Chapter 114: “everyone Knows”
Song Xiwei wasn’t disappointed. She opened the cloth bag and looked inside. First were Lin Xuan and Lin Zheng’s clothes. She pinched the collar, spread it out to look, and said, “The alterations are nice. Your skill in making clothes has come back.”
This was in contrast to the past few years.
Lin Zhao: “…”
“Xuanxuan, Zheng Zheng, go try them on. If anywhere doesn’t fit, you two tell your grandfather, and have him alter them for you.” Song Xiwei handed the clothes over and said to Lin Xuan and Lin Zheng, the two sisters.
The sisters happily took the clothes with surprise, thanked Lin Zhao, and went back to the room to change.
Song Xiwei saw the clothes her daughter made for her—a black-and-white plaid shirt with a square collar, the loose style she liked, and a pair of black pants.
“Nice. I can tell at a glance it’s suitable. Wait until the weather cools a bit to wear it.”
Long-sleeved clothes wouldn’t be wearable until at least next month.
Chen Yu also said, “This shirt collar is the first I’ve seen. It doesn’t choke the neck, perfect for a mother. Zhaozhao is getting better and better at making clothes.” She praised.
Song Xiwei smiled. “Zhaozhao takes after her dad. She’s handy.”
Old Lin was a man who could even learn embroidery. Zhaozhao had been taken by her dad to watch from a young age, absorbing it through osmosis as he cut and sewed. Her man didn’t mind the rags, letting her play with them, so of course her skills improved.
Lin Heling was looking at the clothes his daughter made for him—
The top was a Chinese-style Tang suit, made of silky fabric, black with patterns, lined with red. It suited his modest and refined temperament. The bottom was also black pants, the same style as Song Xiwei’s.
Lin Zhao secretly rejoiced inside.
The details of the two outfits were similar. As long as they wore them out, outsiders would know her parents were a couple.
Her parents both had good proportions—short waists and long legs. Even in patched clothes, they looked better than others. In new clothes, they’d be even more pleasing to the eye.
“Dad, how is it? Satisfied?”
Lin Heling smiled. “If your mom is satisfied, so am I.”
Lin Zhao wasn’t surprised by his response. She put away the clothes, folded them neatly, and took them to her parents’ room.
Then she returned to the yard.
Song Xiwei saw Lin Zhao bring back meat, pastries, sugar, and such. She frowned slightly, remembering what Lin Heling said—that Zhaozhao was grown up, a mother of four children, and knew what she was doing. So she didn’t say anything to upset the child.
Instead, she said:
“Did you save some for Cheng Huai and the four kids? What you sent before isn’t finished yet. Don’t always think of your maternal family.”
Lin Zhao held Song Xiwei’s arm, resting her head on her shoulder, her voice soft. “I’m not silly. I saved some for all of them. If I didn’t, Da Zai and Er Zai would definitely babble to their grandmother, and then their grandparents would criticize me.”
Song Xiwei said disdainfully, “You’re so grown up, sticking so close and not minding the heat.” But her hand shook the palm-leaf fan to fan her.
“I just don’t mind.” Not only did Lin Zhao not pull away, she stuck even closer to her mom.
Her mouth kept babbling, “I like my mom, my mom likes me too. Why can’t I stick close? I just want to stick close.”
Deep laughter welled up in Song Xiwei’s eyes.
This was her only daughter. How could she not like Zhaozhao being close?
“You say Da Zai and Er Zai babble, but I think you’re the one babbling. They must have learned it from you.”
Lin Zhao’s mouth corners curved up slightly, proud rather than ashamed. “Being able to talk well is great. A quiet gourd can’t even win an argument.”
Lin Heling felt an arrow pierce his heart.
He wasn’t a quiet gourd, but he wasn’t talkative either. He’d never quarreled with anyone in his life.
“Zhaozhao, your words hurt innocents.”
Lin Zhao covered her mouth laughing and said, “Dad, don’t worry. No one will pick a fight with you.”
Borrowing a line her mom once said, just looking at her dad’s face made it impossible to start an argument.
Besides, with her mom there, her mom had a reputation throughout the commune. Everyone knew she wasn’t to be trifled with. No one dared provoke the couple.
Lin Heling was puzzled and wanted to ask more.
Yuan Xiang came out from the room. She had changed back into old clothes.
“Why change the clothes? That outfit looked so good.” Song Xiwei saw Xiangxiang turn back to her drab appearance again and said uncomprehendingly. Which young girl didn’t love wearing pretty clothes?
Yuan Xiang smiled and said, “I’m going to cook later. That outfit is too new. I’m afraid I’ll get it dirty.”
“If it’s dirty, wash it clean.” Song Xiwei’s expression softened a bit, then she added, “Your mom will come later. Tell her about today’s meeting. Your aunt and your cousin-in-law will make the meal. Rest today.”
After Yuan Xiang came to stay temporarily at the Lin family, she was very diligent, doing all kinds of work. Seeing Chen Yu pregnant and tired, she took over the cooking.
Yuan family’s days were average. Meals were the same every day for ten years, just to fill the stomach. No thought to taste, so Yuan Xiang’s cooking skills were quite average. After discovering this, Lin Heling and Song Xiwei taught her intentionally and unintentionally. In just a few days, her skills improved greatly, making Yuan Xiang even more grateful to the Lin family.
“Okay.” Yuan Xiang obediently followed her aunt’s arrangement.
At that moment, the Lin family gate was pushed open from outside.
It was Yuan Xiang’s mom, that is, Aunt Song.
“Why is the door still closed…” Aunt Song muttered as she saw Yuan Xiang back and anxiously asked about the meeting. She quickened her steps two at a time and walked toward the pomegranate tree.
“Xiangxiang, how did today’s meeting go?” she asked immediately.
Yuan Xiang handed the bowl she’d been drinking from to her mom to moisten her throat, then smiled and said, “It worked out. Mom, I have a partner now.”
Hearing this firm answer, Yuan Xiangniang’s mind went blank for a moment. Her eyes reddened instantly, and she hurriedly lowered her head as if to hide it.
“Good, good, great news, great news.”
Ever since her daughter was jilted, she hadn’t slept a whole night, worrying.
Xiangxiang was already over twenty. At this age in the countryside, other girls had several children, but she still wasn’t married. Who knew what kind of person she’d end up with? Just thinking about it made her regretful and hateful…
Everyone present understood Aunt Song’s feelings.
Lin Zhao said, “Aunt, my colleague Sister Fen—that is, Sister Xiangxiang’s partner’s eldest sister—asked me to pass a message to you.”
Aunt Song jerked her head up, her voice tight. “What message?”
She was really afraid something might go wrong.
“Aunt, don’t worry. It’s not bad news.” Lin Zhao comforted her first, then said, “Sister Fen gave me the inside story. She said the Li family has the betrothal gifts ready: two hundred yuan, plus a watch and a sewing machine for my sister.”
Hearing this, Chen Yu was shocked.
Two hundred yuan, plus a watch and sewing machine. In the countryside, that could marry several daughters-in-law.
Even for her, which was considered a lot, it was only eighty-eight, plus two outfits.
As expected of city folk?
Yuan Xiang was also stunned in place. This… she was just learning too.
Aunt Song was even more shocked. She grabbed Lin Zhao’s hand. “Zhaozhao, is this true?”
“Of course it’s true. Why would I lie? It’d be exposed in one poke, no fun.” Lin Zhao said straightforwardly.
Aunt Song hurriedly said, “Zhaozhao, don’t misunderstand. I’m not blaming you. I just… just feel… I can’t believe it.”
She withdrew her hand and suddenly wiped tears. “I didn’t expect anyone would value my Xiangxiang this much.”
Seeing her mom cry, Yuan Xiang couldn’t hold back either and wiped tears too.
Mother and daughter hugged and cried.
Lin Zhao looked to her mom for help. How to advise?
Song Xiwei couldn’t bear her daughter being put in a tough spot and advised, “Why cry? This is good news. You should smile. Besides, Xiangxiang is such a good girl. Someone was bound to discover it.”
“Yes, yes.” Lin Zhao added, “That person also said if my sister wants to work, he’ll help her find a job.”
At these words, Aunt Song stopped crying. Her reddened eyes fixed on her daughter. “Xiangxiang, did that young man really say that?”
Yuan Xiang remembered Li Song’s serious expression when he said it. Her face heated up, but she still said, “Yes, he did.”
“Xiangxiang, if he can find work, go work.” Aunt Song said earnestly. “Xiangxiang, Mom knows how hard it is to ask others for money. Only earning your own makes life comfortable. If there’s a job opportunity, you absolutely cannot miss it.”
Yuan Xiang nodded solemnly. “I know.”
Aunt Song knew her daughter was diligent. She stroked Yuan Xiang’s hair and smiled with relief. “Date him well first, get to know him… then talk marriage. After all, it’s a lifetime thing. Be cautious.”
She was afraid her daughter would have no partner, but also afraid she’d meet a bad one.
“Yes.” Yuan Xiang took it to heart. She wasn’t as fortunate as Zhaozhao, but she was luckier than many village girls. She had a mom who thought of her wholeheartedly.
Aunt Song didn’t stay long. After understanding her daughter’s meeting situation, she prepared to leave.
The brigade was weeding and fertilizing these days, with heavy tasks. She had taken leave to come.
Yuan Xiang didn’t stop her. She divided the things from the Li family in half—one half for her aunt’s family, half for her mom to take back. Song Xiwei also cut her a jin of meat to take.
Aunt Song couldn’t refuse and left with bags and packages.
When she reached the brigade, the sun was still high.
Seeing her hands full, the villagers were stunned.
After reacting, they asked, “Xiangxiang’s mom, did you visit your daughter and come back? Why so many things? From your sister?”
Aunt Song felt elated. “Some from my sister, some from Xiangxiang’s partner.”
Her own daughter found a good partner. She had no intention of hiding it. Ever since Xiangxiang was jilted, villagers spoke harshly.
The Yuan family had heard enough.
The villagers were shocked and didn’t know what to say. “Your Xiangxiang has a partner?”
Another said, “Introduced by her aunt?”
“Where’s the man from? What does he do?”
“Xiangxiang’s mom, your Xiangxiang is diligent, but she’s not young. Hope it’s not a second marriage?” This was from someone who loved gossip.
…
The front ones were okay, just gossiping for fun. The last one was truly infuriating.
Aunt Song wasn’t one to be bullied. She said, “Thanks for your concern. Not second marriage—a city worker!” She said “worker” forcefully.
“Impossible!” The gossip said disbelievingly. “Your Xiangxiang has no looks, no education, over twenty. How could she find a worker partner! Xiangxiang’s mom, you must’ve drunk fake liquor and gone dizzy in broad daylight!”
Aunt Song found her words truly harsh and frowned impatiently.
As a fellow villager, she knew this person’s nature and didn’t want to argue.
She just said:
“Believe it or not.”
“That young man was introduced by my niece. You’ve heard of my niece, right? The only high school student in ten villages around, married into the Gu family of Fengshou Brigade. Her man is an officer in the troops. My niece is a salesperson at the supply and marketing cooperative. Her colleague asked Zhaozhao to help introduce a partner. Zhaozhao came back to her maternal home… and happened to know her sister was jilted. Perfect timing. She mentioned her sister to her colleague, who thought it fine. The two met today, and my Xiangxiang… has a partner now.”
Hearing her tell it so vividly, the crowd had no choice but to believe.
This was the benefit of having a salesperson niece.
“Xiangxiang’s mom, what does Xiangxiang’s partner do?”
“You said he’s a worker. Formal worker or temporary?”
“How is the man’s family okay with him marrying a country girl? Don’t city people look down on country girls?”
…
Questions came one after another. Aunt Song felt a headache.
“Just started dating. Who knows how it’ll go. Too many heavy things. I’m heading back first. We’ll chat another day.”
She finished and left quickly.
The people left behind had just eaten a big piece of gossip, eager to talk, chattering nonstop.
“Do you think Xiangxiang’s mom is telling truth or lying? She really getting a city son-in-law? Who would’ve thought.”
“Probably true. Her niece is educated, capable. Not strange for her to match her sister with a city guy.”
Someone felt sour inside and said, “Who knows if that young man has issues. No proper city guy wants a country girl. Maybe second marriage with kids.”
“Yeah.”
…
Aunt Song didn’t know these words. Even if she did, she wouldn’t care. They’d said worse a few days ago.
The Yuan family soon learned about it.
Yuan Xiang’s two brothers were happy for her.
“Mom, Xiangxiang really has a city partner?” Elder Brother Yuan asked.
Aunt Song was in a great mood. The worry gone from her face, only happiness left. “Yes. Your sister said the meeting went smoothly. She’s satisfied, he’s satisfied. The day after tomorrow, that young man will take her to the county again.”
Eldest Sister-in-law Yuan said, “Mom, I heard villagers say this partner was introduced by Xiangxiang’s cousin. What’s the story?”
Last time back from Dongfeng Brigade, Aunt Song feared mistakes and hadn’t mentioned her daughter meeting someone, so the Yuan family was clueless.
Now hearing her eldest daughter-in-law ask, she explained the whole story.
Second Brother Yuan said resentfully, “Mom, why tell us now? My sister’s major life event—I knew later than villagers.”
“Nothing was settled. How could I say!” Aunt Song glared at him.
Second Brother Yuan muttered, “At least mention it.”
He cared about his sister’s affairs too.
Aunt Song said, “Xiangxiang marrying into the city, the dowry can’t be like before. I plan to have someone make her another bed and wardrobe.”
Hearing this, Eldest Sister-in-law Yuan and Second Sister-in-law Yuan’s faces fell.
“Mom, that’s not right!” Second Sister-in-law Yuan was hot-tempered and objected on the spot. “Xiangxiang was jilted, that family compensated money you gave all to your youngest sister-in-law as bottom money. The dowry we prepared before wasn’t light. Why add more! Mom, your grandsons and granddaughters will marry too!”
Her sister-in-law being jilted had affected her own children a lot.
Now mother-in-law wanted to add to the sister-in-law’s dowry. She was unhappy.
She wasn’t against her sister-in-law doing well. If the Yuan family had money, she wouldn’t mind. But they lived on work points, money was tight. She had to think of her own children.
Aunt Song said, “Won’t touch the family account. Using my private savings.”
Now, Second Sister-in-law Yuan couldn’t say no, but still felt unhappy, thinking mother-in-law favored her biological daughter. She stormed back to her room huffily.
Thanks to the treasured ones for corrections. All fixed~
