Chapter 62: “eavesdropping”
Gu Chan suddenly raised her head, her eyes bright as lamps, and grabbed Lin Zhao’s hand. “Zhaozhao, are you serious?”
Lin Zhao patted the materials for gluing matchboxes and smiled lightly. “The materials are all here. How could I lie?”
“Oh, be gentle.” Gu Chan hurriedly took away the materials bag and carefully held it in her bosom. “Don’t pat it and ruin it. These are all money!”
After saying that, she looked at Lin Zhao seriously and gratefully. “Thank you for thinking of me.”
Country folk, apart from earning work points and saving eggs to sell at the supply and marketing cooperative, had almost no other income. Lin Zhao bringing work gluing matchboxes was like a pie falling from the sky.
Her younger brother’s wife had thought of her, making Gu Chan’s heart burn hot, warmth surging through her whole body, her eyes slightly wet.
Zhaozhao really had heart.
Gu Chan wiped the corner of her eye, and Da Shitou and Xiao Shitou pushed the door and entered the room.
Seeing his mother wiping her eyes with red eye sockets, Da Shitou immediately assumed Third Aunt was bullying his mother again, his gaze turning a bit off instantly.
“Mom, are you okay?” Da Shitou sat next to Gu Chan, looking like the man of the house.
Gu Chan had a delicate temperament and saw at a glance that her son’s expression was wrong. After a moment’s thought, she knew what he was thinking.
She playfully patted his back in mock anger.
“Why didn’t you greet anyone when you came in? Greet them quickly.”
Da Shitou listened to his mother and called out dully, “Third Aunt!”
Xiao Shitou followed suit. “Third Aunt.”
The older brother glanced at him, feeling depressed.
Last time when Eldest Uncle came, he hadn’t been this proactive.
Lin Zhao smiled in response and took out a army green satchel for Da Shitou. “I heard from your mom that you’re in elementary school now. This schoolbag is for you. Study hard.”
In the original book, Wei Xiangdong was caught for speculation and profiteering, sentenced to ten years of reform through labor. Wei Dasao mocked coldly and sarcastically, bullying Gu Chan every day. Da Shitou couldn’t stand seeing his mother bullied, so he took a knife and injured someone from the Wei family. At that time, there was a severe crackdown, and he was sentenced to death…
This was the beginning of the tragedy for the Wei family’s second branch.
It got even worse later.
A schoolbag at the supply and marketing cooperative wasn’t cheap. With the Wei family’s conditions, they certainly couldn’t afford one. Da Shitou looked at the brand-new army green schoolbag and of course wanted it. His hands itched with his own thoughts, wanting to take it proactively.
But he didn’t.
He was still wary of Third Aunt.
Compared to the schoolbag, his mother was more important.
“Zhaozhao…” Gu Chan spoke up.
Lin Zhao interrupted her. “Eldest Sister, don’t say no. It’s for the child, a little token of appreciation. Da Zai and Er Zai both have one.”
The twins nodded.
Xiao Shitou looked at their two identical faces, poking his head out from behind Gu Chan, looking curiously.
“Xiao Shitou, do you want to drink soda? If you do, come over. We have some.” Da Zai proactively waved him over.
Xiao Shitou from the Wei family had heard of soda. The brigade leader’s kids had drunk it and said it was sweet and delicious.
He instantly forgot his shyness and ran over pattering, his gaze meeting the two boys, his expression very readable.
Where’s the soda?
Da Zai took out the water kettle, unscrewed the lid, and handed it over. “It’s soda inside. My mom filled it. You drink! After you finish, let Big Brother Da Shitou drink too.”
Xiao Shitou didn’t look at his brother, remembering Da Shitou’s tough words, and shook his head. “My brother doesn’t drink. My brother said sugar-coated bullets… no way they’ll corrupt his will.”
After saying that, he raised the water kettle with both hands and drank the soda.
“It’s so good!” The little one’s tone was excited.
Now he could tell his little friends what soda tasted like too.
Countless little bubbles jumped in his mouth, like needle tips pricking his tongue, sweet, different from white sugar water or brown sugar water.
He had been taught well by Gu Chan. The little bean, clearly wanting more, restrained himself and handed the kettle back.
“Thank you, Big Brother Da Zai and Big Brother Er Zai.” Xiao Shitou said obediently.
Da Shitou was shocked to discover that his younger brother wasn’t shy, didn’t stutter, and had proactively thanked them!!
Tch, with food and drink, they’re brothers.
So easy to fool.
And besides.
When did he say he didn’t want to drink soda? So annoying.
Having such a brainless little brother was really his blessing.
Da Shitou laughed in anger.
Gu Chan told Da Shitou the news that Lin Zhao had found them work gluing matchboxes.
The half-grown youth’s eyes instantly widened.
He was very smart and quickly calculated how much income those 500 matchboxes would bring the family.
Ten yuan.
A Da Tuan Jie bill.
His parents would have to work hard for a long time to earn that.
Da Shitou retracted his prickly demeanor and solemnly thanked Lin Zhao. “Thank you, Third Aunt.”
Lin Zhao smiled. “No need to thank me. Your mom has had it hard these years.”
The youth had a handsome face but eyes revealing arrogance. He subconsciously looked at Gu Chan and saw his mother full of smiles, her eyes brighter than usual.
He lowered his head slightly, falling silent. The resentment buried in his heart, or the thought of staying far away from Third Uncle’s family… all complex emotions gradually settled into peace at this moment.
Because no matter what he thought, his mother was willing. His mother wanted to do something for her young brother-in-law who had left home early and charged into battle, even if it was tiring. It gave her peace of mind.
“Thank you, Third Aunt, for the schoolbag. I really like it.” Da Shitou thanked her again.
Lin Zhao noticed his change, her smile deepening. “When you have time, bring Xiao Shitou to our home to play.”
Da Zai beamed. “Brother Shitou, my family is building a brick and tile house. There will be several rooms then. My little brother, little sister, and I welcome you to come play together.”
“Yeah, play together.” Er Zai added.
“Okay!” Xiao Shitou had a good impression of Third Aunt and the twins and agreed crisply.
Da Shitou nodded.
Lin Zhao and the two boys didn’t stay long. After explaining the main matter, the mother and sons left.
Before leaving, the twins left the soda in the water kettle for the Shitou brothers.
Er Zai patted his chest generously. “If you want to drink again, come to my house. My mom will buy more for us, right, Mom?”
The crafty little friend didn’t forget to dig a pit for his own mother.
Lin Zhao was happy to indulge his harmless little thought. “Yes.”
Er Zai’s eyes curved in a smile.
The Shitou brothers didn’t envy the twins for having lots of soda to drink. Being able to taste soda satisfied them, not to mention the twins left them a big bowl.
The few people exited the room one after another.
Da Shitou, walking at the front, saw Eldest Uncle’s Wife touching the bicycle from Uncle’s family, touching here and pinching there, and his brows furrowed.
“Eldest Uncle’s Wife!”
Wei Dasao straightened up and smiled awkwardly. “I was just looking, just looking…”
After explaining, she hurried to the backyard.
“It’s hard on Eldest Sister.” Lin Zhao patted Gu Chan’s shoulder and spoke the truth. If this were her sister-in-law, she would have torn her to tears by now!
Thinking of Wei Dasao’s behavior in the original book, she lowered her voice and said in Eldest Sister’s ear, “Eldest Sister, haven’t you thought about separating households?”
Gu Chan looked toward the first branch’s room and whispered back, “How could I not have thought about it? Xiangdong said he’d bring it up this winter. He’s been wearing down Mother-in-law, and she’s almost relenting.”
She could actually understand a mother-in-law’s thoughts. Mother-in-law had finally endured years as a daughter-in-law to become the mother-in-law, so of course she didn’t want to separate households too soon.
But they had to separate. This sister-in-law was really no good.
Lin Zhao’s brows relaxed. “Separating households is a good thing.”
After chatting a bit more, she took her two sons and left.
Gu Chan watched her younger brother’s wife and nephews leave, then turned to go home.
Wei Dasao was waiting in the yard. Seeing Gu Chan come in, she affectionately linked arms with her, as if they had a great relationship.
“Second Sister-in-law, I saw Shitou’s aunt carrying bags and packages. She must have brought you quite a few things. What are they? Can you let your worldly-inexperienced sister-in-law have a look?”
With her arm linked, Gu Chan felt like she was entangled by some cold-blooded animal. She pulled her arm back and smiled faintly. “Nothing much…”
The closeness in Wei Dasao’s eyes faded, her expression turning reproachful. “Look at how stingy you are. I’m your sister-in-law, not an outsider. What’s wrong with letting me see?”
She took half a step forward, her slightly hot gaze fixed tightly on Gu Chan.
“How did I hear something about matchboxes…?” Her tone was probing.
Gu Chan’s face darkened. “Eldest Sister-in-law’s habit is acting up again. You get itchy all over if you don’t eavesdrop on my room for a day, right!”
Wei Dasao unhappily said, “How was I eavesdropping on your room? I just happened to pass by and heard!”
“You know yourself if it was intentional.” Gu Chan was utterly speechless.
“A Chan.” A thick, powerful voice rang out. Wei Xiangdong walked over, his cold eyes glancing sideways at Wei Dasao, warming again when they fell on his own wife.
“What’s wrong?”
Gu Chan didn’t give Wei Dasao face and said directly to her husband, “Zhaozhao brought Da Zai and Er Zai to the room. I took them inside to talk, and Eldest Sister-in-law was eavesdropping.”
Wei Xiangdong’s cold gaze shot toward Eldest Sister-in-law.
“I, I didn’t. I said, I was passing by and heard by accident…” Wei Dasao didn’t dare provoke her younger brother-in-law, explained haphazardly, and panicked returned to her room, slamming the door shut.
Wei Xiangdong’s brows furrowed tightly.
She’s sick.
“Wife, don’t be angry. In a few days, I’ll bring up separating households.” He softened his voice to comfort his wife and took Gu Chan back to the room.
He casually bolted the door.
The two stones were shut outside again. The brothers were used to it, sighed, and one after the other left home to show off their good stuff!
Inside the room.
Gu Chan thought that even after separating households, they’d still share a yard with Wei Dasao, and felt uncomfortable all over.
Wei Xiangdong saw her mood and said, “Once we separate, we’ll move out. Just the two of us.”
“And Da Shitou and Xiao Shitou too.” Gu Chan reminded, then asked in surprise, “Move where?”
If they really moved out, they’d definitely need to build a house.
The family’s savings, including her dowry money and the bottom-of-the-box money from her mother, were only about one hundred twenty yuan.
She didn’t know if it was enough?
“Move to the village entrance. I’ve already talked to the brigade leader. It’s rundown, but fixable to live in.” Wei Xiangdong had plans in mind.
“How much?” Gu Chan asked hurriedly.
Because of Wei Dasao’s weird eavesdropping habit, the couple subconsciously lowered their voices.
“One hundred yuan.” Wei Xiangdong answered.
Joy showed on Gu Chan’s face. “That’s okay. Buy it. We buy it. I want to live in a separate yard, free and easy.”
Wei Xiangdong looked at his wife, his gaze somewhat meaningful. “I want it even more than you.”
That eldest sister-in-law of his seriously affected his married life bliss.
Once they moved to a separate yard, those two cold stones could roll roll roll away!
Just thinking about it refreshed him.
Gu Chan felt her husband’s expression was odd and wanted to say something when she heard Wei Xiangdong ask, “What did your third sister-in-law and the two boys come for?”
Seeing his wife’s mood was okay, he guessed it was good news.
Gu Chan pulled him to sit, patted the cloth bag brought by her younger brother’s wife, full of joy.
“Guess quick what’s inside?”
Her brows danced, like she’d been hit by a big pie. Wei Xiangdong got serious and guessed various things.
“She brought you an old piece of clothing?” The man guessed based on the new schoolbag on Da Shitou.
Don’t think old clothes aren’t valuable. In this era, even clothes piled with patches, if not from someone particularly close… people wouldn’t bear to give them to you.
“No.” Gu Chan shook her head.
She took out the cold cream her younger brother’s wife gave her, smiling gently. “Look what this is. Cold cream. Zhaozhao gave it to me.”
“I didn’t want to accept it, but she insisted, or she’d get mad.” She emphasized.
“You deserve it.” Wei Xiangdong said sincerely.
Gu Chan’s eyes deepened with laughter. “Zhaozhao said the same.”
She leaned close to Wei Xiangdong, her voice full of joy. “Xiangdong, I can tell Zhaozhao has truly settled down. I don’t have to worry about Chenghuai anymore, afraid he’d suddenly have no wife one day.”
Transferring buses, Gu Chenghuai, who had come to Haicheng’s largest state-run store to buy a gift for his wife, felt his nose itch again.
He quickened his pace to the counter. “Comrade, help me get that red-and-white checkered skirt. I want it.”
He swiftly bought the skirt, and the handsome, steady young officer went to other counters to continue procurement.
When he left the store again, his hands were full.
He didn’t delay, bought everything, and headed straight to the train station.
In two more nights, he’d be home!!
That said.
After hearing Gu Chan’s worries, Wei Xiangdong just thought it was worrying over nothing.
“You’re overthinking it.” He said.
Gu Chan gave him a look. “What do you know? As the old saying goes, a man without far-sightedness must have near-term worries.”
Wei Xiangdong neither confirmed nor denied.
Yes yes, you’re all right.
Gu Chan had no mind to let Shitou’s dad guess more and showed him what Lin Zhao brought, her tone light and cheerful.
“This is what Zhaozhao brought, materials for making matchboxes. She taught me how to do it. Total of 500, two cents each. After I finish gluing, I can earn ten yuan.”
Surprise filled Wei Xiangdong’s face.
He hadn’t thought Lin Zhao would think of his wife for good opportunities.
But anyway.
He’d accept the favor.
“I’ll go up the mountain tomorrow and catch two rabbits to send to her.”
Gu Chan hesitated a moment and said, “Be careful going up the mountain. Don’t go too deep.”
Wei Xiangdong had thought his wife would stop him. Ever since he was bitten by a snake while hunting in the mountains five years ago, she’d strongly opposed him hunting.
Suddenly not opposing made the man thrilled!
He’d learned hunting from a mountain hunter at ten, a money-earning skill. Apart from his pillow companion, even family didn’t know.
“Really? Then every half month?” Wei Xiangdong probed.
“You won’t go if I don’t tell you to?” Gu Chan eyed him sideways and reached out. “Hand over the money from hunting these two years!”
Wei Xiangdong touched his nose and went to the corner, moved a board, and took a tile jar from the mouse hole.
“It’s all here.”
“I knew you weren’t honest.” Gu Chan pulled off the jar lid and poured out the bills to count.
Fully forty-six yuan and fifty cents.
“So much!” She exclaimed.
Wei Xiangdong explained, “One time luck was good, hunted a wild boar just over a hundred jin.”
Seeing his wife’s expression a bit off, he strongly sought survival and added, “I went to the mountains with Da Li. You know he has great strength. With such a helper, no danger.”
Hearing someone went with him, Gu Chan reluctantly relaxed. “Every half month isn’t good. What if someone notices?”
“Then… once a month?” Dong Ge, with several little brothers outside, even had to discuss mountain trips with his wife.
“Okay, take Da Li, must come down before dark.” Gu Chan instructed, couldn’t help nagging. “With the matchbox gluing work, family will have extra income. Your safety is most important.”
Wei Xiangdong’s brows danced. “Good!”
Once he earned money, he’d make sure his A Chan never ran out of cold cream. Right, also exchange some cloth coupons and cotton to make his wife a cotton-padded coat.
Lin Zhao and the two boys returned to the brigade. Before their butts were warm on the seats, Zhao Liuniang said Gu Xing’er had been caught by public security.
“What? My little aunt was arrested?!” Er Zai’s eyes widened, shocked jaw nearly dropping, asking repeatedly, “Really? Is this real?!”
In the room, Gu Mu, stimulated by Gu Xing’er’s brain-dead antics to want only quiet rest, heard that childish voice outside the yard trying hard to hide joy but failing, and couldn’t help laughing.
Turns out when people reach extreme helplessness, they really do laugh unconsciously.
Lin Zhao full of shock sat next to Zhao Liuniang, expression curious. “What happened?”
For a scourge like Gu Xing’er to actually go in one day!
In the original book, the conscienceless one lived the best, successfully marrying into the city, and not badly at that.
The twins also gazed intently at their second aunt.
