a cane, her hand tracing along the wall as she slowly made her way toward the outhouse. She clung to the fence by the vegetable patch, step by step, making her way home.

Amid the evening glow and distant calls of roosters, Wang Guoguo’s frail, lonely shadow gradually faded into the darkening stone house.

Chen Yufeng turned back, silently smiling at her stunned husband. She covered the leftover food and went to feed the chickens.

Her earlier speech had been meant for her mother-in-law to hear.

The old woman had acted stubborn and hostile, refusing treatment and trying to drive Han Chao away because she believed her illness was incurable.

She didn’t want to burden her son or waste his hard-earned military allowance.

In the dream, after becoming bedridden, she had tried to end her life to avoid being a burden on Chen Yufeng.

But if she realized that her condition was treatable and that she could pay them back once she recovered, wouldn’t she change her mind?

As the saying goes, “Where there’s life, there’s hope.” She was only 46 and had exceptional culinary skills—her Yunnan-style flower pastries were to die for. If her eyesight was restored, she could live a good life. Why choose death?

She was just confused and needed someone to show her the way.

And sure enough, without any argument, the old woman’s resolve was already softening.

Chen Yufeng scattered feed for the chickens, making clucking sounds as she tossed the grains. She turned around to find Han Chao standing behind her.

He looked different—taller and thinner than before, his face now free of the bruises from past fights. He looked even younger than before, his handsome appearance making Chen Yufeng blush.

“What you said just now… it was for Mom to hear, wasn’t it?” His voice was low, tinged with a raspy excitement.

Chen Yufeng shook with laughter as she scattered the feed. “Go on, talk to her now. She’ll agree to the treatment.”

Han Chao took a deep breath, letting it out in three measured puffs. More challenging than paying the bills would be convincing his stubborn mother to get treated.

In the city, people would call their arranged marriage an outdated concept, something modern folks would look down on. But to Chen Yufeng, it was a blessing. They had grown up together, understood each other deeply, and could communicate without words.

Besides, his mother’s health came first. Han Chao turned to leave, but Yufeng quickly called out, “Wait! Just tell her that Han Ming burned all the bedding in our house, so you have nowhere else to sleep.”

She grinned mischievously, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Han Chao paused for a moment before continuing on his way. Chen Yufeng added, “Just say I got mad and kicked you out.”

Besides worrying about being a burden due to her illness, the old woman also feared one other thing—discord in her children’s marriages.

At this moment, Wang Guoguo was likely still hesitating about whether to go with Han Chao for the medical treatment. She was worried that if the treatment failed, the money would be wasted, and everything would amount to nothing.

The idea of the eldest sister-in-law inciting Han Ming to burn the bedding turned out to be quite clever.

Chen Yufeng took the opportunity to drive her husband away, preventing him from sleeping in her bed. Wouldn’t that make her mother-in-law feel uncomfortable?

With the eldest son’s family setting fire to the second son’s property, how could the mother-in-law not be upset?

Wouldn’t she want to recover quickly so she could deal with the eldest family?

Wang Guoguo was someone who would explode when provoked. Only by triggering her could they convince her to obediently go with Han Chao for the treatment.

Han Chao went into the house and then came back out, his tone tinged with anger. “Han Ming really did burn your bedding. Do you want me to go teach him a lesson?” This was a glimpse of his old wild-dog temper.

“It’s no big deal. Don’t get all worked up over it. Go get some rest. We’ll deal with everything once Mom’s eyes are better,” Chen Yufeng quickly said.

Han Chao stood there silently for a moment before walking heavily out of the courtyard. After a while, he came back again and saw Chen Yufeng boiling water, getting ready to wash up. “I brought you some things. Put them away later,” he said.

Chen Yufeng responded with a nod. Han Chao continued, “Once Mom’s treatment is done, we’ll head to the capital.” This time, he wouldn’t go back on his word.

He was determined to take her to enjoy a better life.

“Alright,” Chen Yufeng replied with a smile, her lips pressed together.

The man walked around the courtyard, then tiptoed to look into the bedroom before glancing at Chen Yufeng one last time. Only then did he head toward the main house.

When Chen Yufeng finished washing up and entered the room, she nearly tripped over something. Looking down, she noticed a brand-new travel bag.

The zipper was partially open, and something red was faintly visible inside.

She unzipped it all the way. At the top was a package of small toys—balloons, hair clips, glass marbles, and even two chubby little girl dolls. Judging by the ceramic feel, these must be toys he had brought for their daughters.

Zipping the bag closed, she entered the bedroom. Usually mischievous, Mimi was now curled up against Tiantian, holding her sister tightly. The two little girls were huddled together, one dark-skinned, the other fair, soft and cuddly like two baby rabbits.

Suddenly, Mimi opened her eyes, snuggled her head against Chen Yufeng’s thigh, and showered her with kisses, whispering as she gently patted her, “Mommy, don’t be afraid of Daddy. I’ll always protect you.”

“Mimi, be good. Go back to sleep,” Chen Yufeng whispered.

In her dream, this little girl had died not long after her, supposedly because Chen Yufeng was obsessed with having a son. To free up the household registry, she had given this “bad seed” away to a wealthy family. The child grew up rebellious and later died in a motorcycle accident while racing with delinquents.

No matter what, Chen Yufeng would never chase after a son. She would give all her love to these two little daughters.

That night, the happiest person was Su Hong. She even felt proud of herself for instigating her son to burn the bedding.

Look at that—Han Chao actually went to sleep with his mother. This proved that he still had his old fiery temper.

She just hoped he hadn’t hit Yufeng too hard. Poor Yufeng… If she got punched a few more times, wouldn’t that be even more pitiful?

Poor Yufeng, thinking of going to the capital? Staying behind to care for her mother-in-law was clearly the smartest choice.

Despite the fishy taste, Su Hong forced herself to eat, savoring the sweet satisfaction in her heart.

Early the next morning, just as dawn broke, a faint honking sound could be heard. Su Hong, who loved sleeping in, guessed that Han Chao was leaving. She got up quickly, eye crusts still in her eyes, and ran outside.

All she saw was a trail of exhaust fumes. Chen Yufeng’s courtyard gate was wide open, and a crowd had gathered. Curious, Su Hong joined them, pretending to be clueless. “What’s going on? Did Han Chao beat Yufeng so badly that she can’t get up?” Poor Yufeng—hopefully Han Chao didn’t beat her to a pulp.

Auntie Sun gave her a glare. “Nonsense! Who would’ve thought Han Chao, that quiet guy, was so considerate? Look at all this stuff he brought!”

Su Hong looked closer. Tiantian was holding a pink hair clip, trying to tie it onto her braid.

Meanwhile, Mimi was halfway inside the travel bag, pulling out a cassette tape. “Mommy, look! It’s your favorite music.”

Last night, the two girls had refused to accept their father. But now, because of the bag he left behind, they were as excited as mice who’d found a barn full of grain.

Su Hong still hadn’t figured it out when Auntie Sun added, “This is great. Once your mother-in-law’s eyes are better, you all can leave for the capital without any worries. If she can see again, can’t she live on her own?”

Only then did Su Hong realize—Han Chao had actually taken his mother to the city for treatment!

Wasn’t his mother the one who refused to accept any money from the second family?

Han Chao hadn’t said a word last night, nor had he tried to persuade her.

Yet the hot-tempered old woman had gone with him?

And could her eyes really be cured?

If it wasn’t curable, then fine. But if it was… Su Hong unconsciously touched her chest.

Han Chao had not only bought hair clips, perfume, and lipstick but also brought Chen Yufeng several cassette tapes, including her favorite one by Han Baoyi titled Pink Memories. It must be a new release.

Chen Yufeng decided she must listen to it.

But there was still uncertainty about how serious the mother-in-law’s condition was and whether it could be treated. Until Han Chao returned, nothing was certain.

Since they had driven to the city, they shouldn’t be gone long. So today, Chen Yufeng didn’t set up her market stall or work in the fields. She busied herself with gardening and waited patiently.

Meanwhile, Su Hong stood at the roadside, one hand on her chest, anxiously watching for their return.

By sunset, the day was nearly over.

Suddenly, a jeep appeared on the road, and Su Hong’s heart nearly jumped out of her chest.

But the driver wasn’t Han Chao; it was another young man in military uniform.

“Comrade, how’s my mother-in-law?” Su Hong asked quickly.

The young man had been sent by Han Chao. Mistaking Su Hong for Han Chao’s wife, he smiled and said, “Sister-in-law, our aunt has a blood clot in her brain that’s blocking her optic nerve, causing her blindness. They did an X-ray, and the doctors said the clot is still small. A minimally invasive surgery can clear it up. But she has to go to the military hospital in Beijing. Han Chao asked me to come back and let you know that her condition is treatable. Her vision can be restored, so get ready to move to the capital!”

So, her mother-in-law’s illness could really be cured? And she’s even gone straight to the capital for treatment?

And her eyesight might actually be restored?

Su Hong stood there, dumbfounded, as if the world were spinning around her.

Chen Yufeng rushed over. Upon hearing the news, the heavy weight in her heart finally settled.

But as she casually turned her head, she noticed Su Hong still clutching her chest, pacing anxiously like an ant on a hot pan. Then, all of a sudden, Su Hong spun around and headed straight for Qi Cailing’s liquor shop.

Over the years, her mother-in-law had been the backbone of the main household. Now that she was recovering, she’d be able to work just like before.

Her sister-in-law should be happy about this. So why was she so flustered? Why was she so agitated?

Su Hong rarely set foot in the liquor shop since Han Feng didn’t drink. What could be so urgent today that she ran there in such a hurry?

Something wasn’t right.

Without hesitation, Chen Yufeng followed.

As soon as she stepped inside, she heard her sister-in-law’s panicked voice:

“Uncle Qi, hurry! I’m selling this jade pendant!”

“Su Hong, just the other day, I offered you five hundred yuan, and you refused. But now…” Uncle Qi said.

“I don’t care how much, I just need to sell it quickly,” Su Hong urged.

Chen Yufeng hadn’t seen the item yet, but her mind was already clear.

After all, when her mother-in-law had gone blind, she had accidentally fallen into the river and lost her beloved jade pendant.

And now, that very pendant was in Su Hong’s hands.

Holding her breath, Chen Yufeng moved closer.