Chapter 82: “want A Divorce?”
Qiu Lian struggled, clutching the door frame with her hands and hooking the threshold with her feet, crying loudly, “I’m not going back, the Lin Family is my home.”
Lin Shisheng sneered coldly in his heart repeatedly.
This person was always like this, always like this!
Not a single sincere word from her mouth.
“Ridiculous!”
He sneered, “Stop disgusting people! The Qiu Family is your home, my family can’t afford a big Buddha like you.”
Too lazy to waste more words with Qiu Lian, he used strength in his arm and dragged her toward the small path.
This was exactly rest time, there weren’t many people on the road, only the sound of insects in the quiet.
Qiu Lian saw the man’s seriousness, her face turned deathly pale, and like countless times before, she cried bitterly and said soft words.
“Xuanxuan’s dad, I know I was wrong, I won’t go back to my maternal family, if I go back to my maternal family I won’t have good days, I can’t even eat my fill, every day it’s clear soup, all the work at home is on me, the work points I earn aren’t mine either…”
Earn work points? This woman at the Lin Family, let alone earning work points, even sweeping the floor she dragged out as long as possible, yet back at her maternal family she was willing to earn work points.
What a good daughter of the Qiu Family!
Lin Shisheng’s white teeth ground with a crunch, veins bulging on his forehead.
Qiu Lian was still whimpering and playing pitiful.
“I don’t have a room at home, not even a bed, I can only sleep in the kitchen, at night it’s all mosquitoes, the night before last I even saw a poisonous scorpion, Xuanxuan’s dad, I really know I was wrong, don’t send me back wuwuwu!”
Qiu Lian’s situation at the Qiu Family, Lin Shisheng knew all about it.
When they had just gotten married, he had told this woman that the Qiu Family had no true feelings for her, didn’t take her seriously, and told her not to value her maternal family too much, to put her focus on their little family.
She didn’t listen.
She even suspected he had ulterior motives, wanting to destroy her relationship with her maternal family, leaving her isolated and helpless for his whole family to bully.
Lin Shisheng was speechless to death.
This woman’s brain was as dull as a rusted machine, and stupid too, unable to take good or bad words, making the thoughts Lin Shisheng had just started to have… of wanting to live well together, instantly extinguished to ashes.
In the end, he thought it was the same no matter who he lived with, so he just settled for it.
But he never imagined—
This woman actually dared to put something on his head, and it was the green color men hated most.
“Creak creak!!” The grinding of teeth grew heavier and louder.
Lin Shisheng’s anger burned hotter and hotter, his hand pinching Qiu Lian’s arm constantly tightening.
“Ah!! Be gentle, it hurts!” Qiu Lian pulled at his hand, crying out in pain from her mouth.
The tall figure walking ahead remained unmoved, his steps even larger, each one very heavy, carrying a flavor of restraint.
Qiu Lian felt something was off, reining in the deliberately exaggerated pain on her face, her heart pounding heavily several times.
Xuanxuan’s dad, why was he acting so strange?!
The woman forced a smile, continuing to soften, “I really know I was wrong, from now on I won’t quarrel with Eldest Brother’s Wife, won’t covet Sister-in-law’s things, forgive me this once.”
Lin Shisheng didn’t make a sound, his face like cold frost.
He didn’t even turn his head.
Afraid that turning back and seeing Qiu Lian’s face, in a fit of anger he might cause a death.
He still had family, still had two daughters.
This woman wasn’t worth it!
Qiu Lian had starved for several days at her maternal family, today she had only eaten a sweet potato again, her stomach had no oil or water, her limbs were weak, being dragged like this, her steps staggered, she tripped from time to time.
If not for her arm being dragged, she would have collapsed on the ground and couldn’t get up.
Her throat was dry as smoke, lips cracked, in the end, she moved forward weakly.
Lin Shisheng dragged the person all the way, and when he arrived at the Qiu Family, he was also quite tired, sweat soaking the back of his blue cloth jacket.
He pushed open the yard door with one hand, the wooden door creaking loudly, startling the Qiu Family in the yard to turn back abruptly.
“…Son-in-law?” Old Man Qiu squinted his old eyes, shouting in confusion.
Once he saw Lin Shisheng’s icy face clearly, he inwardly cried out bad.
Something had happened?!!
Just about to ask how his daughter had angered his son-in-law, but he heard Lin Shisheng say coldly: “Qiu Lian misses her maternal family, I’m sending her back.”
“Take good care of yourself.”
Dropping two sentences, he tossed down Qiu Lian’s baggage, turned and left, his steps urgent, disappearing in the blink of an eye, leaving only a trail of raised dust.
Old Woman Qiu’s face was thin and gaunt, high cheekbones, lips always pursed, corners drooping, habitually squinting at people, looking unapproachable.
“What did you do again?” she asked with a gloomy face.
Qiu Lian complained, her voice hoarse like a broken gong, “What could I do? I didn’t do anything.”
“You didn’t do anything, and you got sent back.” Old Woman Qiu glared at her with her eyes, “Tell the truth, what exactly did you do to make your son-in-law so angry, tell quickly, only then can your dad and I think of a method for you.”
Old Man Qiu nodded, “Exactly, exactly.”
“I really didn’t do anything.” Qiu Lian scooped water with the gourd silk to drink, gulping it down for a good long while before coming back to life.
She said: “My Sister-in-law sent red dates and brown sugar to her sisters-in-law, didn’t give me any, I got angry for a moment, didn’t go to the kitchen to help cook, Lin Shisheng that guy who recognizes sister but not wife, wouldn’t let me eat, made me lose face in front of the whole family, so I made a fuss, that stab-worthy guy grabbed me and sent me back.”
“Not a single good thing! The Lin Family doesn’t have a single good thing!” Qiu Lian spat curses, her eyes full of dark hatred.
After cursing, she puffed out her chest, shoulders pulled back, as if this would make her seem more confident, “This time I won’t go back on my own, unless he comes to pick me up, and has to admit his wrong to me.”
Qiu Family Younger Brother’s Wife’s mouth twitched, eyes wide, face full of the absurd expression of looking at a madwoman.
She burst out laughing, tone mocking, “Elder Sister-in-law, I’m afraid you’ve forgotten, you only gave birth to two money-losers, didn’t even give the Lin Family a golden egg, you actually dare to think of having Xuanxuan’s dad come pick you up.”
Qiu Lian stubbornly insisted, “I’m not unable to give birth, it’s just fate hasn’t arrived. I could give birth to two girls, so I can give the Lin Family a big fat boy.”
“I’m afraid… the big fat boy won’t have the Lin surname.” Qiu Family Younger Brother’s Wife’s expression became even more sarcastic.
Some days ago, Elder Sister-in-law stayed at maternal family, that night in the middle of the night, she panicked and ran back, collar disheveled, a big red mark on her neck, face carrying an abnormal flush, clearly just done that thing and come back.
She was shocked then, her jaw nearly dropping.
She had known Elder Sister-in-law was stupid, didn’t expect her to be so promiscuous too.
No wonder she worked all day, still had energy at night.
Qiu Lian’s face turned deathly pale, eyes red as she glared at Younger Brother’s Wife, voice shrill: “You’re talking nonsense! You’re trying to force me to die!!”
“Whether I am or not, you know clearly.” Qiu Family Younger Brother’s Wife showed a contemptuous smile.
Before Qiu Lian could say more, she tsked disdainfully and walked away slowly.
Old Woman Qiu just learned of this, her suspicious gaze fell on Qiu Lian, seeing her flustered expression, her eyes flashed with guilt.
She suddenly rushed over, her palm-leaf fan-like rough hand slapping over.
It slapped Qiu Lian spinning two circles in place, her dark skinny face instantly swelling.
“Dead girl, did you do something improper?!” Old Woman Qiu poked her forehead, sawtooth-like nails scratching marks, tone vicious.
“Mom, don’t listen to her nonsense, I didn’t do anything to wrong the Lin Family.” Qiu Lian hated her maternal family’s younger sister-in-law bitterly in her heart.
She really wanted this Elder Sister-in-law’s life, too ruthless, really too ruthless!
Old Woman Qiu stared straight at her, poking her forehead while saying: “You’d better not have done anything! There’s no place for you at home, if you’re chased back to maternal family, go beg for food outside, don’t cause us trouble!”
The old woman had said what needed saying, Old Man Qiu didn’t speak again, his glance at his daughter carried a bit of disgust.
She couldn’t even manage her own life well, how could she honor them, indeed unreliable, not one bit reliable.
Qiu Lian didn’t think much, didn’t realize the severity of the problem, didn’t feel her maternal family was ruthless.
She thought her mom was worried about her.
“I know, I won’t drag down the family, Lin Xuan’s dad is just short-tempered, in a few days he’ll come pick me up.”
She couldn’t stand the two girls, felt they were the reason she had no son, but she also knew clearly, those two daughters were her foundation.
Qiu Lian hugged the baggage to the kitchen, spread straw on the ground as a bed.
Turned to go out and wash the sweat from her face.
Old Woman Qiu unceremoniously opened the baggage, casually flipped through, seeing clothes with few patches, hung them on her arm, those with many patches tossed back.
Qiu Lian came back, saw this scene, exclaimed in shock: “Mom, what are you doing?”
“Helping you sort clothes, what’s wrong, you’re the one I gave birth to, can’t I touch your things?” Old Woman Qiu lifted her chin high, righteous.
Ignoring the clothes scattered on the ground, one might think she was really a kind mother.
“These few clothes are nice, give them to your Younger Brother’s Wife. Your Younger Brother’s Wife gave our Qiu Family two big fat boys, she’s a great contributor, as Elder Sister-in-law you should give them to her anyway. Still need me to urge you, what have I raised you for.”
Qiu Lian stepped forward quickly, wanted to snatch the clothes back but didn’t dare, said weakly: “Mom, I only have these two decent clothes, if you take them what will I wear.”
“What decent clothes do you need to wear, you’ve contributed nothing to the old Qiu family.” Old Woman Qiu rolled her eyes, suppressing her.
The kitchen wasn’t lit, very dark, faint light.
The old lady’s face full of wrinkles, eyelids drooping, expression dissatisfied, looking gloomy and harsh.
Qiu Lian lowered her head.
“Where’s the money? You went back to maternal family to stay, your son-in-law surely didn’t leave you without a penny.” Old Woman Qiu stared sharply at Qiu Lian.
Qiu Lian explained in panic: “No money, the money I saved was snatched by you last time, I’ve only been back a few days, couldn’t get to the money, and besides it’s not time to divide grain or money yet, Husband probably doesn’t have much money on hand either.”
“Pa!” Old Woman Qiu grabbed the rolling pin and hit Qiu Lian’s arm, very hard.
After the sound, Qiu Lian’s arm was lashed red.
“What do you mean the money you saved was snatched by me, even you were born by me!” The aged voice full of displeasure.
“Money in your pocket should be honestly handed over, still dare make me urge you, I see your wings have hardened!”
Qiu Lian clutched her arm and dodged, “I don’t have any, I want to honor Mom, otherwise I wouldn’t have brought it.”
“Then today, how come you didn’t bring a single penny?” Old Woman Qiu full of disgust on her face, cursing under her breath, “Coming back to maternal family with just a mouth to eat and live for free, really a money-loser, not one bit useful.”
After cursing, too lazy to deal with her, hugged the clothes and left.
The whole Qiu Family were lazy bums, the kitchen didn’t even have a door, just an oil-black bamboo curtain hanging, the stove messy and dirty, flies crawling everywhere on it, lots of mosquitoes too.
Compared to the Lin Family’s conditions, one in heaven one underground.
Qiu Lian lay on the straw pile, mosquitoes buzzing in her ears, keeping her from sleep, only now did she vaguely feel regret.
…
Dusk falling.
Lin Shisheng arrived at the door of a certain household in the same village as the Qiu Family, bang bang bang knocked.
The one who opened the door was a skinny youth with lively eyes.
“Shisheng? So late, how come you’re here, come in quickly.” He stepped aside.
Lin Shisheng shook his head, “No need, just say two sentences.”
The youth understood instantly, walked out the door, closed the wooden door, and walked toward the village entrance with his friend.
No one on the road, stars and moon just appearing, all spilling down.
The whole village like covered in light gauze, quiet and beautiful.
The two were silent.
The youth couldn’t hold back: “…You came today because of the Qiu Family matter?”
“Mm.” Lin Shisheng nodded, eyes downcast, not letting people see his emotions.
“I sent Qiu Lian back, help me keep an eye on her. This time, I want her to go to the farm.”
The youth patted his friend’s shoulder, solemnly: “Me and Jianjun a few will take turns watching, as long as she dares…”
“Brother, sorry to trouble you.” He sighed.
Lin Shisheng punched his friend’s shoulder, eyes full of relief, as if he had already let go, “Don’t look at me with such a disgusting gaze, it’s no big deal.”
The youth saw he really didn’t care about Qiu Lian, quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
“That woman doesn’t deserve you, bad character too, divorce is good.”
Lin Shisheng neither confirmed nor denied, “Good character and she’d be like that shameless one clinging to Benefactor.”
“…”
He sighed faintly, continued: “Back then I was too kind-hearted, brain pinched by the door, thought she was pitiful, married her.”
“I’m the pitiful one!”
Wu Guodong also thought his friend was pitiful, perfectly good, married a homewrecker, wrecking home is one thing, but restless too.
If it were him, he’d be furious to death, how could he be so calm.
Lin Shisheng took out a pack of Da Qian Men from his pocket, drew one out, put it in his mouth, gave Wu Guodong one too.
Wu Guodong dazedly took it, surprised and delighted: “Da Qian Men? Where from? Little life is good huh, can even smoke Da Qian Men!”
“Cha!” Match struck, a cluster of orange-red small flame leaped up.
Lin Shisheng cupped his hands, leaned his head close, the cigarette tip flickering.
He took a deep drag, slowly exhaled smoke, white smoke swirling and dispersing in the night, then slowly said: “My brother-in-law brought it when visiting relatives, there’s also a bottle of Maotai.”
Wu Guodong choked, suddenly felt his earlier sympathy completely unnecessary.
This kid where needs others’ pity, smoking Da Qian Men, has Maotai too.
“Your brother-in-law is generous to you this Second Uncle.” He couldn’t help muttering sourly.
Hearing this, Lin Shisheng’s one eyebrow suddenly raised, chin slightly lifted, corners of mouth holding a smile, tone with some pride, “Pretty generous.”
Wu Guodong didn’t want to see his smug look, waved at him.
“Go back quickly, don’t want to see you for now, afraid I can’t resist calling Jianjun a few to sack you.”
It really wasn’t early, Lin Shisheng didn’t delay more, turned and strode forward, right arm casually raised as farewell.
Wu Guodong watched him leave, smelled the cigarette, carefully tucked it behind his ear, humming a tune home.
With someone watching the Qiu Family closely, the stone weighing on Lin Shisheng’s heart temporarily lifted, his steps light on the way back.
He returned to Dongfeng Brigade.
Pushed open the home door.
Lin Xuan and Lin Zheng weren’t asleep yet, the two little girls curled on the bamboo chair feeding mosquitoes, heads together dozing off.
Hearing the faint sound, the two sisters instantly perked up, looked toward the door while standing up.
“Dad, you’re back.” Lin Zheng spoke first, voice still carrying sleepiness.
Lin Shisheng bolted the door behind him, strode over, looking at his two daughters with brows furrowed, “You two how haven’t slept, not sleepy?”
Lin Xuan opened her mouth, words at the tip of her tongue swallowed back, lips bitten white.
Instead Lin Zheng stared straight at her father, suddenly threw out: “Dad, are you divorcing Mom?”
This was too sharp, like a boning knife, no curve at all, straight to the vitals.
Lin Shisheng was caught off guard, throat rolled twice, before squeezing out: “Who told you that?”
“Seems it’s true.” Lin Zheng said calmly.
Her bright black eyes looked at Lin Shisheng, expression serious, “Dad, I’m Lin Family, surname Lin, I’ll go with you.”
“If you give me to my mom, I’ll go to Fengshou Brigade find my aunt, have my aunt break your legs!” The little girl raised her chin, mouth corners taut straight, hands clenched into fists, words hard, but eyes showed fragility.
Lin Shisheng didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Was he some scumbag dad? So distrustful of him, even threatening with close aunt.
“I, I want to go with Dad too.” Lin Xuan’s voice trembled.
“Silly or not!” Lin Shisheng patted each girl’s head one by one, heart sour, “What surname do you have? Lin! Qiu Family doesn’t deserve such good girls like you two, of course you go with Dad.”
Lin Zheng’s mouth corners first pursed, then uncontrollably curved up, taut jaw gradually softening.
“What if Qiu Family insists on taking us?” Originally casual question, then thought of Qiu Family’s ways—snatch them over, earn two more betrothal gifts in a few years, they were capable of it.
Lin Zheng’s fists clenched tighter, “Dad, if Qiu Family takes me and Sis away, they’ll definitely trade us for betrothal gifts…”
“You think your dad is dead!” Lin Shisheng just thinking of it made his fists harden.
“As long as I’m here, Qiu Family won’t dare scheme for you two, they dare, I’ll bring people to demolish their house.”
He wasn’t saying empty words, Lin Zheng felt relieved, eyes dependently looking at her dad, “Dad, Sis and I rely on you.”
Lin Shisheng greatly encouraged, said: “Rest assured, I alone can raise you two well.”
The two girls had great confidence in their dad, eyes curved in smiles.
In their short lives, all the suffering came from the one who bore them, without her, they would only be happy.
…
Lin Zhao’s family of six rode home with the night wind.
On the way back, Er Zai sat in the back seat, one turn of head could see Mom riding bike with younger brother and sister.
He raised his little sun-like face, eyes sparkling, tone jumping: “Mom, I’m so happy, can I sing?”
Lin Zhao turned her head, lips curving in a gentle arc, “Sure, then trouble to our little singer.”
Er Zai instantly perked up, little hands clutching Gu Chenghuai’s military uniform hem, pink-white little face taut serious.
“Mom, I’ll sing ‘Train Running Toward Shaoshan’ for you.”
He cleared his throat, childish voice flying in the wind.
“Woo, rumble rumble rumble
Wheels fly, whistle calls
Train running toward Shaoshan
Through steep ridges across rivers
Facing a thousand rays of dawn glow
Hey, facing a thousand rays of dawn glow
…”
Childish voice clear and bright, like a joyful little lark, full of vitality.
Little friend finished singing, eyes expectant looking at his mom, a seek-praise little expression.
Lin Zhao as he wished, “Sounds good, Er Zai sings so well, full of vitality, clearly a cute lively little friend. How is there such an excellent little friend, great!”
Er Zai loved hearing Mom praise him most.
His eyes bright like little sun, mouth couldn’t be pressed down.
Lin Zhao didn’t ignore the well-behaved reserved Da Zai, smiling eyes turned to him: “Does Da Zai know this song?”
“…Yes.” Da Zai pursed lips, showed shy smile.
Lin Zhao encouraging expression, “Then Da Zai sing for Mom another day, okay?”
“Mm.” Da Zai agreed.
Gu Chenghuai’s throat let out light laugh, “Sings pretty well, can be an art soldier later.”
The two boys puffed chests, expressions proud.
Er Zai asked the most concerned question: “Dad, what’s an art soldier? Being art soldier can earn money?”
Da Zai brows serious, “Being art soldier can fly airplane?”
“…”
Chatting and laughing along the way, the family of six back to Fengshou Brigade after over half hour.
Little Tie Chui and Da Huang Amber waiting at village entrance.
“Third Uncle, Third Aunt, Da Zai, Er Zai…” He called each one, crisp voice: “Elder Aunt came back to maternal family!”
Came, extra 4k, can’t hold back, really can’t hold back!!
Seeing treasured ones’ support, like injected chicken blood.()
