Old Four Miao Pingshun rarely gave praise, saying, “I think Second Sister looks good like this, like someone who does big things! Just like the leaders at the sugar factory.”
Old Five Miao Ping’an followed along cheerfully, “Leader, big leader!”
Meng Suling couldn’t stop smiling, “You boys sure know how to talk. I hope your second sister really becomes a cadre someday.”
Although it wasn’t very realistic, one should always have dreams, right?
As soon as the family entered the sugar factory compound, they saw the group of elderly people and women chatting under the shade of the trees.
Zhao Qin, who lived next door to the Miao family, was carrying a vegetable basket. When she spotted Meng Suling’s family, her voice rose noticeably, “Oh! Isn’t this Suling! Haven’t seen you for a good while since you moved away! Is this Yunwei? She’s all grown up now! Tsk tsk, wearing dacron, huh! Is that convenient for work?
I heard the temporary loading and unloading workers at the bus station have it tough, working from morning till night without a break. Even grown men might not be able to handle it. You should be careful, girl! If you can’t do it, just quit. Let your grandparents and uncle’s family figure something out!”
Her seemingly concerned words were full of mockery, sarcasm, and a hint of schadenfreude.
But Meng Suling, unusually, burst into laughter, looking at Zhao Qin with disdain, “That’s all old news! I almost forgot about it! Our Yunwei is now a proper ticket-selling attendant at the bus station, a formal employee!”
“What? You’re dreaming!” Zhao Qin’s beady eyes widened more than double, the fake concern and smile gone from her face, replaced only by disbelief and suspicion.
Meng Suling smoothed the stray hairs by her ear, proudly shaking her head, crossing her arms, “Others might need to dream, but not our family! By the way, if any of you have trouble buying tickets for long trips in the future, you can come find our Yunwei in advance. It’s easier to get tickets through her! Oh right, girl, which route do you run?”
Miao Yunwei cooperatively leaned in, her voice crisp and clear, “I work shifts with Big Brother, on the provincial capital route, passing through Xiamen City, Quanzhou City, and Putian City. Just come find me if you’re going to any of those places.”
“Hear that! From now on, if any of you are going to these places, just come find our Yunwei. This time she went out, she even brought back dozens of catties of sweet potatoes from Quanzhou. I heard they’re 1.8 fen per catty there, and no ration tickets needed. What a bargain!”
Meng Suling dropped another bombshell.
Everyone present were women responsible for their families’ food expenses. Hearing this price, they all became restless, crowding around Miao Yunwei until she was completely surrounded.
“Yunwei! Can you help Auntie bring back some sweet potatoes? Auntie’s family has several mouths to feed. This month’s grain ration tickets are almost gone. It’s so worrying.”
“Yes, yes, our family too. My daughter-in-law just had another grandson recently. It’s overwhelming!”
…
As everyone chattered noisily, Meng Suling was almost squeezed breathless. She shouted loudly, “Quiet, quiet! Our Yunwei is a ticket seller, not a truck driver. She’s not here to haul goods for you. What are you thinking!”
Miao Yunwei worried that Meng Suling might offend the whole crowd, so she quickly spoke up tactfully, “Aunties and grannies, I’ve taken your matters to heart. However, the company has rules—the luggage compartment on the bus is only so big, and we can’t carry other items. Last time, I bought a bag and placed it on the steps, barely managing to bring it back. Tomorrow when I go to work, I’ll ask my colleagues how to handle such situations and give you all a definite answer later. Is that alright?”
The disappointed crowd in the courtyard regained their smiles.
They praised Miao Yunwei one after another, calling her clever, capable, and straightforward—almost lifting her up to the skies.
Zhao Qin had originally hoped to see Meng Suling’s family become a laughingstock. Instead, not only did she fail to see any embarrassment, but she also had to watch them show off. Fuming, her eyes turned red as she gritted her teeth and said sourly, “So what if she became a ticket seller? What’s so great about that? Xuewei is going to marry Supervisor Du’s son. Even if she doesn’t work in the future, someone will support her—respectable and comfortable.
Back then, Supervisor Du’s son was quite taken with Yunwei! Who would’ve thought the tables would turn, and now his girlfriend is Yunwei’s cousin.”
Miao Yunwei’s face immediately darkened. She stepped forward seriously and said, “Auntie Zhao, I understand the situation of housewives, and I know you have nothing to do but revolve around your own little world, enjoying gossip about this family or that. But you can’t just flap your lips and spout nonsense without any basis.
We all used to live in the same courtyard and were classmates, growing up together since childhood. I never met him privately or spoke to him alone, and Mr. Du never did anything that could be misunderstood. How did it become so twisted in your mouth?
If you hadn’t said it today, I wouldn’t have known you were spreading such rumors about us kids. Thankfully, I came today.
Aunties and grannies, I, Miao Yunwei, formally clarify today that Mr. Du and I are just ordinary classmates and friends. Whoever he dates has nothing to do with me. The main reason I came today is for my grandparents.”
Everyone exchanged glances and nodded repeatedly.
“That’s what I thought! This girl has always been quiet and well-behaved, only playing with the other girls in the courtyard. I’ve never seen anything involving Supervisor Du’s son. Zhao Qin must have heard it from somewhere, spinning such a detailed tale that she fooled us all.”
“Exactly, I heard it from Zhao Qin too. How could she make up stories about children?”
“Zhao Qin, I have to say, at your age, you should act more like an elder!”
…
For a moment, Zhao Qin became the target of everyone’s criticism, making her so angry her nose seemed to twist.
Meng Suling lowered her eyelids, a slight smile curling at the corners of her mouth. She spoke methodically, “Before the family split up, the place was so tiny you could bump into someone just turning around. Supervisor Du’s son came over a few times to borrow books and ask about homework, but he didn’t just ask our Yunwei—the elders were watching!
Zhao Qin, if you were so curious back then, why didn’t you come inside and join the discussion about homework? Maybe you wouldn’t be spreading such nonsense now.”
The women nearby burst into loud laughter. “Don’t joke! She can’t even read a single character. How could she discuss homework? Would she even understand?”
A wave of laughter erupted around them.
Zhao Qin, humiliated and furious, cursed at the woman angrily before turning and storming off in a huff.
Meng Suling exchanged a few more words with everyone, then led her children upstairs, strutting proudly like a victorious rooster.
Just as she reached the stairwell entrance, she heard bursts of joyful laughter coming from the Miao household.
Liu Meilian, Du Zhenkai’s mother, held Miao Xuewei’s hand, her face beaming with smiles. “I’ve watched Xuewei grow up since she was little—clever, quick-witted, and beautiful. She and our Zhenkai are a perfect match made in heaven. I really like a girl like her.”
Upon hearing this, Ke Guixiang’s smile deepened. “Xuewei is my only daughter, so of course I’ve put all my effort into raising her, teaching her everything by hand. Not like the second branch of the family—so many children, they can’t even manage them all. What a headache!”
She waved her hand dismissively, her expression full of disdain.