Chapter 81: “so Ugly It Hurts My Eyes”
Yard.
Lin Shisheng took brown sugar from his parents’ room, met his younger sister’s odd gaze, touched his head, looking baffled.
He turned his head and asked his brother-in-law, “Cheng Huai, what does Zhaozhao’s expression mean?”
Gu Chenghuai had no idea.
“Why don’t Second Brother go ask?” He lightly raised his eyebrows, tossing the topic back.
Lin Shisheng pretended not to hear.
He wouldn’t ask.
He just felt it wasn’t anything good.
After Second Brother avoided his gaze, Lin Zhao withdrew her sight, looked back at Chen Yu again, her eyes fervent, and said softly, “Related to the Qiu Family?”
“Probably.” Meeting her sister-in-law’s curious eyes, she shook her head and said, “I don’t know more than that. I have to go ask your Second Brother.”
Private matters weren’t easy to ask about.
Lin Zhao sighed, then inquired about the Dongfeng Brigade’s redistribution of components. “Mom, I heard that all brigades are now redistributing components?”
“Yeah, why suddenly ask about this?” Lin Mu’s action of adding firewood paused slightly as she looked at her. “Does Cheng Huai have any inside news?”
Afraid Zhaozhao would worry, she quickly added, “Your dad’s… no problem. I went to the Brigade Leader after work yesterday, and he knows what’s up.”
Lin Heling’s background was a bomb, and she knew it.
She was paying attention to any movements outside.
“You already asked yesterday?” Lin Zhao murmured.
That meant.
Mom had been taking this matter very seriously from the start.
In the original book, perhaps because she died early, her dad couldn’t bear the pain of losing his daughter, lingered ill in bed, and Mom was busy with household affairs, neglecting the component redistribution, so the Lin Family was exploited by those with ulterior motives and suffered great misfortune.
“Mom, who’s in charge of this at our brigade?” Lin Zhao’s slightly lowered eyes were full of cold light.
Thinking of Da Dan, Xi Bao, and the others being bullied for ten years by the brigade’s bad kids because of poor family components, wasting their most precious ten years, living bitter lives forever, unable to hold their heads high, she truly hated it!
Lin Mu felt Zhaozhao was acting strange.
She never cared about this before.
“…The Liu Family.”
“Why are you asking this?” She observed her daughter’s expression impassively, emphasizing the importance of the component matter even more.
Lin Zhao didn’t sugarcoat it and said straightforwardly, “Mom, be careful. I’m worried someone is digging a pit for our family.”
According to the original book, someone indeed disliked their family, tripped them up behind their backs, and succeeded!
In this life, it was impossible for them to succeed in scheming.
But.
A poisonous snake lurking behind had to be rooted out!
Who knew what dirty tricks it would pull next.
Lin Mu knew Zhaozhao never spoke without basis; if she said this, there was definitely evidence.
A cold light quickly flashed in her eyes, vaguely showing the domineering aura of her youth.
“Relax, I’ll pay attention.”
Lin Zhao’s mood relaxed, and she curved her eyes in a smile. “With Mom here, I’m not afraid.”
Lin Mu saw her smile and smiled along.
Amid chatting and laughing, a fragrance wafted from the kitchen.
Da Dan and Er Dan were like clinging to the chimney, no need to call them; they pushed the cart in right at mealtime.
“Aunt, we can ride bikes now!” Da Dan poured water to wash his face, rinsing the sweat on his forehead, his voice excited.
Er Dan added, “Aunt, Brother and I didn’t fall ourselves or the bicycle.”
“Awesome! As expected of the Lin Family’s kids, such high learning efficiency.” Lin Zhao praised.
Da Dan and Er Dan grinned from ear to ear.
In the corner, Lin Xuan was leading the four cubs to wash hands. The little girl had delicate features, quiet and reserved, always quietly doing work, not very talkative.
“Wash the back of your hands too.” She said softly.
Da Zai and Er Zai liked this big sister and grinned, responding, “We know.”
Xi Bao and Lin Zheng set out table and chairs, bowls and chopsticks.
Yuan Xiang conscientiously served the dishes.
Soon everything was ready.
Qiu Lian, who pretended to be dead while working, came out at mealtime.
Everyone in the yard looked over.
Wanting to see just how thick her face was.
Qiu Lian pretended not to see, twisting her body, hands touching her braid over her shoulder, acting as affected as possible.
“Dinner’s ready…”
As soon as she spoke.
Lin Shisheng’s face darkened, and he said coldly, “Get back to your room!”
Being scolded in front of outsiders, Qiu Lian felt humiliated, her face flushing red with embarrassment and anger. “I’m the Lin Family’s daughter-in-law. Why can’t I eat?”
“Lin Shisheng, you have no conscience. You want to starve me to death. Come on, let’s go to the Brigade Leader and see who’s right, you or me.” She wailed loudly in fake tears, looking very aggrieved.
“Shut up. If you howl again, I’ll send you back to your maternal family right now.” Lin Shisheng was very impatient and coldly interrupted her antics.
Lin Zhao raised her hand. “Second Brother, I have a bicycle.”
Her tone light and cheerful, enjoying the spectacle without minding the trouble.
Gu Chenghuai hugged her neck from behind, his slender, strong hand lightly covering her mouth, pulling her away from the battlefield.
His low, deep voice sounded by Lin Zhao’s ear, accompanied by a warm, moist breath.
“Zhaozhao, don’t speak so fast. It’ll make her hold a grudge against you.”
“So what if she does? Am I afraid of her Qiu Family? The Qiu Family is Second Brother’s maternal family, has nothing to do with me. Worst case, we fight.” Lin Zhao pulled down his hand and said defiantly. Her dark eyes sparkled brightly.
“Zhaozhao, give Second Brother some face.” Gu Chenghuai advised gently.
“I know you don’t like…” He paused slightly. “We don’t even know the situation yet. This matter… at least we should first know Second Brother’s thoughts, right? Then see, hmm?”
Lin Zhao heeded the advice. “Alright.”
She really disliked Qiu Lian. Seeing her reminded her of Second Brother’s tragic end, making her want to slap her a dozen or twenty times.
“Good girl.” Gu Chenghuai’s expression softened.
Lin Zhao punched his arm. “Get lost. I’m not one of the four cubs. Don’t use that cub-coaxing tone on me, or I’ll punch you.”
Gu Chenghuai glanced at his sturdy arm that got punched and said helplessly, “You’ve already punched it.”
“…” Lin Zhao quickly withdrew her hand. As her gaze swept over the center of the commotion, she raised her hand again to rub his arm for him.
Gu Chenghuai’s eyes instantly softened, the deep black, sharp gaze rippling like spring water.
With his loved one by his side, his eyes quietly wandered from his body.
With meat to eat, Qiu Lian wouldn’t miss the chance even if she died, about to shamelessly sit down when Lin Shisheng walked over.
His tall figure was full of oppressive presence.
His expression icy cold, he grabbed Qiu Lian’s arm and flung her aside.
“Don’t cause trouble for the family here. Go back to your room.”
Recalling what he heard from friends, Lin Shisheng felt a mix of emotions, mostly relief. He was about to escape this sea of bitterness—how could he not feel light-hearted?
Too bad he didn’t catch her in the act; otherwise, this woman would have been hauled to the farm already!
“You ask why there’s no food for you? Did you work? Help cook? You did nothing and want to eat? Dream on.”
Qiu Lian nearly fell to the ground but barely steadied herself.
She roared, “Why didn’t I help? It’s all because of your good sister. She gave red dates and brown sugar to Eldest Sister-in-law, but for me, this Second Sister-in-law, she wouldn’t even give a candy wrapper. Why should I cook for her family? I don’t owe her…”
Lin Zhao looked at Gu Chenghuai, her index finger pointing at her own nose, her face full of speechless exasperation.
What did it have to do with her?
Gu Chenghuai patted his wife’s head and glanced at Qiu Lian with a trace of coldness in his eyes.
Lin Shisheng sneered, interrupting Qiu Lian’s frenzy. “Zhaozhao doesn’t owe you either! Your freeloading looks so ugly it hurts my eyes!”
“I’m her Second Sister-in-law. If she doesn’t give to me, she’s looking down on you, this Second Brother.” The woman was furious and started sowing discord again.
“So what? I don’t mind. Who asked you to meddle.” Lin Shisheng was fed up with this damn woman. He just wanted to eat a quiet meal—why was it so hard?
Good people can’t be played.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t be entangled by such a scourge.
Damn!
The Lin Family had long grown accustomed to Qiu Lian’s nonsense and didn’t take it to heart, eating and drinking as they pleased.
The four cubs rarely saw such a scene, their eyes bright as stars, gazes shifting between Second Uncle and Second Aunt.
They watched and forgot to eat.
Er Zai’s jaw nearly dropped in shock.
“Eat while watching.” Lin Zhao reminded the four cubs.
She noticed that Second Brother had no warmth toward Qiu Lian at all; his eyes were full of impatience.
But.
He seemed to be holding back for some reason.
Why?
Waiting for the right moment to strike decisively…!?
Her mind raced with guesses.
Gu Chenghuai saw his wife’s undisguised expression, lightly pinched her hand, and whispered, “Restrain yourself a bit.”
“Oh.” Lin Zhao cleared her throat and reined in her emotions.
She really wanted to know.
Seeing Qiu Lian settle down, Lin Shisheng boldly sat down and ate heartily.
So fragrant.
Only one seat left on the table, next to Lin Mu.
Qiu Lian only dared to yap at Lin Shisheng, not daring to provoke the fierce mother-in-law—this was a tigress who had killed bandits; one slap from her could spin her like a top.
She rubbed her empty stomach and looked at Lin Xuan and Lin Zheng sisters, wanting the two money-losers to leave some meat for her.
Today’s dishes had meat fragrance, making her salivate to her toes. She hadn’t tasted meat in so long; at her maternal home, she wasn’t even qualified for an egg, her stomach without a drop of oil.
Even so, Qiu Lian didn’t blame her maternal family. She understood her parents; the family was poor, eggs should go to her younger brother—he was the male heir, needed to continue the family line.
Lin Xuan and Lin Zheng kept their heads down eating, not looking at her.
Qiu Lian cursed inwardly: useless little bitches.
She pulled a long face, slunk into the kitchen, wanting to roast a sweet potato, but found the fire under the stove had gone out.
She was so angry her hands lost control.
Clanging sounds reached the yard.
Lin Mu warned, “Second Son’s wife, break one bowl, your maternal family compensates one.”
Hearing this, Qiu Lian’s hand shook, her lips trembling with rage, not daring to make more trouble, her movements much lighter.
No one in the Lin Family paid attention.
The family gathered around the dinner table, harmonious and warm.
The Lin Family hadn’t seen their son-in-law（ brother-in-law） being so affectionate in a long time.
“Zhaozhao, have some soup.”
“Wife, don’t you love Mom’s stir-fried pork with chili? I picked out the fat, only lean meat. Eat.”
Gu Chenghuai was attentive and patient, as if he wanted to feed it directly into his wife’s mouth.
But they were calm and casual, while the others looked tooth-achingly envious, as if they’d never seen such a thing.
Da Zai and Er Zai didn’t find it strange; taking care of Mom was only right.
The two little brothers even imitated their dad picking food for their mom.
“Mom eat egg, egg is yummy.”
Lin Zhao’s eyes shimmered with warmth and laughter. “Thank you, Da Zai and Er Zai.”
San Zai scooped a spoonful of steamed egg custard with a small wooden spoon and brought it to Mom’s mouth, his brows calm. “Mom eat.”
Lin Zhao didn’t mind and swallowed it in one bite.
“Thank you, San Zai.” She said softly.
San Zai curved his lips slightly, his dark eyes sparkling brightly.
Si Zai wanted to imitate too, but was held down on his little shoulders by Dad’s big palm. He chuckled, “Don’t move. You’ll get it on your mom’s skirt; careful or you’ll get hit.”
The little milk bun didn’t know Dad was doing it for his own good, struggled hard but couldn’t budge, getting so anxious his little face flushed red.
Even in frustration, he didn’t cry out, just puffed his cheeks and said in a soft little voice, “Bad, Dad bad.”
Xi Bao was melted to the heart, set down her chopsticks, leaned over, and kissed her chubby little face.
Si Zai was stunned by the kiss, his curled lashes trembling lightly a few times, staring at her blankly.
This big sister was somewhat unfamiliar to little Si Zai.
Everyone else thought the little friend was about to cry, but she didn’t. Instead, she gave Xi Bao a sweet smile.
Then offered the other cheek.
“Aunt, can Si Zai let me kiss again…?” The straightforward Xi Bao was shocked into stuttering.
She thought she’d get slapped.
“Yes.” Lin Zhao was amused by Xi Bao’s expression, laughing so hard she couldn’t sit straight and leaned to one side.
Gu Chenghuai placed his hand on her slender shoulder, steadying her.
Xi Bao happily kissed Si Zai again.
Her face-connoisseur heart satisfied, she beamed.
“Aunt, Si Zai is so good.”
Lin Zhao raised her brow, her watery eyes gazing at her. “You’re good at this age too.”
Xi Bao didn’t catch the implication, thinking Aunt was praising her, and the little girl was delighted.
“Aunt, Si Zai’s little skirt and hairpin are so pretty. Did you buy them for her?” She asked again.
“No, your uncle did.” Lin Zhao said.
Remembering the clothes she brought, she added, “I brought a few old ones for your mom to alter for you.”
Xi Bao’s eyes lit up instantly, abandoning her meal to rush back and hug Lin Zhao’s neck, shaking it like a joyful little bird.
“Aunt, Aunt is so good. Aunt, you really are my real aunt.”
Lin Zhao patted her arm. “Go eat. Your brothers are about to finish the meat.”
Xi Bao looked back; her two brothers were eating ferociously, so she hurried to compete with the two eggs for meat.
Lin Zhao didn’t overlook Lin Xuan and Lin Zheng. “Xuanxuan, Zheng Zheng, I’ll measure you two later. Once I alter the clothes, I’ll send them over.”
The Lin Family girls all knew their aunt had lots of clothes, basically no patches, nice colors, lighting up their little faces.
“Thank you, Aunt.” The two little girls said in unison.
“Thank you, Zhaozhao.” Chen Yu gratefully looked at her sister-in-law.
After thanking, she added, “I crocheted two pairs of tiger head shoes for San Zai and Si Zai. I’ll give them to you after dinner.”
The wool yarn was from dismantling her own old wool sweater.
“Good.” Lin Zhao didn’t stand on ceremony.
Er Zai swallowed the meat in his mouth and asked curiously, “Mom, tiger head shoes like my brothers have?”
“Yes, yours were crocheted by your Eldest Aunt too.”
Eldest Sister-in-law was a dignified person who didn’t like taking advantage; whatever she got from here, she’d find a way to return, like self-crocheted shoes or homemade side dishes… things weren’t expensive, but they were intentions.
“Thank you, Eldest Aunt.” Da Zai and Er Zai politely thanked.
Chen Yu found the two children so likable and smiled. “No need to thank.”
Yuan Xiang sat in the corner, not speaking much, but her posture relaxed, body at ease.
She felt the little aunt’s home atmosphere was really good—not because of great food or lodging, but being there made her feel warm all over.
After the meal.
Yuan Xiang deftly cleared the bowls and chopsticks, needing no one’s help.
“Sister Xiangxiang is so capable.” Lin Zhao praised.
Such a diligent good girl would make a good life no matter who she married.
Lin Mu nodded.
“Very much like your Eldest Aunt. She can’t stand laziness.”
“Is that so?” Lin Zhao was surprised.
Then realized belatedly, “No wonder I always felt Eldest Aunt’s gaze on me was strange before, like she had something to say but held back.”
Lin Mu was brewing chrysanthemum tea; drinking a few sips after dinner was Lin Heling’s habit, and over decades, both spouses got used to it.
“Your Eldest Aunt has been diligent since childhood, restless temperament, so it’s normal she can’t stand your laziness.”
“Zhaozhao isn’t lazy.” Lin Heling, afraid his daughter would feel bad, said warmly, “School is hard too, uses the brain. After studying, Zhaozhao surely needs time to unwind. Eldest Sister happened to see and thought Zhaozhao was lazy; that’s not very objective.”
Lin Mu handed him half a mug of tea and smiled helplessly. “You just spoil your daughter.”
Lin Heling took the tea; his ten fingers slightly rough but slender and good-looking.
“Dad, I’ll send you a tea set someday.” Lin Zhao suddenly said. The best things for the best dad.
Drinking tea from an enamel mug didn’t match his temperament.
“Good, I’ll wait.” A warm, gentle voice sounded.
A long-aged pomegranate tree grew in the Lin Family yard, with a wooden rocking chair under it. Lin Heling lay on it, casually picking up a palm-leaf fan, fanning slowly.
Sunset glow sprinkled down, tinting even the air with warm light.
Lin Zhao picked up a stool and sat next to Lin Shisheng under the tree.
Seeing this, Lin Heling’s eyes smiled, and he closed them to rest.
“Wh-what?” Lin Shisheng felt uncomfortable all over, subconsciously checking his clothes. The patches were there but clean; his shoes underfoot… dirty and worn, but big toe wasn’t peeking out for air.
Everything normal!
“Second Brother, you and Second Sister-in-law…”
Lin Zhao hadn’t finished asking when she saw Lin Shisheng’s face turn cold, disgust flashing quickly in his eyes.
“She won’t be your Second Sister-in-law soon! Don’t call her that; she doesn’t deserve it.”
Lin Zhao felt complicated.
Qiu Lian was a bomb, restless too; she and Second Brother would eventually part ways—she knew it was inevitable.
But.
Seeing Second Brother’s emotions, she felt both heartbroken and worried.
Second Brother could have had a happy little family like Big Brother, all ruined by Qiu Lian—that was heartbreaking.
The worry was she feared Second Brother acting impulsively, ending up like in the original book.
“Second Brother, no matter what, don’t act impulsively!” Lin Zhao locked eyes with Lin Shisheng, unblinking, her expression unusually serious.
“Especially, don’t resort to hands.”
Lin Shisheng felt something off.
Why…
Did Zhaozhao seem to know something already?
“Did you know something?”
Lin Heling opened his eyes, a glow seeming to swirl in them. He looked at Lin Shisheng and said unhurriedly, “Shisheng, listen to Zhaozhao.”
The implication.
Don’t ask too much.
As biological father, he couldn’t have missed his daughter’s changes.
But for him and Xiwei, as long as Zhaozhao was still Zhaozhao, she’d say whatever else she wanted in time.
Lin Shisheng asked no more. He looked at the pair of sisters fiddling with the bicycle not far away and said gravely, “Zhaozhao, rest assured. I won’t act impulsively.”
The most impulsive time had passed.
Next was divorce—a happy thing.
Lin Zhao patted Second Brother’s shoulder, silently comforting.
Lin Shisheng felt warmth in his heart but also amused.
“Zhaozhao, your brother isn’t that fragile.”
“I know, doesn’t stop me from wanting to comfort Second Brother.” Lin Zhao thought Second Brother had the worst luck in the family, looking at his life.
Remembering her nephews hadn’t taken deworming medicine, she fetched her shoulder bag—from it, actually from the storage ring—took out 5 small pills, and beckoned to Da Dan and the others.
“Da Dan, Er Dan, Xi Bao, Xuanxuan, Zheng Zheng, come here.”
Da Dan and the others walked over, faces full of confusion.
“Aunt, what’s up?” Xi Bao’s voice cheerful.
Er Zai recognized the pills in his mom’s hand, wiped his mouth, and said loudly, “Mom’s giving you deworming medicine. It kills the little worms in your bellies. We’ve all taken it.”
Medicine.
Definitely bitter.
Da Dan and the others’ smiles vanished instantly.
Thoughtful Da Zai saw the resistance on his big brother and sisters’ faces, knew what they worried about, and added, “Not bitter, it’s sweet. Mom says they’re sugar pills. One little friend can only eat one.”
Er Zai nodded his little head. “Really sweet, like sugar. After eating, you poop out lots of little crawly bugs.”
“Bugs?” Lin Xuan’s face paled slightly, delicate brows furrowing, a bit scared.
She didn’t like crawlies.
“Xuanxuan Sis, don’t be afraid. Just once, then no more drinking unboiled water, wash hands before and after meals, and no more belly bugs.” Da Zai comforted his cousin crisply.
“Mm, I know.” Lin Xuan relaxed, clenching her little fist for courage.
Then, the five big friends took the deworming medicine.
“Hey, tastes pretty good actually.” Da Dan looked surprised.
Er Dan said, “It’s clearly just candy. It really deworm?”
Er Zai lifted his little chin proudly. “Whether it does, you’ll know tomorrow morning.”
That “la” drawn out cutely.
The sun set in the west.
All that needed saying or doing was done; Lin Zhao’s family of six left the Dongfeng Brigade.
Once they left, Lin Shisheng rushed into the room without a word, packed Qiu Lian’s clothes, and forcibly sent her away.
He’d been worrying how to send her back; Zhaozhao returning home was just the opportunity.
He gave Qiu Lian the chance; hoped she seized it.
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