My Mother-in-Law is Reborn [Seventies]

The communal courtyard recently welcomed two new couples, who only moved in a week prior.

After all, they couldn't settle into their freshly painted home until much later, due to the slower drying times that the colder temperature triggered. By the time they moved into their new home, it was already next week, during an exceptionally cold period in mid-November. People had stopped bothering to venture into the mountains, where almost everything was barren.

While it might be cold, housewives like Zhao Guihua could never idle about. She started making pickles, which received high praises from everyone. During the winter, when vegetable varieties reduce drastically, the only option left was to get creative with the limited available vegetables.

The vegetables Zhao Guihua used for her pickles were radishes and cabbages - veggies virtually every household had, which made them easy to learn.

In no time, all the madams from the courtyard followed suit, including Li the Cook. Despite being a cook by profession, he lacked the special knowledge for pickle-making, unlike the future generations who can effortlessly look up recipes online.

But at the very least, with a recipe at hand, they’d know what ingredients to use.

That, however, wasn't the case currently. A cook's skills were strongly based on lineage and without a proper mentor, one wouldn't even be able to infer the ingredients used in a dish, not to mention anything else. Li the Cook also tasted Zhao Guihua’s pickles, along with some of her other preserved vegetables.

In his opinion, they tasted quite nice.

During winter, when vegetables were scarce, diversity mattered a lot on the dining table.

Fortunately, Zhao Guihua wasn't selfish; she was willing to share her knowledge with everyone, including Li the Cook. As is often the case, there is a distinct difference between a professional and a non-professional. Zhao Guihua would think that her own pickles turned out pretty good, to say the least.

But, after Li the Cook learned, he tweaked the recipes a bit and the results were seemingly more appetizing than Zhao Guihua’s, according to him.

Still, he didn't tell his fellow neighbors. Being a professional chef, he was wary of teaching others. Typically, an apprentice would work under him for a couple of years before they had a fair understanding of his methods. Had it not been for Yang Lixin being his son-in-law, he wouldn't have learned this much.

While the pickles originated from Zhao Guihua's teachings, everyone often made slight alterations according to their preference and available supplies, leading Li the Cook to believe there was no necessity to make a disclose of his alterations.

Though for all his self-assurance about not needing to notify the others, he sneakily let Zhao Guihua in on it, letting her know that her recipe after getting his tweaks tasted even better. It was about chef’s dignity.

By keeping these changes a secret from his neighbors, he was simply maintaining a chef’s colleagues' competitive spirit.

Zhao Guihua didn't mind such details; these were mere trivialities to her. After all, she only wanted to bring a little variety to the winter meals.

In the end, food is the cornerstone of humanity, and dining is a priority over everything.

The senior courtyard ladies learned to pickle from Zhao Guihua and pickled sour cabbage with Aunt Wang. Usually, at this time of year, they would have already finished pickling the sour cabbages. This year was delayed by over a month due to their recent mountain expeditions.

You often hear people from resource-rich regions talk about "beating a hare, scooping fish from rivers, or having a pheasant fly straight into your pot". Just by visiting the nearby mountains, they were already overwhelmed. The mountains were indeed filled with all sorts of excellent produce. The mountains that Zhao Guihua and others frequent could hardly be classified as deep forests, but they already provided an abundance of good stuff.

The ladies who aren't working have more time than the average person. Every other day in the autumn, they would head up the mountain and always bring back something. Such a joy.

In Zhao Guihua's home, there were both mountain produce and sun-dried vegetables. All in all, there was an abundance of everything.

At her age, Zhao Guihua most loved to hoard food. She was overjoyed by the thought of having an ample food supply. However, due to the frequent mountain trips in autumn, there was a delay in pickling sour vegetables. Usually, she would have been able to enjoy it by now, but she had only started this year.

Lucky for her, this was just a day's work.

Most people chose to work at around the same time, so every weekend, the courtyard was bustling with activity. Everyone was busy with "big tasks". These tasks were so plentiful, there was hardly any time to cause trouble.

This didn't just happen in their compound, it was the same across the neighborhood. Who wouldn't stockpile food?

Moreover, with the noticeable limit on the amount this year, everybody worked harder. Nobody wanted to starve.

There indeed was a fervent, bustling atmosphere.

Even the newly moved-in couple, Zhang San and Pan Pan, was busy with the big tasks. Pan Pan's mother even helped out for two days, learning how to pickle cabbage from Zhao Guihua. She left happily, only sighing at the harmony in this compound. Gossips can indeed hurt people.

That day's misunderstanding remained unresolved, with no one providing her with clarification.

Compared to them, the other couple, Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue, barely did anything.

Chen Yuan and Tao Yuyue did not join in the tasks like everyone else. They had virtually no preparations at home.

The couple was clueless that many within the compound were discussing them. Those who don't work towards a better life will always be the talk of the town. Chen Yuan was particularly displeased by these talks. He was comfortable living in a building and had a hard time adjusting to the current lifestyle, always losing his temper.

The food and drink were bearable, thanks to his wife. However, if there was one thing he found the hardest to adjust to, it was the toilet.

While modern times praised the courtyard living style, things weren't that great at this time. Even in the early 90s, nothing was comfortable without a remodel. After all, it was a must to have heating in the north.

Right now, everyone had to burn coal balls for warmth. But in the future, all buildings would have centralized heating. The courtyard certainly didn't come with this, along with electricity, and the toilet situation, all of which made one uncomfortable. Thus, without remodels, even the early nineties wouldn't be comfortable, let alone now.

The thing Chen Yuan hated the most was using the toilet. If he needed to go late at night, he had to venture out into the alley. With cold weather now, it wasn't satisfying. He guessed it would be even more bothersome when it got colder. All in all, he was extremely uncomfortable.

He wore a scowl every day, and even his weekends were disturbed. Just as he wished to sleep in, early morning work began in the courtyard, creating an uproar.

Chen Yuan, annoyed, slapped his bed and cursed, "Damn it! No wonder these people can't live well, they busy themselves to poverty. The busier they are, the poorer they get. They are all a bunch of paupers."

Tao Yuyue sat up and asked, "Do we really not stock up on food?"

Their house was rather empty, for her husband had said, if anything missing, they could always borrow from home. Tao Yuyue agreed, her in-laws were capable and affluent folk. There was nothing lacking per se, but life in a household that didn’t stock up on essentials was inconvenient with constant back and forths.

Not to mention, not buying fuel balls during winter, they risk freezing cold.

“We need to buy fuel balls too.” Tao Yuyue suggested.

Chen Yuan rolled over in annoyance, grumbling, “What are you mumbling about so early in the morning, like a nagging granny? If anything’s missing, just go to your parents and borrow. Would they even deny you? Don't bother me with trivialities in future, why do you think I keep you around?"

Tao Yuyue bit her lip, “How am I, a woman alone, suppose to handle fuel ball duties?”

Chen Yuan remarked, "If this and that you can't do, then what good are you? Clear this up, I of my stature marrying you of your stature, it's you who married up. Do you think I should also look after you? If you can't take good care of me, just go back to your family. The Chens don't need a useless daughter-in-law."

Tao Yuyue's eyes welled up.

Regardless, Chen Yuan didn't cater to her teary appeal, he yanked up his blanket and said, "I'm going back to sleep, you figure it out."

Seeing his pampered young master demeanour, Tao Yuyue realized this was simply Chen family’s upbringing, who could blame him when they lived in such abundant conditions?

She bit her lip and swallowed her protests.

Did she have a choice?

Had she been wedded to an ordinary family, her life wouldn't be half as good as now. Getting a house right after marriage, freedom to run to her in-laws whenever there's a lack and being able to save her own income, all of this without having to worry about household expenses.

Granted, her husband didn't contribute his salary, but her in-laws gave her a monthly living allowance of twenty bucks, which seemed a better deal compared to the ones who had to pay expenses. Tao Yuyue thought she made no mistake in her choice, she actually felt quite fortunate.

Just to put it in perspective, even the Zhuangs had to manage with a meagre fifteen-buck living allowance each month.

These thoughts put her mind at ease, and she got up to start cleaning. Since her man wouldn't help with the fuel balls, she'd have to ask someone else to lend a hand. Her first choice was Bai Fendou, the local bachelor.

She found it awkward asking others for help.

When Tao Yuyue arrived at the courtyard, prepared to make a request, just as she was stepping toward the entrance, she noticed a large lock hanging on Bai Fendou's door.

Gone first thing in the morning?

Her smile quickly faded, and she stood there gazing uncertainly. As she turned around, she was startled by Aunt Zhou standing at the door, sneakily peeping at her.

Chest heaving, Tao Yuyue exclaimed, "Aunt Zhou, what are you doing? You could give someone a heart attack. What are you standing around for?"

Aunt Zhou didn't bother to lie, "I was watching you, what did you want with Bai Fendou? Did your husband let you come? Didn't you guys have a fight earlier?"

Aunt Zhou fired rapid questions at her.

Tao Yuyue pursed her lips and forced a smile, replying, "I……”

Her eyes flickered, and she said, "Aunt Zhou, is Zhou Qun at home? I need his help with something."

Aunt Zhou immediately became alert, asking, "What help do you need?"

Tao Yuyue was quite crafty, she replied, "My dear Zhou Qun, along with Uncle Zhuang and Uncle Li, have gone fishing. If you have anything to discuss, you can tell me, and I'll pass it on to them."

Upon hearing this, Tao Yuyue realized she wouldn't get any assistance. With Old Man Zhuang and Li the Cook also gone fishing, none of these men could aid her.

Tao Yuyue had no option but to make up a story. She said, "I just came to inquire about the coal balls."

Aunt Zhou responded, "It's Wang Zhaodi who always handles the coal balls in our household."

Zhaodi was too capable; such a hard worker. Even a tough person like Aunt Zhou found her very likable. Always ready to shoulder hard tasks, her only fault was her appetite. But then again, since when was having a good appetite a fault?

Having a good appetite is a blessing.

They certainly weren't short on food at home. Anyway, Zhou Qun's and Jiang Lu's wages never reached her hands. Sadly, she wished Zhaodi would stay, as there was never a shortage of tasks to be done. Despite a food shortage this year, they still managed to store twice as much for the winter as they did the previous year.

And they still claimed to be in a "shortage". Without a shortage, things would be even better.

Zhaodi would start early in the morning feeding the chickens, sweeping the courtyard, emptying spittoons, washing clothes and preparing meals. And occasionally, she would join Zhao Guihua and the others in the mountains or by the river. Their family has had fish several times this year because of Zhaodi!

At no extra cost!

The fish were all caught by Zhaodi!

And not to mention, their home was spotless.

Aunt Zhou especially appreciated Zhaodi's diligence. She herself being a village girl, she loved girls who were hardworking.

She proudly said, "My darling daughter, Zhaodi, can't do wrong in any task."

Tao Yuyue quickly asked, "Is Zhaodi at home?"

"Yes, she's here," Zhou responded, "But I'm not familiar with this side of town. Would it be possible for her to guide me?"

She obviously wouldn't outright ask Zhaodi to help her haul the coal balls.

Even without saying, Aunt Zhou could tell that was what she wanted.

Aunt Zhou was a master at taking advantage, always taking advantage of others but never letting others take advantage of her. Old tricks like this, she had learned when she was much younger. Even if she hadn't known, she would've learned from Aunt Su.

Tao Yuyue seemed smart, but compared to Aunt Su, she was clearly lacking.

With a restrained smile, Aunt Zhou replied, "It is just a supply point. If you ask around, who wouldn't be able to give you directions? Our Zhaodi has to accompany Jiang Lu for a pregnancy checkup later. She doesn't have time to indulge your whims."

Jiang Lu was past her due date. She didn't stand out as much as Ming Mei, but she was clearly visible as a pregnant woman.

Tao Yuyue could hardly ask, "Skip the checkup and help me haul coal balls," knowing they wouldn't entertain her request. She couldn't help but feel slightly disgruntled at her unpleasant start to the morning.

Aunt Zhou looked at Tao Yuyue, whose face did not look particularly good, and said, "What's the matter with you? Could it be that you can't find anyone to help you with work, and it's upsetting you? Let me tell you, one can't always rely on others in life. You just arrived and you're already seeking help with work, isn't that pretty unkind? Don't think of yourself as someone so important that everyone has to cater to you. Why should they? And why don't you get your own man to do the work? What's the meaning of always relying on others?"

Aunt Zhou disliked anyone who seemed better off than her, and while the newly-arrived couple argued less than her son and daughter-in-law, their home was well-off, making it clear that they were wealthy and out of place with the rest of the courtyard.

In Aunt Zhou's mind, this directly threatened their status as the wealthiest in the courtyard, something she couldn't swallow. She would love to pick a fight even if there were no reason, much less now when the opportunity had presented itself.

She laughed insincerely, "My niece is a diligent worker, but as her aunt, I won't let others take advantage of her. Being diligent doesn't mean she should do errands for others. Some people should really learn to be more respectful."

Tao Yuyue was furious, but she didn't wish to stoop to the level of such an unreasonable woman.

Such people were just like sticking plaster, just as revolting once stuck to you.

She drew a deep breath, and said, "Aunt Zhou, I think you misunderstood me, but I won't argue with you over this."

At this moment, Zhuang Zhixi came out of the house, seeing the back-and-forth between the two. He moved over to the sink to fetch water, Aunt Zhou asked, "Zhuang, isn't it your wife's prenatal check-up today?"

Tao Yuyue turned her head and saw Zhuang Zhixi.

She knew that Zhuang Zhixi was transferred from the medical center, and she could live here because Zhuang Zhixi had moved. Moreover, he had a good relationship with her aunt. She immediately said, "Good morning, Brother Zhuang. I haven't specifically greeted you these past few days. It's such a coincidence that we live in the same courtyard. Oh yes, my aunt mentioned you a few days ago. She said that if there's anything, I can look for you since I have moved into your courtyard."

She couldn't find anyone to help her with work, so she would seize any chance she got.

The unspoken expectation in her words was quite clear. She wanted Zhuang Zhixi's help.

Zhuang Zhixi was astute and quickly understood Tao Yuyue's intentions. Regardless of who Tao Yuyue was, it had nothing to do with him. But if anyone wanted to take advantage of her, sorry, but he wouldn't allow it!

He grinned and said, "Ahh, you must have misunderstood. Doctor Wang would certainly never tell you to look for me when you needed help. When I ran into Doctor Wang at the canteen yesterday, she reminded me that my wife is due soon, and I need to take good care of her instead of concerning myself with other people's troubles."

He playfully raised his eyebrows and continued with a smile, "Plus, wouldn't your husband be jealous if you were always coming to look for a handsome and charming fellow like me? I wouldn't participate in anything that might disrupt someone else's home life."

He completed his task of fetching the water, smiled at both of them, and returned inside.

Who are you to him, anyway?

Sure, he got along well with Doctor Wang, but that didn't mean he got along well with Tao Yuyue.

And trying to use Doctor Wang to pressure him? What a joke.

Tao Yuyue was not at all pleased, an expression of discontent clear on her face. She was accustomed to being flattered. Before her marriage, men from the factory would fawn over her, orbiting her like stars around the moon. But since her marriage, they had vanished.

Still, she found it easy to get assistance in the factory. After all, she was the daughter-in-law of the manager of the logistics department and she herself was attractive. Her popularity was undeniable. But to her surprise, back in her residential courtyard, she felt completely undervalued.

This was not just limited to her. Even Chen Yuan didn't seem to command any respect.

Tao Yuyue was displeased. She enjoyed the feeling of being celebrated. Why wouldn't these people flatter her, engage in impressive talks, volunteer to assist her here and there? Her brows furrowed with the discomfort.

In truth, Tao Yuyue was failing to recognize the reality.

Those from her courtyard could not be relied on for aid.

Take Zhuang Zhixi for example, belonging to the Propaganda Department, the manager of logistics had no authority over him, and neither would Zhuang be transferred there. Why should he ingratiate himself with the manager’s daughter-in-law?

As for Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu, both were previously penalized, already relegated to cleaning toilets. What further torment could a manager of logistics inflict? Suggest more bathroom use to burden their cleaning schedules? That's laughable.

Any suggestion that their relationship with the manager could lead to their transfer to better work would be ludicrous. Both were rather notorious in the city. Were it not for restrictions around casually dismissing employees, the factory leaders would probably already have fired them, aiming to transfer those who could do better work.

The logistics manager might not object to these transfers, but the factory leaders certainly would.

Hence, they had no intention of flattering anyone.

Then, there was Zhou Qun, a notorious electrician, quite unrelated to the logistics department. Given that he had faced issues during his promotion examination, advancing further was a remote possibility. So, he didn't need to bother.

There was no need.

There were others, like Old Man Zhuang and other craftspeople from various workshops, metal workers, welders and so forth, whose work was even farther from the logistics department. Technical workers would not be transferred there. Wang Xiangxiu had been demoted due to her inadequacy in technical skills. Anyone competent could never be.

The ones who might flatter someone like Tao Yuyue might just be the two cooks of the courtyard, both under the management of the logistics department.

However, Li the Cook was skilled and served the leaders directly, regularly interacting with them, and thus, had no fear of the logistics manager. Yang Lixin might have feared, but he was under his father-in-law's protection, so he didn't need to worry.

All things considered, no one was looking to curry favor with management, which caused Tao Yuyue to experience a considerable status gap.

She returned home, dispirited. She saw Chen Yuan still asleep, which annoyed her.

She didn't particularly cherish Chen Yuan, but he happened to be from a respectable family.

Tao Yuyue gently caressed her belly, hoping she would soon be expecting.

With a child coming, she would secure her foothold in Chen’s family. She could then move back to her parents for her pregnancy.

She had been married for a month already, yet there seemed to be no hints of pregnancy.

There are a few pregnant women in their courtyard, ready to give birth soon. She planned to pay a visit to whoever has a son and scoop up the male treasure!

Tao Yuyue's million thoughts were not acknowledged by anyone.

Since Zhuang Zhixi came back, he had not said a word. His wife, Ming Mei, was heavily pregnant, over seven months now. Her legs were swollen and she looked somewhat haggard, lacking her usual vitality. Despite being an optimistic person, Ming Mei appeared listless.

Zhuang Zhixi asked, "Awake?"

A pregnant woman sleeping in was a common thing.

Ming Mei lightly hummed in affirmation. She pulled over a cushion, leaned against the head of the bed, and sat up. She whined playfully, "The baby was kicking me last night, I couldn't sleep well."

She added, "My calf is a bit uncomfortable."

Zhuang Zhixi: "I'll give you a massage."

Ming Mei nodded gently. Zhuang Zhixi sat by the bed, placing her leg on his. He began to gently massage her leg, asking, "Does this feel better?"

As he gently looked at his wife, he said, "Pregnancy is really tough, this much hardship, perhaps we shouldn't have another one later on."

A barely perceptible melancholy crept into Ming Mei’s heart: “Mmm.”

She actually liked children, but she knew better how unbearable this pregnancy had been. When watching others get pregnant and have babies, it seemed as if the child was born in no time, effortlessly, seemingly simple. But when it was her turn, she realized it was anything but.

This was indeed a torment.

At this time, she was grateful that her life wasn’t as in her dreams. If she had an accident on the bus like she did in her dreams, it‘d probably bea thousand times more agonizing. Even now, being careful and meticulous, she was extremely uncomfortable.

In fact, Ming Mei's condition was comparatively fine. Her pregnancy symptoms were not severe, unlike Jiang Lu who'd been going through hell with the vomiting. But still, the discomfort that she got to experience was no less than anyone else's.

She had no idea that pregnancy could make her legs swell so much, and it was so uncomfortable to sleep with a big belly.

She gently leaned on Zhuang Zhixi's shoulder, saying: "My mother is a big liar."

Zhuang Zhixi: "How?"

Carefully holding his wife, he asked.

Ming Mei: "My mother said that giving birth is very easy. This is clearly not easy at all."

Zhuang Zhixi let out a silent laugh, tightening his hold on Ming Mei's shoulder, and said: "Maybe it's because... you and your brother were good kids. When your mother was pregnant with you two, you were both well-behaved. So, your mom felt that giving birth was easy. But our children are a bit naughty, so it doesn’t seem easy for you right? Does that sound right?”

Ming Mei giggled teasingly, "You sure know how to woo me."

Zhuang Zhixi: "I only know how to woo you, I'm too lazy to woo anyone else."

Ming Mei's smile got even brighter, saying: "Smooth talker."

Zhuang Zhixi: "Only for you."

Ming Mei's mood improved significantly, she said: "I guess you're not so bad."

"What's with the calculations? I like you. The moment I saw you, I thought you were very pretty. My heart was instantly captivated. I will, of course, treat you well, my beloved wife."

Everyone has their aesthetic preferences. The moment Zhuang Zhixi saw Ming Mei, his heart almost leaped out of his chest. She was exactly his type. Perhaps this was love at first sight.

He held Ming Mei's plump feet in his hands and said, "Hang in there, Mei. Just two or three more months, and once the baby comes, everything will be alright."

Ming Mei wrapped her arms around Zhuang Zhixi, murmuring a few sounds.

Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Wait here, I'll get you an egg."

Ming Mei, "That sounds good."

She said, "By the way, Zhixi, can you go out with me today? I want to get my hair cut."

Zhuang Zhixi looked stricken, "You want to cut it short?"

He loved long hair, especially when she laid down, her long hair spread out on her back.

However, Zhuang Zhixi understood. Ming Mei would suffer if she didn't get a haircut during her pregnancy and the following confinement period, he said, "Alright, I will drive you out in a bit."

"Okay."

Zhuang Zhixi, "How about we eat at Donglai Shun for lunch?"

He said, "In such cold weather, let's warm up with a hot pot."

Ming Mei, "Alright."

The allure of hot pot was strong. Ming Mei, who was lazing around until just now, got up to wash up.

Zhuang Zhixi, "There's hot water in the kettle."

Ming Mei, "Alright."

The couple informed Zhao Guihua they would be heading out and not coming back for lunch. Zhao Guihua glanced at them and said, "Go ahead."

Even though going out to eat was costly, Zhao Guihua wasn't concerned about that.

She knew the young couple had money, and if they were willing to spend it, it wasn't a waste as they would be eating it.

The couple went out to get their hair cut together. Zhuang Zhixi saw his beloved wife's hair go from long, flowing locks to a short bob with bangs. He couldn't help but think that she looked even younger. She was like a young girl. If not for her noticeable belly, one would think she was a teenager.

Ming Mei wasn't skinny – her oval face made her look attractive and fortunate.

Zhuang Zhixi, "Wifey, what have I done to deserve someone like you?"

Ming Mei, very sincerely, "You're handsome and smooth."

Zhuang Zhixi thought about it and realized it was true. Who said men can't live off their looks?

Clearly, they could.

He laughed, wrapping his arm around his wife, "Let's go for lunch."

As he pulled down her woolen hat, Ming Mei said, "You're very considerate. Ever since I cut my hair short, I've been feeling really cold."

Her scalp was freezing.

Zhuang Zhixi, "That's how it should be."

He laughed as he led his wife out the door.

Even though it was cold, there were still many people on the streets on a Saturday.

Zhuang Zhixi, "Let me tell you...hey, hey, is that Bai Fendou?"

Ming Mei looked in the direction he was pointing at, and yes, it was Bai Fendou.

Bai Fendou was pushing a hand cart loaded with coal bricks, accompanied by a woman. Zhuang Zhixi recognized Guan Guiling at first sight with his sharp eye - it was Bai Fendou's college friend.

Ming Mei glanced at him, stating, "I know, she works at our place."

Correct, at the bus station.

At this moment, Bai Fendou walked side by side with Guan Guiling.

Guan Guiling's face was filled with smiles as she said, "Fendou, I really have to thank you. I would be lost without you. As you know, my ex-husband cannot do heavy work. Ever since he fell ill, I've been doing it all by myself. This year has been much better with you around."

She spoke not of love, but friendship.

"People often say that friendships forged during our student days are the purest. I didn't understand that back then, but since our reunion, I have understood. Thank you."

Bai Fendou blushed, happily said, "Why do you have to bring this up? If you're courteous towards me, it means you're treating me as an outsider. We're not strangers."

He looked at Guan Guiling, in her worn-out cotton-padded jacket, and could still see the charm in her. Working harder with a smile, he said, "The coal you bought at home won't be enough. So don't worry, I'll go collect some firewood for you. Don't use the coal bricks when you cook, using firewood will conserve a lot of resources."

Guan Guiling replied, "I understand, you're really kind."

Bai Fendou laughed bashfully.

He stated, "You should also take care, don't exert yourself too much. You're newly pregnant, so you have to be careful."

Guan Guiling nodded her approval and said, "I know."

She let out a soft sigh, "Honestly, I didn't want this child."

Bai Fendou was agitated, "Don’t do anything rash. The fact that you can have a child is a blessing from Heaven. You can't be foolish!"

Guan Guiling sobbed softly, "We’re already divorced. How am I going to raise this child? I already have four children at home. Raising five is going to be so hard for me. If it wasn't for that night after the divorce when we had a drink together, we wouldn’t have slept together and... sniff."

Bai Fendou pleaded, "Please, don't cry. It breaks my heart."

Through her sobs, Guan Guiling said, "He's ill and we haven’t been intimate for a long time. He is a good man and didn’t want me to burden with his sickness, so he insisted on the divorce. Who would have thought that after all this time, one slip-up and I'm pregnant. I only realised it after the divorce. I’ve contemplated ending this pregnancy many times, but it felt unjust, it's life after all."

Bai Fendou agreed, "Exactly, you can't do that."

"But how can I afford to raise another?" Guan Guiling covered her face with her hands.

Moved by her tear-streaked face, Bai Fendou blurted out, "Let's get married! I'll provide for you, and accept your unborn child as my own!"

Guan Guiling was taken aback, immediately shaking her head vigorously and refusing, "No, I can't... I don't deserve you. I have five children at home. We agreed upon our divorce that all the kids would stay with me. After all, I took over his role. And these children are mine... But how can I bear to drag you down? You are the dream of my girlhood."

Bai Fendou was more excited, promptly grabbing Guan Guiling's hand, pleading, "I'm willing, I'm totally willing. Even if it means raising your children, I'm happy to! You know I can't have children of my own. Maybe this is a mercy from Heaven, an opportunity for me. Will you give me this chance, please?"

Guan Guiling, "You...you aren't disgusted by me?"

"No! I cherish you!"

Guan Guiling, "Sobs... I knew it, I always knew you were a good man..."

The two stood there in the middle of the street, completely oblivious to the world around them.

Across the road, Zhuang Zhixi overhears parts of their conversation but could not make out what they were saying. But from their physical interaction, he could sense the intensity of the conversation.

Zhuang Zhixi, "Are they getting involved?"

Ming Mei, "Looks like it. I heard at work that Guan Guiling is pregnant."

Zhuang Zhixi, "...."

For a while, he said, "Ah, so she's found someone to help raise her kids. No wonder people said she has five kids. Turns out, she's got another one in her belly. I thought she was referring to her husband as one of the kids."

Ming Mei thumped him, "What are you even saying?"

He sighed, "I mean, Guan Guiling knows how to play her cards. This dude Bai Fendou may not be the smartest, but he could provide for the kids. If she ever gets lonely, she can always turn to her ex-husband. Her ex’s only shortcoming is his poor health, not that he isn't functional. It is quite cunning of her, having two men at her disposal."

Ming Mei, "So you're saying..."

She only thought about Guan Guiling dumping her kids on Bai Fendou, but never considered that she might still be involved with her ex-husband.

But after hearing Zhuang Zhixi, it seemed plausible.

Ming Mei, "Isn't that a bit too shameless? Playing two husbands off each other?"

Zhuang Zhixi, "Precisely, why else would Guan Guiling be pregnant?"

They watched Bai Fendou and Guan Guiling, with an aura of joy around them, pushing their cart and walking away. Bai Fendou’s stride was much livelier than before, as if they'd agreed on something exciting.

Zhuang Zhixi, "Even if Bai Fendou ends up raising Guan Guiling's kids, he doesn't get any merit. The kids all have their real dad. And the real dad and Guan Guiling are still in love. There will be interactions later on, so what's the role of a stepdad? I may not have met these kids, but I know for sure, it's not that simple."

Ming Mei was speechless. She couldn't understand how Bai Fendou consistently managed to fall into such “fortunate” situations.

Zhuang Zhixi shrugged, "Perhaps he can't recognize himself anymore. He hasn't figured out that he's no longer considered a man, yet he keeps pushing his criteria. Even when he's a little clear headed, he's still confused. Look at his requirements when he wants to find a widow - he hopes she has a job in the city, that she has a son, but the boy can't be too old or have the awareness to remember his father. He can play the role of the child's real father… For such qualities, why would anyone need him? Ah, wait a minute, let me think this through. Guan Guiling getting pregnant, that's intended to cater to Bai Fendou's standards, right?"

In that moment, Zhuang Zhixi engaged in conspiracy theorizing.

While Guan Guiling indeed had a job, she also had an ex-husband and four children. Bringing up these children was not as easy as one would believe. The children knew who their real father was, they weren’t very small. If it is according to Bai Fendou's thoughts.

It’s not necessarily a pleasing idea.

Because now, he has to bear the burden of the entire family.

So Guan Guiling got pregnant, she was pregnant, carrying a child in her belly. Generally, to some people this might be a red mark but to Bai Fendou, it was a plus, as Bai Fendou couldn’t have children and he wanted a child, one who was too young to remember.

So, having a job and having a child qualified Guan Guiling.

Moreover, her use of slight feminine charm, surely makes it conceivable that Bai Fendou might indeed take on the responsibility of Guan Guiling's family for the sake of Guan Guiling and an unborn child. Who knows, she might even fancy Bai Fendou's house.

He had two rooms all to himself, not bad at all.

Hmm~

Even though Zhuang Zhixi disliked to speculate maliciously about others, when something seemed utterly abnormal and not conforming to usual scenarios, it’s impossible to consider it from a normal perspective.

Zhuang Zhixi: "I think Guan Guiling only got pregnant so that Bai Fendou could step into the trap."

Ming Mei wanted to say that it couldn't be too harsh, but she had also seen the world. Take Wang Xiangxiu, for example, if it weren't for the fact that she had many children, all boys, would she be living such a life?

She thought to herself and said, "If the conditions aren't good, you really shouldn't have many children."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Especially in a single-income household, any hiccup could be a disaster.

"Let's go, we don't have to meddle in their affairs."

Ming Mei: "Oh dear, you are not the least bit righteous."

Zhuang Zhixi: "Hehe, it's because I know Bai Fendou, when he gets stubborn, he doesn't even listen to his father. We are just neighbors. Let’s not perceive ourselves as a big deal, because they certainly don't see us as anything important. Believe it or not, if I say something negative about Guan Guiling now, Bai Fendou will definitely turn against me. He might even seek revenge. He's got a mind like that. Either this woman will bamboozle him or another will."

Ming Mei: "That's true."

Both the husband and wife analyzed a lot but didn't want to stick their noses into others' business.

Let's just say, if it was Zhang San, yes, their new neighbor Zhang San, Zhuang Zhixi would definitely have something to say. Not because they know him for a long time or any such thing, but because he is the kind of person who listens to others' advice.

Even Zhou Qun… oh, lets just forget Zhou Qun.

He would never, to his dying day, get involved with any woman.

Although both Zhou Qun and Bai Fendou lost some abilities, Bai Fendou seems to hold a clearer understanding of reality.

If it were with someone else, Zhuang Zhixi might have spoken up. But Bai Fendou, he would not.

Bai Fendou's personality is just that -- he doesn't have a clear distinction between right and wrong.

So, no one was willing to speak the truth anymore. Why would they invite trouble for no reason? It absolutely made no sense.

But their guess was not incorrect. Towards the evening, a piece of news was circulating in their neighborhood -- Bai Fendou was getting married.

Yes, you heard it right; Bai Fendou was getting married.

Zhuang Zhixi: “Just as we thought.”

So, today's bustle was because of the wedding, huh.

Everyone was astonished, they never saw it coming.

Who could have guessed, Bai Fendou is actually getting married!

Though he hadn't returned to the organization for the application yet, Bai Fendou was over the moon. He went around the houses to announce: "Tomorrow, I plan to file a report to get a marriage certificate. Then, we'll hold the wedding in our neighborhood. You must come."

His excitement shocked everyone.

Bai Fendou arrived at Zhuang's house and said, smiling, “I'm gonna get married.”

He glanced at Zhuang Zhixi, and said, "I thought about it. I'm alone and I have no burden on me. I'll definitely make the wedding lavish, it won't be any less fancy than when you got married. Come and lend a hand."

Zhuang Zhixi: "...Okay."

Bai Fendou continued in a boastful manner, "Actually, I'm not in a hurry. However, the woman I'm in love with is anxious; she's afraid I'd change my mind. Hence, she wants to hasten the wedding."

Everyone at Zhuang’s house was left speechless. His words seemed utter nonsense.

Then Bai Fendou said, “We have a baby on the way. When the time comes, Mrs. Zhuang, you must teach my wife what to be careful of during pregnancy.”

Upon hearing his words, everyone was left even more baffled.

Then he complemented, "Our child will carry my last name, Bai. Next year, the Bai family will see an addition to our clan. I believe my father, if he was here today, would be proud."

Everyone was lost and could no longer follow the train of his thought.

Bai Fendou continued, "A man should always have a woman who admires him by his side. That's the definition of happiness."

In lieu of the gibberish he was speaking, everyone was simply lost. Not because such talks were meaningless, but because they couldn't follow Bai Fendou's erratic thinking.

Bai Fendou paraded around, cheerfully left his residence, bypassing the Su family, who were not qualified to attend his wedding. He was about to leave when Wang Xiangxiu opened the door. Their gazes met, Wang Xiangxiu hesitated for a moment, saying, "Bai Fendou."

Bai Fendou: "What do you want?"

He sneered, "What? Trying to trick me again?"

Wang Xiangxiu tightened her lips, saying, "I'm not, I just wanted to warn you to be careful. Marriage is a big thing, don't let yourself be deceived."

Most people didn't want to provoke Bai Fendou, nor were they willing to say more.

However, Wang Xiangxiu thought about it and decided she should say something.

In the past, she was the one who did wrong by Bai Fendou.

But, after hearing her words, Bai Fendou coldly smiled, saying, "Deceive? If you don't deceive people, how could others? Wang Xiangxiu, I know you're jealous, but you shouldn't meddle in my marriage. You shouldn't claim my fiance is deceiving me. I know her better than you do. What? Now you're regretting stringing me along and letting me go? Let me tell you, even if I was single, I wouldn't spare you a glance. Your provocations are useless, no one will believe."

Wang Xiangxiu explained, "I'm not..."

"Stop with your 'you're nots'. I know who you really are. Get lost! I'm off to start my new life. As for the Su family, screw you!"

Bai Fendou swaggered away, his laughter cold.

That Wang Xiangxiu, don't think he didn't know, she definitely wished to get back together with him. But with a better woman in his life, how could he settle for someone like Wang Xiangxiu, who always lies? She was nothing.

His charm was real.

Bai Fendou confidently strutted toward the backyard.

Wang Xiangxiu exhaled deeply, clenched her fists, turned around and entered her house.

She saw Tonglai standing in the outer room staring at her. Wang Xiangxiu led her son into the room, only to see Jinlai and Yinlai peeking from the window, must have seen everything.

Wang Xiangxiu: "I don't want anything to do with Bai Fendou, I don't want to remarry, especially not to him. There's a feud between our families, I haven't gone mad. I just wanted to warn him not to be deceived, but he holds too much prejudice against us, so he misunderstood."

Jinlai: "Mom, why do you care about him? Let him go to hell, it has nothing to do with us!"

Wang Xiangxiu: "Your grandmother caused Bai Fendou's father's death."

She continued seriously, "Didn't I tell you the whole story? Your grandmother ruined Bai Fendou's father, although she's not a nice person, she also ruined your father, your aunt, and me. In my heart, I never regarded her as a family anymore, I hate her to death. However, in the eyes of outsiders, she is still your grandmother, we owe it to the Bai family. I always wanted to do something about it. Neither you nor I have the capability to help Bai family, so I thought warning him is good enough. Even if he doesn't listen, at least I've tried. I can clear my conscience."

The three children silently nodded.

However, Jinlai quickly declared, "I don't consider such a woman as my grandmother. She has driven my father away. She doesn’t contribute her money when we are ill. She proclaims that we are her most beloved grandsons, but in reality, she only loves herself! Such a person is not my grandmother, the damned old prude!”

Wang Xiangxiu didn't stop her son from cursing the bad old woman, but she also reminded, "Don't say such things out in the public; people might think that you're unfilial."

Jinlai rebutted, "To hell with it! Why should anyone show filial piety to such a person!"

Wang Xiangxiu replied, "Alright, enough about this."

She then inquired, "How are you feeling?"

Jinlai's leg was almost healed, which left his mother insisting on recovery.

Jinlai smirked and said, "Still uncomfortable."

Now, his mom would get him some delicious food. Ha-ha.

Upon hearing this, Wang Xiangxiu quickly said, ”Rest a bit longer then, and you Yinlai, lie down properly.”

Yinlai responded, “Alright.”

He looked much weaker, perhaps due to the serious injuries, and was not as talkative as before.

"You both get a good rest; tomorrow morning, I'll make you some chicken egg soup."

The children's eyes lit up, sounding delightfully, "That's great!"

Their diet had seen better days.

Lately, they'd tasted nothing savory.

“Mom, I, cough cough…” Yinlai began to cough, saying "I can go without taking the medicine......"

Wang Xiangxiu's face instantly changed, “No way, you must take it! Mom is waiting for you to get better, there's no way I'd give up on you.”

“Wang Xiangxiu, Wang Xiangxiu, are you home?”

Wang Xiangxiu heard the voice and promptly stepped outside. She was surprised to see Chen Yuan. Chen Yuan, acting arrogantly with a raised eyebrow inquired, "Are you interested in making money?"

Wang Xiangxiu changed tone immediately, pulled a face and retorted, “What do you mean! I am not that kind of person!”

Chen Yuan replied ambiguously, "What do you think I meant? I was merely asking if you'd take on some laundry chores."

He gave a dubious grin, hands tucked in his pockets, "So? Misunderstanding? You sure do speculate a lot. Unsurprising as you are Gou Lanxiang's daughter-in-law. You think even the simplest things have hidden implications, huh!"

Wang Xiangxiu couldn't miss the lurid hint in Chen Yuan's eyes, suspecting that the laundry job was just a facade.

Though not the sharpest tool in the shed, she has dealt with men for quite a few years, realizing their many camouflages. Some issues, regardless of being spoken or not, had evident clues. She saw right through it. Though Chen Yuan mentioned laundry, his demeanor was obvious to interpret.

She coldly said, "Laundry is fine. If there aren’t too many clothes, an egg for the service would do."

She stood firm at not accepting money or any sophisticated barter.

If she demanded more, who knows what she might end up trading off in the end.

Chen Yuan responded, "Oh, you're not asking for much, that's good."

He took a step forward and said, “Heard there are other ‘jobs’ up for grabs?”

Wang Xiangxiu swiftly stepped back, her voice as cold as ice, “Scram!”

Chen Yuan shrugged, “You're no fun, putting on an act…”

Wang Xiangxiu yelled, “Out!”

She knew this man had ill intentions. With one forceful push, she sent him out the door, coldly saying: "Get as far away from me as possible, who do you think you are?"

Slam!

The door was shut.

Her fists were tightly clenched, and she murmured indignantly: "I will never do that sort of thing again, never again!"

She was making an effort to inhale and exhale deeply. However, she did not notice that Jinlai, who was also in the house, was clenching his fists. He was older and more mature than his two younger brothers. The words that had been said unclearly, Yinlai was feeling unwell and was drowsy, Tonglai was too young to understand much, but as the eldest, he understood.

This trash, he dared to harass their mother at home!

Jinlai knew, their mother was innocent.

All those idle talks were nothing but slander.

His mother was innocent. The police had released her, that meant she was innocent indeed. Who could've thought that someone would harass their family? Jinlai's teeth were gritted with hatred, but very quickly, he managed a smile.

Aha, isn't this man rich?

This would benefit their home.

In time, they could afford to buy eggs and meat.

He subtly smiled and felt an itch in his hands...

Speaking of Chen Yuan, he was completely unaware that he was being watched by the little thief Jinlai. Although Jinlai had been taught a heavy lesson this time, his situation was slightly different from Yinlai. Yinlai had been seriously injured and had been on the brink of death, he was still hurt and very weak now.

Considering his young age, he really became scared.

Jinlai's injuries were not as severe as Yinlai's, he was almost completely recovered.

In addition to his slightly older age and more assertive personality, his character had not changed much.

Now that he has recovered, he set his sights on Chen Yuan.

This man actually had the audacity to harass his mother at home, and as the man of the house, he couldn't let it slide. Plus, Jinlai thought, this family doesn't have an old shrew, this young couple cared about face, even if he was caught, it's unlikely that they would beat him.

So, he didn't need to worry too much.

Jinlai began to think about how to make his move...

He would have to wait a few days, preferably when they received their monthly wages, they would have more money then.

It was very hard for his mother to support the family on her own, he needed to think of a solution.

Although he had never stolen money in the past, only items, he thought it would be better to try his hand at money this time around. All money looks the same, who could say it was theirs?

Jinlai was amusingly strategizing, while Chen Yuan, completely unaware that he was being watched, disdainfully returned to his backyard. To tell the truth, he wasn't interested in the likes of Wang Xiangxiu yet. He had a preference for purer girls, and he certainly wasn't attracted to her type.

Who even knew if she was clean or not.

One of his buddies heard about Wang Xiangxiu's situation and asked him to gauge it a bit.

To his surprise, Wang Xiangxiu was quite good at pretending.

He did not believe for a second that Wang Xiangxiu was an upright person. There was more than one person in the factory who had been involved with her.

She was really good at putting on a show!

Women, ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‍they all loved playing hard-to-get.