Chapter 262: “are You Lashing Out In Embarrassment?”
The Lin Family brothers all ate candy and smiled at each other, full of joy.
“It’s a pity Third Son isn’t here. If he were, our family would be completely reunited!” Lin Shichang said with emotion. “I wonder how the troops celebrate New Year. Is it as lively as in the village?”
Sunflower seeds, peanuts, and candy were placed on the table. The family sat around, eating and talking.
The new plates and bowls that hadn’t been used for a long time were brought out. Each person had a bowl of malt extract, adults and children alike. The whole room was filled with a sweet, warm fragrance.
“Youngest Brother knows.” Lin Zhao said while eating fried meatballs, interjecting.
Meng Jiusi said some things he knew.
“I thought the troops would have a quiet New Year, with Third Son sitting by the window, looking at the moon and shedding tears. I didn’t expect it to be so lively with activities. That kid definitely won’t think of us.” Lin Shichang said.
Meng Jiusi looked over.
Lin Shichang unceremoniously patted his youngest brother’s shoulder. “Don’t disbelieve it. Your Third Brother is heartless. With something fun to watch, he absolutely won’t think of us. He’s been like that since he was little. Don’t believe me? Ask your Second Brother and Zhaozhao.”
Lin Shisheng nodded.
Lin Zhao nodded too.
“Third Brother is definitely having a blast. But…” She leaned half her body off the kang, stuffed a fried meatball into her mouth, chewed a few times, and muttered: “Maybe he’ll think of us at night?”
Lin Shichang: “It’s also possible he’ll just drop off to sleep.”
“Hahahaha…” Lin Shisheng burst out laughing.
The children laughed like bells too.
Heng Bao pulled his brother to the edge of the kang. “We want to eat meatballs too.”
Lin Zhao stuffed the last one into her own mouth. “I’m out. Go ask Da Dan Ge.”
Heng Bao looked at her resentfully. There had clearly been one more, eaten by Mom.
He went to find Da Dan dejectedly.
Lin Heling said helplessly, “You’re all grown up, yet competing with your own child for food.”
Lin Zhao felt not the slightest bit embarrassed. “There was only one left. Giving it to anyone would be unfair. Better I eat it myself.”
“They could have shared it, one bite each.” Lin Shisheng pointed out his sister’s flaw.
“Crack your sunflower seeds!” Lin Zhao pretended to be angry.
Xuanxuan and Zheng Zheng covered their mouths and laughed.
“Dad, Little Aunt says don’t talk nonsense!” Xuanxuan said.
This time, Lin Zhao noticed that Xuanxuan and Zheng Zheng had changed a lot. The gloom between their eyebrows had completely disappeared. She didn’t know if it was just because they learned that her former second sister-in-law had fallen off a cliff to her death, or if something else had happened.
At any rate, it was good. She was happy inside.
She called the three nieces forward.
Xi Bao took off her shoes, slipped onto the kang, burrowed into the bedding, and snuggled against her aunt. The smile on her face was brilliantly bright.
“Aunt, I like you coming back for New Year. If only you hadn’t gotten married, we could spend New Year together every year.”
“Xuanxuan and Zheng Zheng, come up too. It’s still early. Rest a bit first. The chores at home can wait.” Lin Zhao called to Xuanxuan and Zheng Zheng.
The sisters’ desire for closeness with their aunt prevailed, and they got on the kang too.
Lin Zhao answered Xi Bao, “Even if I got married, I can still come back for New Year if I want.”
“Then why didn’t Little Aunt come back for New Year last year or the year before?” Xi Bao opened her clear, bright big eyes, her expression curious. “Was it because you didn’t want to spend New Year with us?”
The little girl wasn’t deliberately retorting; she just simply wanted to know.
Lin Zhao was stumped.
She wrapped her arm around the girl’s shoulders and casually covered Xi Bao’s little mouth.
“Is your mouth tired? Why not rest it?”
Xuanxuan pursed her lips in a smile. Even the quiet Zheng Zheng showed a smile.
Lin Shichang said to Xi Bao, “Dad told you, see through but don’t say through. Look, you didn’t take it to heart again.”
Xi Bao blinked. She remembered. What did that have to do with Little Aunt coming home for New Year?
Chen Yu looked at her daughter with a blank face and smiled too. Feeling fetal movement, she gently stroked her round belly.
“With such a big belly, Eldest Brother’s Wife isn’t going back to her maternal family this year, right?” Lin Zhao asked with concern.
“Not going back.” Chen Yu said. “Your Elder Brother and Da Dan and the others are going back, but I’m not.”
Her husband said that after she gave birth and recovered, he’d take her back by bike then.
She looked forward to returning to her maternal family in style, easily and relaxedly. Chen Yu was full of expectation.
Lin Zhao nodded.
“Elder Brother, when you go over, don’t forget to tell Chen Aunt… about my eldest sister-in-law’s due date.” She reminded him.
Lin Shichang was stunned, wondering why specify it now. It would be the same to say after the baby was born.
“… Mom and Dad are going to Haicheng. Someone needs to take care of Eldest Sister-in-law’s confinement and help with the child.” Lin Zhao said helplessly.
She couldn’t do it herself; she had no time or energy.
Newborn babies were the most troublesome, eating and pooping constantly, and the poop was foul-smelling. She couldn’t manage it.
Lin Shichang slapped his forehead. “You’re right to remind me. I almost forgot.”
“I’ll tell her.” He said.
Chen Yu’s father and mother were honest people with no thought of draining their daughter. For her previous births, Chen Mother had taken care of her confinement.
Of course, Lin Shichang hadn’t let his mother-in-law suffer any loss; the filial respect that should be given wasn’t skimped.
No way around it. Song Xiwei had no patience for caregiving. She’d rather give money than help her daughter-in-law with chamber pot duties.
Lin Heling was reluctant too. He’d told his son long ago: whoever’s wife it is, that person takes care of her. If you can’t, find a way.
By the time it came to Lin Zhao, the couple hadn’t forgotten their daughter, afraid she wouldn’t be well cared for. They stayed over until the child was born, then Gu Mu took over, and the couple returned home.
Chen Yu had never expected her mother-in-law to serve her confinement. With her mother-in-law’s bustling temperament, it was clear she had little patience. How could she dare?
Not serving confinement didn’t mean her mother-in-law didn’t value her child. All the nourishing foods during confinement were provided by her parents-in-law.
She was very content.
The family chatted for a while. Seeing the time was about right, they each went out to get busy.
Lin Zhao got off the kang too. “I’ll put up the window flowers.”
“This little work doesn’t need you. You should lie down.” Meng Jiusi said.
Lin Shichang and Lin Shisheng paused slightly and looked toward Little Four.
The villagers still said they spoiled Zhaozhao and that they should call everyone to see how Jiusi handled it.
“Then I’ll go to the kitchen and make New Year’s Eve dinner with Mom and Dad.” Lin Zhao said again.
Even Qian Bao was sweeping with a broom as tall as himself. How could she just lounge?
“All the work that needs doing is done. No need for you. If you’re bored, listen to the radio in the room?” Lin Heling said. The kitchen was small; he and Xiwei were just right. One more person would crowd it.
Lin Zhao: “…”
“… Fine, I’ll go feed Da Huang then.” She walked outside.
Jing Mo held dog food and eyed Little Aunt warily. “Feeding Da Huang and Amber is my job!”
Xi Bao covered her mouth and laughed.
She gave Little Aunt a task. “Little Aunt, there’s no work left at home. Dad, Uncle, and Little Uncle were busy early in the morning. How about you tell us a story?”
Meng Jiusi said too, “You rest. It’s rare not to have to watch the kids. Relax for a few days, do whatever’s comfortable.”
Lin Zhao had wanted to join in but found no room for her.
“Fine then. I’ll sleep a bit. I feel like it’s been forever since I slept well.”
With that said, she took off her shoes in a second and got back on the kang.
Lin Shichang helped Chen Yu out of the room. At the door, he said to Xi Bao, “Xi Bao, don’t disturb your aunt. If you want to play, come out and play.”
“I’m not playing.” Xi Bao said immediately. “I can play anytime. I want to stay with my aunt.”
Lin Shichang knew Xi Bao had been close to her aunt since little and listened to her sister most. He said no more and left the room.
The others left one after another.
Only Lin Zhao and the three nieces remained.
“Come on, all get up here and lie down. No need to help is perfect. Isn’t resting comfortable?”
Xi Bao obeyed her aunt most and lay back first, not forgetting to call Xuanxuan and Zheng Zheng.
“You two hurry up too.” She cupped her face and smiled. “Opportunities to sleep with Little Aunt are rare.”
Even Yao Bao wasn’t here. Don’t miss the chance.
Xuanxuan and Zheng Zheng were diligent girls. Don’t let their young age fool you; they could do plenty of work. After Chen Yu’s belly grew big and she couldn’t do much, it was the sisters who handled it. It felt strange to be idle.
The sisters took off their shoes, got on the kang, and lay down.
The window was open. It was still light outside, just no sun. Clouds hung low, and the sky looked a bit overcast.
“Aunt, will it snow tomorrow?” Xi Bao asked.
“No.” Lin Zhao answered firmly.
She’d checked the weather forecast: clear skies ahead.
“Okay.” Xi Bao was a bit disappointed. She’d wanted to build a snowman.
“Aunt, can you tell us about the provincial capital? I want to hear.” Xi Bao burrowed into Lin Zhao’s bosom and lifted her smiling face, like a bright sunflower.
“Didn’t I tell it several times already? Not tired of it?” Lin Zhao asked with a smile.
“No, want to hear it a few more times.”
Xuanxuan and Zheng Zheng opened their eyes wide too, looking at Lin Zhao expectantly.
“What’s the fun in just listening? In a few more years, I’ll take you to see it.” Lin Zhao promised generously.
“Really?” Xi Bao raised her eyes and asked excitedly.
“Why would I lie to you? I keep my promises.” Lin Zhao’s tone was gentle.
She only had these three nieces. Taking them out to see the world wasn’t any trouble.
“I believe you, I believe you. Aunt, you’re so good.” Xi Bao said sweetly.
She asked no more, imagining the provincial capital, her face full of longing.
“Little Aunt, did you bring the camera? Didn’t you say you’d take a family photo for New Year?!”
Lin Zhao: “I brought it. I’ll send a photo to your Third Uncle later.”
She pinched Xi Bao’s nose and smiled. “Hard for you to remember about the family photo.”
“I remember it crystal clear.” The little girl straightened her legs, so proud.
The one big and three small chatted and fell asleep.
Until dusk fell.
Yu Bao and the others came in to call them for dinner.
“Mom, time to eat!” Yu Bao shouted.
Lin Zhao had slept very well this nap.
Woken up, she was still a bit groggy.
“Dinner ready?” She sat up. Her neat braid was sticking up, and her cheek had sleep marks.
Xi Bao and the other two woke too.
Heng Bao’s voice was loud. “Grandpa and Grandma made lots of delicious food. It smells so good Amber is howling.”
At that, Lin Zhao instantly woke fully, yawned, and got out of bed laughing. “You didn’t howl?”
“I howled too.” Heng Bao showed no embarrassment at all.
Yu Bao brought Lin Zhao’s coat. “Mom, put on your coat. It’s cold outside.”
“You’re all sleep-muddled.”
Lin Zhao took the clothes and put them on, then touched Yu Bao’s hand. It was warm too.
“What were you doing all afternoon?”
Yu Bao grinned. “Playing ball. With Da Dan Ge and them.”
“Did you wipe off the sweat?” Lin Zhao asked.
“Yes.”
The group laughed and talked as they left the room.
Glancing at Lin Zhao and the three little girls’ flushed, sleeping cheeks.
Lin Shisheng laughed heartily. “You four slept soundly. Even sleep marks.”
“Yu Bao, get the camera. I’m going to photograph your Second Uncle’s facial expression, enlarge it, and hang it under the eaves so he can see for himself how annoying his mocking face is.” Lin Zhao said annoyed.
Yu Bao glanced at Second Uncle and obediently went back to fetch the camera.
He listened to Mom.
Lin Shisheng’s face lost its smile.
“What grudge.” He put his arm around Lin Zhao’s shoulders and led her to the washbasin. “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have laughed. I’ll give you a big red envelope. Don’t be mad.”
“… Fine.” Lin Zhao wouldn’t argue with a red envelope.
“Elder Brother, don’t sneak a laugh. You have to give me one too.”
Lin Shichang’s expression was doting. “Naturally. No need to say it.”
Lin Zhao grinned like a kitten that stole dried fish, muttering, “A big sum coming in soon.”
Hearing their sister, the three Lin brothers couldn’t help laughing.
Such a little money-grubber Zhaozhao was so vibrant.
Song Xiwei handed her daughter a towel. “Does the family lack money for you to spend? Look at that money-grubber look.”
“Who ever complains about having too much money.” Lin Zhao took the towel, saying it righteously.
“Zhaozhao’s right. Money is people’s courage. Without money, nothing can be done.” Lin Heling spoke up to support his daughter.
Lin Zhao was smug. “Dad, you prepared one for me too, right?”
“Which year haven’t I?” Lin Heling asked mildly in return.
Heng Bao piped up: “Grandpa, you’re giving Mom lucky money, but we’re the ones she gave birth to. Why not us?!”
Lin Heling looked at Lin Zhao, his expression inscrutable.
As if saying: You didn’t even give lucky money to your four kids?!
He really didn’t know.
In previous years at this time, he was sickly, sleeping more than awake, too preoccupied with himself to manage others.
Lin Zhao: “…”
“… This year I’ll make it up to you. No more talk. Wash your hands.”
Heng Bao looked thoughtful, then asked: “Mom, are you angry from embarrassment?”
Lin Zhao’s smile froze.
She ground her teeth. “Talk more, and I’ll confiscate this year’s lucky money.”
Yu Bao hurriedly covered his brother’s mouth and whispered in his ear, “Heng Bao, don’t talk.”
He wanted lucky money.
Lin Zhao strode to the kitchen to serve dishes like a victor.
Heng Bao eyed his mom’s back resentfully.
“Grandpa, control my mom.”
Lin Heling shook his head, his voice gentle, but his words chilled the kid’s heart. “Can’t control her, and wouldn’t if I could. Who let your mom be my treasure daughter.”
Heng Bao was stunned.
Da Dan looked sympathetically at his little cousin and said: “… You know nothing about Little Aunt’s status in our home.”
Er Dan patted his shoulder. “Don’t dream of shaking Mom’s position. None of us can match it. Face it early, and you’ll feel better.”
Xi Bao was Little Aunt’s loyal fan. She went to her cousin and said: “Little Aunt not giving you lucky money must have her reasons. Hear that? She said she’ll make it up this year. She must think… you’re too little, can’t hold the money, so she’s saving it for you.”
Heng Bao’s brows furrowed tighter and tighter. Was that it?
Xuanxuan said too: “When we were as big as you and Yu Bao, we didn’t get lucky money either.”
Zheng Zheng just nodded.
Heng Bao was half-believing, half-doubting.
He didn’t dare be cocky anymore and was extremely attentive to Lin Zhao at the dinner table.
Lin Zhao accepted it all with smiles.
Before the meal, she photographed the New Year’s Eve dinner and the busy family.
Troops.
Lin Shichang really hadn’t thought of family. No other reason: the leader had tricked him into a social gathering…
Arriving at the place, seeing quite a few female comrades inside, Lin Shichang’s first reaction was he’d gone to the wrong place. He turned to leave.
Blocked at the door.
“Deputy Battalion Commander Lin, you can’t leave yet. The leader says your personal issue must be taken seriously. At least stay ten or twenty minutes before going.”
Lin Shichang stared at him absurdly.
The young man nodded at him.
No mistake; it was indeed the leader’s order.
