Chapter 271: You’re Not Bad
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Su Qing, Su Xiu, Su Xue, and Fifth Sister were all grown up; even their father, if he were still alive, would give them space to make their own decisions. It would be very different if they were still teens or kids. As it stood, he was their brother-in-law through marriage to Su Wen. He was a live-in son-in-law, akin to being their older brother rather than a parental figure.
Hence, Little Sister Su was Zhou Hengyang’s favorite.
Su Wen had gone out earlier that morning. Not wanting to stay home, he decided to wait for her to return.
“You’re a good person.” Su Wen punched Zhou Hengyang’s shoulder in approval. She had already used a lot of strength, but it was like scratching an itch to Zhou Hengyang. Her small fist was like water off a duck’s back. It did not phase Zhou Hengyang at all.
It was these little things that showed Zhou Hengyang’s character. That scum, Zhao Jiangang, simply could not compare.
By the way, did you know that Zhao Jiangang was sent to labor reform?” Zhou Hengyang piped up.
“Really?” Su Wen was pleasantly surprised. “Someone like him should spend the rest of his life in a labor reformation center.”
Zhou Hengyang’s thin lips curled into a faint smile as he said coldly, “Indeed. Someone like him should be sentenced to lifelong labor reform!” Hooliganism could be a serious crime, depending on the circumstances. Now, it’ll be up to Zhao Jiangang’s parents to bail him out if they can.
Zhou Hengyang did not mind making it so that Zhao Jiangang never stepped out of a labor reformation center again.
Su Qing was the first to arrive home. As soon as she entered the compound, she saw Su Xue and Fifth Sister peeling garlic in the courtyard. Su Xiu and her Little Sister Su were also there, chatting happily. Meanwhile, Sixth Sister eyed Su Xue and Fifth Sister with a tilt of her head. Occasionally, she would glance at Little Sister Su with a cold expression.
No sooner had Su Qing arrived than Sixth Sister happily welcomed her home. “Second Sister, Second Sister, you’re back. Where’s Big Sister? Eh? Why isn’t Big Sister with you?”
“Big Sister is speaking with her husband.”
“Oh!” exclaimed Sixth Sister, who looked up at Su Qing with big, bright eyes.
Unhappy, she said, “Second Sister, Fourth Sister, and Fifth Sister are back.”
“I know. Sixth Sister, what’s wrong?” Su Qing immediately picked up on Sixth Sister’s displeasure.
It was really strange. Not even that time when Little Sister Su hogged all of Big Sister’s attention was Sixth Sister as unhappy as she seemed now.
“Humph!” Sixth Sister rolled her eyes. “Second Sister, I don’t like Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister. It’s nothing.”
“You call this nothing?” Su Qing did not know whether to laugh or cry. “What did your Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister do to you?”
How do you not know?” Sixth Sister retorted, her black eyes revealing more than words could, shocking Su Qing into silence.
Su Xiu and the others who were talking saw Su Qing pushing her bicycle in and quickly put down their work and hurried over to greet her.
Su Qing pretended not to see them; instead, she answered Sixth Sister, “I know now.”
Sixth Sister laughed happily and said, “I knew Second Sister was as smart as me! Great minds think alike!”
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“Yes.” Su Qing nodded and parked her bicycle against the wall. She then took out the things she and Su Wen had bought and handed the mosquito net to Su Xiu. “This is the new mosquito net Big Sister bought. It was very expensive. Please wash and dry it; Big Sister wants to use it tonight.”
Alright.”
“Second Sister.” Su Xue greeted him expressionlessly.
Fifth Sister seemed a little guilty compared to Su Xue’s expressionless mask. “Second Sister, we’re back.”
Contrary to their expectation, Su Qing did not even acknowledge them, let alone respond. She walked past the two and ordered Sixth Sister and Little Sister Su to attend to several miscellaneous tasks..
Chapter 272: Su Xue and Fifth Sister Are Back
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Little Sister Su, who had been laughing happily, grew subdued with the change in atmosphere. Confusion and unease settled around the family like a heavy cloak. Little Sister Su was about to speak up when Sixth Sister stopped her.
“Shut up.”
“Why?” Little Sister Su asked.
Sixth Sister secretly rolled her eyes. “You’re so dumb. Can’t you see that Second
Sister is angry? Someone is in trouble.”
“Is she angry with Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister?” Little Sister Su could not stand being called dumb. She was just as smart as Sixth Sister!
“Who else would she be angry with?” To be fair, Sixth Sister was also angry with her Fourth and Fifth Sisters.
Upon her return home, she learned how her Third Sister and Big Sister had gone to their school to deliver food, money, and even a new bicycle. Yet, neither Fourth nor Fifth Sister came home on any of the Sundays since Su Wen visited with her delivery. Even Little Sister Su found their actions appalling.
Her Fourth and Fifth Sisters had gone too far in their selfishness this time.
While she and dull Little Sister Su could not go to school because they had no money, her Fourth and Fifth Sisters had the time of their lives, hiding in school and refusing to come home.
Big Sister, Second Sister, and Third Sister did their best to save up and think of ways to support Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister. As soon as they heard from Third Sister that their money troubles were a thing of the past, the two gayly continued their studies without sparing a thought for those at home.
It was obvious that they despised Big Sister.
Even the mild-tempered Su Xiu was disappointed in them, let alone Sixth Sister, whose temper could not compare to her older sister.
Su Qing, the second eldest, was a loyal supporter of Su Wen and felt she had to take some responsibility for the education of their younger sisters.
Since Su Wen had not said anything, it was up to her to clear the air and address the elephant in the room.
On the other hand, Su Xiu had been looking forward to Su Xue and Fifth Sister’s return home for the holidays. She was heartbroken when the two of them did not return.
Su Qing had been annoyed with her two sisters before, but it was only now that her anger erupted. Su Wen delivered a bicycle to Su Xue and Fifth Sister so they could come home more easily, but they snubbed her gift and chose to continue their wilful behavior.
Su Qing’s anger had been brewing for weeks, only waiting for an impetus to begin the chain reaction leading to an explosion.
Su Qing’s anger had been brewing for weeks, only waiting for an impetus to begin the chain reaction leading to an explosion.
Wen to worry, so she kept her thoughts and feelings to herself. Although life was better now, it also brought new challenges. Their Big Sister was under plenty of pressure to succeed, and obstacles were constantly appearing in her path. She did need to deal with Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister’s attitudes.
One was always looking for trouble, while the other constantly schemed for her benefit and no one else’s. Su Wen did not need them to add to her plate.
Su Xue and Fifth Sister hovered awkwardly where they stood. Everyone was ignoring them.
Su Xiu, the easiest to talk to, went to wash the mosquito net, so there was no one they could talk to or ask for help speaking up on their behalf.
“Fourth Sister…” Fifth Sister’s eyes stung as she bit her lips. She felt wronged, sad, but above all else, guilty. It was as if she were drowning in guilt. Crying softly, she sniffled, “Fourth Sister, I know I was wrong.”
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“It’s not your fault. You wanted to come back, but I didn’t let you,” Su Xue interjected, cocking her chin stubbornly.
Su Xue had considered returning home on the day their eldest sister delivered the bicycle to them. However, it always led back to her memories of Big Sister’s mean and selfish ways. Whenever she recalled those memories, her desire to study grew, whittling down any thoughts she might have had about returning home.
Despite their improved situation, Su Xue Imew Fifth Sister was unhappy living the way they were.
“It’s my fault. I forced Fifth Sister to stay with me.” How could Su Xue allow her Fifth Sister to take responsibility for their absence from home with a clear conscience? In the end, hadn’t she been the one who lacked the courage to return home? She could not even compare with Sixth Sister or Little Sister Su. Her Sixth Sister even cared for their aunt’s children!
Even more impressive was when she started school.. She had only been eight!
Chapter 273: Taking Advantage of the Situation
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Eh? What are you all doing standing around like that?” Su Wen found Su Xue and Fifth Sister standing in the courtyard when she arrived home. Tension filled the air, creating an unusual atmosphere. “You all… Wuwu…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Zhou Hengyang slapped a hand over her mouth, preventing her from saying anything.
Su Wen glared at Zhou Hengyang angrily.
What was he doing? Why had he covered her mouth?
Despite his wife’s death stare, Zhou Hengyang did not relent. Instead, he dragged her back to their room, only releasing her when they were safely behind closed doors. He sat on Su Wen’s bed, tracing the skin of his palm where it had met Su Wen’s soft lips.
A smoldering heat emanated from his hand even as his eyes darkened.
“Why didn’t you let me speak?” Su Wen demanded angrily.
“Because you were going to say something stupid.” Zhou Hengyang dragged Su Wen to sit beside him.
So angry was she that Su Wen failed to notice how close they were. She was nearly pressed against Zhou Hengyang’s side, his breaths reverberating in her ears.
“You don’t know that!” Su Wen felt she was plenty smart. She had even gotten orders for her bag earlier that day.
A fool would not have accomplished what she had.
“Su Qing and Sixth Sister were venting on your behalf, and you were about to ruin it by asking Su Xue and Fifth Sister what they were doing, ” Zhou Hengyang chided as if speaking to a particularly slow child. “I’ve never met anyone as dumb as you.”
You mean… Is Su Qing teaching Su Xue and Fifth Sister a lesson?” No wonder the two were standing in the courtyard alone. Everyone else had gone about their day, leaving Su Xue and Fifth Sister to ponder their mistake.
“Now, do you know why I said you would say something stupid?”
“Big deal!” Su Wen harrumphed, not wanting to listen any further. “Know your place.” Zhou Hengyang grew bolder by the second, taking advantage of the situation to be as mean as possible.
Zhou Hengyang’s expression immediately changed. Taking the tone he used back at Li Youcai’s house, he answered respectfully, “Yes, Madam. I was wrong;
I won’t do it again.”
Tsk, tsk… Zhou Hengyang sure had a way with words. Su Wen felt like she was on cloud nine, obediently listening to her. “It’s good that you know. I’m pretty
easygoing. I’m sure we’ll get along peaceably so long as you don’t go overboard.”
After all, she was in the right!
“I know. It is as it should be.” Zhou Hengyang’s tone became more and more sincere. Changing the topic, he said, “I’ll sleep with you on the bed tonight.”
“Huh?” Su Wen sprang to her feet. Her movements were so sudden she nearly lost her balance and tipped over. Carpenters handcrafted the bedframes in the 1980s, which led to most beds being raised off the ground, unlike their future counterparts where people could roll out of bed without a hitch.
If she fell, she would land in a heap on the floor.
Fortunately, Zhou Hengyang reacted swiftly, catching her before she lost her balance, and pulled her onto his lap.
‘Why are you so careless?” Zhou Hengyang sighed in exasperation. He thoroughly enjoyed Su Wen’s warm body against his, but he did not allow it to show on his face. Instead, he wore an expression of cold impatience. Su Wen did not notice Zhou Hengyang’s strong arms around her waist. It took Zhou
Hengyang everything he could to stop himself from locking his arms around Su Wen more tightly, despite desperately wanting to do so.
Thankfully, he clung to his last shred of rationality and managed to forestall himself from acting on impulse.
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Zhou Hengyang knew Su Wen’s character perfectly well. She would put her guard back up if he dared overstep her boundaries. Su Wen was more intelligent than most other women and held a healthy dose of caution toward him. However, there were times like this when she would let her guard down. It was these moments he had come to cherish.
Su Wen sometimes got herself into such a tizzy it made his heart melt.
“How was I supposed to know what Su Qing and Sixth Sister did? I didn’t expect them to do something like that!” Su Wen sighed. “If you hadn’t said it, I probably would have never known what they were up to… Still, what they’ve done can’t be conducive to our relationship as sisters, can it?”
Zhou Hengyang’s impatience reached an all-time high. Not only did Su Wen not think she was being taken advantage of by her sisters, but she also felt her sisters were not doing enough to take advantage of her! Meanwhile, Su Wen was secretly happy that Zhou Hengyang had taken advantage of her near fall to hug her.
Tsk, tsk… Men like Zhou Hengyang were truly one-of-a-kind..
Chapter 274: Not Angry
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Big Sister, the new mosquito net you bought is ready.” Su Xiu’s voice came from outside. Su Wen quickly wriggled free from Zhou Hengyang’s grasp and ran out. Su Xiu held up a wet mosquito net and was about to hang it on the clothesline.
The white mosquito net was light and would not take long to dry.
“Let me.” Su Wen hurried to help her sister with the mosquito net, shaking off the excess water
“Big Sister, the mosquito net you bought is fantastic! It’s much better than our old mosquito net. Look at how small the holes in the netting are!” Su Xiu exclaimed happily.
“Everyone in the city is using this now. It’s not expensive. If you want, I’ll buy one for you next time.” She had no choice but to buy a mosquito net because it was useless to light mosquito-repelling incense. Tonight, she would not have to fear being bitten by mosquitoes.
“I don’t need it. I don’t get very many mosquitoes in my room. The mosquito-repelling incense you bought is more than enough.” Su Xiu waved her hand dismissively. She could not bare the thought of wasting money. “Eh? Is the mosquito-repelling incense I gave you that effective?”
“It is! It’s so good that we do not need mosquito nets. Haven’t you noticed we put away the mosquito nets a while ago?”
“That’s strange.” Su Wen had thought the mosquitoes in the countryside were more resilient than those in the city; hence the mosquito-repelling incense had proven ineffective. As Su Wen mulled over the issue, Su Xiu leaned in closer, interrupting her thoughts with a mysterious expression.
“Big Sister.”
“Hmm? What’s wrong?” Su Wen asked Su Xiu.
“Big Sister, are you very angry?” From Su Xiu’s expression, Su Wen could tell she looked perturbed. Su Xiu eyed her older sister nervously, afraid she would show the slightest hint of her unhappiness. If Su Wen were unhappy, Su Xiu Imew she would feel sorry and a little awkward around her.
Su Xiu blamed herself for being unable to help Su Wen educate their Fourth and Fifth Sisters well.
“No! Why should I be angry?” She was not the type to get angry for no reason. Even if she were angry, her anger would almost certainly be directed at someone else. Venting her frustrations privately was good enough; there was no need to create disharmony by venting her frustrations on her siblings. It was not worth the trouble it would bring her.
“Hmm… about that… You know. Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister…”
“Oh.” Su Wen realized what Su Xiu was getting at. “I’m not angry with them.”
“Ah?” Su Xiu felt a new wave of panic wash over her. Su Wen must have given up on Su Xue and Fifth Sister! Why else wouldn’t she be angry with them? The only explanation Su Xiu could come up with was that Su Wen no longer cared for them; hence, she could not be bothered to be angry with them.
Su Xiu was deeply troubled by this revelation. Second Sister had already taught
Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister a lesson; she did not need to intervene since Second Sister knew where to draw the line. Second Sister’s anger was completely justified – she was angry because she cared and wanted what was best for them. Second Sister had been going on about their Fourth and Fifth Sisters’ ill manners these past few nights, so Su Xiu was keenly aware of the tensions in the family.
Her Second Sister’s main gripe was that their Fourth and Fifth Sisters had been hiding in school, refusing to come home.
If Su Xiu was worried before that Su Wen would be angry, she was now deeply troubled by the lack of anger her older sister displayed.
“Big Sister, it’s okay. I know you must be angry! We’re all on your side; Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister were in the wrong. It would be best if you punished them accordingly. It isn’t good to dwell on things or keep them locked in your heart it isn’t good for your health,” Su Xiu said.
No, it’s not… What do you mean?” Su Xiu’s uncharacteristic display amused Su
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Wen. “I’m serious. I’m not angry.”
“Is that because you don’t care about them anymore?” Su Xiu prodded.
Su Wen was stunned, and the smile on her face slowly froze. When she met Su Xiu’s worried gaze, she could not help but ask herself, would she feel the same if it had been Su Xiu or Su Qing who had refused to return?
No. Certainly not.
She would have marched to school, even if it were a Sunday, and given the two an earful before dragging them back home for a meal..
Chapter 275: You ‘re Not Wrong
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Red braised pork, sweet and sour pork ribs, pot chicken, and eggplant cooked with minced meat would make for a table full of highly nutritious food.
While she knew the food served in the school cafeteria would not be excessively oily, the selection certainly left much to be desired. Su Wen had felt sorry for Su Xue and Fifth Sister’s poor food options back then, so she instructed Su Xiu to deliver steamed cakes and a bit of spending money to them.
She wanted them to eat properly and not starve themselves just to save a few yuan.
Su Wen had not thought much about why Su Xue and Fifth Sister had not come home till then because she had been very busy. Moreover, Su Wen did not know Su Xue and Fifth Sister well since they had never interacted much. Only through interaction would bonds develop between people.
It was the same for Sixth Sister, whom she had asked Su Qing to pick up. Before, when everything she knew was still part of a novel, Su Wen had felt that Sixth Sister was a pitiful little girl and little else.
Initially, Su Wen feared she would not get along with Sixth Sister, but it all changed once she met her for herself.
Su Wen felt a sense of intimacy when she saw Sixth Sister, which made her register the latter as someone precious to her from the outset.
However, Su Xue and Fifth Sister did not give her the same feeling as Sixth Sister when she first returned. Perhaps it was her disappointment that resulted in the difference she felt. When she first transmigrated, she hoped to change her sisters’ impression of her. She went so far as to try and curry their favor, only to be disappointed by their lackluster response.
Ah! It would not be wrong to describe her as petty.
Big Sister…” Su Xiu saw the answer to her question reflected in Su Wen’s eyes. Slowly, her eyes turned red. She held Su Wen’s hands like a kitten begging for forgiveness after doing something it was not supposed to, and said, “Big Sister… I know they’re no good, but… but…”
Su Xiu hoped to persuade Su Wen to give Su Xue and Fifth Sister a chance, but she did not know how to phrase her words.
She could not force her older sister to do something she was reluctant to do while taking advantage of her care and kindness.
But they were a family! All they had was one another. With their parents gone, they had to stand united and support one another as best they could.
“Fine!” Su Wen rolled her eyes, giving Su Xiu a long-suffering sigh that belied her frustration. “How old are you? Why are you still crying crocodile tears to get what you want?”
Unexpectedly, Su Xiu cried even harder. “Big Sister, I… It’s my fault. I’m the one in the wrong.”
“Nonsense! You’ve done nothing wrong; you always do your best in everything you do.” Su Wen would never forget the day Su Xiu returned from working in the fields when she first transmigrated. She looked worn from exhaustion, from hours laboring under the sun, yet she did her best to look unaffected, even as she plucked leeches off her legs.
No one was more hardworking or honest than Su Xiu in their family.
“I know what you’re trying to say.” Su Wen could not bear to see Su Xiu so sad and said, “You’re overthinking things. I’m neither angry nor do I not care for our sisters. Bonds are cultivated, much like a person’s feelings. It is no different from Little Sister Su and me. I used to dislike her, but now I like her very much. It’s not as serious as you think.”
“Really?” Su Xiu’s tears turned into laughter.
Of course,” Su Wen nodded without hesitation, tapping her nose helplessly.
“You’re still young; leave all the worrying to an old woman like me. Besides, Su Xue and Fifth Sister aren’t children anymore. You don’t need to worry about them so much.”
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“But I’m their Third Sister!”
“I know you are, but I also know you aren’t as ambitious as Fourth Sister.” Su
Xiu was unlike her other sisters. She was honest, whereas the rest all had their own thoughts and ideas. Fifth Sister’s nature was similar to Su Xiu’s.
Thankfully, she had Su Xue to guide her. So long as she listened to Su Xue, Fifth Sister would not be hoodwinked or led astray.
The same could be said of Sixth Sister and Little Sister Su, with the former guiding the latter since it was obvious who was more intelligent between them..
Chapter 276: Benefits Abound
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
It was a pity that the clever ones in the novel were too young to effect change while the honest ones were too easily tricked by the original and Zhao Jiangang. Each tragedy was more horrific than the last. Su Xue was forced to marry a man in his fifties, which was, by far, the least traumatic ending.
Su Qing, Su Xiu, Fifth Sister, and Sixth Sister all died in the springtime of their youth.
Meanwhile, Little Sister Su was sold, her life after that remaining a mystery as the novel did not mention her again.
“Right!” When Su Wen thought of her younger sisters’ endings, she could not help but think of Su Xuefang and Shi Caiyue. “Tomorrow is Sunday. I think
Auntie will be coming over. After dinner, hide everything that can be hidden. Don’t leave anything valuable where she might see it. That means things like the bicycle need to be stowed away.”
Su Xiu grew even more nervous when Su Wen informed her that Su Xuefang would visit the next day. “I Imow. Don’t worry, Big Sister. I’ll pack up everything that needs to be hidden.” After saying that, she immediately got to work.
Su Wen checked on Su Xue and Fifth Sister and discovered they were still in the courtyard reading. She thought about how to proceed but decided against saying anything for now.
She would leave Su Qing to deal with her two younger sisters. Since it was the first time Su Qing had taken the initiative to reprimand them, Su Wen felt it was only appropriate to leave Su Qing to it. By not intervening, she was showing her support for Su Qing.
He Yulan appeared shortly before dinner with her mother-in-law and Xu Xiangdong. As a small token of their appreciation, they gifted 1200 grams of pork belly to Su Wen and her siblings. Su Xiu accepted the gift and was told to put away the pork belly.
They were too polite!
Aunt Xu, why’d you bring us this?” Su Wen hastily declined and asked Su Xiu to return the pork belly.
“Little Wen, please accept it. I haven’t even thanked you for finding such a good business opportunity for my daughter-in -law! What is this?”
He Yulan’s mother-in-law refused to take back her gift, no matter what Su Wen said. She even instructed He Yulan and Xu Xiangdong to do the same. In the end, Su Wen had no choice but to have Su Xiu keep the pork belly.
“Aunt Xu, you’ve helped me so much.” Su Wen invited them to sit and said politely, “Besides, I’m not exactly taking care of Sister Yulan, per se. We’re working together; it’s a partnership.”
“What? What do you mean?” He Yulan’s mother-in-law thought she had heard wrongly and could not understand what Su Wen was saying.
Xu Xiangdong quickly interjected, “What Su Wen means is that everyone benefits from this partnership.”
“I see,” He Yulan’s mother-in-law sighed. “You youngsters know what you’re doing; that’s enough. I’m not as young as I used to be.”
“Mother, don’t say that! You’re still young!” He Yulan cried. Her relationship with her mother-in-law had improved recently after her brother would not stop nagging at her to be more respectful and complain less about her.
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Hoping to get in her mother-in-law’s good books, she told the old woman about her new business venture with Su Xiu and that they were selling steamed cakes. Just earlier that day, she and Su Xiu had sold over a hundred steamed cakes in town!
When she returned, she counted all her earnings where the family could see. Everyone was so impressed that they smiled from ear to ear. Even her mother-in-law saw her in a new light, expressing her joy and satisfaction. One should never take for granted the kindness shown unto oneself by others.
Many people lived in the village, yet Su Wen had asked Su Xiu to partner with He Yulan to sell steamed cakes. This consideration was already a form of kindness.
“Little Wen, thank you for thinking about our Yulan.” He Yulan’s mother-in-law clasped Su Wen’s hands in her own and added, “Don’t worry. I won’t make things difficult for you. If anyone comes to you looking for trouble, just send them my way. I’ll deal with it.”
Su Wen smiled slyly. “Alright then. If anyone comes looking for me, I’ll tell them they should look for you instead if they want a piece of the pie..”
Chapter 277: Little Shop
“Alright, haha… I knew you were a cunning girl.”
He Yulan and Xu Xiangdong thanked Su Wen again and again before leaving. Su Wen saw them out. Before she could re-enter the house, she noticed someone walking toward her. That person had just stepped out of her neighbor’s house. At this moment, she received a scare from someone who had crept up behind her.
She spun around, coming face-to-face with Zhou Hengyang.
She should have known. No one else in the family could have snuck up on her like that. Hengyang had a dangerous aura about him, one he concealed well till it was the moment to strike, instilling an overbearing sense of oppression over his target.
“What’s wrong?” Su Wen asked.
Why did he sport such a dark look? Did someone provoke him?
“Trouble will come Imocking if you partner up with He Yulan,” Zhou Hengyang said, his words tinted in ice. “If I’m not around, you won’t have peace.” Indeed, Su Wen was a magnet for trouble.
No wonder Li Youcai had had no choice but to ask him to return.
Do you think the rest of the Su family will be unhappy and find trouble with me?” Su Wen had considered this issue but was unwilling to compromise. When she had been schemed against by others, the rest of the Su family had idly watched; some even kicked her while she was down.
Now with business booming, why should she give them anything?
“Whatever! My Second Aunt is eyeing this house. She won’t be satisfied no matter what I offer,” Su Wen said casually.
Zhou Hengyang’s expression softened. “I’m glad you realize.” He was so proud that Su Wen had changed for the better.
He Yulan did not try to hide her business that day. She carried a basket of steamed cakes, preparing to sell them in town. Many villagers witnessed the scene. Those who met her in the town’s market chose to converse with her, their children clamoring for a piece of the delicious-smelling steamed cakes. With gritted teeth, those villagers each bought a steamed cake, even if they had not wanted to.
Although the steamed cakes were expensive, they were incredibly delicious. One look and anyone could tell that it was expertly made.
The villagers and townsfolk who bought it were all envious of its taste. When they returned home, they spoke to anyone who would listen about the wonders of the steamed cakes He Yulan had sold in town. By nightfall, the entire village learned of the new business.
No sooner had He Yulan’s family exited Su Wen’s house than the villagers began gossiping.
Under the shaded boughs, those who had just returned from work gathered to spread the news. Slowly, the topic of their discussions diverged from the impending land distribution to the new business venture by Su Wen and He
Yulan.
Several comparisons were drawn between them and Sister Chrysanthemum’s business. Sister Chrysanthemum had been the first to open a small provisions shop in the village and had promised prices comparable to those in town for goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, oil, salt, sauces, vinegar, etc.
such as cigarettes, alcohol, oil, salt, sauces, vinegar, etc.
At first, people patronized her small shop because she had kept her word.
The common consensus among villagers was that if the price were the same, they would not need to go to town to buy their daily necessities. However, some people grew jealous. When they saw Sister Chrysanthemum’s success, they followed suit, opening provision stores for themselves.
In less than a week, at least three other shops dealing in the same goods opened in the village.
It created intense competition.
“Aiya! Have you heard? Uncle Gengtian’s family is opening a provisions shop at the intersection. Which shop are you going to buy goods from in the future?” A voice piped up from amidst the crowd of gossiping villagers.
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Another voice said, “Although our village isn’t small, it isn’t so big that we need more than one provisions shop. What’s the point of having so many of them?”
Chen Guihua, who stood in the crowd, munching on melon seeds, said, “If there’s only one provisions shop, it’ll mean Sister Chrysanthemum will have a monopoly.”
“What? Chen Guihua, are you planning to open a shop too?”
“So what if I am? Is there anything that says I can’t?” When Chen Guihua heard that Sister Chrysanthemum had opened a shop, she immediately thought of doing the same. “Trinty Village has plenty of people.. If I were to open a
provisions shop too, wouldn’t it make buying things more convenient for my family?”
Chapter 278: Mocking Chen Guihua
Chen Guihua had a good plan. She wanted to open a provisions shop in the village by relying on her connections. Many people with the surname Su were in the village, almost comparable to the other three surnames that dominated Trinity Village. If she opened a shop, those with the surname Su would flock under her banner, if only not to lose face, becoming an extension of her will.
Whosoever dared to defy her would receive a tongue lashing, one they could do nothing to stop.
If they did, wouldn’t they be siding with outsiders? If so, they deserved the chastisement.
For this reason, Chen Guihua was collecting information on who else had opened shops in the village besides Sister Chrysanthemum.
“Eh? Chen Guihua, do you plan on opening a provisions shop too?” a voice in the crowd laughed. “Wouldn’t that be no different from putting food before a mouse? You don’t want to eat yourself out of house and home, do you?”
Shoo!” Chen Guihua threw the remnants of her melon seeds at the person who spoke. “You’re just jealous. You’re jealous that so many people with the surname Su call Trinity Village their home. Humph! You don’t need to look at me with green eyes just because I’m opening a store.”
“Why would I be jealous? Aren’t you the jealous one?”
“True.” A chubby woman squatting on the ground huffed at this moment, a
sneer stretched across her face. “Your jealous- -that’s what it is.”
“What do you mean?” Chen Guihua groused, unwilling to accept the woman’s words.
“Oh? Haven’t you heard? I’m surprised. Everyone in our village has heard the news.”
Many people nodded in agreement.
“What? What is it?” Chen Guihua demanded anxiously. “I’ve never been jealous of others in my life! I’m content with my lot. It’s you who is jealous! Only someone jealous of others will know another when they see one!
“Alright, alright. Chen Guihua, stop pretending.”
Do you think we don’t know you? Didn’t you decide to open a shop only after seeing Sister Chrysanthemum’s success?” The villagers were not optimistic about Chen Guihua’s plan.
Chen Guihua was notoriously lazy. Whether she would manage to sell anything or be forced to procure her goods via theft… the possibilities spoke for themselves.
“He Yulan recently started a business. She’s selling steamed cakes in town. I saw her this morning when I visited the market and discovered a long queue of people waiting to buy some; business was booming.”
“Really?” Chen Guihua gulped. “Steamed cakes are always nice; I’ve heard those she sells are delicious!” The last time she had seen one of those steamed cakes was when Little Sister Su toted hers around town. Back then, she had wanted to snatch it from the wretched girl, but she was too quick and managed to escape before she could get her hands on her.
Chen Guihua had no trouble or to cause a scene, so she had no choice but to let Little Sister Su go.
“That’s right! That sweet taste… oh! I can just smell it! I would have bought a piece to try if it weren’t so expensive that it would burn a hole in my pocket.”
“I’ll buy one tomorrow to try.” While Chen Guihua was unwilling to spend on most things, good food was the exception.
Despite their poverty and mounting debt, Chen Guihua could not break her indulgence and need for good food. She passed her nights restlessly whenever she could not eat what she wanted. Sleep was not an option since her dreams of food would plague her then.
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“Chen Guihua, why would you need to buy one? Can’t you just ask your eldest niece for a piece or two? Would she dare deny your request?”
What do those steamed cakes have to do with Su Wen?”
Chen Guihua had yet to connect the dots. All the villagers laughed, some hoping Chen Guihua would make a fool of herself. Few believed her to be a good person, and many were glad she had gotten her just desserts by having been left out of the loop by Su Wen.
Some people thought Su Wen was siding with outsiders, and whispers of her dishonesty mingled in the crowd. Even if her aunt and uncle were in the wrong, she should not have allowed them to become the joke of the village. Now, the Su family had become a laughingstock.
Everyone laughed at Chen Guihua..
Chapter 279: Taking Sides With an Outsider
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Guihua.” Zhang Chunxiang waved at Chen Guihua, her expression a cold mask.
They usually did not get along and often quarreled in front of their mother-in-law. Chen Guihua’s original plan involved ignoring Zhang Chunxiang, but curiosity won out, and she decided to see what the latter wanted. With a quick brush of her hand, she rid herself of the dust clinging to her pants and returned the greeting.
“What is it?”
“Su Wen and He Yulan are business partners. Have you heard? They’re selling steamed cakes.” Zhang Chunxiang’s face was as black as the bottom of a pot, her lips a fine line that accentuated her mean look.
A few days ago, she had failed to catch him in the act. Instead, she had made a fool of herself. Reining in her anger had been difficult – one exacerbated by the news she heard from Pingping, whom she had tasked to keep an eye on Su Xuewu. Pingping had kept a vigil over Su Xuewu, but he did nothing to draw her suspicion. Eventually, Pingping turned her sights outward.
When she did, she learned of the news that had taken the village by storm.
Zhang Chunxiang did not expect Su Wen to know how to make steamed cakes. To make matters worse, she had taught an outsider the tricks of the trade, allowing them to reap the rewards. She had not even spared her aunt or uncle a second thought.
Su Wen was a heartless fiend.
“What? Can you say that again?”
“Su Wen is behind those steamed cakes He Yulan is selling.” Zhang Chunxiang was not in the mood to beat about the bush. Not even the thought of Chen Guihua causing a scene and making a fool of herself was enough to put a lid on her annoyance. Why? The answer was self-explanatory. Su Wen had humiliated her. Now, she was the village joke, and everyone was making crass jokes about her estrangement from the family.
To think Su Wen would start a profitable business and would rather let outsiders benefit than her family.
“No wonder I smelled something sweet in the air these few nights. So Su Wen was making steamed cakes!” Chen Guihua slapped her thigh. “Ah! I knew she was hiding something. She pretended not to know what I was talking about and refused to admit anything when I pressed.”
Chen Guihua had been watching Su Wen, so she knew of Su Wen’s forays into town to sell things. When she confronted her, Su Wen denied everything, going so far as to beat her up in displeasure.
“She’ll anger me to death!” Cheng Guihya ground her teeth, furious. “I can’t let this go. I’ll have Fourth Grandma and the village chief uphold justice.” Previously, she had been in a poor position to negotiate, but things were different now.
She had kept a low profile by staying at home and refusing to go out.
Hah! Let’s see how you’ll get out of this now!”
Zhang Chunxiang nearly popped a blood vessel from Chen Guihua’s stupidity. “The past is the past, and the present is the present. Who can you blame but yourself for the mistakes you made? Just because she’s doing business now doesn’t mean she’s been doing it all this while. Besides, the state has permitted us to sell things and do business. Weren’t you going to open a provisions shop?”
If it weren’t for the fact that she wanted to cause trouble for Su Wen and snatch the business of selling steamed cakes from He Yulan, she wouldn’t have looked for Chen Guihua. Why else would she try and take advantage of her?
“That’s true…” Chen Guihua finally said. “How annoying. No wonder she dared to let everyone know!”
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We’re Su Wen’s aunts. Even if she wants to cooperate with others, she should still have turned to family before outsiders. How could she let others take advantage of her? Don’t you agree?”
“I do.” Chen Guihua wanted to know what was happening, so she took the lead and marched toward Su Wen’s house. “I’ll have a word with her now.”
“We should.”
The two of them had agreed to look for Su Wen together. Along the way, they met familiar people who greeted them and asked them what they were up to. They said they were going to Su Wen’s place to speak with her about those steamed cakes. Honestly! Did she consider her elders at all?
As such, before Chen Guihua and Zhang Chunxiang arrived at Su Wen’s house, word traveled far and wide, and soon the whole village knew of the impending confrontation..
Chapter 280: Listen to Me
Even Su Xuewu and Su Xueqiang heard about it. It was a huge matter with a lot of money involved, unlike the last time Chen Guihya caused trouble for Su Wen. In their haste, they bumped into each other at the door.
“Second Brother, we can’t let Su Wen be willful about this. Big Brother is no longer around. As her uncles, we have to guide her well. We can’t let outsiders deceive her,” Su Xueqiang said haughtily. “Others might be afraid of Zhou Hengyang, but we don’t! No matter what he might say, we’re still his elders. I don’t believe he will do anything untoward to us.”
Su Xuewu was the village accountant, so he had some worldly knowledge.
For example, when Sun Dahai was beaten up in the village for no reason, he did not believe it was a burglar. Why would a thief, who had stolen nothing as far as anyone knew, beat up Sun Dahai?
It was inconceivable!
However, Su Xuewu did not speak his mind, too busy drooling over the prospect of new wealth through the sale of steamed cakes. He did not care even if his actions offended Zhou Hengyang. After all, what was his anger in the face of such astronomical profit? It was just as Third Brother said. Zhou Hengyang may have dared to beat up Sun Dahai, an outsider, but surely he would not do the same to his family.
Unless, of course, he no longer wished to be the Su family’s son-in-law.
At that point, the Su family would chase Zhou Hengyang out of the village, regardless of Su Wen’s desires. Since their Big Brother was dead, buried six feet under, it was up to them, as Su Wen’s uncles, to guide her. They could not let a live-in son-in-law like Zhou Hengyang bully her.
Those were the words Su Xuewu repeated in his mind to persuade himself of the correctness of his actions.
Second Brother, I hear He Yulan made a tidy profit today. Word around has it that she made several dozen yuan, almost equal to your monthly salary as an accountant.” Su Xueqiang’s eyes were bloodshot as he spoke.
“Humph!” Su Xuewu snorted, “I’m Su Wen’s uncle. She has to listen to me.”
“Of course.”
The two of them soon reached an agreement.
Meanwhile, Su Wen and her family were having dinner. The atmosphere at the table was tense. No one spoke. They all ate in silence. Su Xue and Fifth Sister were curled up at the other end of the table, looking like frightened kids. Neither felt like eating; instead, they picked on their food, pushing it from one end of their plate to another.
The food was undoubtedly delicious, yet they could not bear the thought of eating, feeling almost unworthy.
Although stubborn, Su Xue was still a young girl and reacted like others her age would have.
Usually, Su Wen would simply ignore them when angry – they knew her well enough to discern that much. What they did not know how to deal with, however, was Second Sister’s present animosity toward them.
Their Second Sister had never been angry with them before. When they first returned home, they had thought Second Sister would not treat them differently.
They were wrong.
Till now, no one paid any attention to them. If not for the fact that she was afraid Fifth Sister would become distraught should she speak up, Su Xue would have done so by now. If nothing, it would have eased some of the tension in the room.
“Second Sister…” Su Xiu began, somewhat hesitantly.
“We’re having dinner,” Su Qing barked, “can’t you keep your mouth shut when you’re eating?”
Ah!” Su Xiu squeaked, cowering in fear.
Su Wen sat at the head of the table and eyed her sisters back and forth. Finally, her eyes met Zhou Hengyang, seated across from her, and plastered on a wan smile.
“I’m full.” Su Wen put down her bowl.
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“Big Sister, is that all you’re eating?” Sixth Sister asked. “Third Sister’s noodles with dumplings are delicious!” She had never eaten such heavenly food before. The dumplings were juicy inside and made her mouth water.
Little Sister Su, unwilling to be outdone, turned to Su Wen attentively, perhaps more so than even Sixth Sister.
“Big Sister, Big Sister, don’t let your bad mood affect you. I’ll always be your cotton-padded jacket! I’ll always treat you well.” As if it were not enough, Little Sister Su continued, “When I grow up, I’ll earn lots of money to ensure Big
Sister leads a good life. I’ll give all my earnings to you.”
Sixth Sister could not take Little Sister Su’s shamelessness and rolled her eyes. “Bootlicker,” she muttered. How annoying….