“If you’re thinking about it, just give it a try. Besides, even though you haven’t been teaching at a school for the past few years, you’ve been teaching at tutoring centers the whole time, so it’s not like you’re out of practice. Don’t lose confidence in yourself. You’ve seen for yourself—business here is decent. I have a steady, slow-but-steady income, so I’ve got no problem buying groceries or meals.
“Of course, I’m not doing this for nothing. If you get into the program, you’ll have to give me some pocket money every month—you’ll still have to take good care of me.” Lin Yanan seemed to realize something and quickly backtracked.
“Alright, if I get in, I’ll do whatever you say, Mom. But I’ll have to discuss this with Qin Feng first.” Watching her mother-in-law’s reaction, Li Xue found it rather amusing.
Having lived together for so long, Li Xue found herself struggling to recall what her mother-in-law used to be like. Now, her mind was filled with her current image: tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Although she might say things that seemed unreasonable, her actions told a different story. Picking up the child, doing housework, and cooking—these seemed like ordinary tasks, but when she actually did them, she realized just how tedious they were. With someone to share the load, Li Xue found life a little less burdensome.
After searching for a job for some time, Li Xue knew all too well how difficult it was to find a suitable position. The prospect of a stable job with a decent salary was tempting. But preparing for the exam would take several months, meaning the family would not only have no income but would also have to spend money. She felt torn and didn’t dare make a decision lightly.
“Alright, you two discuss it. I’ll definitely support you in this.” Lin Yanan didn’t interfere in the couple’s affairs anymore; she simply stated her position.
“Then go for it. With your education, your major, your work experience, and your hard work, what could possibly go wrong? It’s not just Mom—I support you too.” After dinner and before bed, Li Xue told Qin Feng about the teacher recruitment exam and Lin Yanan’s stance. After Qin Feng went over the family’s income and expenses with her, he reassured her that the family could manage.
“I was thinking we could use the money Mom gave us to pay back those 20,000 yuan first. But since that’s the case, let’s hold off on repaying it for now, just in case. It’s already a done deal anyway.” If the other party needs the money urgently, they can always pay it back later.
“Honey, that’s all well and good, but I still feel so much pressure. What if I fail the exam next year?” ” With everything at home taking a backseat to her exams, Li Xue felt the weight of immense pressure if she didn’t get in next year.
“If you don’t get in, just take a few months off and look for a job later. Since we got married, you’ve never really had a break—you’ve supported my mom and sister’s living expenses without ever saying no. Now that you have this great opportunity, you should go for it.” ” Qin Feng pulled her close, gently stroking Li Xue’s back as he spoke softly.
“We’re husband and wife—why bring all that up? Since you put it that way, I’ll give it a shot.” Though she felt the pressure, Li Xue didn’t want to let this opportunity slip away.
“Do you still feel a little pressure inside?” The couple pressed against each other, and sparks were bound to fly.
“Mm-hmm.” Li Xue nestled into her husband’s embrace, one leg draped over his, her voice soft as she replied.
“Since that’s the case, as your husband, I certainly can’t just stand by and watch. Let me help you relax a bit.”
“Relax? How…” Before Li Xue could finish her sentence, Qin Feng had already started moving. Now she finally understood what “relaxing” really meant. After their lovemaking, they slept soundly through the night.
“Mom, how are you and Dad doing?” After her civil service exam plans were settled, Li Xue returned to her parents’ home to visit them.
“I’m doing great. Your dad has recovered well after his acupuncture treatments. He used to be unable to lift his right arm high, but now he can raise it above his shoulder. He can’t cut meat yet, but he can chop vegetables and even stir-fry simple dishes now. His blood sugar and blood pressure are both within normal ranges. We don’t need you and your husband to worry about us anymore.
Didn’t you see your dad at the community square when you came back? You know he can’t sit still—after he finishes eating, he loves to go out for a stroll and chat with people. He just can’t stay cooped up at home. In fact, just the other day he told me that now that his legs are feeling better, maybe we should go visit your mother-in-law together? We don’t want people to say we’re being rude.”
Mrs. Li was quite happy to see her daughter. Even though they lived in the same city and spoke on the phone regularly, nothing could compare to seeing her in person.
“As long as you’re both well, I’m at ease. But there’s no need to visit my mother-in-law just yet—she’s too busy. I’ll pick a date, and we’ll all have a meal together instead.” Hearing that her parents were in good health, Li Xue was relieved and quickly told her mother about everything that had happened recently, including quitting her job, preparing for the teacher certification exam, and the fact that her mother-in-law had opened a tailor shop.
“Alright, since she’s busy, we won’t go over just yet. But having something to keep her occupied means she won’t be watching your every move. By the way, since you quit your job to study for the exam, are you short on money? “Your father and I still have a little saved up. If you need it urgently, I’ll give it to you.”
Of course, Mrs. Li wasn’t keen on her daughter living with her mother-in-law, but with the elderly woman ill, there was no other choice. If they’d sent her back to her hometown, what if something happened there? Who could guarantee they wouldn’t hold a grudge? Since she was already here, they’d just have to get along. Mrs. Li was just worried her daughter might be mistreated. Now, looking closely at her daughter and listening to what she had to say, it was clear she was doing just fine, so she could finally rest easy.
“No need, Mom. We still have some money back home. If we really run out, we’ll ask you then.” Li Xue shook her head, refusing to take the money from her parents’ hands. Back when they got married, they had already contributed a significant portion of the down payment—nearly two-thirds of their savings. Later, when Li’s father fell ill, it drained the family’s savings, leaving them with no choice but to ask her and her husband for help. Later, Li’s mother took early retirement to care for Li’s father. The elderly couple’s only source of income was their monthly pension of 7,000 yuan. While that was enough to cover daily living expenses and medication, it wouldn’t be sufficient if they needed to be hospitalized.
Li’s parents were well aware of this and had always made a concerted effort to take good care of their health, trying their best not to burden their children. Even Li’s father, who had smoked for decades, had now quit. Fortunately, their efforts have paid off. Both are in good health now, so Li Xue doesn’t have to worry about them constantly.
They chatted about everyday life and cooked a meal together. Before they knew it, time had flown by. After Li’s father returned and the three of them had finished dinner, Li Xue headed home, carrying the prepared food Li’s mother had packed for her.
“Jiajia, why are you standing out here? Come inside.” ” As soon as Li Xue got home, she saw Luo Jiajia standing at the door, looking a bit downcast.
“Li Xue…” No sooner had she stepped inside than Luo Jiajia threw her arms around her; her voice sounded a bit choked up.
“It’s okay, it’s okay. What’s wrong? Can you tell me?” Li Xue was taken aback, but she quickly hugged her and whispered words of comfort.
“That jerk of a husband of mine says he wants to bring his mom over in a few months. He knows full well that his mom and I just don’t get along—she doesn’t have a temperament as good as yours. Who knows what kind of mess that’ll turn into.” With Li Xue’s reassurance, Luo Jiajia opened up about the dilemma she was facing: after marriage, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflict had become an unavoidable problem.
“Have you had a serious talk with your husband about this? I don’t think he’d ignore your feelings. I bet he wants to bring her over because he’s worried about your safety when you’re home alone—he probably doesn’t feel at ease leaving you by yourself while he’s at work!
Also, if you don’t want his mother to come, will you be able to handle things on your own later?” Li Xue wiped away Luo Jiajia’s tears and spoke gently. She had once shared similar concerns and worries herself. While she couldn’t say she felt exactly the same way, she could at least understand some of Luo Jiajia’s feelings.
“Not yet. The moment he mentioned bringing my mother-in-law over, I got angry and didn’t want to discuss it further. He saw I was upset and didn’t press the issue.” Luo Jiajia’s emotions had calmed down somewhat; her anger no longer dominated her thoughts.
“Then talk to him again. There are still several months left. After all, you’re pregnant—he can’t possibly not care about you. And if your mother-in-law doesn’t come, who do you want to come? Or should we hire a postpartum care worker?” The period around childbirth is so hectic that one person can’t manage it alone; someone needs to be there to help.
“We can’t afford a postpartum care worker. If my mother-in-law doesn’t come, I’d like my own mother to come.” Luo Jiajia said after thinking for a moment. Compared to her mother-in-law, she naturally preferred having her own mother by her side. Even if they argued, she could do so with a clear conscience.
“In that case, you two should have a good talk when you get back. If you don’t want to stay cooped up at home all the time, you can come downstairs, or I can take you for a walk.” Staying home alone makes it easy to overthink things; going out for a walk helps clear your head.
“That sounds great. But aren’t you looking for a job anymore?” There were no secrets between them; Li Xue had already told Luo Jiajia about quitting her job. And she was well aware that Li Xue was looking for a new one.
“I am looking, but I want something a bit less demanding—a job that doesn’t require constant overtime.” Li Xue didn’t want to spend all her time at home studying for exams; she wanted to find a job close to home so she could work and study at the same time.
“I see. By the way, I was out for a walk the other day and noticed a new dance studio opened near our neighborhood. They’re hiring a front desk clerk—why don’t you give it a try? According to the job posting, it’s a two-day weekend, pays 2,500 yuan, and the hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.” After hearing Li Xue’s plans, Luo Jiajia recalled a job listing she’d seen.
“The hours do sound pretty good. I’ll go check it out tomorrow.” Hearing this news, Li Xue was quite happy—finally, things were starting to fall into place.
When Li Xue went over and discussed the work schedule and responsibilities with the boss, both sides felt it was a good fit, so they agreed she would officially start next week.
Li Xue had found a new job, and her future plans were finally set in stone—all she had to do was move forward. It should have been a cause for celebration, but there was a downside: when the payday for her previous tutoring job rolled around, they hadn’t paid her a single cent.