Xu Duomei’s mother answered without hesitation, “For my two children, for Duomei and her sister.”

As a mother, what else could she live for if not for her children?

Aunt Yang said, “But in your current condition, what can you do for your children? Not seeing a doctor when you’re sick and waiting to die? Once you’re gone, Xu Weilin will remarry, and then you can just wait to see how your mother-in-law will treat the children.” Her words were blunt.

Aunt Yang had seen many women like Xu Duomei’s mother in the countryside.

Many women in their village were similar, but since they weren’t related to her, she didn’t interfere.

Now that Xu Duomei’s mother was the wife of her son’s subordinate, and given how good Xu Duomei was—borrowing money at just eight years old to pay for her mother’s medical treatment—Aunt Yang felt sympathy and couldn’t help but speak out.

Lu Hong believed that people who were well-known in the compound had high awareness.

Ning Shu was like that, and Aunt Yang was also known to be tough but clear-headed.

Listening to her words now showed that she was indeed an insightful person.

“Little Xu’s wife, listen to this. Ning Shu may be young but understands the need to be strong for her children.

Aunt Yang, at her age, also understands the importance of taking care of herself when sick rather than waiting to die.

But what about you? All you’re doing is burdening your daughter Xu Duomei.” Lv Hong was frustrated with Xu Duomei’s mother’s inaction but was biased towards her.

She disliked troublemakers in the compound, and Xu Weilin’s mother was seen as such.

Xu Duomei’s mother nodded, “I understand what you’re saying.”

“So how do you plan to resolve this?” Lu Hong asked. “Or do you have any ideas? Are you just going to let it go? You’re the one who’s been wronged. Only by making a request can the Women’s Federation help you. If you think it’s best to let it go, we will respect your choice.”

Lu Hong felt a bit sad as she spoke.

If women didn’t protect themselves, how could they expect others to protect them?

Listening to Lu Hong, Xu Duomei’s mother was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do.

She had hopes, the biggest one being that her mother-in-law would go back to her hometown.

But could her mother-in-law leave?

Seeing her silence, Ning Shu decided not to stay any longer and spoke first: “I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be leaving now.”

Aunt Yang also spoke up: “I have things to do this afternoon, so I’m leaving too. Little Xu’s wife, think carefully, take care of your health, and consider Duomei’s well-being.”

Lu Hong also stood up. “Little Xu, think about it carefully, and let me know once you’ve made up your mind. Our Women’s Association is on your side.”

Xu Duomei’s mother nodded in agreement.

Zhao Huan added, “Take good care of yourself, and we’ll be leaving now.”

After Ning Shu and the others left, Xu Duomei couldn’t hold back her feelings. “Mother, why didn’t you speak up? Look at what Aunt Yang said; she’s so capable. We shouldn’t listen to Grandma anymore. We can live separately from her, just like Aunt Yang suggested.”

Xu Duomei’s mother shook her head. “We’re not the same as Aunt Yang’s family. Aunt Yang could live separately because her husband died and they were driven out. Your father is still here, and he wouldn’t agree to living apart from your grandmother.”

Xu Duomei thought for a moment. “Didn’t the Women’s Director say that you can talk to them about your concerns? Why don’t you go to them? If you don’t ask, how will you know it’s not possible? Besides, they are leaders, and Dad has to listen to them too.”

“But…” Xu Duomei’s mother hesitated. “What if the Women’s Director thinks poorly of me? How could a daughter-in-law push her mother-in-law away?”

Xu Duomei, still young, hadn’t thought deeply about the issues between a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law.

She didn’t understand her mother’s hesitation.

She wished her mother were more like Aunt Yang so they wouldn’t be bullied and her sister could stay with them.

With a new idea in mind, Xu Duomei thought, if her mother wouldn’t learn from Aunt Yang, maybe she could learn instead.

Although Xu Duomei was timid, her willingness to borrow money from Yibao showed she was willing to take risks.

Aunt Yang was unaware that she had become Xu Duomei’s role model.

Little did she know, an eight-year-old girl was about to follow her example and embark on a new path in life.

After leaving the medical office, Lu Hong sighed, “I think the situation with Little Xu’s wife will probably be left as it is. Aunt Yang, please talk to Deputy Yang about this and have him discuss it with Squad Leader Xu Weilin.

We all live in the compound, and it’s outrageous that a mother-in-law would beat her sick daughter-in-law into unconsciousness. This issue affects not only the reputation of our compound but also Xu’s reputation.”

Aunt Yang agreed, “Don’t worry, Director, I’ll talk to Xiao Yang and have him discuss it with Xu Weilin.” However, she didn’t know if Xu Weilin would listen.

Aunt Yang didn’t say this out loud, but in her view, Xu Weilin probably wasn’t someone who could handle things well.

Otherwise, how could his mother act so outrageously towards his wife without him knowing?

“Just handle it,” Aunt Yang thought.

Lu Hong smiled, “Your awareness is commendable. No wonder you’re a military family member.”

Aunt Yang responded, “Director, you flatter me. I always keep my role in mind and wouldn’t do anything to harm the reputation of our compound or our status as family members.”

Lu Hong said, “I trust that. I’ll head back to the Women’s Federation now.”

“Take care, Director,” Aunt Yang said as she saw her off.

Ning Shu silently admired Aunt Yang. Her communication skills were indeed top-notch.

Without the influence of the plot, Aunt Yang left a different impression than what was depicted in the novel.

Although they weren’t as close as the novel described, Aunt Yang was one of her closest connections in the compound.

Such relationships were normal, given that Deputy Battalion Commander Yang was under Lin Guodong, and they were effectively part of the same team.

Watching Lu Hong leave, Aunt Yang sighed, “I think this matter is doubtful. That Little Xu’s wife doesn’t seem to be someone who can handle such things, and she might suffer in the future.”

Ning Shu raised an eyebrow and said lightly, “That might be the case.”

She enjoyed gossip but didn’t involve herself in other people’s affairs.

Back at home, Lin Guodong had gone to work, and the three children were at school.

Ning Shu took a piece of sugarcane and sat in the sun, munching on it.

However, after a while, Aunt Yang came back.

“Ning Shu, Ning Shu…” Aunt Yang called out as she entered.

“What’s the matter, Aunt Yang?” Ning Shu looked at her.

They had just parted ways a short time ago.

“The supply and marketing cooperative is almost ready, and the recruitment conditions are out. Different positions have different requirements, but two important ones are literacy and the ability to use an abacus. There will be a written test and an arithmetic test. Are you planning to sign up?” Aunt Yang asked.

Ning Shu, who wasn’t interested in the supply and marketing cooperative jobs and had not been following the updates, was pleased that the cooperative was nearing completion.

It would make shopping more convenient. “No, I’m not interested. I’m happy with my job at the kindergarten. Although the pay isn’t high, it’s relaxed and flexible.”

Aunt Yang couldn’t help but ask, “What do you think about my daughter-in-law signing up?”

Ning Shu was a bit surprised. “Sure, why not? It’s always worth trying. Only by trying can one have a chance.”

Aunt Yang thought the same but was concerned: “My daughter-in-law can read, which is not an issue. When my son was in school, she learned from him. Even though she doesn’t have formal education, her literacy is comparable to a primary school graduate. My concern is that she doesn’t know how to use an abacus.”

Aunt Yang then explained her request directly: “Ning Shu, I wanted to ask if you know how to use an abacus. If you do, could you teach my daughter-in-law?”

Ning Shu felt a bit relieved and awkward but knew she couldn’t help.

She had learned to use an abacus in elementary school but had forgotten it long ago.

However, she came up with a suggestion: “Aunt Yang, I don’t know how to use an abacus, but I know there are places that teach it professionally, though they do charge a fee.”

Aunt Yang thought paying for lessons was reasonable since teaching an abacus was a skill.

If Ning Shu had been teaching her daughter-in-law, she would have given a gift, but paying for a specialized teacher was preferable as it avoided any personal debt.

“What places are you talking about?” Aunt Yang asked eagerly.

“There are two options,” Ning Shu explained. “One is a specialized accounting school where you can attend classes. The other is hiring a private tutor. You can hire an accounting teacher or a teacher from a youth center’s math interest class. Both options require a fee.”

“That’s fine. Does the teacher agree to teach?” Aunt Yang asked.

Ning Shu thought for a moment, “I’m not sure. The registration for the supply and marketing cooperative is early, so it might be too late to learn now. Since I have some free time this afternoon, how about I take you to the city to inquire?”

Aunt Yang was a bit embarrassed but grateful. “That would be great. I’m sorry to trouble you.”

“It’s no trouble at all. We’re all part of the same unit, and it’s only natural to help each other.”

Even without the storyline’s context of Aunt Yang’s kindness to the twins, Ning Shu was willing to help due to their three years of neighborly relationship.