Ming Mei trotted home with her small satchel, the sound of firecrackers filling the air as it was the Lunar New Year. She was in a hurry, as everyone was eager to get home for the holiday. She quickly turned into their alley, which was relatively empty at this time, as most people were either cooking or eating.
Ming Mei quickened her pace and entered their courtyard. As soon as she stepped in, she skidded to a stop, surprised to see everyone gathered in the yard. She looked around, puzzled, and asked, "Are you all waiting for me?"
It was a bit of an overstatement.
Zhuang Zhixi, seeing his wife return, quickly stepped forward to hold her small hand and gently blew on it, asking, "Are you cold?"
Ming Mei shook her head, saying, "Not really, I ran back."
Her big eyes darted around, taking in the scene, and she asked curiously, "What's going on here?"
Why were so many people gathered together?
Zhuang Zhixi replied, "We're having a meeting in the yard."
Ming Mei: "Oh, oh."
This was her first time encountering such a situation. She quickly stood beside Zhuang Zhixi. Although she had been married for about half a month, she didn't know all the neighbors well, as she was busy with work and had little time to socialize.
Leaning on Zhuang Zhixi, she whispered, "Why are we having a meeting?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Aunt Zhou is demanding compensation."
The events of the afternoon were a bit complicated, so Zhuang Zhixi gave a brief summary. Ming Mei let out a small "ah" and looked regretful, saying, "Why did I have to go to work? I missed such a big event."
Her hair seemed to stand on end as she deeply felt she had missed out on a major drama.
Zhuang Zhixi motioned with his lips, saying, "The second half is currently underway."
This afternoon, Madam Zhou Li waited for the Su family to return. They seemed to have gone to Tianjin for medical treatment and hadn't come back until... evening. Just moments ago, Old Man Bai and Bai Fendou led Aunt Su and her two widowed daughters-in-law, along with three mischievous children, back as if they were one happy family. This was when Madam Zhou Li caught them.
Seeing Aunt Su holding a Quanjude roast duck, Madam Zhou Li was furious, her anger soaring through the clouds. She wanted to snatch the duck but was stopped by Bai Father and Son, who pushed her to the ground. Madam Zhou Li was not one to back down easily.
Aunt Wang was the first to intervene, quickly gathering the neighbors. Today's incident needed a resolution. Everyone took their places, but before they could start, Ming Mei arrived.
Ming Mei thought the courtyard was too lively. Living in an apartment building never had such excitement. This was her first time attending such a meeting, and she felt a bit excited. She looked at the two sides: on one side was Madam Zhou Li, with Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu behind her; on the other side were Bai Father and Son and the Su family of five.
Madam Zhou Li spoke passionately, "Everyone, please judge for me. Who caused me such suffering today when I went to the toilet? If it weren't for the Su kids throwing firecrackers, if it weren't for Bai Fendou being so inconsiderate, I wouldn't have suffered this way. You must give me an explanation, and compensation is a must."
Aunt Wang looked at Aunt Su and her daughters-in-law, asking, "What do you have to say?"
Wang Xiangxiu was about to refute when Aunt Su quickly stopped her. Ming Mei noticed this and soon heard Aunt Su say, "This incident is our fault. The children are young and mischievous. They often see stray dogs on the street and didn't think much of them. Who knew they would cause trouble? The kids were also scared. But our Jinlai has already been punished. And the dog chasing you isn't related to our kids, right? Our Jinlai was bitten, and Yinlai and Tonglai were too scared to move. You can't just bully us because we're a family of widows and orphans."
Aunt Su's words elicited murmurs of sympathy from the crowd.
"Pfft, you're acting so wronged. If you have no money, why buy a roast duck?" Madam Zhou Li was furious about this. The Su family didn't deserve such luxury; they should be eating coarse food.
Bai Fendou couldn't hold back and said, "Madam Zhou, can you speak properly? The duck was bought by me. The kids were injured and wanted something nice to eat. How can you be so unkind?"
Madam Zhou Li, scolded by a younger man, exploded, "You unlucky wretch, if it weren't for you chasing the dog, I wouldn't have had this happen. I haven't settled accounts with you yet, and you dare speak up here. You deliberately led the dog to me, didn't you? Why did everyone else escape unscathed while I was chased by the dog? You did it on purpose, didn't you?"
Bai Fendou glared, "Do you have any shame? You falling into the latrine has nothing to do with us!"
"You fell into the latrine! Your whole family fell into the latrine." Thinking of Bai Fendou saying she ate shit, she cursed, "You damned scoundrel, may you never find a wife, you despicable wretch..."
Madam Zhou Li viciously insulted Bai Fendou. Old Man Bai couldn't stand it, thinking it was unfair to both Aunt Su and his son.
He said, "That's enough. You're not any better yourself. Besides, my son took the kids to the hospital. Who knows what happened to you? You're just trying to extort us. You're not the first to do this, so stop acting."
"You, you, you! Who are you talking about? You shameless old man, I knew you and Aunt Su were up to no good. Your whole family is crazy, always meddling in others' affairs. I bet your family will die out. You..."
Old Man Bai's involvement made Madam Zhou Li even more furious, cursing wildly and deeply insulting the Bai family and the Su family. Zhao Guihua thought this would be censored on TV.
She clicked her tongue, but Old Man Bai wasn't like Old Man Zhuang. He fought back fiercely, and the two exchanged curses, spitting and shouting.
Ming Mei: "Oh, wow."
Zhuang Zhixi held his wife's hand, saying, "Don't be afraid, I'm here."
Ming Mei glanced at him, "Which eye do you think I'm afraid? I'm clearly excited."
Zhuang Zhixi: "..."
The insults escalated, and Aunt Wang slammed the table, saying, "Enough, do you want to have a peaceful New Year's Eve or not?"
Madam Zhou Li retorted, "They're the ones not letting me have a good New Year."
“Everyone, please calm down a bit. We're here to resolve the issue, not to escalate the conflict. Today's incident was something no one wanted. Let's all take a step back.”
“Hmph.”
“Hmph.”
Aunt Wang could see that they were all still dissatisfied, so she continued, “I think this is a good idea. After all, Aunt Zhou did suffer a real misfortune, getting splattered with golden stuff on New Year's Eve, which would make anyone feel sick. And when it comes down to it, both Jin Lai and Bai Fendou bear some responsibility, no matter how you look at it. You should at least give Aunt Zhou some compensation. Aunt Zhou, you didn't want this to happen, and neither did the Su family or Bai Fendou. It's New Year's Eve, so just give the younger generation some face. Let's all take a step back and each of you pay Aunt Zhou one yuan as compensation for her misfortune, okay?”
“No way! Am I that cheap?” Madam Zhou Li was not happy!
Bai Fendou wasn't happy either: “What does it have to do with me? I didn't tell the dog to bite her. Maybe the dog chased her because it thought she was an old hag.”
“You, you, you. You little brat.”
The scene immediately erupted into another 200 words of mutual scolding.
Aunt Wang: “Enough! Don't push your luck. Do you even want to resolve this? Are you making the whole courtyard suffer with you on New Year's Eve? If you don't want to deal with it, go to the neighborhood committee and see who will bother with your petty squabbles. You all act like you don't have a clue. Have you no shame? Is this something to be proud of? Zhou Qun, you too, don't stay silent. Your mother's issue, give your opinion.”
Aunt Wang's outburst unleashed the fierce spirit of a Northeastern woman.
The scene instantly quieted down.
Ming Mei's eyes sparkled, "Wow!"
Zhou Qun, being called out, thought for a moment and said, “I didn't want to express my opinion on this matter, as the one harmed is my mother. If I side with her, everyone will say I'm biased as the son of the victim. If I feel sorry for the Su family and say to let it go, it would also hurt my mother, who is of such an age and genuinely suffered. I know my mother's words are harsh, but she is really furious. Imagine if you were in her shoes on New Year's Eve, how would you feel? My mother doesn't just want money; she's just holding onto this grievance.”
Hearing this, everyone nodded, expressing their agreement: “Zhou Qun is reasonable.”
“Zhou Qun is upright.”
However, no one realized that Zhou Qun's words were essentially meaningless. Zhou Qun: “My mother just wants to vent her anger. Honestly, she doesn't want to take advantage of this situation for money. After all, Aunt Su's family is struggling, and we understand that. Even if we want to seek justice, we can't push them into a corner.”
Wang Xiangxiu bit her lip, looking at Zhou Qun with gratitude.
Zhou Qun: “Since Aunt Wang has called me out, I'll take the liberty to make a decision for my mother. Mom, do you trust me?”
Madam Zhou Li's small eyes flickered and she said, “I trust you!”
Zhou Qun: “This incident was indeed caused by Jin Lai, but the main responsibility lies with Bai Fendou. If he hadn't chased after the stray dog, my mother wouldn't have suffered this. So Bai Fendou bears the most responsibility. A fine of one yuan each is not enough to appease my mother. We don't lack the money, but we can't let go of this grievance. So, let's make it five yuan. I think this amount is just right, and it will make my mother feel better. As for how you two split the five yuan, that's up to you. I personally think Bai Fendou should pay more since he bears more responsibility, and the Su family, already struggling, should pay less. What do you think? But it's your decision! Even if you don't make the Su family pay a single cent, that's your generosity. We'll just take five yuan in total from the two of you.”
“Five yuan? That's too much! It can buy two big, fat hens!” Bai Fendou was very unwilling. However, he knew that he couldn't just walk away without paying.
Didn't Aunt Wang just lose her temper?
He looked at the Su family, and Wang Xiangxiu immediately looked pitiful. She didn't want to pay a single cent, especially since Zhou Qun said Bai Fendou could pay the whole five yuan. Why should our family pay?
She bit her lip, looking fragile as if a gust of wind could knock her over, staring at Bai Fendou.
Bai Fendou looked at his father, Old Man Bai, who, upon seeing Aunt Su's expression, softened and said, “Alright, our family will pay the five yuan.”
The onlookers immediately understood, and Zhou Qun lightly curled his lips.
Bai Fendou, with a heartache, handed the money to Zhou Qun. He had just bought a bicycle before the New Year and was short on cash. This was infuriating. Zhou Qun took the money and handed it to his mother, but before leaving, he suddenly said, “Mom, you should give the money to Jiang Lu. Let her buy a chicken for you to replenish your strength. You fell and should really take care of your body.”
Madam Zhou Li was unhappy: “A chicken doesn't cost five yuan. You can buy three smaller ones.”
Zhou Qun: “Mom, look at you, Jiang Lu won't cheat you. Let's use the money to buy three chickens. Jiang Lu can also take care of her health, she's been weak...”
Jiang Lu immediately looked at Zhou Qun with gratitude. Her husband was really good to her, always thinking of her.
Aunt Wang's daughter, Li Fang, pinched her husband, Yang Lixin, and said, “Look at how considerate that man is to his wife.”
Yang Lixin: “Ouch, ouch, ouch!”
Not just Li Fang, but other women also commented: “That's what a good man should be like, look at Zhou Qun.”
Such discussions were not uncommon. Zhou Qun silently smiled inwardly and then looked towards the Zhuang family's direction. Sure enough, Liang Meifen was full of envy. He looked expectantly at the Zhuang family's youngest daughter-in-law, but... Ming Mei was looking up at Zhuang Zhixi, talking animatedly, and the two seemed not to have heard anything about him. Ming Mei was laughing merrily, clearly very happy.
As for envy? None.
Not at all.
She didn't pay any attention to him.
Zhou Qun frowned unhappily, then his heart sank, and he said, “Let's go home.”
Jiang Lu immediately stepped forward to support her mother-in-law, saying, “Mom, let me help you.”
Madam Zhou Li: “You're useless, you never help when it matters. You...”
Her scolding of her daughter-in-law was loud. Zhou Qun: “Mom, Jiang Lu has it tough too, don't always be like this.”
Although watching the drama was entertaining, it was New Year's Eve, and with the matter resolved, everyone gradually dispersed. Ming Mei naturally looped her arm around Zhuang Zhixi's, saying, “You never come to pick me up as you promised. You're not keeping your word.”
Zhuang Zhixi pleaded, “I'll definitely do it next time, wife. Did you get off early today?”
Ming Mei grinned, “The last two shifts were empty, and Li the Cook was considerate of my recent marriage, so he let me leave early. Heh heh.”
Zhuang Zhixi ruffled her hair, and Ming Mei: “Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? I'm not a three-year-old, don't treat me like Xiao Yanzi.”
Xiao Yanzi looked up: “Meh?”
Ming Mei: “Let's go home, when are we eating?”
Zhuang Zhixi: “The dumplings are all made, just waiting for you to come home to cook them.”
Ming Mei raised an eyebrow: “So I'm important?”
Zhuang Zhixi nodded, saying, “Yes, you are very important, the most important.”
Ming Mei giggled again, and the family returned home. Liang Meifen quickly started the fire, waiting for the water to boil to cook the dumplings. As she worked, she muttered, “Zhou Qun is really considerate to his wife, Jiang Lu is lucky.”
Both Jiang Lu and Wang Xiangxiu are lucky.
Jiang Lu may have a difficult mother-in-law, but her husband is caring and protective, which is priceless.
Wang Xiangxiu doesn't have such luck; her husband passed away early, but her mother-in-law is good. Aunt Su is so gentle and considerate, never saying a harsh word to her daughter-in-law, and even letting her manage the money. There's no better mother-in-law than her.
Her own husband, hmph.
Her own mother-in-law, hmph, hmph.
Jiang Lu: "I wonder how Madam Zhou Li could have raised such a good man like Zhou Qun. It's hard to imagine."
Ming Mei crouched to help, saying, "I actually don't think much of Zhou Qun."
This remark caught everyone's attention, including Zhao Guihua and several male colleagues. Zhuang Zhixi jokingly teased, "In your heart, I'm the best, right?"
To his surprise, Ming Mei nodded honestly, "Of course you're the best in my heart. Otherwise, why would I marry you? I'm not stupid."
...
This response left no room for further conversation.
Liang Meifen lowered her head, thinking that her sister-in-law didn't know how to be shy, saying anything that came to mind.
Zhuang Zhixi's joy was evident. He put his hand on his wife's shoulder, saying, "I also like you the most, wife. How can you be so beautiful and lovely!"
Zhao Guihua couldn't help but say, "If you two want to be nauseating, go back to your room. Don't make everyone else uncomfortable here."
Zhuang Zhixi: "I'm so innocent."
Ming Mei: "Exactly."
Zhao Guihua: "I don't see any innocence in you two. It's like everyone hasn't been through the newlywed phase. So cheesy." After a pause, Zhao Guihua became curious, asking, "Speaking of which, why do you think Zhou Qun isn't good?"
Most people in the courtyard would consider Zhou Qun a good husband who cherishes his wife, but Ming Mei had a different view.
She was genuinely curious.
Zhao Guihua herself had seen through Zhou Qun's tricks, but that was because she had lived through it once before. In her previous life, she had believed Zhou Qun was a good man, nearly falling for his schemes.
But Ming Mei seemed quite clear-headed.
In her previous life, their relationship wasn't close, and Zhao Guihua, as a proud mother-in-law, wouldn't have asked Ming Mei's opinion. But this time, she was truly curious. She asked, "What makes you think he's not good?"
Ming Mei: "Don't you think it all feels like an act? It's so fake. A truly loving husband wouldn't act like that. He's off in every way."
She counted her points: "Look, when Aunt Zhou was scolding, he didn't immediately stop her. What good is hindsight? Besides, they've been married for ten years. If he really cherished his wife, how could he not have persuaded his mother in ten years? Aunt Zhou clearly listens to him. It was evident in the meeting just now."
She continued, "And he's too good at playing the nice guy. He says he didn't speak up because he was afraid of being accused of favoring his own family. But if his own mother suffered because of this, shouldn't he have taken a stand? Even if he did, no one would criticize him. To me, he just seems like a fake hypocrite."
Zhao Guihua: "..." Indeed, outsiders see more clearly.
Liang Meifen: "Isn't that a bit too much? Where do you get that from? I think he's quite good to Jiang Lu."
Ming Mei insisted, "True love isn't like that. My parents have a great relationship, and I know the real thing."
Liang Meifen: "..."
Zhao Guihua chuckled, finding some truth in Ming Mei's words. Perhaps because Ming Mei had seen genuine loving couples, she could see through Zhou Qun's facade. She nodded, "You make a valid point."
Liang Meifen couldn't believe her ears, looking at her mother-in-law, "That makes sense?"
What kind of sense was that?
Ming Mei was clearly being unreasonable!
Clearly, a biased mother-in-law was very unfair. Ming Mei could fart and it would smell sweet.
Ming Mei smiled cheerfully, "I'm right, aren't I? Sister-in-law, the water's boiling."
Liang Meifen quickly started cooking the dumplings, dropping round dumplings into the pot. Zhao Guihua looked at the family members and said, "What we say at home stays at home. If anyone gossips, don't blame me for being harsh."
Liang Meifen: "..." You're clearly pointing at me!
Ming Mei: "Got it!"
As the dumplings were about to be ready, Zhao Guihua instructed, "It's time to set off the firecrackers."
The Zhuang men immediately perked up, and Hutou and Xiao Yanzi quickly ran out from inside, rushing to their grandfather, "Firecrackers, firecrackers! We want to set off firecrackers!"
Ming Mei craned her neck to look, and Zhao Guihua said, "Go ahead and watch if you want."
Ming Mei: "Okay!"
Zhao Guihua looked at her eldest daughter-in-law, "You go too."
Liang Meifen: "I... I'd better stay and cook. Someone needs to..."
Zhao Guihua: "If you don't go, I will. We don't need two people."
She saw that Liang Meifen was the type who selflessly devoted herself and felt good about it, even if her efforts might be worthless to others. But she herself was unaware and proud of her sacrifices.
Liang Meifen pouted, but Zhao Guihua didn't care, directly wiping her apron and heading out. At the door, Old Man Zhuang had already hung the firecrackers, cheerfully saying, "Our Zhuang family will have a better year ahead."
With that, he quickly lit the firecrackers, which crackled loudly!
The whole family covered their ears, enjoying the festive atmosphere. Hutou jumped around, shouting, "Sister, look, look! These are our firecrackers, so loud!"
The firecrackers were loud, and Hutou's voice was loud too. Xiao Yanzi also shouted back, "Great, great!"
The firecrackers were 500 in number and crackled for quite a while. After they finished, they saw Li the Cook leading his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson out. Li Weiwei jumped around, showing off to Hutou, "My house has them too, look, they're big and last a long time!"
Hutou: "Mine just finished, and it lasted a long time too."
The children's strange competitive spirit.
Zhao Guihua smiled, "Alright, let's go home."
Hutou didn't want to leave, "I want to watch a bit longer."
Zhao Guihua: "Then we'll go home and eat dumplings."
Hutou: "I'm going home too!"
He dashed back home. Although firecrackers were great, dumplings were the best. He could only eat them a few times a year, so Hutou knew his priorities. Zhao Guihua chuckled, shaking her head, "Just a greedy little boy."
She took over the ladle, first picking two dumplings and placing them on a plate on the windowsill, tapping three times before starting to serve the dumplings.
Although superstitious practices were not allowed, some traditions were still secretly observed by each household. No one outside would know. Just like Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, who were scared today, Zhao Guihua also whispered to them, "Pull the hair, not scared; pull the ear, not scared. Hutou, don't be afraid, Xiao Yanzi, don't be afraid..."
She said, "After dinner, I'll steam a sugar-water egg for each of you. You'll be less scared after eating it."
Hutou and Xiao Yanzi nodded, swallowing their saliva. They didn't know if they were scared, but they knew sugar-water eggs were delicious, sweet and tasty.
Zhao Guihua finished comforting the children and said, "Alright, let's get ready to eat."
Everyone quickly took their seats. Zhao Guihua served sixteen dumplings per bowl, saying, "Eat up, our family will have a prosperous and lucky new year."
"Prosperous and lucky!"
"Healthy and well!"
"May all wishes come true!"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Mmm, delicious."
Their dumplings were large, and sixteen were enough to fill up. Eating dumplings to satisfaction was a rare treat. Everyone enjoyed their meal, and Ming Mei even commented that her mother-in-law's cooking was better than her own mother's.
Previously, Ming Mei thought her mother made the best food, but now she had to admit her mother-in-law was better.
Ming Mei could understand why. People nowadays didn't use many ingredients when cooking, but her mother-in-law was different. Even when controlling costs, she used more ingredients than others.
Zhuang Zhixi even joked with Ming Mei that without the need to hand over living expenses, they ate better. He said he should have revolted earlier.
Ming Mei responded with a "hehe."
Earlier?
If he had dared to speak up earlier, he would have been scolded.
But now, everyone was focused on eating dumplings and didn't think much of it. Although there were sixteen dumplings in a plate, Ming Mei didn't finish them. Despite being less oily and thus having a bigger appetite, Ming Mei was still a twenty-something girl and had her limits.
Zhao Guihua's dumplings were large, and after eating more than ten of them, she was full. She pushed the remaining dumplings into Zhuang Zhixi's bowl and said, "I'm done."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Why are you eating so little?"
He looked suspiciously at Ming Mei, worried that she might be saving food for him and going hungry. However, he quickly realized that Ming Mei was not the type like his sister-in-law, so he nodded and started eating noisily.
The sound of firecrackers outside continued non-stop. Ming Mei propped her chin on her hand and looked out the window, saying, "It would be nice if someone set off fireworks."
"You think well," Zhuang Zhixi replied.
Ming Mei smiled, "It's okay to think about it."
In previous years, their family would turn on the radio during the New Year, but the Zhuang family didn't have one. After dinner, it seemed there was nothing much to do. No wonder people in those days had many children; there wasn't much to do in the evenings except for "clapping," what else could they do?
Ming Mei wasn't shy and leaned on Zhuang Zhixi's shoulder, saying, "Let's tell stories. Mom, you must know a lot of stories, tell us one, okay?" If only she could tell them about a few decades later!
Zhao Guihua was also bored, so it was perfect timing. She said, "Alright, I'll tell you one. How about a ghost story?"
Ming Mei shrank closer to Zhuang Zhixi, and he laughed, "Aren't you quite capable of fighting? You're afraid of this?"
Ming Mei answered naturally: "I can fight, but I can only fight humans. Ghosts are different. Mom, go ahead and tell the story."
It seemed that people from their generation always told strange ghost stories. Zhao Guihua was no exception. She said, "Let me tell you a story about a head-swapping monster. Once upon a time, there was a family where the man went hunting every day, and the woman took care of three children. One day, the man went out..."
Zhao Guihua continued, "The head-swapping monster ate the man and took on his appearance, but the family didn't know. The man returned, and one night after blowing out the candle, he ate the youngest child. His wife heard a crunching sound and asked, 'What are you eating?' The head-swapping monster replied, 'Peanuts...' "
Ming Mei: "Ugh... I don't want to eat peanuts for a few days."
The thought was just too disgusting.
Zhao Guihua: "That's enough to turn you off? You don't know, they were even thinking of eating a stray dog today. If it weren't for seeing the dog eating feces, I think the dog wouldn't have escaped. But I guess the stray dogs in our area won't be caught anymore. The thought of eating feces is enough to make one lose their appetite."
Ming Mei felt nauseous again, and Liang Meifen, seeing her expression, laughed and said, "Oh, sister-in-law, you're disgusted just hearing about it? We saw it live this afternoon, it was both disgusting and fascinating to watch."
Ming Mei: "..."
She understood a bit.
She said, "This is really..."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Oh man, can you not talk about this? It's making me feel sick."
Zhao Guihua said softly: "You didn't step back when you were watching the commotion, you were quite enjoying it."
Zhuang Zhixi rubbed his nose, feeling a bit innocent. How could he not watch when there was a commotion? Ming Mei was a bit regretful: "I missed it, that's such a shame. I wonder if they'll do it again tomorrow."
Zhao Guihua couldn't help but laugh: "Do you think they're a circus troupe, always making trouble? Besides, it's New Year's Day tomorrow, they wouldn't want to argue for good luck. You all too, don't use bad language, keep it in until after the first month."
At this point, Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and changed her words: "Keep it in until after the fifteenth of the first month."
It was too long, and whether they could hold it or not, she herself couldn't.
Zhuang Zhixi couldn't help but laugh, earning a glare from his mother. Zhuang Zhixi quickly bowed in apology. Hutou laughed and imitated him, while Xiao Yanzi climbed onto Zhao Guihua's lap and nestled in her arms.
Zhao Guihua: "You little girl."
She stroked her granddaughter's hair and remembered something, instructing, "Oldest daughter-in-law, make some sugar-water eggs for the kids."
Hutou pouted his little lips and said, "Grandma, I can't eat anymore."
He had eaten a lot of dumplings, lifting his shirt to show his round little belly, "I'm full, look."
Zhao Guihua: "Then make it later, eat it before bed, then you won't be afraid."
Hutou and Xiao Yanzi didn't quite understand, but the thought of eating sugar-water eggs was great, and the children were happy. Liang Meifen was happy too; these were her son and daughter, and she was glad they could have something nice to eat.
"Let's tell another story, there's nothing to do anyway, let's have some fun with another one."
Ming Mei raised her hand: "I'll do it, I've heard a lot of stories. You know, I'm a bus conductor, and I heard one from a colleague who drives the Princess Tomb route..."
Zhao Guihua: "Wait, tell a different story, let's not talk about these."
The adults knew better than to speak carelessly, but the children didn't. Hutou and Xiao Yanzi were still young, and if it got out, it might be considered superstitious. It wasn't worth the trouble.
It was her mistake earlier.
Zhao Guihua: "Tell something else, something else."
"Why don't we read the newspaper instead? I'll read you some good deeds from the Railway Daily, there are many positive stories we should learn from. I think..."
"I think you should stop," Zhao Guihua interrupted, "Old Third, tell a joke instead, don't let your brother talk about... uh, nonsense."
She almost cursed, Zhao Guihua shook her head, realizing she was the one in the family who loved to curse the most. She stood up: "I'm going to the outhouse."
"Should I come with you?" Old Man Zhuang asked.
Zhao Guihua: "No need!"
Why would she need someone to accompany her? There was nothing unusual about it, especially not today. She walked out, and outside, the north wind was howling, making it a bit cold. She jogged out of the courtyard, where children were setting off firecrackers.
Zhao Guihua hurried to the toilet, thankful it was still winter and she could at least bear it. She couldn't imagine what it would be like in summer.
Zhao Guihua never thought she'd one day worry about how to use the toilet. The toilet wasn't much warmer, so she quickly went in and out, stamping her feet at the entrance. From afar, she saw Jiang Lu coming, who greeted with a smile, "Aunt Zhao, you're also going to the toilet?"
Zhao Guihua: "Yes."
Why else would she be standing at the toilet entrance, unless she was reminiscing about her mother-in-law's recent actions?
But Zhao Guihua couldn't say that.
She smiled, cupping her hands and walking back, only to notice Jiang Lu coming out of the toilet and heading towards the main street. Zhao Guihua was puzzled and stopped to watch. What was she doing out so late?
If it were Wang Xiangxiu going to the main street, Zhao Guihua could instantly imagine a series of scandalous news, but Jiang Lu shouldn't be that type. Jiang Lu was completely devoted to Zhou Qun, utterly and completely. Zhao Guihua had seen this clearly in her previous life; Jiang Lu was capable of doing anything for Zhou Qun.
So Zhao Guihua didn't meddle in their affairs this time around. Whatever decisions they made were their own, and outsiders didn't need to interfere. However, it was strange for Jiang Lu to be out so late. Zhao Guihua hesitated but couldn't resist her curiosity and quietly followed her.
Jiang Lu probably wasn't going far; the buses were stopped at night, and she wasn't riding a bicycle, so going far wasn't practical.
Zhao Guihua stealthily followed Jiang Lu, watching her walk down the back streets, passing two blocks, and then entering an alley. Zhao Guihua: "!!"
What was she doing?
She watched as Jiang Lu knocked on one of the doors, which opened to reveal an old lady handing Jiang Lu a bottle. Under the streetlight, Zhao Guihua could clearly see that it was a bright red liquid.
Zhao Guihua: "??"
The old lady instructed, "I've recited a spell for 49 days, this is the best rooster blood. Drink it exactly at midnight on New Year's Day, and you're sure to have a big, healthy baby boy next year."
Jiang Lu was overjoyed.
Zhao Guihua: "..."
She shouldn't have gossiped; seeing Jiang Lu and Madam Zhou Li still talking, Zhao Guihua turned around and walked back. She was just bored, coming out to watch this gossip for what! However, Jiang Lu was indeed a tough woman, willing to do anything for having a baby.
Zhao Guihua didn't want to run into Jiang Lu, so she hurried back, and as soon as she turned into the alley, she saw Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei standing at the gate.
The two of them approached her: "Mom, where have you been? We thought you fell into the toilet."
Zhao Guihua replied: "Can't you wish me well? Let's go home."
Ming Mei promptly linked arms with Zhao Guihua, cooing, "Mom, let's go together."
Zhuang Zhixi immediately linked arms with her on the other side, saying, "You don't know how worried we were about you."
Zhao Guihua muttered to herself: "I was tailing someone."
"Pfft!"
Zhao Guihua continued to mutter: "That old lady, she looks familiar!"
