When Xu Nian’an arrived home, only her eldest sister-in-law was there. She was washing vegetables at the time and smiled happily when she saw Xu Nian’an.
She quickly took a cup of iced water and a popsicle out of the fridge and handed them to her.
“An’an, you’re back? Riding a bike this early in the morning must’ve been exhausting in this heat. Next time, tell someone to get your brother to ride over and pick you up. Goodness—why did you bring a chicken too? We have everything at home. You should’ve kept it for yourself.”
Xu Nian’an took the water and drank a few sips. “My mother-in-law asked me to bring it. It’s home-raised.”
Yu Aizhen had married into the family very young. Not only did her parents-in-law stay out of her and her husband’s household affairs, they also gave them some money from time to time.
Her sister-in-law was easy to get along with as well, so she and Xu Nian’an had always had a good relationship—almost like she had watched her grow up.
Yu Aizhen took Xu Nian’an’s hand and led her inside. Several little kids ran in from outside, clinging to Xu Nian’an’s legs and calling out “Auntie, Auntie!” nonstop.
Xu Nian’an took out the candies she had bought at the supply and marketing cooperative and handed a few to each child.
“Only one a day, okay? Otherwise you’ll get cavities.”
“Okay~” the little ones answered in unison.
Yu Aizhen laughed. “They listen to you the most. I’ve said it so many times, and none of it works as well as one sentence from you, the college student.”
Xu Nian’an smiled, then carefully observed Yu Aizhen’s expression. Only when she saw no trace of displeasure did she finally relax.
The kids in the family admired Xu Nian’an the most.
College students were rare in those days, and she was the only one in the entire alley who had gotten into university. Anything said by a college student naturally carried more weight than words from others.
“Auntie, are you not leaving this time? You’re coming back for summer vacation, right?”
Little Tiechui shook Xu Nian’an’s leg, looking up at her with big, blinking eyes. A child’s eyes were dark and bright—so endearing that it was hard to refuse him, especially when all the Xu family’s children were fair and soft-looking.
Behind him, Xu Xiaoyu hugged one of her legs while Xu Sisi tugged at her hand.
Xu Nian’an gently pinched each of their cheeks. “How about I stay and play with you for a few days?”
Yu Aizhen laughed and reached down, lifting the two children who were squatting on the ground.
“Don’t bother your aunt anymore. She’s already married—how can she stay home with you all the time? Why don’t you go live in the city instead?”
Although she said this, she still turned to look at Xu Nian’an. Yu Aizhen had helped decorate Xu Nian’an’s apartment in the city before.
Seeing that Xu Nian’an didn’t answer right away, she didn’t say more. A married daughter not living with her in-laws would only attract some gossip—it was no big deal.
Xu Nian’an was so beautiful. As a young woman living alone, everyone worried about her safety. Now that she was living in the countryside, although it was farther and less convenient, the Lu family was large. At least safety and daily life weren’t a concern.
By noon, Wu Chunlan returned home. When she saw Xu Nian’an, she was overjoyed and smiled warmly as she looked her over.
“My precious, why didn’t you tell me you were coming back? I could’ve had your dad ride over to pick you up.”
Xu Guoliang was already a deputy factory director. He wasn’t always tied down at work, so stepping out occasionally wasn’t an issue.
Xu Nian’an’s eyes reddened. This was something she had never experienced in her previous life.
Her sister-in-law had said the same thing that morning. This family truly treated the original Xu Nian’an very well.
Seeing Xu Nian’an’s reddened eyes, Wu Chunlan’s tears immediately fell. She raised her hand and touched Xu Nian’an’s face.
“It’s only been a month—how did you lose so much weight? Is the food at the Lu family not good?”
Xu Nian’an quickly wiped away Wu Chunlan’s tears and comforted her. “It’s delicious. They treat me well too. Lu Xiulian knew I was coming home today. She went to the river yesterday and gathered a lot of river snails. She stir-fried a huge basin this morning and had me bring it back.”
All the uneasiness she’d felt along the way was soothed by Wu Chunlan’s few simple words.
From now on, she had a home too.
Not long after, Xu Guoliang returned as well. He had barely stepped into the courtyard when his voice rang out.
“Ah Lan, guess who I ran into today?”
Xu Nian’an was making the bed in her room. Hearing this, she looked into the mirror and, mimicking the original owner’s tone, called out, “Dad,” from inside the room.
Looking at her young reflection, she smiled. From now on, she would have parents who loved her.
She thought to herself: Xu Nian’an, the life you didn’t get to finish, I’ll live it for you. I’ll be filial to your parents and protect your family. Thank you.
She stood up and opened the door. “Dad, who did you see that made you so happy?”
Xu Guoliang was delighted to see his daughter. He lifted the bag of braised pig intestines in his hand.
“I ran into Lu Xiuxiu. She’s running a stall at the gate of our machinery factory. I chatted with her for a bit. She said you’re doing well at the Lu family. I bought a portion to bring home and try.”
Xu Nian’an’s expression changed instantly. Lu Xiuxiu really had no shame—bullying her so badly at home and still daring to use her father’s name. Did she think Xu Nian’an was dead?
Lu Xiuxiu probably hadn’t expected her to come home today.
Seeing his daughter’s face darken, Xu Guoliang casually tossed the bag aside, his own expression turning grim.
“What’s wrong? Did she bully you?”
Seeing his daughter’s expression change, Xu Guoliang casually tossed the bag of braised pig intestines aside, his own face darkening.
“What’s wrong? Did she bully you?”
“Bully me? That’s putting it lightly!” Xu Nian’an sat down at the table and first poured her father a cup of tea. “She almost killed me!”
In truth, she had already killed the original Xu Nian’an.
After saying this, the whole family gathered around.
Xu Nian’an looked at her family surrounding her with concern, her eyes reddening again just as she was about to speak.
A voice came from the doorway. “Mom, Dad, guess who I saw today?”
It was her eldest brother, Xu Weidong. Xu Guoliang’s face darkened, and he barked angrily, “Get inside and eat, now!”
Not long after, Xu Weinan also came home and saw three portions of braised pig intestines on the table.
Xu Nian’an was fuming.
She didn’t know whether to call Lu Xiuxiu foolish or cunning.
Lu Xiuxiu must have known that sooner or later, Xu Nian’an would tell her family what had happened, so she had sold one thing to three members of the Xu family.
Who knew how many portions of braised meat she had sold today under Xu Nian’an’s family’s name?
Xu Nian’an immediately recounted everything that had happened at the Lu household over the past couple of days. She did not hide the fact that she had almost drowned.
After all, the original Xu Nian’an had experienced it—her parents had the right to know.
Wu Chunlan was so furious that she slammed down the chopsticks. “The Lu family! What did they say when they came to propose? And now, only a few months later, they bully you like this? You stay home this time and don’t go back. You two boys don’t go to work either—this afternoon, I’m going to Lu Xiuxiu and tear her a new one. How dare she treat my daughter like we don’t exist! Even a little sister-in-law dares openly bully her sister-in-law!”
Wu Chunlan’s chest heaved violently with anger. Xu Nian’an quickly spoke to calm her.
“Mom, don’t be angry. I won’t let Lu Xiuxiu off either. Now the whole village knows she almost tried to kill her sister-in-law for her dowry. Her reputation is completely ruined.”
Of course, Xu Nian’an wouldn’t just leave it at Lu Xiuxiu’s reputation being ruined. The future was long.
Xu Guoliang’s face remained stern. “Listen to your mother. Stay home for now. If Lu Zhiqiang doesn’t personally come to pick you up, you’re not going back. My daughter isn’t someone who can be bullied! This afternoon, I’ll have a word with the security guard. She won’t be allowed to set up a stall near the machinery factory anymore.”
Her younger sister-in-law, Yuan Meiling, added, “Yes, little sister should stay at home. If your bike is dirty, you can swap it with mine.”
They had bought their bikes together, and Yuan Meiling only used hers to ride to work, so it was very well taken care of.
The children, who had just been scared into silence by their grandparents, were now clamoring around Xu Nian’an, begging her to stay home.
Xu Nian’an felt warm inside. This was what it felt like to have a family that loved and protected you.
She smiled. “Mom, Dad, I want to be self-employed.”