The general assembly meeting for the compound wasn't going smoothly.
Aunt Wang had it tough - she had to listen to the street committee's opinions, but everyone was also expressing valid concerns. One or two days, even three or four days would be manageable, but a whole month of patrols was too much for most households. Take the Su Family for example - they didn't have any men in the house, surely they couldn't expect women to do patrol duty?
She sighed, realizing the meeting couldn't continue, and said, "Alright then, I'll go back to the street committee tomorrow and see how other compounds are handling this."
Actually, when she received notice about the meeting, she already knew this would be difficult to resolve. Nobody wanted to offend anyone, so no one spoke up first, thinking they could discuss it after returning home. But clearly now, no agreement could be reached.
"Though I'll ask again tomorrow, this patrol duty will likely still need to be done," she said honestly.
"How can they do this to us?"
"Yeah, they're not considering our actual situation. If we patrol at night and something goes wrong during the day at work, will the street committee take responsibility?"
"That guy Little Li from Workshop Three was assigned to clean toilets just because he damaged some parts due to fatigue."
"Exactly, we all do precision work, how can we manage like this?"
Everyone had complaints and felt unsettled. This wasn't the right way to handle things. Even though there might be thieves in their area recently, they couldn't just disrupt everyone's lives like this. Could they really force people to do this?
Zhao Guihua looked around at everyone and remembered a similar situation in her previous life.
Back then, the situation was the same, but after Aunt Wang reported back, they still decided on the patrols. Each household had to provide one person, and if they couldn't send a man, a woman would do. They were divided into three shifts, meaning each person had to patrol every third day.
People had no choice but to agree.
This matter actually had quite an impact on her family, as her younger son Zhuang Zhixi got stabbed because of it. It was just his bad luck - he had diarrhea that day and needed to use the bathroom frequently. He went to use the toilet, not knowing a thief was hiding in the men's room. Neither Zhuang Zhixi nor the thief could back down, and the thief quickly pulled out a knife. Zhuang Zhixi couldn't dodge in time and got stabbed.
Even though he was stabbed while on patrol duty, deserving at least recognition for his sacrifice if not merit, Zhou Qun and the others who were patrolling with him claimed that Zhuang Zhixi got stabbed because he was slacking off in the bathroom. He was innocent but had to bear the weight of these rumors.
Although there were different versions of the story later, with no clear conclusion, Zhou Qun had a good reputation in the neighborhood, so the rumors took an unfavorable turn.
Zhuang Zhixi's stabbing was for nothing.
Even the medical expenses had to be paid by the family, nearly emptying their savings.
During that period, her younger son became quite gloomy.
Not long after, Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu were caught having an affair and nearly got beaten to death. They both claimed they were framed, but no one believed them. Although Wang Xiangxiu tried to blame everything on Zhou Qun, both received severe disciplinary action. Nobody except Bai Fendou believed Wang Xiangxiu's attempt to shift blame.
At that time, Zhao Guihua vaguely suspected her son was behind it.
But when she asked him, he never admitted to it.
Shortly after this incident, Zhou Qun somehow got pushed into a cesspool and had to "feast" on its contents. Many people said it was Bai Fendou's revenge for the Wang Xiangxiu incident. However, Zhao Guihua believed Ming Mei was responsible.
Because later, all those who had falsely accused Zhuang Zhixi faced revenge one after another. Since it didn't happen all at once, others didn't make the connection. But as family, Zhao Guihua believed it was the young couple's doing.
It was understandable why Zhuang Zhixi and his wife were so angry. Everyone knew that Zhuang Zhixi almost couldn't go on patrol that day because of his diarrhea, and those patrolling with him saw how pale he was and how weak his steps were. Yet they still joined Zhou Qun in spreading rumors, clearly trying to reduce the number of people who would share the credit for catching the thief.
Otherwise, as the victim, Zhuang Zhixi would certainly have received special recognition.
Because after stabbing Zhuang Zhixi, the thief was so frightened that he dropped the knife and fell to his knees.
Only after he dropped the knife did the others come forward to subdue him.
Thinking of all this, Zhao Guihua turned to look at Zhuang Zhixi, who was still cheerfully chatting with his wife, Ming Mei's face glowing red as she looked up at him. She lowered her eyes, knowing that since she had a chance to relive this, she wouldn't let such things happen again.
After composing herself, she spoke up loudly: "Aunt Wang, if we're trying to catch thieves, it doesn't have to be men. Women can hold up half the sky, and this old lady is perfectly capable. Everyone in my family needs to work, but I have nothing to do. Just ask - does this job really require men? How are we women any less capable? How am I any less capable? They even show old women doing double-shift farm work in movies. I can definitely do this!"
"Holy shit."
"Pfft!"
Zhao Guihua's words shocked everyone, and looking at her now, they realized this old lady really had something about her.
Zhao Guihua remained calm and continued loudly: "These young people can't handle it because they need to work during the day, but I don't! Patrolling is no big deal. Besides, at my age, you don't have to worry about me getting involved with some young man and causing scandal, and unlike young wives, I don't need to worry about my reputation. Isn't that perfect?"
"Mom, how can we let you do this? You..." Zhuang Zhixi stepped forward but was silenced by his mother's glare. Zhao Guihua said, "Get out of my way, what's wrong with me wanting to do patrol duty? I'm just sitting around anyway, and this way I'll have people to chat with. Don't you try to mess this up."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Ah..."
He really didn't know how to respond to this.
"That's not how it works!"
"Why not? I say I can do it, who dares say I can't?" She put her hands on her hips and said, "Aunt Wang, go ask them why men get to take all the glory. How are we women any less capable? In my opinion, these men might be stronger than us women, but they're not necessarily as quick-witted as we are. I know I can do it!"
After a long moment, Aunt Wang finally responded, swallowing before saying, "You can do it, you really can."
Thinking about it, she realized Zhao Guihua had a point. Why could men do it but not women? To be honest, in her own family, from her husband the cook to her son-in-law Yang Lixin, both men probably couldn't beat her in a fight.
They all had to work during the day, especially these two men who worked in the kitchen - they had to start earlier than most people, so if they had to patrol, they definitely couldn't handle it. But if she did it instead, it might actually work.
Aunt Wang suddenly had a moment of clarity. She realized her old friend had insight - these foolish young men and old men were useless. The ones who could really get things done were her old sisters.
Slapping her thigh, she said, "What you're saying makes sense. What do you all think?"
"Do we really have to do this?" Aunt Zhou was unhappy. She had only one son and didn't want either him or herself to go.
Aunt Wang spoke frankly: "Even if I report back, we'll probably still have to do the patrols, but Zhao Guihua's suggestion seems workable. Don't even think about not participating at all - that's impossible. Don't daydream about that."
"Ah, well if that's the case, it might work. If we only need one person to participate, that could be okay."
"Yes, but the time period is too long."
Aunt Wang: "I'll try to negotiate, see if we can arrange three shifts, that would help reduce the burden."
"That works, I agree."
"I agree too."
Aunt Wang: "Then I'll go to the street committee first thing tomorrow morning to discuss with the director, try to arrange it so anyone can participate. If that really doesn't work, then it'll have to be men again..."
Before others could speak, Aunt Zhou immediately shouted: "No way! I absolutely won't agree to that. My son can't go. You go make a good case for this - I'll do it! I can do it! If Zhao Guihua can do it, there's no reason I can't!"
She really didn't want to go, but if someone had to go, she'd rather it be herself than her son.
In that brief moment earlier, she had it all figured out - as long as someone from the family could go, she wouldn't have to go every time. If she didn't feel like going, she could send her daughter-in-law instead. After all, that little hussy Jiang Lu did nothing at home except flirt with men, so she should be the one doing patrol duty.
If they couldn't even manage this small task, what good were they to the household?
Madam Zhou Li quickly said, "Well, I can go!"
First, establish that both men and women could participate.
Madam Zhou Li's determination made Aunt Su seethe with anger. Looking at Zhao Guihua and Madam Zhou Li, she thought they were truly cursed old crones. Her family had two widows without men, and if each family only needed to send one person, she could have gotten out of it by crying about having no one available.
But if both men and women could go, and they only needed one person per household, her family couldn't escape it. Especially since Zhao Guihua and Aunt Zhou were participating, and Aunt Wang would surely join too - if she was the only one not participating, wouldn't people gossip behind her back?
She was furious but knew she had to take a stance, after all, she had always been known as the most righteous, gentle, and kindest old lady in the compound.
She gave a weak smile and said, "I can do it too. If you all can do it, I certainly can. It's perfect timing since my Xiu is too tired from work to patrol, so this old lady can help out."
Wang Xiangxiu protested, "Mom, how can we let you go..."
Aunt Su patted her daughter-in-law's hand and said, "Just listen to me. You're so tired every day, don't argue with me about this. I can chat with the other aunties while we patrol. You need your rest for work! Our family situation is different from others, I know it's not easy for you."
Whether at home or outside, Aunt Su was always exceptionally kind to Wang Xiangxiu, completely different from other mothers-in-law. Because of this, Wang Xiangxiu was willing to dedicate herself completely to the Su family.
Other young daughters-in-law who witnessed this were incredibly envious.
What a perfect mother-in-law she was.
However, Zhao Guihua didn't give them a chance to continue their performance. She spoke up, "Aunt Wang, about the timing - two in the morning is really late. Even thieves would be asleep by then. Could we make it earlier? We should discuss this with the neighborhood committee. After all, we're helping reduce the burden on them and the police. We're doing a good deed, but they shouldn't make it too hard on us, right?"
Aunt Wang replied, "Alright, I'll go talk to them."
She also thought two in the morning was excessive - if thieves wanted to steal, they could do it at three if not at two.
It really didn't need to be that late.
"Aunt Wang, we're all counting on you."
Aunt Wang smiled and said, "This is my responsibility. I'm in charge of coordinating everyone, so I should handle these matters. Well, we've taken up enough of everyone's time, let's all disperse."
"Agreed!"
The evening wind was biting cold on their faces. Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi returned to their room together. Ming Mei immediately "unloaded" - she had brought some treats from her parents' home. She locked them in her cabinet, giggling, "I have something good."
Zhuang Zhixi asked, "What did your mom give you?"
Ming Mei's eyes widened as she humphed, saying, "Not telling you, but I'll give this to Mom and Dad later."
She had also brought some loose tea.
Zhuang Zhixi said, "You take it over, since it's from your family, you should be the one to give it."
Ming Mei replied, "Alright."
The young couple brought the tea to the main room, where they found Old Man Zhuang sighing heavily. Zhao Guihua glared at him: "What are you sighing about? I'm telling you, this won't do. People shouldn't sigh so much, it'll drive away good fortune."
Old Man Zhuang looked up and said helplessly, "You... why did you get involved? The kids aren't little anymore, why not let them do the patrol? Why do you have to go? Why are you trying to prove yourself?"
Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Mom, I can handle this."
Zhuang Zhiyuan immediately chimed in, "Mom, I can't when I'm on business trips, but when I'm home, I'll go. I can alternate with my brother."
He didn't bother with pleasantries, just spoke plainly, since he often had to travel for work and couldn't promise he'd always be available.
With both sons expressing their opinions, Zhao Guihua nodded and said, "I understand, but I still want to go."
She didn't want her sons to go, as they weren't prepared at all. If something went wrong, how could she as a mother not worry? Zhao Guihua felt that although she was an old woman, she had more experience than these young people.
Besides, she had some idea where people might be hiding... hehe!
In her previous life, her son had been stabbed. This time, she planned to be ready with a stick.
She'd teach them a lesson!
Zhao Guihua wasn't blindly confident. She had thought it through - she'd go with others to catch the thieves, not alone. She definitely wouldn't be at a disadvantage.
She said, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I'll rush forward for glory and step back from thieves - I understand these principles. I won't be taken advantage of. Besides, I have nothing much to do these days, I can chat with the young patrol officers, keep myself young."
The Zhuang brothers silently looked at their father.
Old Man Zhuang: "..."
Why did he vaguely feel like some sort of accusation was coming his way?
But he quickly shook his head, thinking he shouldn't let his imagination run wild. He knew what kind of person his wife was - she was just worried about their sons.
He sighed, "Dear, you're all bark and no bite, you're clearly just worried about the boys."
Both Zhuang brothers were truly touched, knowing that nobody would willingly go out in such cold weather at night. Their mother's suggestion was clearly to let them get more rest. Zhuang Zhixi said, "Mom, don't argue with me about this, I..."
"Shut up! Who's in charge here, you or me? Why are you still arguing? Why are you being so unmanly? This matter is settled - I'm definitely going. If things don't work out with Aunt Wang, then fine, but if they do, I'm definitely going, and none of you better try to talk me out of it. I make the decisions in this house! That's enough, this matter is settled, and don't you dare keep whining about it in front of me, or I'll start scolding. Really, why are you all so thick-headed?"
Zhuang Zhiyuan and Zhuang Zhixi: "..."
Ming Mei blinked and quickly went to link arms with Zhao Guihua, saying, "Mom, I'll accompany you then. If any thieves show up, I'll show them what I'm capable of. I'm quite formidable, you know. But talking isn't enough, we need to prove it. It's a perfect chance to intimidate the neighbors, so they'll stop gossiping about me."
Zhao Guihua looked at Ming Mei, thinking this girl really knew how to talk.
She smiled and said, "Alright, we'll discuss that later. But even if you come with me, you'll need to return early - you have work to go to."
Ming Mei: "I know, Mom, you're so considerate!"
Zhao Guihua: "Of course! Did you think only Aunt Su knows how to care for her daughter-in-law? I, Zhao Guihua, am just as good!"
Ming Mei burst out laughing and said, "I think you're the best. Look, I brought you tea from my parents' home. We can drink it for a long time."
Zhao Guihua hadn't expected Ming Mei to actually bring tea from her parents' home. Her mouth twitched, and she hesitated: "You bringing things from your parents' home..."
Liang Meifen stared intently at the tea, feeling the pressure suddenly mounting. Why did this sister-in-law have to do such things? Did she consider how this would make her feel? Sure enough, their mother-in-law would look down on her now.
Liang Meifen truly found Ming Mei annoying - just because her family was well-off and could afford to send things back? How irritating.
Liang Meifen was thoroughly fed up with Ming Mei. Her own family never prepared anything for her, and while it usually didn't bother her, now it made her look bad in comparison. Why did people like this exist?
Liang Meifen was nearly in tears from worry, while Ming Mei was still smiling and showing off.
"Mom, when we have guests at home from now on, you can prepare tea. If we run out, I can get more from my parents' home."
Zhao Guihua replied, "That won't be necessary. We rarely have visitors." Besides, she thought, most visitors prefer sugary drinks to tea anyway.
She continued, "Ming Mei, you shouldn't... keep getting things from your parents' home anymore. Even if your parents don't mind, what would your brother and sister-in-law think?"
Ming Mei's big eyes welled up with tears. "My brother and sister-in-law won't say anything. My brother loves me the most!"
Zhao Guihua wanted to point out that they had their own family to think about, but after some consideration, she held her tongue.
After all, from what she remembered, Ming Mei's brother had always doted on his sister, and as for Ming Mei's sister-in-law... she was like a ghost, quiet and barely noticeable. Zhao Guihua honestly had no idea what that woman thought.
"Well, we'll see," she said.
Ming Mei nodded. "Mm-hmm."
Zhao Guihua hesitated before awkwardly saying, "Thank you, by the way."
Ming Mei: "!!!"
She was shocked. "Mom, you're thanking me?"
Zhao Guihua became flustered and defensive. "Why shouldn't I thank you? You gave me something, shouldn't I say thank you? Do you think I'm some ill-mannered old lady? I'm actually quite proper, you know. I may have only attended literacy classes, but I understand basic courtesy!"
Ming Mei: "Oh, oh, oh!"
Zhao Guihua: "Alright, eldest daughter-in-law, you..."
Liang Meifen immediately jumped up. "I'll cook! Let me get some water, Mom, you rest!"
Her eager response was unavoidable - Ming Mei was too good at flattery. She had to make an effort. Though she couldn't bring things from her parents' home, she needed to quickly change the subject. Only by changing the subject could she be safe.
Liang Meifen frantically started working.
Zhao Guihua: "???"
She hadn't meant to make her eldest daughter-in-law cook!
But since she was so quick to act, Zhao Guihua decided not to say anything more. If you want to work, then work. The eldest daughter-in-law was indeed the most hardworking.
Actually... Zhao Guihua had wanted to tell Liang Meifen to stop crying in the bathroom, as ghost stories were spreading around. If she kept going there to cry, someone might accuse her of playing with supernatural forces and have her arrested. But clearly, Liang Meifen wasn't on the same wavelength as her.
Seeing that her younger daughter-in-law was also present, she decided to save face for her eldest daughter-in-law and kept quiet for now.
Or perhaps Liang Meifen hadn't realized that she was the "ghost" people were talking about?
Ming Mei rested her chin on her hand and asked, "Mom, why are there suddenly patrols recently? Could it be related to those robbers we caught on New Year's Day?"
Zhao Guihua shook her head, thinking to herself that in her previous life, without this incident, there were still patrols. Recently, it was indeed because of the year-end laxity that some thieves had become active, and also...
She pressed her lips together and said, "You came back late earlier, so you didn't hear everything. We had already been talking for a while before you arrived."
Ming Mei: "Hm?"
Zhuang Zhixi also looked curiously at Zhao Guihua.
Zhao Guihua explained, "There have been rumors lately about ghosts in the bathrooms, and these rumors have spread, creating a very bad impression. Such feudal superstitious talk affects the image of our whole area. Plus, there have indeed been thieves active recently, so to dispel the ghost rumors and catch the thieves, they organized these patrols."
Ming Mei had a moment of realization: "Oh, so that's what it is."
She mumbled, "I thought it was because we caught those robbers."
Zhao Guihua smiled, "If it was because you caught the robbers, we wouldn't need patrols, would we? After all, they've already been caught, right?"
Ming Mei slapped her forehead: "Oh, right."
That made perfect sense.
She sighed, "Well, I hope they catch the thieves soon."
She said very sincerely, "Why do these thieves bother stealing from house to house? It's so inefficient. Why don't they try their luck on buses instead! That would be a walking achievement - I actually hope to encounter such foolish thieves on the bus."
Zhao Guihua: "..." You're really something.
Ming Mei: "Oh, right..."
She mysteriously leaned closer to her mother-in-law and said, "Mom, you've lived in this area for a long time, tell me, are these ghost stories real?"
Her mother-in-law must know something!
Zhao Guihua: "..."
She gave Ming Mei a deadpan look, then gave an even more deadpan look to Liang Meifen, let out a few dry laughs, and stood up: "I'm going to the bathroom!"
Ming Mei: "???"
She was confused: "What did Mom mean by that?"
Her mind couldn't make sense of it.
Old Man Zhuang shook his head.
The others also silently shook their heads. Truly, they didn't know.
Zhuang Zhixi analyzed: "I feel like Mom knows the truth. Look at that expression, it's as if she knows everything. I think Mom knows what's really going on with the ghost story."
Zhuang Zhiyuan shook his head and said seriously: "I don't think so. I think that's Mom's expression when she thinks our ideological awareness is lacking. We're not children anymore, we should know there are no ghosts in this world. As high school graduates, how can you still believe in such nonsense? We should believe in science. Feudal superstition is deceptive; only science is what we should continuously explore and pursue. Those evil spirits and monsters don't exist, we should abandon such..."
"Big brother!" Zhuang Zhixi interrupted him, saying, "Mom fell into the toilet, you should go check!"
Zhuang Zhiyuan: "...???"
What nonsense are you talking about? Does Mom know you're saying this? She'll break your legs when she finds out!
Zhuang Zhixi: "Really, go check, and close the door behind you."
Zhuang Zhiyuan finally caught on and laughed, "You little rascal, you just don't want to hear me talk, right?"
Zhuang Zhixi nodded, admitting: "That's right."
Zhuang Zhiyuan: "What kind of ideological awareness is this?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Brother, our water tank is running low, why don't you go fetch some water?"
He was determined not to let Zhuang Zhiyuan continue his lecture.
Zhuang Zhiyuan: "You little troublemaker."
Zhuang Zhixi: "You're so civilized. Oh my, how can I have such a civilized and well-mannered brother who never curses?"
Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."
He realized his brother was really good at getting under people's skin.
So sarcastic.
He glared at his brother before finally shutting up and going to work. Ming Mei silently gave Zhuang Zhixi a thumbs up.
She had received a thumbs up from Zhuang Zhixi when she confronted Aunt Zhou, and now Zhuang Zhixi got one himself. The couple exchanged glances and shared a secret smile.
Sure enough, things turned out just as Zhao Guihua had thought. When Aunt Wang went to the street office again, she indeed renegotiated with them. After all, this wasn't just about their compound - all the nearby compounds housed workers from the machinery factory, and everyone had their regular jobs to consider.
Aunt Wang brought back the new arrangements the next morning. The street office had approved their proposal and thought it was excellent.
They had heard of the Small-Foot Detective Squad; they had also heard of the anti-robbery grannies;
So naturally, these old ladies could patrol too!
On the fourth day of the New Year, the machinery factory hadn't resumed work yet, so everyone held a meeting in the morning. Of course, people like Ming Mei who worked in service positions had already cycled to work. But her presence or absence didn't matter.
She wasn't considered an important person in the compound.
Aunt Wang cleared her throat and said, "I've already communicated with them. Starting from tonight, we'll begin patrolling. All the households on our street will be divided into four groups, which means each group will patrol once every four days. The patrol ends at midnight. Each household needs to provide one person, regardless of gender or age. Now, give me your names so I can arrange the shifts."
"Alright!"
"Once every four days? That's perfect."
Zhao Guihua nodded too, thinking to herself that this was slightly different from her previous life, but since the people were different, it made sense that the schedule would be different too.
She raised her hand: "I'll go for our family!"
The Zhuang brothers couldn't override their mother's insistence and followed her miserably, like two chief eunuchs attending to an empress dowager.
When Aunt Zhou saw Zhao Guihua volunteering, she immediately became competitive. She said, "I'll go for our family!"
If Zhao Guihua could do it, so could she - she wasn't any less capable than Zhao Guihua.
Aunt Wang's eyes crinkled with smile: "Good, good, good, you all join in, I'll participate too."
Aunt Su: "..."
These troublemakers!
She cursed inwardly while quickly saying aloud, "I'll be participating too."
Zhao Guihua glanced at Aunt Su and then at Aunt Zhou, saying, "You two better not mess this up and embarrass our elderly ladies' patrol team."
Aunt Zhou immediately became indignant and said, "Hey now, what nonsense are you talking about? How would I embarrass anyone? I'm very capable! When have I ever failed in a fight? What a joke! This old lady isn't afraid of anything. Thieves? I'll catch one if there's one, I'll catch two if there's two."
Aunt Su said softly, "Although I'm physically weak, I won't shy away from my duty at a time like this."
Damn it! Damn it all!
Aunt Zhou still wanted to argue with Zhao Guihua, and while Aunt Su truly didn't want to participate, not participating... was not an option!
She was known in the courtyard as the representative of gentle strength, and she absolutely couldn't break that image. At this time, Aunt Su didn't understand the term "persona," but if she had, she would have realized that her behavior was all about maintaining her persona.
"So that's four old ladies from our courtyard participating."
"I'm joining from our family!" That was Aunt Chen from the back courtyard, who also volunteered enthusiastically: "I'm not bad either."
Aunt Wang laughed and said, "Well, we really are an elderly ladies' patrol team now."
Bai Fendou was speechless and said, "Aunt Wang, how did we become an elderly ladies' patrol team? Who names things like that? We're not old ladies, we're young fellows!"
Aunt Wang: "I've decided. We're the elderly ladies' patrol team, and the minority follows the majority."
Bai Fendou was even more speechless and said, "Hey come on, say something, everyone! How can we just let this name stick?"
"What's in a name anyway?"
"That's right, and besides, calling ourselves young fellows? Don't you get chills hearing that? You're over thirty and still single, and young fellows are supposed to be young people..."
"What's wrong with being single? I'm happy and proud about it, it's none of your business." Though he said this, Bai Fendou unconsciously glanced at Wang Xiangxiu, who gave him a charming smile. Bai Fendou immediately perked up and said, "You youngsters don't understand anything."
"As if you do."
"Exactly!"
Aunt Wang: "Who's joining from your family? You? Or your father?"
Bai Fendou: "Me, of course!"
Old Man Bai immediately interjected: "No need for you, I'll do it!"
His gaze lingered on Aunt Su, and he righteously declared, "If all these elderly ladies can contribute to this cause, how can I, an old man, not contribute? We can't always let the young folks handle these things. I can do it too. I'll patrol with you all."
Bai Fendou: "Oh well~ Fine, if that's what you want."
"Of course that's what I want."
Everyone quickly started registering again, and after registration, they didn't rush to leave but instead divided into teams. Surprisingly, due to the enthusiasm of Zhao Guihua and others, the number of elderly ladies signing up from nearby courtyards increased dramatically.
It wasn't that everyone loved patrolling, but many had no choice. Young people were more suitable, but they had to work. In most households, those without jobs were usually the women.
It wasn't proper for young women to go out at night, so naturally, the elderly ladies had to step up.
Everyone quickly divided into teams, and the elderly ladies from their courtyard were definitely grouped together. Zhao Guihua wasn't surprised, as it was natural to arrange familiar people together. Besides them, there were also several others from their courtyard.
This team division wasn't just for their courtyard but for the entire street, so basically, people from each courtyard stayed together.
Zhao Guihua: "Which day are we patrolling?"
Aunt Wang: "Our courtyard is today."
They drew lots, which was very fair.
Zhao Guihua nodded: "Alright then, you all keep chatting, I'm going out for a bit."
Aunt Wang: "What are you going to do?"
Zhao Guihua: "Since we're patrolling, I can't go empty-handed, right? How else would we old ladies be a match for thieves? I need to prepare something handy. I'm planning to find a stick. Even Sun Wukong had his golden cudgel, so I should at least have some weapon, right?"
Everyone: "..."
It made sense, somehow.
Aunt Wang: "Wait for me, I'm coming too!"
Aunt Zhou: "Me too."
Although she didn't want to follow Zhao Guihua's lead, if everyone else had sticks and she didn't, what would she do if something happened? She couldn't count on these old biddies to help her. That was unthinkable.
They couldn't be relied upon.
With this in mind, although Aunt Zhou didn't want to go with them, she decided to join them in finding a suitable weapon.
She wasn't stupid; she was the smartest of them all.
Seeing these old women starting to look for weapons, Aunt Su was thoroughly annoyed. Why did everything have to be so complicated? Couldn't they just take a casual stroll and go home? Why did they have to show off so much? They were really making a spectacle of themselves.
But no matter how much she disliked it in her heart, she didn't show it, instead saying softly with a smile, "I'll come along then."
Although patrolling was truly unpleasant, Aunt Su thought it might not be entirely useless. If she played her cards right, showing some vulnerability and building relationships, she might be able to get some dinner from Aunt Wang and Zhao Guihua.
It wasn't impossible when she thought about it.
Thinking about this possibility, she secretly became happy. If that worked out, it would be worth it.
Recently, because of the New Year, every household was busy with preparations, and their assistance to her had decreased. This wouldn't do. This was a good opportunity to remind everyone of their obligations and let them know that her family needed to be taken care of.
Her family had such a hard time, after all.
Everyone went outside to look for wooden sticks. Aunt Zhou saw Old Man Bai following along and sneered, silently cursing this man who couldn't recognize true value. He ignored a good woman like her but was interested in that old schemer Aunt Su.
Her eyes rolled as she said, "Oh my, Aunt Su, your two daughters didn't come home yesterday? I don't think I saw them. What happened?"
Aunt Su knew exactly what Aunt Zhou was thinking.
She smiled gently and said, "They did come, but they're all busy at home. They came by in the morning but had to hurry back. My Zhao Di and Pandi are capable girls, they're needed everywhere at their in-laws' homes. How could I keep them here? As their mother, I'm living in hardship and can't help my daughters, so I don't dare hold them back. Isn't it best when the children are doing well? I don't have any other wishes."
"Sister, you're just too kind-hearted." Old Man Bai quickly stepped forward, his eyes full of admiration.
Aunt Zhou: "What's it to you? Step aside. Aunt Su, I think your daughters must have been scolded by their in-laws for trying to help their maternal family, right?"
She called out: "Zhao Guihua, don't you think so? Oh right, you wouldn't know, your daughter's still out of town. Hehe."
Such a sharp-tongued person just had to gossip everywhere.
Zhao Guihua turned back to look at Aunt Zhou and said, "My daughter being out of town is none of your business. You'd better mind your own family!"
"What's wrong with my family? What do you mean by that? What's wrong with my family?" Aunt Zhou put her hands on her hips like a teapot.
Zhao Guihua: "You don't even have a daughter, so stop worrying about other people's daughters coming home or not. You're really poking your nose where it doesn't belong. And listen here, stop bullying my family's younger generation. They're my family, it has nothing to do with you, so stop being so presumptuous and self-important. If you shamelessly try to pick fights again, don't blame me, Zhao Guihua, for not being polite."
Even after several days, she still remembered to stand up for her daughter-in-law.
Although it seemed her daughter-in-law hadn't actually been wronged.
But Zhao Guihua wasn't the type to let others bully her family.
"Whether it's my son or daughter-in-law, or even the children, you have no right to say anything about them!"
This mention only made Madam Zhou Li tremble with anger.
True, she had been the one picking fights that day, but she had been wronged! She had clearly been wronged, and besides, even if she hit or scolded someone, she couldn't be wrong! Elderly people were never wrong! Elderly people had the right to discipline all young people, just like how young people must give up their seats on public transport.
Madam Zhou Li: "Your daughter-in-law is just a troublemaker, she deserves to be slapped..."
"Shut your damn mouth, or I'll slap you!"
Zhao Guihua stepped forward aggressively, raising her hand ready to fight. She had both old and new grudges to settle.
Who could blame her? Yesterday she'd remembered how her youngest son got injured in her previous life. That family had caused nothing but trouble! Not a single decent person among them. Zhao Guihua's anger was boiling over!
Zhao Guihua: "I've put up with you for long enough. Say one more word, and see if I don't slap you!"
She was, after all, a square dancing expert.
Zombie dance, Tai Chi, the most trendy folk dances - which one hadn't she mastered? These skills were perfectly suitable for a fight.
Just to deal with Madam Zhou Li?
She could handle it!
Zhao Guihua fumed: "You want to fight? Come on!!!"
Madam Zhou Li: "..."
Damn, what pills did she take?
Why is she so fierce today!
