Chapter 195: Big Dreams but Little Ability

Seeing Xu Ning’s surprise, Wei Lanlan sighed, “I never realized she was that kind of person before. When she first arrived, I thought she was shy and introverted, and I assumed she was easygoing.

I really misjudged her. I always thought Chun Hua was a bit muddle-headed, but who knew the two of them were cut from the same cloth?”

Xu Ning chuckled at this; she had never thought of Jiao Hua as easygoing. To her, Jiao Hua was just a wishy-washy fence-sitter.

As evening approached and darkness began to settle, Wei Lanlan took Xiao Pang home. The triplets reluctantly accompanied them to the entrance, only returning inside once they could no longer see them.

After it got dark, Xiao Mo came over. The triplets were thrilled to see him; after a whole day without their uncle, they rushed over and hugged him, showering him with kisses.

Xiao Mo laughed while pretending to be disgusted. “Really, every time you see me, you just have to kiss me. It’s like I’m covered in your spit!”

After saying this, he took off his shoes and climbed onto the kang, hugging them and giving them affectionate kisses.

Seeing them all having fun, Xu Ning smiled and went to the kitchen to help with dinner.

At Dayong’s home in the village, Dayong returned from outside to find his wife with a long face. He chuckled and asked, “What’s wrong? Why the long face? Did someone offend you?”

Since her husband was home, Dayong’s wife decided to share what had happened. She recounted the incident with the pickled cabbage that morning, explaining how Aunt Dashuan’s wife wasn’t willing to help her.

 “After all these years as neighbors, we asked her to help us pickle some cabbage, and it’s just a matter of giving us face. It’s not that we can’t do it ourselves; it’s just that our flavor isn’t as good. Yet, she acts all high and mighty—really, she’s getting too full of herself,” Dayong’s wife huffed, recalling the incident from the afternoon and still feeling embarrassed about it.

Dayong sat there for a moment, pondering, and then said, “We should probably blame ourselves for not telling her family about the job openings at the machinery factory.”

His wife scoffed, “What good would that do? Do they think they can just waltz in there?

Both of their boys went for an interview at the machinery factory, but they were sent back.”

“They have little ability but only dream of big things. That Xu Zhiqing is also quite cunning; she knows they won’t pass the interview and is just trying to curry favor with them,” Dayong’s wife grumbled.

“Let’s eat first. After dinner, I’ll go over to Dashuan’s for a bit. After all, we’ve been neighbors for so many years, and we shouldn’t let this issue sour our relationship,” Dayong said.

“Why go over there? They’ve already disrespected us, so why should we worry about damaging the relationship? Besides, are we ever going to need anything from their family in the future? Hmph,” she replied, not wanting Dayong to go.

Dayong shot her a look. “What do you know? No matter what, we have to maintain some face.

Dashuan has a good reputation in the village, and although their second son may not compare to our eldest, he’s still well-liked around here.”

When Dayong arrived, the family at Dashuan’s had just finished their meal and were sitting on the kang, chatting.

Upon seeing him, Jianhua greeted warmly, “Uncle Dayong, it’s a rare visit! What brings you out today? Come, have a seat on the kang.” He said this while helping him up.

Dayong laughed and patted Jianhua’s shoulder, saying, “Your uncle isn’t old enough to need your help yet; I can manage on my own.”

Once settled on the kang, he added with a smile, “I just thought since I had dinner early today, I’d come over to chat with your dad. We haven’t had a good talk since the autumn harvest began.”

Dashuan chuckled and said, “Jianhua, go pour some water for your Uncle Dayong.”

“Sure thing!” Jianhua replied with a smile as he headed outside.

Dashuan’s wife also smiled and asked, “Why are you here all alone? Why didn’t Guifen come to play?”

Dayong replied, “Sister-in-law, I came right after dinner. She’s still busy cleaning up the dishes.”

“Guifen asked me to help her pickle some cabbage today, but my back has been giving me trouble for quite a while now. It’s been painful, and I can hardly bend over.

Lately, all the cooking and laundry at home has been handled by my second daughter-in-law. I feel like I’m becoming useless; I must be getting old,” she lamented.

Dayong quickly offered some comfort. “Sister-in-law, don’t say that about getting old! We’re still young. Now that the autumn harvest is over, let Dashuan take you to the hospital for a good check-up.”

Dashuan sighed, “I was just discussing with my second son about taking her to the city for a check-up, but your sister-in-law is worried about spending money and refuses to go.”

Dashuan’s wife replied, “This back pain is just an old issue of mine. If I rest for a while, it will get better. Why waste money on a visit?”

She then added, “I heard from Guifen that your eldest daughter-in-law is pregnant again? That’s wonderful news! Your family will be welcoming another little one next year.”

Hearing about his daughter-in-law’s pregnancy made Dayong quite happy. They had been married for several years now; in their second year of marriage, they had a daughter.

After that, she hadn’t conceived again until just a few days ago when his eldest son returned with the news. The elderly couple had finally breathed a sigh of relief.