Zhao Guihua was busy all day, making summer outfits for Hutou and Xiao Yanzi. She made them matching striped short-sleeved shirts and blue shorts, suitable for both boys and girls.
In addition, the two children each received two undershirts and two pairs of underwear.
Boys tend to wear out their pants faster, so Zhao Guihua made an extra pair of capri pants for Hutou. These garments, though homemade, looked as good as store-bought ones, even though they were made from leftover fabric. One wouldn't guess that the fabric was scarce.
After making these, there was only a small piece of polyester cloth left.
However, Zhao Guihua found a bundle of red fabric with small floral patterns, each strip about the width of a palm. She planned to sew them into two striped dresses for Xiao Yanzi. This was a meticulous task that couldn't be rushed.
Besides, it wasn't summer yet, so she wasn't in a hurry.
Hutou and Xiao Yanzi came home from school with their little satchels. Seeing their freshly washed new clothes flapping in the breeze in the courtyard, they jumped for joy. Hutou exclaimed in surprise, "Are these my new clothes? Are they really mine?"
Zhao Guihua laughed and said, "Yes, look, these are for you, and those are for your sister."
Hutou clapped his hands, "Yay!"
He could count now and counted his clothes, saying, "I have one more pair of pants than my sister."
Xiao Yanzi, swaying beside her brother, was even happier. She had fewer new clothes than her brother, but the little girl didn't mind.
After all, she often didn't have any new clothes at all.
Zhao Guihua ruffled the little girl's hair, saying, "You have more than your brother."
"Huh?"
The siblings looked at their grandmother in confusion. Xiao Yanzi, who could already count to ten, suspected her grandmother was trying to trick her.
Zhao Guihua, seeing her skeptical look, laughed even harder and said, "You have two dresses that haven't been finished yet. Grandma is too busy!"
Understanding now, Xiao Yanzi's eyes widened in shock, "Two, dresses?"
Zhao Guihua nodded, "Yes, two dresses. It's still cold now, but when it gets warmer, you'll get them."
Xiao Yanzi felt so happy she was about to float away. She swayed gently, leaning on her brother, saying, "Two new dresses..."
Then she stood up straight and asked softly, "Are they for me, not for my brother to wear first?"
Hearing this, Zhao Guihua felt a pang of sadness.
Hutou, blushing, said, "Boys can't wear dresses. They're definitely for you."
Xiao Yanzi's cheeks flushed with excitement, different from her brother's shyness. The little girl fidgeted with her hands, saying, "That's great."
Zhao Guihua pinched the girl's cheek, saying, "In the future, whatever your brother gets, you'll get too."
Xiao Yanzi grinned.
Zhao Guihua hugged Hutou with her other arm, saying, "Hutou has more clothes than his sister, so this time we made more for her. When Hutou's clothes wear out, we'll make more for him too."
Hutou replied, "Okay!"
He said loudly, "I understand!"
He was about to start elementary school soon and was quite sensible.
Zhao Guihua nodded, "You're both good kids. As long as you're good, Grandma loves you."
Hutou shouted, "I'll be good!"
Xiao Yanzi was not to be outdone and shouted loudly, "I can do it too, Xiao Yanzi is even more obedient."
Zhao Guihua: "You are all good children."
Two children received praise and were both very proud. Soon, the brother and sister held hands and went to play together. Zhao Guihua's family had hung their washed clothes outside to dry, which naturally everyone could see. Aunt Su looked at them and said enviously, "You really spare no expense when it comes to making clothes for your children."
Zhao Guihua: "These clothes aren't even enough for one piece of clothing for an adult."
In fact, it's enough no matter how you look at it, but you can't put them together, can you?
Zhao Guihua: "I just exchanged some small pieces of cloth. It's not enough for adults to make clothes, so I decided to make them for the children instead. It's good that the children haven't had many new clothes recently. It will also make the children happy."
This statement by Zhao Guihua is indeed quite genuine.
It's not that she is particularly humble; in fact, Zhao Guihua is quite fond of showing off, but she has also experienced a lot and knows that some things are not to be spoken of lightly. Having a good life known to everyone is not entirely a good thing.
Who knows, is there anyone jealous?
It's like the recent incident with the thief. There are so many courtyards on this entire street, and each courtyard has so many households. Why did the thief choose Zhou Lishi's family? It's because she always brags about being the "richest" in the area. Sometimes, you can't boast too much.
"Actually, I wanted to make it for my old man, but he hasn't had new clothes for four or five years, and the fabric isn't enough." She put it out there first, saying, "I'll save up, and I'm definitely going to make a new one for my old man this summer."
You do know how to care for your old man, and it's the same at my house. It hasn't been as long as at your place, but it's been two or three years since we've done anything new." Auntie Wang sighed, "My two boys can really make a mess.
Li Weiwei and Li Junjun, two boys, naturally get into more trouble, and their pants get torn at the slightest provocation, it's really helpless.
Everyone's topic quickly shifted to children. Auntie Su's eyes flickered as she said, "Zhao Guihua, who did you trade with? Could you help me trade for some? You see, my family's life is not easy either. The three boys are too mischievous. It's a time when we are short of cloth coupons."
She also realized that Zhao Guihua probably didn't have any more large pieces of fabric. However, she still wanted to inquire about the source.
Zhao Guihua: "One of my old sisters, she's gone now, and she was also left over from tailoring clothes."
Zhao Guihua had no intention of recommending Aunt Lian to Aunt Su. It wasn't that she wanted to monopolize this channel for herself, but rather, she felt that Aunt Su wasn't very trustworthy. She might not necessarily say it out loud, but she would definitely involve her in everything.
To put it bluntly, it's like a sticky chewing gum. Once it gets even slightly attached, it's very difficult to shake off.
And she looked like she couldn't lift a hand or shoulder a burden, who knows what kind of trouble she might cause then. That's why Zhao Guihua initially nipped this idea in the bud. She smiled and said, "Such things, how could they happen all the time?"
As they were talking, Xu Da's wife entered the back courtyard, cursing and muttering. Zhao Guihua asked, "What's wrong with you?"
Sister Xu was in a huff and said, "Auntie, you don't know, that Bai Fendou, the little rascal, has a screw loose in his head. I don't know why, but he's been lurking around the restroom area. It makes me uneasy even going to the restroom. Do you think he's peeping on us?"
"Oh, I wouldn't dare say that. Saying something like that could ruin someone's reputation. It's really not necessary. If he really wanted to sneak a peek, he wouldn't do it in broad daylight. You're misunderstanding him." Aunt Su immediately jumped out to defend Bai Fendou. This wasn't because she had a particularly good relationship with Bai Fendou, but because Bai Fendou was their family's blood donor. She couldn't let Bai Fendou get such a reputation, as it would lead to being labeled as a scoundrel and possibly being arrested. If that happened, he might lose his job.
This person can lose anything, but they cannot lose their job. If they really lose their job, who else in their family can they rely on?
The old white man doesn't fight as much as his son, and isn't it better to have one more person?
She anxiously explained for Bai Fendou, and Sister Xu pouted, then said: "Auntie Su, I know you are a good person, but you don't know, he has been wandering around there for several days, it's really worrying, I don't feel safe every time I go to the bathroom."
Sister Xu was unhappy, and naturally she had to express it.
"You didn't encounter him?"
Zhao Guihua: "I have met him, but I don't know what he does, and he didn't say when I asked."
In his previous life, there were no rumors of him wandering around the restroom. It's truly a different story now, as many things have changed drastically.
Madam Zhou Li: “I’ve encountered something similar. I think this guy is a pervert and should be reported to the factory security department to have him arrested.”
Madam Zhou Li certainly doesn’t like Bai Fendou and would love to see him crushed.
“Isn’t that too harsh? I don’t think he’s like that.”
“He’s part of the factory security department himself. Are you suggesting he arrest himself?”
Everyone chimed in with their opinions.
Aunt Wang seemed to know something. She glanced around and said, “Let me talk to him. He doesn’t have bad intentions; he’s just not very bright.”
With that, no one objected.
After all, Aunt Wang was the head of the courtyard, and it was clear she knew something. Zhao Guihua glanced at Aunt Wang and then turned her gaze to the clothes she had just washed. Suddenly, Zhao Guihua grasped something—feudal superstitions.
She unexpectedly thought of Auntie Lian, who had been wandering around several times and even mentioned in front of her that the toilet was haunted. Zhao Guihua wasn’t interested at the time, so the topic ended there.
If Bai Fendou had heard that rumor and believed it...
After all, he had fallen into the toilet twice that day, possibly making him more inclined to believe such things. Although she didn’t know the specifics, Zhao Guihua felt that Bai Fendou sneaking around the toilet area must not be for peeping but likely for some superstitious ritual.
She wasn’t sure how exactly, but the possibility was very high.
This was probably why Aunt Wang didn’t want to talk about it. Spreading such rumors would only tarnish Bai Fendou’s reputation further, and the factory might even investigate. So Aunt Wang kept quiet. She was quite decent in that regard.
Zhao Guihua figured it out and stood up, saying, “I’m going home to cook. It’s getting late, and it’s time to make dinner. These days, there’s just so much to do.”
“Exactly, my old man thinks I have it easy at home, not seeing all the work there is to do.”
“That’s right, at times like this, I envy Madam Zhou Li, who doesn’t have to do anything and just waits for her daughter-in-law to come home.”
“Exactly.”
Aunt Su often didn’t cook either, but she put on a good show. Whenever she did any work, she made sure everyone saw it, giving the impression that she was very diligent. Everyone thought she was hardworking but just physically unable to do heavy tasks.
But she was a diligent person.
Madam Zhou Li, on the other hand, couldn’t manage her image and was seen as lazy and gluttonous.
Madam Zhou Li didn’t mind what others said and even boasted, “If you can’t control your daughter-in-law, it’s your fault. Once a daughter-in-law enters the house, she must work. Not working means the rules haven’t been set right.”
“Hehehehe.”
Some agreed, some didn’t, but everyone just laughed awkwardly before dispersing to go home and cook.
Zhao Guihua also went home, especially since her son and daughter had gotten new clothes today, and Liang Meifen was thrilled.
Zhao Guihua: “Let’s make something simple. You steam the buns, and I’ll stew some vegetables.”
Working together, they finished much faster.
That evening, Zhuang Zhixi left work and headed straight to the bus terminal to pick up his wife. Her shift ended later than his, so he had plenty of time. Zhuang Zhixi didn’t take the bus; he walked, which took nearly forty minutes but wasn’t too tiring.
The chilly spring air made him feel warmer as he walked.
So Zhuang Zhixi always walked. As he approached the terminal, he suddenly stopped and looked across the street. After a moment’s hesitation, he crossed the road and followed.
Lo and behold, he spotted an acquaintance—Zhou Qun.
Curious why Zhou Qun would come here after work instead of going home, Zhuang Zhixi quietly followed him and saw him enter a guesthouse. Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and pondered. Zhou Qun was a local with a home, so he wouldn’t need an introduction letter to stay at a guesthouse.
Without an introduction letter, the guesthouse wouldn’t let him stay.
So, he must be meeting someone who had a letter and was staying there. Zhuang Zhixi leaned against the wall, keeping an eye on the guesthouse entrance. It was really odd for him to be here spying like this.
But was there anything wrong with that?
No!
Zhuang Zhixi felt that curiosity was natural.
Leaning against the wall, he soon saw another familiar face.
It was none other than Wang Xiangxiu.
Wang Xiangxiu had changed out of her work clothes and was hurrying into the guesthouse.
Zhuang Zhixi: “…It’s not surprising at all.”
There was no good reason for them to be at a guesthouse far from home. Anyone with a bit of sense could guess what was going on.
Hmm…even without thinking, one could guess the situation.
Zhuang Zhixi thought it would be a good idea to call Jiang Lu to see this, though she might not think Zhou Qun was at fault. More likely, she’d want to kill Wang Xiangxiu but see Zhou Qun as the innocent one.
A gust of wind blew, and Zhuang Zhixi felt the evening chill. Although it was already March and sunny at midday, it was still cold in the evening. He rubbed his hands and suddenly laughed.
He really was idle. Even if he wanted to see some gossip, he didn’t need to stand guard like a watchdog. He turned and walked away, deciding not to watch anymore.
Gossip would always be there.
This chilly evening, picking up his wife was more important. Zhuang Zhixi quickly left, but if he had stayed, he would have soon seen Zhou Qun and Wang Xiangxiu leave separately. They were quick, and Wang Xiangxiu was already getting dressed.
Zhou Qun lay lazily on the bed and said, “Why the hurry?”
Wang Xiangxiu buttoned her shirt and replied, “How can I not hurry? I still have to cook at home. I’m not a man who can just eat ready-made food. There’s a lot to do at home, and my mother-in-law is unwell, you know that.”
Zhou Qun gave a nonchalant snort.
She glanced back at Zhou Qun and whispered, “Is it safe here?”
Zhou Qun: “It’s fine; I arranged it.” He looked at Wang Xiangxiu and said, “If you’re so worried, why come at all?”
Wang Xiangxiu pouted, “You’re heartless.”
Zhou Qun chuckled, “You have a heart? You have a heart not to mess with Bai Fendou? Don’t think I don’t know he heard the ghost rumor from you.”
His mother prepared black dog blood to ward off evil, and he had some with him. Wang Xiangxiu inquired about it and then told Bai Fendou.
He had long guessed that Bai Fendou’s lurking around was to find the witch.
He must also want to ward off evil but couldn’t find a way. So he kept sneaking off work to look for her. Unfortunately, he hadn’t been lucky enough to meet her yet. Others didn’t know, but Zhou Qun had figured it out.
He sneered, “I didn’t know you two were so close. Aren’t you afraid he’ll find out about us?”
Wang Xiangxiu leaned softly against Zhou Qun and said, “What are you talking about? In my heart, you’re the most important. He’s nothing, not even worth your little toe. But I have three children to raise. Without his help, how would I manage? That’s why I can’t let him get into trouble. Who else could I rely on if he did? Rely on you, my dear? I don’t even dare to think about it.”
Zhou Qun chuckled, “I won’t get a divorce. I don’t care about money, but divorce is too disgraceful.”
He looked up: "I want to develop in the factory, where can I afford to lose face?"
Wang Xiangxiu said softly: "I know, I didn't say anything about you, so you don't need to always talk about Bai Fendou. You know, I don't have any feelings for him anyway."
To be honest, she really didn't like Bai Fendou. Bai Fendou wasn't bad, but what's the use of being good? He was ugly, stupid, not clever, and had a one-track mind. Even if she, Wang Xiangxiu, was in a bad situation, she wouldn't choose such a man.
She said: "In my heart, you're better."
Zhou Qun looked at her with a proud smile, took out some money, and said: "Take it and buy some food."
Wang Xiangxiu softly replied with an "Ah," looking at Zhou Qun tenderly and saying: "You're really capable. I knew it wouldn't be wrong to follow you."
She took the money and didn't want to stay any longer, quickly saying: "I'll go first, so no one finds out. Let's leave separately."
Zhou Qun waved his hand.
Wang Xiangxiu quickly left, looking around to make sure no one was watching before hurrying downstairs. The person at the counter downstairs kept his head down, pretending not to notice. Wang Xiangxiu quickly walked out, spat, and muttered under her breath: "What a piece of trash, does he think I'd look at him? If it weren't for the fact that he has some money, I wouldn't even look at him. He's even worse than Bai Fendou. At least Bai Fendou isn't as hypocritical as this fake gentleman."
Touching the five yuan she had just received, Wang Xiangxiu felt her steps lighten up. She hurried home, thinking: "If it weren't for his generosity, I wouldn't have bothered. It's a waste of time to walk this far for nothing."
But thinking about how five yuan could buy a lot of things, she couldn't help but smile. This deal wasn't bad.
If she could get this once a month, it would be enough to supplement her income, which was almost a fifth of her salary. If she saved a little more, it would be enough for a month's food expenses. She liked Zhou Qun's foolish generosity.
Wang Xiangxiu didn't want to take the bus, so she jogged home.
After walking a distance, Zhou Qun also came out. He wasn't in a hurry; life was easier for men. He didn't need to cook, so he strolled home slowly.
Zhuang Zhixi never expected these two to move so quickly. He hadn't gone far when they already parted ways. He arrived at the bus station and didn't go in, just sat at the gate waiting. The gatekeeper uncle was Uncle Zhou.
Uncle Zhou poured him a cup of hot water and said: "You're quite good to your wife. You're the only one who comes to pick her up."
In fact, Zhuang Zhixi didn't come often, only occasionally, but compared to others, he definitely came more. Zhuang Zhixi smiled sweetly and said: "The days are shorter now, and it gets dark when you all get off work. My wife is so beautiful; how can I not worry? I feel more at ease when I come to pick her up."
Uncle Zhou chuckled, thinking to himself that you're really good at making things up. Everyone at the station knew that Ming Mei was a top-notch fighter.
A few big men might not be her match.
"Is it busy at your machinery factory?"
Zhuang Zhixi, like a good student, said politely: "The workshop is definitely busy, but it's not busy for me. I just handle fees in the clinic."
He smiled and said: "Our clinic deals with small things, not busy."
"The clinic is good too. Are you a doctor?"
"No, I just handle fees." Zhuang Zhixi felt that people didn't listen to him. He had clearly mentioned it before. But it seemed that everyone assumed that working in the clinic meant knowing medicine, which wasn't the case.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Actually, I…"
"Zhixi Ge!"
Zhuang Zhixi was speaking when he heard a clear call. He looked up and saw Ming Mei's head poking out from a bus entering the station.
Ming Mei waved at him and said: "Zhixi Ge, wait for me."
Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said: "Okay."
The bus stopped, and Ming Mei quickly ran towards the office building. The bus drivers and conductors who arrived at the same time all laughed. The married women winked at each other, hinting everyone to look at Zhuang Zhixi.
Zhuang Zhixi was good-looking, which gave him some clout.
"The couple's feelings are really good."
"That's right."
"My husband never picks me up after work."
"You're not as pretty as Ming Mei."
Everyone chattered and laughed. Before they even reached the office building, Ming Mei had already run out. A sister teased: "Wow, you're fast."
Ming Mei blushed shyly and then pouted: "My husband is waiting for me outside."
They were a legal couple, after all.
She quickly ran to the gate, and Zhuang Zhixi walked out with a smile, "Where's your bike?"
Ming Mei: "Oh right, I forgot."
She quickly went to the bike shed to get her bike, and Zhuang Zhixi rode it, carrying Ming Mei, turning out quickly. Ming Mei hugged his waist and said: "Why did you come to pick me up again?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "I had nothing to do. Didn't we say I'd come pick you up when I'm free?"
Ming Mei giggled coquettishly and hummed softly, saying: "Isn't that tiring?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Not at all, I'm happy to see you."
Both of them laughed. As they were about to turn a corner, they heard someone chasing from behind, shouting: "Xiao Ming, Xiao Ming Mei…"
Zhuang Zhixi's long legs quickly stopped the bike, and the couple turned back to see an old man panting as he caught up. Ming Mei jumped off the bike: "Director?"
The director was out of breath and said: "You ran so fast. Your mom asked me to tell you to go back to your parents' place today after work."
They lived upstairs and downstairs, so it was convenient to pass on messages.
He almost didn't catch up.
Ming Mei: "Ah? Oh, okay!"
The director waved his hand: "Alright, I forgot to tell you this morning. Phew, chasing you has me out of breath. Go ahead."
Ming Mei: "Okay."
Ming Mei patted Zhuang Zhixi's back and said: "Let's go home."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Which home?"
Ming Mei pouted: "Of course your home. We'll go back and tell them we're going to my parents' place. Otherwise, it's too late for a round trip. What if our mother-in-law worries about us?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright."
The couple quickly rode their bikes home. Zhuang Zhixi said: "Oh, I met Zhou Qun on the way here today. He and Wang Xiangxiu went into a hotel one after the other. Let me tell you…"
Zhuang Zhixi started talking, and Ming Mei's eyes widened, saying: "They're really something."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Right? Bai Fendou is really a waste."
Ming Mei didn't feel sorry for him at all, saying: "He brought it on himself."
She was very vengeful, especially since Bai Fendou had tried to ambush her Zhixi Ge in the toilet for no reason. Ming Mei didn't have a good impression of Bai Fendou. She asked: "Do you feel sorry for him?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Am I bored? I'm just watching the fun."
Ming Mei chuckled, and the couple chatted all the way home. They arrived home late, and every household was already eating. Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei entered together, and Zhuang Zhixi called out: "Mom, I saw the new clothes hanging outside…"
"Mine, mine," Hutou quickly told his uncle, "They're my new clothes."
"And mine," Xiao Yanzi said in a childish voice.
Zhuang Zhixi smiled and said: "That's nice. Where did the fabric come from? We used up our cloth tickets, didn't we?"
Zhao Guihua looked up: "None of your business."
Zhuang Zhixi immediately shut up; his mother was not to be trifled with.
Old Man Zhuang spoke: "Let's eat."
"Okay, Mom and Dad, Ming Mei and I are going to my in-laws' place later. My mother-in-law asked us to go over for something." Zhuang Zhixi explained.
Zhao Guihua nodded: "Go ahead."
She seemed to think of something and looked at Zhuang Zhixi. Zhuang Zhixi: "Huh?"
Suddenly being stared at, he quickly sat up straight. Zhao Guihua: "You have a wide circle of friends. If you come across anyone from your unit who wants to sell a sewing machine ticket, try to get it."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Holy crap."
Others also turned their heads to look at Zhao Guihua in unison, unable to believe what they were seeing. This was definitely not the mother they knew. Their mother was always very frugal and careful with money. But recently, what was going on? She was talking about buying a bicycle and a sewing machine.
How much money did she think she had to spend like this?
Everyone stared at Zhao Guihua in a daze. Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you have any objections?"
Zhuang Zhixi was quick to react: "Of course not."
Liang Meifen was also shocked as she looked at her mother-in-law. How much money had her mother-in-law saved up? But soon, Liang Meifen shook her head inwardly. Her mother-in-law couldn't have that much money. The family's income was predictable, and although Liang Meifen wasn't very clear-headed, she was one of the few high school graduates.
She could guess a bit about the family's financial situation from the inflows and outflows.
Her mother-in-law had some money, but it was definitely not a lot.
Although they had made some extra money from selling fish before, they had also spent a lot on meat. So there probably wasn't much cash left. Liang Meifen looked at her mother-in-law in confusion, not understanding what she was planning to do.
Ming Mei nodded and agreed with her mother-in-law's approach, saying, "It's better to buy and use early to enjoy it. It's actually a good idea."
This wasn't Ming Mei brown-nosing; it was her habit from childhood. Although she had saved a lot of private money, she also spent a lot. There was no way she wouldn't be influenced by her mother's habits.
Ming Mei's mother was like her grandmother.
Ming Mei's grandfather had been a master craftsman at a gold shop in the 1930s and 1940s, a very prestigious and well-paid job. At first, Ming Mei's grandparents were frugal and lived a good life.
But back then, the world was chaotic. Even if they were frugal and wanted to live well, fate didn't always give them the chance. Ming Mei's eldest uncle passed away at the age of seven. Because of this, her grandparents were deeply affected and stopped saving money from then on.
They realized that money should be spent when you have it, because if you die without spending it, it's a sad thing.
Ming Mei's mother was the third child, with another uncle. After losing their eldest son, the couple lived differently. Their lifestyle was even better than that of landlords in the countryside. Usually, boys were more valued than girls, but Ming Mei's mother never wore her brother's old clothes. The couple both worked at the gold shop, one as a master craftsman and the other as a shop assistant. They earned money and spent it on food and clothes, eating meat and buying new clothes.
Although they didn't have houses or land like other master craftsmen, their family was very healthy. How could they not be healthy?
Other families had to save and be frugal, but they ate well and had a good diet. The difference in a child's growth from eating well or poorly was significant. Logically, living like this was risky, like living day by day.
But who would have thought that luck is unpredictable.
After liberation, their family, because they had no houses or land, was classified as poor peasants. Those who had some money usually bought houses and land, with the best classification being middle peasants, which was not as good as poor peasants.
Their family had nothing, so they were classified as poor peasants.
It was an unpredictable turn of events.
Because of their skills, Ming Mei's grandfather was assigned a job in a factory and also given a house.
So Ming Mei's grandparents often said that the most important thing in life was to be happy, eat well, and enjoy life early. That's why when Ming Mei's grandmother passed away, the whole family felt that she had lived a fulfilling life.
Ming Mei's mother was greatly influenced by her parents. Although Ming Mei didn't grow up with her grandparents and didn't see them much, she was influenced by her mother.
So when it came to this, Ming Mei strongly agreed.
Moreover, in her dreams, the purchasing power of money would decrease in a few years. So wasn't it better to enjoy it now? If it weren't for the current situation, she would have even wanted to buy a gold necklace with her private money to show off.
Ming Mei's eyes sparkled as she agreed with her mother-in-law's view.
Zhao Guihua nodded and said, "I think so too. We're still young, no need to save for old age so early. It's better to buy some household items for convenience. Otherwise, always borrowing from others is so inconvenient."
Besides, borrowing too much would annoy anyone.
Those were precious items.
Ming Mei nodded: "My mother always told me that too, so we bought a sewing machine early."
Zhao Guihua: "Did you also buy a radio?"
Ming Mei nodded: "We bought it many years ago."
Zhao Guihua smacked her lips, exclaiming: "A radio..."
Old Man Zhuang's chopsticks fell with a clatter as he stared at Zhao Guihua in shock, unable to believe she was even thinking about buying the three big items.
The three big items, a bicycle, a sewing machine, and a watch, were essential for a decent wedding. But for a family not getting married, there was no option for a watch. The other item mentioned was a radio.
They had never imagined they could afford the three big items.
Old Man Zhuang felt his heart tremble, wondering if they had enough money...
If there was no savings at all, Old Man Zhuang thought it would be terrifying. But he was usually a quiet person and a henpecked husband, so even if he had thoughts, he didn't dare to speak up. He hurriedly picked up his chopsticks and forced a smile.
Zhao Guihua didn't pay attention to this. She thought for a moment and sighed, saying, "If we buy a sewing machine, we won't have money for a radio. Let's save up for two more years." It was enough, but too tight.
Old Man Zhuang finally relaxed.
Liang Meifen: "..." Scary! Her mother-in-law was getting more and more unreliable lately!
Ming Mei: "..." Disappointed, she had thought they could buy a radio.
However, getting a radio ticket was not easy, and even if they wanted to buy one, it wouldn't be something they could get quickly.
Like now, even though her mother-in-law wanted to buy a sewing machine, they didn't know when they'd get the sewing machine ticket. There were tickets in the black market, but it was better not to get involved. Buying food was necessary, but buying tickets was not.
And generally, such tickets were in the hands of specific dealers.
Ming Mei knew this, and Zhao Guihua knew it too. These people were not simple.
She reminded, "Just ask around at the factory, don't go to the black market."
Zhuang Zhixi nodded: "I know that."
The black market, people went there, but not often. Buying things had its own rules. After all, they were workers, and if they got caught, it would affect their jobs.
Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei quickly finished their meal and left together. As soon as they stepped out, they ran into Wang Xiangxiu, who was washing clothes in the yard. Despite the cold weather, she had her sleeves rolled up high, revealing her white arms.
She looked up at the couple and smiled, warmly greeting them, "Heading out?"
Ming Mei cheerfully replied, "I'm going back to my parents' place."
The couple rode off on their bikes. Wang Xiangxiu pouted. She didn't even go back to her parents' place once a year, but Ming Mei went back frequently. Such a woman was not a good woman.
The Zhuang family seemed powerful, but they were still snobs. If it were Liang Meifen, they wouldn't let her go back so often.
She pouted, thought for a moment, and headed towards the Bai family... "Fendou, Sister Xiangxiu is washing clothes, do you have any clothes to wash... Ah, you, you, you, put your clothes on quickly..."
Bai Fendou was embarrassed and shouted, "Sister Xiangxiu, you should go out first, go out! Really... why didn't you knock!"
Fortunately, no one saw this little incident, or it would have led to some gossip.
But Bai Fendou secretly hoped there would be rumors about him and Sister Xiangxiu. In fact, he wasn't that concerned.
A man, once a bit more stable, would feel a bit proud.
Even though the door was closed, Bai Fendou still muttered, "Sister Xiangxiu, it's not like you can't see me, why rush in like that? If I shouted, people would think you were up to something and arrest you."
"Pfft, what nonsense," Wang Xiangxiu said, her voice tinged with shyness but her expression calm.
"Sister Xiangxiu, you know me…" he hesitated, not voicing his true feelings. Some things, once spoken aloud, could ruin everything. He chuckled, scratching his head, and said, "You must know…"
He didn't say it directly.
Wang Xiangxiu knew all too well, and she cooed, "Sister Xiangxiu also wants to be with you, but it's hard. How could I ever be worthy of you?"
"How are you not worthy? You're so wonderful."
Wang Xiangxiu looked pitifully dejected, "I'm not worthy in every way. You're still a young man. What am I? A widow with three sons. How could I ever be worthy of you?" Her voice carried a note of bitterness.
The two were entangled in their emotions, unaware that across the way in the Zhuang household, several pairs of eyes were pressed against the window, watching the spectacle.
Zhao Guihua was no exception, she clicked her tongue, "What are they saying? Look at Bai Fendou's eyes, they're practically glued."
"Definitely trying to seduce…" Liang Meifen was disapproving, "I've seen it more than once. I wonder if Wang Xiangxiu really wants to be with Bai Fendou. Oh, if only they'd speak up a bit louder. We can't hear a thing."
"Private conversations, do you expect them to be loud enough for you to hear? You're dreaming. If you had your way, they might as well broadcast it on a loudspeaker. They keep things private too."
At this, Liang Meifen sighed, "Even if they're private, it's not like we can't see anything. Everyone's not blind. I really don't know what the Bai father and son are thinking. I've never seen such a foolish father, doing this and dragging his son along…"
As she spoke, she noticed her mother-in-law suddenly freeze.
She pursed her lips, cautiously asked, "Mother-in-law?"
What had she said?
Why had her mother-in-law suddenly frozen?
Zhao Guihua was stunned not for any other reason, but because she suddenly thought of why Ming Mei had gone back to her parents' home. Although Ming Mei hadn't returned yet, Zhao Guihua knew that a remarkable person was about to arrive in their courtyard.
Zhao Guihua pursed her lips and suddenly burst into laughter, saying, "Things are going to get even more lively from now on."
Ming Mei's grandpa was coming!
