Meanwhile, Liu Xiuqin was holding Jiang Yingying’s hand, wiping away tears. “My girl, I’m so worried about you! The Shen family is dirt poor—they can’t even afford to eat their fill…”
Jiang Hongying cut her off. “Mom, stop upsetting little sister! I think she’s doing just fine—better than before she got married!”
Ever since getting married, her temperament had changed. She now wore a gentle smile, a far cry from the days when she would throw tantrums at home.
Jiang Yingying leaned against Liu Xiuqin coquettishly. “Mom, you have no idea how much I’ve missed you. I was so immature before, but after getting married, I’ve come to realize that my mom is the very best mom in the world!”
After saying this, she glanced charmingly at her two older sisters. “Big sister and second sister have been so good to me too. I’m truly the happiest!”
Jiang Hongying laughed heartily. “Who would’ve thought? Even your tongue has grown sweeter?”
Jiang Jingjing, who rarely spoke much, also smiled. “Little sister has changed.”
Only Liu Xiuqin felt both relieved and concerned. “My girl, did you force yourself to change because life with the Shen family is so hard?”
Jiang Yingying shook her hand cheerfully. “Mom, how could a daughter of yours ever let herself be bullied?”
Finally, Liu Xiuqin was amused. She sighed, fanning herself with a hand fan. “Alright, alright. Before you leave, take the remaining fish with you.”
“No.”
Jiang Yingying refused. “How can I take things when visiting my parents’ home?”
“If I say take it, then take it! So many excuses!”
Liu Xiuqin put on a stern face, then glanced at her two older daughters. “And don’t you two feel resentful. Yingying just got married, and she’s still young. As her mother, it’s only natural that I show her a little extra care.”
Their mother’s favoritism was nothing new, so the sisters didn’t take it to heart.
Just before leaving, their third brother, Jiang Mancang, mysteriously slipped her a small package. “Little sister, this is something really good. I went through a lot of trouble to get it. Open it when you get home—I’m sure you’ll love it!”
Jiang Yingying’s heart stirred. The package wasn’t large and felt quite light, resembling fabric to the touch.
Unable to resist her curiosity, she took a quick peek. It turned out to be a thick stack of Dacron fabric, white with pink floral patterns, giving off a modern, fresh vibe.
During this time, most people made their own clothes. A single garment would be worn for three years, patched for another three, and mended again for yet another three.
Moreover, rural folks working in the fields mostly wore coarse cloth, usually in shades of blue, black, or gray…
Dacron was a newly developed fabric, and clothing made from it was considered a luxury.
On the way back, Shen Yao remained as silent as ever, but Jiang Yingying paid it no mind.
Quietly, she checked her luck points. Thanks to this visit to her parents’ home, she had accumulated eight points, and the variety of items she could exchange for had increased.
Aside from food, there was also wealth luck.
Jiang Yingying’s heart stirred, but she didn’t rush to make an exchange. Having just taken fish and rice from her parents’ home, food wasn’t an immediate concern.
She decided to wait a little longer.
But before they even reached home, they ran into someone else.
It was the daughter of Jiang Yingying’s uncle, around the same age as her but with a reputation that was the complete opposite.
She was practically the dream girl of every young man in the village.
With an oval face, not particularly fair but glowing with health, and a pair of large, innocent eyes—especially those two thick, dark braids hanging down her back.
Jiang Yingying couldn’t help but think of an old song: “There’s a girl in the village called Xiao Fang…”
Coincidentally, this girl was also named Jiang Xiaofang.
“Cousin, leaving so soon?” Jiang Xiaofang smiled warmly, linking her arm through Jiang Yingying’s. “I was hoping to have a heart-to-heart with you!”
She then glanced at Shen Yao with wide eyes. “Is this your husband?”
What a pointless question, Jiang Yingying thought inwardly, though she maintained a gentle smile. “Little Fang, where are you off to?”
Xiaofang’s expression immediately turned troubled. “Father is sick again, and the farm work is piling up. I have to hurry to the fields.”
She cast an envious look at Jiang Yingying. “You’re so lucky, cousin. Your husband is so capable—a real expert in the fields. Ah, I hope I can marry someone as wonderful as him someday!”
Oh? Another conniving one? This girl is quite the sly fox too!
Jiang Yingying rolled her eyes internally but outwardly gave Shen Yao a bashful glance. “Xiaofang, men like your brother-in-law are rare. You shouldn’t set your standards too high.”
Sure enough, Xiaofang’s expression shifted.
Though not as beautiful as Jiang Yingying, Xiaofang had a dignified, virtuous appearance—the kind that suggested she’d be a good wife and mother. She had studied for a few years as a child and even took the college entrance exam last year. Though she didn’t pass, it made her feel superior, raising her standards for men. She was determined to marry a city dweller.
Last year, she had met a factory worker from the county town, and the two had dated for a while. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out in the end…
Now, Jiang Yingying’s words felt like a soft knife, stabbing right into her heart.
“Cousin, you should focus on your own life. Besides, the autumn harvest is coming soon. No matter how capable your husband is, he’ll need help. Let me advise you: since you’re married, just settle down and focus on the farm work. Don’t let your mind wander.”
By the end, Xiaofang had regained her smugness. So what if Jiang Yingying was pretty? That educated youth Cheng still didn’t want her! As for herself, she was different—she had sworn to marry a city man! And just a few days ago, she had met some section chief…
Jiang Yingying tugged at Shen Yao’s sleeve, her voice soft and sweet. “Brother Yao, what should I do? I’m not very good at farm work. You won’t look down on me, will you?”
As she spoke, her gaze drifted meaningfully toward the rice and fish they had brought back.
Shen Yao wasn’t much of a talker, but he wasn’t foolish. No matter how much he disliked Jiang Yingying, in public, she was his wife. In a battle between two women, he had no reason to side with an outsider—especially since the rice and fish from his father-in-law had solved their food shortage. Not to mention, he had enjoyed her dried meat and rabbit yesterday.
His tone turned serious. “When has our family ever asked you to do farm work? Just rest and don’t worry about it.”
Xiaofang’s face instantly darkened. She gritted her teeth and forced a smile. “Brother-in-law really dotes on his wife…”
Jiang Yingying kept her arm linked with Shen Yao’s, smiling even more brightly at Xiaofang. “Don’t be jealous, little cousin. I was just born lucky…”
Was there any point in continuing this conversation?
Xiaofang’s expression turned completely sour. She snorted. “Well, cousin, enjoy your life. I’ll be going now!”
Once Xiaofang was out of sight, Shen Yao pulled his arm away, his tone sharp. “Be careful. What will people think, seeing you cling to me like this in broad daylight?”
Jiang Yingying murmured an “okay” and obediently put some distance between them.
Shen Yao glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, feeling irritated again. Why is she standing so far away?
Returning home, Li Xuelian felt tears welling up again at the sight of the rice and fish, growing more convinced that she had somehow stumbled into marrying an excellent daughter-in-law.
No, the wedding must be consummated soon…
But just then, Jiang Yingying dashed into her room, completely absorbed in studying the Dacron fabric…