However much Xu Xia could tease Zhao Hui in private, she still maintained the image of a well-behaved girl in public.
With so many people suddenly appearing, she shyly yanked her hand back with force, which only made the movement more noticeable and drew more attention.
Zhao Hui, on the other hand, remained calm, greeting each person with “Auntie” or “Madam” before introducing, “Yes, this is my fiancée, Xu Xia.”
Those seeing Xu Xia for the first time couldn’t take their eyes off her. “Good heavens, there really is someone so beautiful in this world. Girl, how do you take care of your skin? It’s so fair!”
He Hongying came over upon hearing the commotion. “Oh, that’s just how she’s born. Xiaxia, come inside quickly, don’t stand at the door.”
Only after saying this did she notice the bowl in Xu Xia’s hand covered with newspaper, and asked what she had brought.
Xu Xia said it was braised pork. “I bought some meat today, and thinking that Zhao Bobo would enjoy it, I specially brought a bowl for you to try.”
As she spoke, she smiled gently, her voice soft and light like cotton floating on water, making others unconsciously lower their voices too.
“How thoughtful of you to remember us.” With such a sensible future daughter-in-law, He Hongying felt honored. She removed the newspaper, and the rich aroma of meat wafted out, stimulating everyone’s appetite. “It smells delicious. Xiaxia, your cooking skills are wonderful.”
Noticing others swallowing their saliva, He Hongying said directly, “Don’t say I’m stingy, but this was specially made by Xiaxia for us old folks. Maybe another time you can taste her cooking.”
Xu Xia stood obediently by Aunt He’s side, not needing to say anything as Aunt He handled everything.
Although everyone lived in the family compound, not everyone could eat meat every day. Some were drooling with envy but felt too embarrassed to ask.
One person, however, was less polite and snorted, “Probably not tasty, that’s why they don’t dare let others try.”
Xu Xia looked at the speaker—a woman around Aunt He’s age but darker, taller, and with prominent cheekbones. She didn’t recognize her.
He Hongying raised her eyebrows slightly. “The children’s intentions are what matter most. Whether it’s delicious or not, we’re the ones eating it.” Not taking the bait, she carried the braised pork to the kitchen.
Then the same elderly woman who had spoken earlier scrutinized Xu Xia. “I say, Zhao Hui, you only care about looks when choosing a wife, just like your father. Not the best taste.”
This was too insulting. Cai Zhuyin hurried over to intervene. “Sister Wu, didn’t you say last time you wanted to sew pants for your grandson? I happen to be free today. Why not come to my place?”
“Before you kept putting it off, probably didn’t want me visiting. Now, for He Hongying’s little daughter-in-law, you can tolerate it.” Wu Yue’e didn’t hold back. “I don’t have the face to fawn over others. Fine, since I’m unwanted, I’ll go home.”
Watching Wu Yue’e leave, Xu Xia wondered to herself—was there some history here?
Seeing the situation turn awkward, the others found it pointless to stay and bid farewell to He Hongying one by one.
When He Hongying came out from the kitchen, she didn’t understand what had happened. Looking at her son and Xiaxia—one silent, the other shaking her head—her granddaughter eventually relayed Wu Yue’e’s words, causing her face to darken.
“Grandma, what exactly happened between you and Grandma Wu? She’s always speaking ill of you in the family compound, yet you won’t let me argue with her.” Zhao Yunzhu couldn’t understand it. Every time she asked, her grandparents wouldn’t say anything, and her parents told her she was just a child and shouldn’t ask so many questions.
“We’re both over fifty, what could possibly be the matter?” He Hongying said. “You’re just a child, don’t worry about such things. Why aren’t you in school today?”
“Classes are suspended,” Zhao Yunzhu replied.
Class suspensions were common, happening two or three days a week. Many students failed their exams and couldn’t graduate, but they didn’t see it as a big deal. Since they couldn’t take college entrance exams now, studying so much was useless—it was better to start working and earning money early.
“Even if classes are suspended, you should still study. Go upstairs and read,” He Hongying said, shooing her granddaughter away before turning to her son and daughter-in-law. “So, what did you buy today?”
Xu Xia said she had bought some clothes and shoes. When He Hongying heard she hadn’t purchased a wool coat, she scolded Xu Xia for being too frugal. “Don’t be stingy with money. Zhao Hui has been working for many years; he has plenty. You’re his wife, you should spend his money.”
Xu Xia smiled and agreed. As it was getting late, she needed to head home. When Zhao Hui walked her back, she finally asked about Wu Yue’e.
“I’m not sure about that either. It’s some old grudge from their younger days; you don’t need to worry about it,” Zhao Hui said. “But keep your distance from Aunt Wu in the future. She dislikes everyone in our family.”
This only made Xu Xia more curious, but if even Zhao Hui didn’t know, she couldn’t very well ask Aunt He. She’d have to observe carefully over time.
Meanwhile, Wu Yue’e left the Zhao household and sat in the pavilion in the family compound, gossiping about Xu Xia. “That youngest daughter-in-law of the Zhao family, she’s all flashy and seductive—clearly no good. Zhao Hui took so long to pick someone, and he ends up with that? He’ll have nothing but trouble ahead.”
Everyone in the pavilion knew Wu Yue’e despised the Zhao family. With nothing else to do, some naturally gossipy folks asked what the matter was.
“You’ll see when you meet her—she’s like a reincarnated fox spirit. Keep a close eye on your men, don’t let her steal their souls,” Wu Yue’e exaggerated, growing more dramatic as she spoke. She wouldn’t go home until she’d had her say.
Similarly, Tian Mei and her daughter were also speaking ill of Xu Xia.
Zhao Hui’s telegram had already arrived at the Xu family home. Wang Xiufang was overjoyed upon hearing the news. Having met Zhao Hui in person, she was thoroughly satisfied with him.
Zhao Hui had even sent her money to buy a train ticket. She had rarely traveled in her life, but now that her granddaughter was getting married, she had to go.
Wang Xiufang bought a train ticket for early the next morning. Knowing her granddaughter didn’t like her eldest daughter-in-law and the others, she decided not to bring anyone along—she would go alone.
Last time, Xu Xia had gone to Xu Chun’s in-laws’ house and caused such a scene that Xu Chun had been forced to act meek and humble ever since. She repeatedly explained to her husband that she had only meant to warn Zhao Hui out of goodwill, and since she was pregnant, her in-laws had finally started treating her a bit better.
But every time she thought about what Xu Xia had done, she felt sick with anger. Her complexion had been terrible lately.
Tian Mei brought her a bowl of fish soup. “You should at least drink a little. The baby in your belly is what matters most, understand?”
“I can’t. The smell alone makes me nauseous; I really can’t drink any,” Xu Chun said, covering her nose and leaning wearily against the headboard. “I just saw Grandma, and she didn’t even show any concern for me. Mom, how could Xu Xia marry someone like Zhao Hui?”
In her previous life, Xu Xia had fallen in love at first sight with her beloved, clinging relentlessly until she ruined her own reputation and earned her family’s disdain. But now, everything was completely different—not only did Xu Xia refrain from seducing her beloved, she even gained a Childhood Sweetheart.
Xu Chun initially thought her rebirth had altered the storyline, but this change was so drastic it made her wonder: could Xu Xia be a reborn soul like her?
“That wretched girl got lucky, but don’t worry—with Xu Xia’s personality, she’ll be disliked wherever she goes. The Zhao family doesn’t know her true nature. Just wait and see, her life will never compare to yours. Think about how good Wenbin is to you. When will he be promoted to Regimental level?” Ever since Xu Xia’s last visit, Xu Dazhong had shown her no kindness, especially behind closed doors when she tried to reconcile, only for him to reject her advances.
Tian Mei blamed all of this on Xu Xia, refusing to acknowledge any fault of her own. She believed she acted for the family’s good—it was Xu Dazhong who failed to see reason.
“Sigh, I’m not sure. I don’t dare ask about his work now, afraid he’ll think I’m pressuring him.” Xu Chun had brought it up once, but Zhou Wenbin questioned whether she was comparing him to Xu Xia’s fiancé, the Regiment Commander, and urging him out of rivalry.
Furious but unable to show it, Xu Chun could only deny this, claiming mere concern.
“You don’t need to be so cautious. You’re married with a child—what is there to fear?” Tian Mei urged her daughter to live with confidence. “Once you give the Zhou family a son, they’ll treat you like royalty!”
“Mom, it’s not that simple.” Xu Chun knew things had changed; her in-laws’ kindness was solely for the child she carried, not genuine care for her.
She longed to visit Jiangcheng to see how Xu Xia was faring with the Zhao family—whether, like her, it was all surface charm with little substance beneath.
Xu Chun found herself obsessing over Xu Xia’s life daily, losing sleep and feeling on the verge of madness.
“How is it not that simple? Bringing a child into this world is your top priority! And if you want to outdo Xu Xia, just have a son before her—you’ll secure your place in the Zhou family. As for Xu Xia, she might not even be able to conceive. She’s been delicate since childhood, far less robust than you.”
Tian Mei hoped Xu Xia would remain childless, imagining her own satisfaction in five or eight years. “Enough about that ill-omened girl. Tell me, how goes finding a female soldier for Jianshe?”
With the military’s good benefits and her son already employed, Tian Mei yearned for a grandson soon.
Xu Chun said it wasn’t possible. “Wenbin still holds a grudge over my approach to Zhao Hui. If I ask him to introduce someone to Jianshe, he might overthink it. Mom, don’t rush—Jianshe is still young.”
“He’s not young! I’d already given birth to your eldest brother at his age.” Tian Mei clicked her tongue. “Xiao Chun, you’re the most capable in our family. Remember to look out for us. If your maternal family is strong, you’ll have more standing in your husband’s home, won’t you?”Weary of the topic, Xu Chun nodded perfunctorily.”
Hearing her grandmother’s voice in the yard, Xu Chun’s thoughts drifted back to Xu Xia and Zhao Hui. She truly couldn’t comprehend what Zhao Hui saw in Xu Xia—aside from being somewhat pretty, Xu Xia had nothing else to offer!
In truth, Xu Xia was acutely aware of her advantage in looks: beauty combined with any other trait became an irresistible force.
The day Grandma arrived, Xu Xia brought her younger brother to the station early to pick her up.
Xu Xia gazed anxiously at the exit, growing impatient. “Do you think Grandma will find her way?”
“Should we go inside to check?” Xu Fengshou missed their grandmother too.
“They’re coming out now—people are starting to emerge.” Xu Xia stood on tiptoe, nervously scanning each person exiting until a familiar figure appeared in her sight. She waved excitedly.
Meanwhile, Xu Fengshou dashed toward the crowd. “Grandma, it’s me!”
Wang Xiufang was overjoyed to see her grandson. “Where’s your sister?”
“She’s over there. Sister bought meat a few days ago. Come home with us—we’ll make salted meat for you.” Xu Fengshou mentioned there was also mutton, which he had queued up early at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative to buy. Because Grandma was visiting, he didn’t skimp on expenses—he wanted to buy delicious food for her.
When Wang Xiufang saw her granddaughter, her eyes grew moist. “You look well, with such rosy cheeks. Hurry and take me back to see what your home is like.”
Ever since her grandchildren had left, she had wondered daily about their living conditions. Were they staying with the Zhao family or had they moved out on their own? If they were with the Zhaos, would they have to endure others’ moods? Her young granddaughter had a temper—what if she argued with someone?
She worried and worried, until several more white hairs sprouted on her head.
Xu Xia assured her that their home was wonderful and led Grandma to the cinema. They passed through a corridor and arrived at the backyard.
Spotting Wang Qinghua doing laundry, Xu Xia introduced her proactively. “Qinghua, this is my grandma. She’s here for my wedding banquet.”
Wang Qinghua wiped her hands on her apron and smiled shyly at Wang Xiufang. “Hello, Grandma Xu.”
“Oh my, what a sweet girl.” Wang Xiufang opened her cloth bundle and scooped out a large handful of peanuts. “Here, dear, have some. I roasted them myself—they’re very fragrant.”
After handing over the peanuts, she reached for some roasted soybeans, making Wang Qinghua blush with embarrassment.
“Xu Xia,” Wang Qinghua looked to her for help.
But Xu Xia was delighted. “My grandma’s roasted peanuts and soybeans are delicious. Come over for lunch—I’m steaming salted meat.”
“But…”
“Don’t be polite with me. A near neighbor is better than a distant relative. We’re colleagues, neighbors, and good friends. It’s only because my grandma is visiting that we have enough dishes to treat you.” Xu Xia told Wang Qinghua they’d chat later and linked arms with her grandma as they headed home.
Once inside, she gave Grandma a tour. “This is the living room and where Fengshou sleeps. This room is mine. I specifically asked Zhao Er Ge to tell you to come early. See how nice our place is? You’ll sleep here with me.”
“Good, it’s very good.” Wang Xiufang looked around, touching the cotton quilt. “Oh, it’s brand new and so soft.”
Xu Xia confirmed, “Aunt He gave it to me. I’ll take you to visit her tomorrow. Please sit—I’ll start cooking for you.”
Wang Xiufang couldn’t sit still. She told her granddaughter not to rush with the meal—she had brought two large bundles. Besides the roasted peanuts and soybeans, there were cloth shoes she had handmade for her grandchildren. “Try these on first—see if they fit. I made Fengshou’s a bit larger since he’s still growing. Xiaxia, yours are made to your previous size. I also brought water chestnut cake—you probably can’t get it in Jiangcheng. I queued up early to buy it and almost got into a fight before snagging this pack. Oh dear, why is it so crumbled?”
As she unwrapped the oiled paper package, many cake crumbs scattered out.
Xu Xia hugged her grandmother with teary eyes, “We’re not five-year-olds anymore, why would we still crave snacks? Water chestnut cake is so hard to get, you must have gone before dawn.”
“Didn’t need to be that early. The Supply and Marketing Cooperative opens at seven, I just arrived at ten to seven. Oh, don’t cry now. If you keep crying, I’ll start too. How old are you? Will you still cry this much when you become a mother someday?” Wang Xiufang comforted her granddaughter. She was afraid – afraid the children wouldn’t live well, afraid they’d miss hometown flavors. She’d brought everything she could, even the half jar of fermented bean curd from home.
“I’ll cry if I want to. No matter how old I get, I’ll always be your sweetheart.” Xu Xia clung to her grandmother, refusing to let go.
Xu Fengshou couldn’t bear to watch anymore. He helped put things away, then went to light the coal stove to cook.
Worried Wang Qinghua might feel awkward coming over, Xu Xia sent her brother to invite her after the meal was ready.
The four of them sat down together. Wang Xiufang served dishes to the three young people, “You should all eat more.”
After the meal, Wang Qinghua helped wash dishes and whispered to Xu Xia, “I really envy you, having such a warm family atmosphere.”
Unlike her own family, where her younger brother was still fighting with their parents over his relationship. Her grandmother had privately approached her, urging her to give up her job.
“You’re only seeing the good side. My aunt isn’t exactly wonderful. Don’t envy me – every family has its good and bad. What about your brother’s situation? Still not resolved?” Xu Xia washed dishes alongside her.
Wang Qinghua shook her head no. “My brother is stubborn. He thinks since he’s been with someone, he should stay with them forever. He went to their house and got beaten up, but now blames our family for not supporting him. These past couple days he’s been threatening to become a live-in son-in-law. My parents are worried sick day and night. You know our family situation – we really have too many people, we can’t possibly free up a whole room. Now that I’ve moved out, I told the girl we could divide my room for their marriage, but they still refuse.”
She wasn’t someone full of ideas, she could only worry. Lying awake at night, she wondered if she really should give up her job.
Xu Xia finished washing the bowls and turned off the tap. She looked up at the blue sky and sighed, “The sun is so beautiful today.”
“Qinghua, on such a beautiful day, you should try to see things differently. Do you think you don’t deserve this job? Or do you truly want to give it to someone else?”
“I…” Wang Qinghua bit her lip, then shook her head, “Am I being very selfish?”
“This isn’t selfishness. Think about it from another perspective – that girl and your brother are pressuring you to give up your job. Have they considered your situation? Aren’t they the selfish ones?”
Xu Xia spoke with deep concern, “Everyone should put themselves first. Whether it’s work or marriage, you can work hard, you can love someone with all your heart, but only if that’s what you want to do. As for your brother, since your family has many members and truly can’t meet the girl’s demands, and he insists on being with her, then let him become a live-in son-in-law.”
Xu Xia thought this was an excellent solution.
“But if my brother does that, my parents will definitely feel ashamed,” Wang Qinghua said.
“Then is it really too much for her to ask for a room? If we were getting married, wouldn’t we want a room to start our married life?” Xu Xia didn’t think the girl’s request was unreasonable – it was Wang Qinghua’s brother who was being stubborn. “Since your brother proposed becoming a live-in son-in-law, let him do it. You’re just his sister – you don’t need to worry so much about his life.”
“Qinghua, relax a little. Everyone has their own way of living. If your parents care too much about face and stubbornly refuse to agree, just let them keep worrying. Maybe there will be a turn of events someday—their work unit might suddenly assign them housing.”
When people carry too many burdens, life becomes exhausting. Xu Xia was never like that. If something was her responsibility, she would bear it. But if that responsibility suffocated her, she wouldn’t hesitate to be a bit more selfish.
After all, it’s only natural for people to want a better life. There’s no need to impose too many moral constraints on yourself—that would be too tiring.
As the sun grew hotter, Xu Xia carried the bowls and chopsticks back inside and saw her grandmother cleaning. She pulled the elderly woman to sit down.
“You’re here with me now, so don’t work. I asked you to come early so you could enjoy life.” Xu Xia leaned into her grandmother’s embrace. Without needing to do anything special, just quietly staying like this made her feel immensely happy.
Noticing her younger brother standing at the door, she waved him over. “Fengshou, you come too. Let your sister give you a hug.”
“I’m going to do my homework.”
“Haha, so easily teased.” After cuddling with her grandmother for a while, Xu Xia took her out for a stroll in the afternoon. Early the next morning, Zhao Hui came to pick them up by car.
When they arrived at the Zhao Family home, not only were Zhao Manfu and his wife present, but Zhao Ming’s family was also there.
Wang Xiufang, representing Xu Xia’s elder, was meeting the Zhao family elders for the first time. The Zhao family attached great importance to this occasion—upon hearing the car arrive, the entire household came to the door to greet them.
When Zhao Manfu saw Wang Xiufang, both were reminded of Xu Erzhong. As Zhao Manfu prepared to address her, he found himself awkwardly stuck on the appropriate form of address.
He and Wang Xiufang were roughly the same age, but Wang Xiufang was Xu Xia’s grandmother while he was Zhao Hui’s father—there was a generational gap between them.
“Long time no see.” After hesitating briefly, Zhao Manfu ultimately skipped the formal address. “Please, come inside and sit.”
This was Wang Xiufang’s first time seeing such a large house—not only did it have a courtyard, but it was also two stories tall. She couldn’t help feeling nervous when entering, but felt reassured having her granddaughter by her side throughout.
“Please have some tea.” He Hongying proactively poured tea, then glanced at her elder daughter-in-law and signaled with her eyes. “Danfeng, come with me to help in the kitchen.”
Sun Danfeng didn’t want to sit there forcing smiles, so she readily followed her mother-in-law into the kitchen. She couldn’t understand why her parents-in-law liked Xu Xia so much—many cadres’ daughters had shown interest in her brother-in-law, yet they rejected them all.
When she saw Wang Xiufang earlier—timid and hesitant, clearly a country grandmother—she looked down on such provincial manners from the bottom of her heart. With in-laws like these, her brother-in-law would lack support in his future career prospects, and she felt it wasn’t worth it for him.
Noticing her elder daughter-in-law’s stern expression, He Hongying said quietly, “Danfeng, you’re educated. Mom knows you have broader perspective and better social skills. Since Xia Xia is marrying into our family, we should treat her as one of our own from now on, don’t you think?”
She couldn’t phrase it too bluntly, not wanting to embarrass her elder daughter-in-law. But some gentle reminders were necessary—only with family harmony could they have a good life together.
Understanding her mother-in-law’s meaning, Sun Danfeng smiled. “You’re absolutely right. Our family isn’t large to begin with, so we should be even closer and warmer with each other.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. Later I’ll talk to your father-in-law—after the New Year, let Yun Zhu spend winter vacation with your family. We’re getting older and can’t manage your lives forever. You’ll have to live your own lives eventually.” Having said what needed to be said, He Hongying began cooking.
When Xu Xia asked if she needed help, she quickly declined, “On a day like today, how could we let you do any work? Go ahead and have tea and chat with them.”
Sun Danfeng chimed in, “That’s right, Xia Xu. The kitchen work is for me and Mom. We don’t need so many people.”
She still couldn’t bring herself to use overly intimate terms of address, but her mother-in-law was right—Xu Xia and her brother-in-law’s marriage was already settled, and her son had dodged a bullet. She ought to be happier about it, at least on the surface, and try to get along with Xu Xia as harmoniously as possible.
Seeing that there was truly nothing for her to do, Xu Xia headed back to the living room, where she encountered Zhao Yunzhu, who wore a stern expression.
“Hey, I’m talking to you!” Zhao Yunzhu snapped, spreading her arms to block Xu Xia’s path.
“Huh? Feeling bold today, are we?”
“You! Your grandmother is here today, and you still dare to threaten me?” Zhao Yunzhu had encountered Sister Zhizhi a few days ago, but Zhizhi hadn’t spoken to her and had run away as soon as she saw her from afar. It must have been Xu Xia who did something to Sister Zhizhi.
Xu Xia laughed, “Why wouldn’t I dare? Since I’ve been wronged by you, I should tell my family all about it. If you hadn’t come to me, I might have almost forgotten about the last incident. Since you’re so considerate, go pour tea for us. I want honey water. My grandmother can’t have anything too sweet, so just give her Guihua Cha. And brew a cup of Mai Ru Jing for my brother.”
She walked up to Zhao Yunzhu and deliberately said mischievously, “Don’t make it too hot. If it burns me, I’ll tattle on you.”
“You… you… you!” Zhao Yunzhu was nearly driven mad but didn’t dare argue with Xu Xia. She glared at Xu Xia resentfully, only to end up crying from her own frustration. “How can you bully me like this?”
Xu Xia felt not an ounce of pity. What a foolish girl. If she were Zhao Yunzhu, she would have stayed far away instead of delivering herself to be ordered around.
“I am bullying you, so hurry up and go. I’m thirsty.” Xu Xia patted Zhao Yunzhu’s shoulder. “Be good and go.”
Zhao Yunzhu thought Xu Xia was a demon. She had never met anyone worse than Xu Xia, but she didn’t dare disobey. Wiping her tears, she went to pour the tea, looking utterly pitiful.
Seeing her daughter taking initiative, Sun Danfeng asked in disbelief, “Yunzhu, did… did your grandfather ask you to do this?”
“No.” Zhao Yunzhu replied irritably, cursing Xu Xia in her heart. She wished that after Xu Xia married her second uncle, he would bully her harshly—her second uncle was fierce!
In the living room, Wang Xiufang chatted sporadically with Zhao Manfu and his son. She was very nervous and didn’t know what to talk about, so she blurted out, “I’m getting old and my memory isn’t what it used to be. Before you wrote back to me, I mistakenly thought the person engaged to Xiaxia was your grandson. Haha.”