Jiang Lin greeted Fan Huiyuan and inquired about the situation, whispering a few words.

Fan Huiyuan clapped her hands. “Good.”

She turned and whispered to a few women.

Then a woman in the crowd who disliked Huang Meini shouted, “Forget it. Jumping off? She cries like a pig when she scrapes her skin. Can she really seek death?”

Another woman who wasn’t on good terms with Huang Meini yelled, “Just jump already. If she jumps, Old Meng can find a young stepmother for his kids, haha.”

Fan Huiyuan looked smug. “Challenge accepted! I’m in charge of women’s work around here!”

As a result, many people began to criticize Meng Kaiping and Huang Meini. “Where do such people come from? Cheating others of hard-earned money, playing tricks, and spreading rumors about selling children and elopement to drive someone to their death. Now they’re here crying and pretending to be pitiful. Isn’t it disgusting!”

Upon hearing everyone’s condemnation of Meng Kaiping and Huang Meini, Xu Aimei immediately clutched her chest and staggered, collapsing to one side.

Beside her, Jiang Dongjian was startled and quickly supported her. “Aimei, Aimei, what’s wrong?”

Jiang Xinglei rushed over, crying, “Dad, Mom’s having a heart attack!”

Jiang Dongjian shouted anxiously, “Quick, take her to the medical room.”

He picked up Xu Aimei and hurried towards the medical room at the auto parts factory.

Xu Aimei looked frail, saying, “Old Jiang… home… medicine…”

Qianbo shouted, “Aunt Xu has had it tough, the whole family can’t even eat enough, and they don’t even want to see a doctor when they’re sick.”

His shout sparked the women to criticize Meng Kaiping. “The Jiang family has been through so much hardship, and you still cheat them of money. If they don’t forgive you, are they the bad ones? Are you justified in being bad? You’re truly despicable!”

“Let’s have a meeting to criticize him!”

The crowd started chanting, “Yes, let’s criticize this bad example thoroughly. Don’t tarnish the reputation of our auto parts factory.'”

Immediately, Fan Huiyuan went to the factory office to file a request.

Now it was no longer just a women’s issue.

The political department of the office promptly called a meeting.

No one cared anymore whether Huang Meini was going to jump from the water tower or not.

Fan Huiyuan shouted at Huang Meini, “Using threats like jumping off a building? Are we workers scared by such tactics? Only bad elements use such tricks to manipulate us revolutionaries! First, we’ll withhold your next month’s ration coupons for food, meat, and other goods.”

Huang Meini panicked and hurriedly tried to climb down.

In her haste, trembling hands and feet caused her to slip when she was just a few meters from the ground.

With a ‘thud,’ she fell down and sprained her foot.

Afterwards, the auto parts factory started discussing the serious issues with Huang Meini and Meng Kaiping.

They decided to discipline them within the factory, not only recording their faults but also depriving them of salary increases, which were given to more deserving comrades.

Two other families in their neighborhood refused to live with them anymore and demanded that the Meng family move elsewhere.

Consequently, the factory office decided to relocate the Meng family to a smaller accommodation—instead of their previous three-room setup, they were assigned a single 15-square-meter room.

Despite Meng Kaiping and Huang Meini’s pleas and dramatic gestures, their appeals were not effective.

Instead, they faced severe disciplinary actions, which quickly became the talk of major factories in the local area.

Their story even made it to the newspapers, causing a sensation in the provincial capital and becoming a topic of lively discussion.

The Meng family became social pariahs, their reputation thoroughly tarnished, and nobody wanted to associate with them.

Who would willingly interact with someone who constantly manipulated, schemed, and treated others like fools?

Who would rush to be seen as a fool?

The Meng children refused to go to school because their classmates would ask questions and make comments that made them feel ashamed.

It was too humiliating!

Initially sentenced to three years for defamation, incitement, and disrupting marital harmony, Meng Yiyi faced another accusation from Lu Hang for fraud and emotional deception.

He had been infatuated with the unmarried Jiang Lin, who remained on his mind even after she moved away.

Due to Meng Yiyi’s deliberate deception, he didn’t know Jiang Lin had married, and she had misled him into sending money, falsely claiming Jiang Lin still loved him.

This led to an even harsher sentence for Meng Yiyi—six years in prison, where she was sent to serve her time in the provincial prison.

This is what happened next.

…

The next evening after work, Cheng Rushan arrived at the auto parts factory with his parents, Da Bao, Xiao Bao, and Wensheng.

Getting off the car, Cheng Rushan unloaded his bag, luggage, and two chickens.

He also carried Da Bao and Xiao Bao down, while Wensheng helped Cheng Yunzhi and Yan Runzhi get out of the car.

Cheng Rushan said, “Let’s go.”

He hoisted the very heavy bag containing gifts.

Yan Runzhi said, ‘Wait, let’s rehearse first.'”

She checked Cheng Yunzhi’s appearance, then asked him to look at himself, and then at Wensheng and Dabao and Xiaobao.

Dabao and Xiaobao exchanged a glance. “Ah, women are trouble when they go out.”

Yan Runzhi suddenly smiled at Cheng Yunzhi and extended her hand. “Oh, my future relative is here. You must be exhausted from the long journey. Come inside and have a seat.”

Cheng Yunzhi immediately responded, “Hello, future relative. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Finally, we have the chance today.”

Cheng Rushan: “…”

The elderly couple rehearsed a bit and directed Dabao and Xiaobao again.

They were fine.

They hadn’t seen Jiang Lin in days and missed her terribly.

They had already chatted with Cheng Rushan for a long time last night, so they definitely wouldn’t cry.

The main concern was Wensheng.

Yan Runzhi: “Wensheng, what will you do?”

Wensheng glanced at Cheng Rushan, imitated his upright posture, slightly lowered his chin, stared straight ahead with a calm expression.

Yan Runzhi nodded approvingly and praised, “Very good. How will you act when you see your mother?”

Wensheng immediately lifted his chin slightly and then glanced at her with a slight tilt of his eyes, not as excitedly as before when calling her “mother”.

Yan Runzhi was very satisfied. “Excellent!”

Cheng Rushan: “…”

Wensheng then picked up the two chickens and followed behind Cheng Rushan, imitating his proud stride.

Dabao Xiaobao whispered to each other.

Xiaobao: “He’s so silly. Everything okay?”

Dabao: “Should be fine. We can’t let Grandpa and Grandma see anything wrong with Wensheng. They might make fun of him, which wouldn’t be good for Mom.”

Cheng Rushan took them to the auto parts factory.

It was evening, and many people were on the road staring at them.

The elderly were elegant, the young man handsome and upright, and the children attractive—they stood out wherever they went.

Some recognized them as Jiang Lin’s son-in-law and warmly greeted them, welcoming Cheng Yunzhi, Yan Runzhi, and others.

Some even casually took apples or hawthorns from their baskets and gave them to Dabao and Xiaobao.

At the Jiang family, Xu Aimei had a “heart attack” these past few days and went straight home after work.

Last night, she took out the money Jiang Lin had given her and had Jiang Xinglei quietly buy several tens of kilograms of food coupons to supplement the family’s meals when guests came.

She also asked Jiang Lin why her son-in-law hadn’t brought his parents and children to visit yet.

With Cheng Rushan resolving the Meng family’s affairs, she was increasingly pleased as the mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law.

Jiang Lin remembered Cheng Rushan’s words and told Xu Aimei to come tomorrow evening.

Xu Aimei gathered all the saved meat coupons and borrowed one more pound.

In the early morning, she sent Jiang Xinglei to queue up to buy meat, preparing to entertain the guests when the in-laws arrived.

Jiang Xinglei, that kid, was quite savvy and actually managed to buy two pounds of meat and two pounds of lard.

Even in the provincial capital, it wasn’t always easy to buy meat with meat coupons due to limited supply.

People lined up before dawn, and more than half often left empty-handed.

Sometimes they sold out just as it was your turn, which was frustrating.

So Xu Aimei was quite happy that Jiang Xinglei had managed to buy meat, feeling like something productive had been achieved.

Just as they were talking, Song Lijuan’s voice came from outside, “Mom, Mom! Brother-in-law’s family is here, they’re here!”

Upon hearing this, Xu Aimei’s first thought was that as a mother-in-law, she had to handle things carefully to not let her in-laws look down on her.

Little did she know, Jiang Lin had already rushed out.

Xu Aimei: “…”

She hurriedly followed outside.

Jiang Lin, having missed Dabao and Xiaobao after just two days, ran out to see Cheng Rushan and Wensheng carrying things, Yan Runzhi supporting Cheng Yunzhi, and Dabao and Xiaobao walking arm in arm.

“Mom, we missed you so much!” Dabao Xiaobao ran over and hugged her leg.

Jiang Lin squatted down to kiss each of them and said with a smile, “Mom missed you so much too. Come, say hello to Grandma.”

Dabao and Xiaobao exchanged a glance, wondering if this was their wolf grandmother?

They immediately looked up at Xu Aimei and sweetly greeted her, “Hello Grandma.”

Xu Aimei had originally thought her rural grandsons would be dirty and scruffy, but they turned out to be so fair and beautiful, which was quite unexpected.

Her old and cold heart suddenly felt rejuvenated, beating fast.

She could almost see her eldest son’s childhood in them.

Her eldest brother Jiang was also fair and cute when he was young, attracting everyone who saw him.

She quickly touched their heads. “Such good children, Grandma loves you.”

She then took out two coins from her pocket and put one in each of their pockets.

Dabao and Xiaobao exchanged a glance: Should they give them back to Grandma?

Grandma Yunzhi said not to ask for things casually. Since it was from Mom’s mom, could they keep them? Well, then they would keep them.

The two little ones happily accepted the coins, feeling delighted. “Thank you, Grandma. Where’s Grandpa and our uncles?”

Would Grandpa give them money? Their uncles probably wouldn’t.

These past few days, the two brothers had come to realize the importance of money since they needed it for everything when they went out.

Xu Aimei smiled and replied, “They haven’t finished work yet. They’ll be back together shortly.”

She called her grandchildren over to entertain the little grandsons, then hurriedly greeted Cheng Yunzhi, Yan Runzhi, and others.

Cheng Rushan had already taken the initiative to introduce them.

Jiang Lin watched as both sides smoothly greeted each other, shaking hands and chatting warmly. “It’s been a long journey. Must have been tiring.”

“Looking forward to meeting the in-laws, not tiring at all—quite excited, actually.”

Neighbors in the yard also came out to greet them.

Cheng Rushan took out candies from his bag and handed them out to everyone, boys and girls alike.

The neighbors were amazed—normally, when someone shared candies, they would take a few pieces.

This young man was so generous, handing out handfuls.

With such big hands, how much candy was that?

It all cost money!

How could he be so extravagant?

Tall, handsome, and generous—this young man attracted admiration.

Some couldn’t help but think for him and said, “You don’t need to give so much, just enough for the children.”

Cheng Rushan smiled, “Better to be close neighbors than distant relatives. Thank you all for taking care of Linlin and my parents. Please continue to support us in the future.”

“Of course, of course, we’re all neighbors.” Everyone responded eagerly.

Meanwhile, Xu Aimei warmly invited Cheng Yunzhi, Yan Runzhi, and Wensheng into the house.

Dabao and Xiaobao, led by Qin Qin, Xiaoke, and Xiaoluo, played with other children in the yard, discussing which candies tasted best and which candy wrappers looked prettiest.

Jiang Lin wondered why Wensheng was so well-behaved, not coming over to call her “mom,” and watched him curiously.

When Wensheng saw her, he was so excited that he wanted to run over and hug her immediately, but he clenched his fists tightly to restrain himself.

When Jiang Lin looked at him, he calmly smiled at her.

This smile was quite something—the girls in the yard blushed.

Wensheng had been trained by Yan Runzhi not to call her “mom” these past few days, as people would mock her.

So he had to stay calm.

Wensheng even asked, “Isn’t this just acting? Can’t I just follow Dad’s lead? Then I will!”

He had been following Cheng Rushan all this time, but his style was different—always with a touch of childishness.

Those who didn’t understand him thought he was genuinely simple, mature yet innocent, finding him quite charming.

Jiang Lin pulled Cheng Rushan aside and whispered, “Is Wensheng okay now?”

Cheng Rushan rubbed her shoulder. “What do you think?”

Jiang Lin smiled and approached Wensheng, “Let’s go inside.”

Just as Wensheng was about to call her “mom,” Yan Runzhi glanced back and signaled to him.

Immediately, he nodded restrainedly, “Okay,” and went straight into the house without looking around.

Jiang Lin: “…”

Why was he acting so strangely?

Soon Jiang Xinglei returned with Jiang Dongjian, carrying a big grass carp.

When Xiaoke shouted that grandpa was back, Dabao and Xiaobao quickly stood up and ran towards Jiang Dongjian.

He crisply exclaimed, “Grandpa, you’re back!”

Seeing the two identical, chubby-faced boys, Jiang Dongjian was stunned.