Jiang Rou jerked her hand back in fright. It took her quite a while to steady herself before she slowly leaned forward to look again. Through the gaps between the ornaments, a flash of dazzling gold caught her eye. She recalled how, in the old days, wealthy families often hid their treasures behind secret mechanisms.
Heart pounding, Jiang Rou reached out once more and carefully pushed aside the hairpins. At the very bottom of the jewelry box lay a bed of gold—one bar, two bars, three bars… Six whole gold bars!
She swallowed hard, unable to stop herself, and lifted them out one by one. After emptying the ornaments, she noticed what seemed to be a hidden compartment beneath the bars. Feeling around as before, she heard a crisp “click”—another layer sprang open.
This time, what appeared before her was a pair of jade-green bangles. She couldn’t tell whether they were valuable, but they looked exquisitely beautiful. Beneath the bangles lay a folded piece of silk. Jiang Rou lifted it out and unfurled it, revealing a sheet of yellowed calligraphy. The bold, vigorous brushstrokes clearly belonged to a master’s hand. As for which master, she had no idea.
“Thump, thump-thump, thump-thump-thump…” Jiang Rou felt her heart was about to leap out of her chest. She couldn’t help marveling: just one trip to the scrap recycling station, and she’d stumbled upon so many treasures—what incredible luck!
Quickly, she tucked the items back into the hidden compartment of her jewelry box, then concealed it behind the stone brick where she usually hid her money. Next, she placed her own hair ornaments neatly into the “Prosperity in Bloom” box. Only after everything was properly stowed away did she finally have the mind to fix her hair.
When she stepped out of the room, she heard Chen Ailan grumbling: “My heavens, you finally came out! Hurry up, we still need you to help me check out that waiter.” Saying this, she grabbed Jiang Rou’s hand and pulled her along.
Jiang Rou let herself be led, her little heart that had been thumping wildly now gradually calming down.
Chen Ailan had booked a table at the Beijing Roast Duck Restaurant. The prices here were steep—ordinary families would never choose it for entertaining guests. But for the sake of Han Yuanshang’s marriage prospects, she had gritted her teeth and come anyway.
By the time they arrived, the others were already seated in the private room, chatting merrily.
Han Yuanzhi was the first to spot them. Seeing Jiang Rou dressed more beautifully than ever, he couldn’t resist calling out in praise: “Well, look who it is! Our Chen family’s fairy has arrived!”
His teasing made Jiang Rou blush scarlet. Knowing how thin-skinned she was, Chen Ailan shot him a fierce glare. “Get lost! You always have to butt in, don’t you?”
Han Yuanzhi, unwilling to provoke the tigress, rubbed his nose and sat back down.
Jiang Deshan, catching sight of Jiang Rou’s outfit, also praised her without hesitation.
Chen Ailan, impartial as ever, rolled her eyes at him too.
“Of course she looks stunning. I picked this dress for her myself. My niece is naturally beautiful—she doesn’t need a fancy wool coat. Even in a sweater dress, she outshines anyone wearing one a hundred times over!”
Her words left Jiang Deshan and Chen Aihe momentarily stunned. Once they recovered, Chen Aihe quickly explained: “That wool coat Qiuyu wears was a gift from Zhong Fang.”
They had never played favorites—there was no way they’d buy something so expensive for the elder daughter and not for the younger. And besides, Jiang Rou was her own flesh and blood; how could she ever treat her unfairly?
Seeing the couple so foolishly defensive, Chen Ailan nearly laughed in exasperation. “After dinner, you two should go home and tally up how much you’ve poured into Jiang Qiuyu over the years. If her fiancé were truly generous, she wouldn’t be asking the family for money every month. Or maybe she’s been saving up herself to buy that wool coat. Who knows?”
Jiang Deshan wanted to protest—it was impossible! He had watched Jiang Qiuyu grow up; she could never do such a thing. But when his gaze brushed past Jiang Rou’s simple sweater dress, the words stuck in his throat and never came out.
Chen Ailan ignored them and called over the waiter to bring the dishes.
The restaurant’s second chef happened to be a distant relative of the Han family, and he was the one who had played matchmaker for Han Yuanshang.
While waiting for the food, Chen Ailan casually found an excuse to pull Jiang Rou and Han Yuanshang out of the private room. Han Yuanshang looked utterly baffled. “Mom, if you two are going to the restroom, why drag me out too?”
“You haven’t heard? Lately there’ve been filthy hooligans hanging around the ladies’ room. Your sister’s so pretty—how could I let her go alone?”
Han Yuanshang pressed his lips together, tacitly accepting her reasoning.
The restroom was in the back courtyard. As they passed through the corridor, that distant relative of the Han family “happened” to bump into them and hurried over with a greeting: “Auntie, you came here to eat and didn’t tell me?”
Perhaps because it was his first time matchmaking—or his first time lying—his performance was a bit overdone. Jiang Rou found it almost unbearable to watch.
Chen Ailan, however, was unfazed, keeping up the polite small talk.
At that moment, the relative shifted his body, revealing the waitress behind him. He and Chen Ailan exchanged a look; both knew exactly what this meant.
Not only did they understand—even Han Yuanshang sensed something was off. His smiling eyes tightened into a frown, and he quickly reminded her: “Mom, weren’t you going to the restroom? Let’s go.” Then he turned to the relative: “Sorry, my mom’s stomach is upset. If you have time, visit our house. We’ll be going now.”
Chen Ailan, who most certainly did not have an upset stomach: “…”
The relative was sharp enough not to press further.
Once they had left, Han Yuanshang sighed helplessly. “Mom, could you at least discuss things with me before you act? And besides, I’ve only been divorced half a year—I’m not planning to remarry yet.”
The ruined matchmaking left Chen Ailan fuming. “You think I enjoy meddling? Why is it your ex-wife can divorce you and immediately remarry, but you can’t? A person has to live with some pride! You’re useless!”
Afraid the quarrel would sour their relationship, Jiang Rou quickly slipped her arm through Chen Ailan’s and whispered, “Auntie, I really do need the restroom—let’s go.”
Seeing Han Yuanshang’s dark expression, she added softly, “Brother, we’ll find the restroom ourselves. You head back first; don’t keep everyone waiting in the private room.”
Han Yuanshang thought for two seconds. Instead of returning to the private room, he chose to wait right there—this way, if any hooligans showed up, he could step in immediately.
On the way to the restroom, Chen Ailan sighed and began to complain. “That woman ruined your eldest brother’s whole life. And they used to call her the flower of the arts troupe—bah!”
Back then, everyone had praised the marriage. They thought she was lively, cheerful, and without too many schemes. In reality, her mind was full of holes like a sieve—she had just hidden it well. After the wedding, she proved herself no proper wife at all.
“If your brother remarries, I’ll make sure he finds a truly gentle and kind woman. Actually, I think Meng Wen from your courtyard would be perfect. Not only is she beautiful, but she treats even outsiders like you so warmly—she’d surely be even better to her own family.”
“Auntie, Sister Wen just divorced. How could you already be plotting to match her up?” Jiang Rou laughed helplessly.
Chen Ailan considered it and admitted the timing was off, but she still felt it would be a pity to miss the chance. So she handed Jiang Rou a task: “Spend more time with Meng Wen. If she ever wants to remarry, introduce her to your brother. How about that?”
“Alright, I’ll give it a try!”
Meanwhile, outside another private room in the roast duck restaurant—
Jiang Qiuyu stood clutching the polished jewelry box, tears brimming in her eyes as she faced Zhong Fang. “I just wanted to give Grandma a gift. Why won’t you let me in?”
Zhong Fang looked at her, irritation clouding his mood. “We’ve already broken up. Why are you still here?”
“It was Zhong Le who asked me to come. I’m delivering the gift as her friend—it has nothing to do with you.”
Zhong Le was Zhong Fang’s younger sister. When they were sent down to the countryside, she followed her brother, worried he might get into trouble. Later, she and Jiang Qiuyu became good friends, giving Jiang Qiuyu a chance to get close to Zhong Fang.
Using the excuse of being his sister’s friend to deliver a gift, Zhong Fang had no grounds to refuse and could only let her in. But before she stepped through the door, he still reminded her coldly: “Even if my grandma accepts your gift, I won’t get back together with you.”
Jiang Qiuyu pretended not to hear. She was confident in her gift—certain it would win Zhong Fang back.
Inside the private room, the seats were full, with a seventy‑year‑old elder at the head of the table, happily chatting with everyone.
At the sound of movement at the door, all eyes turned, expressions shifting in unison.
Seeing who had arrived, Zhong Le immediately stood up to greet her, smiling as she ushered Jiang Qiuyu toward the elder. “Grandma, look who’s here!”
Madam Zhong adjusted her reading glasses and looked at Jiang Qiuyu, recognizing her as her grandson’s former fiancée. She had heard about their breakup, but she didn’t bother meddling in young people’s affairs. Treating her as a guest, she smiled kindly: “Ah, Xiao Yu, I haven’t seen you in so long.”
Relieved that the elder wasn’t making things difficult, Jiang Qiuyu brightened and couldn’t resist complaining: “Grandma, Zhong Fang is throwing a tantrum at me—you don’t know how much I’ve missed you.”
Sweet words always found favor. Madam Zhong’s face lit up with delight. “You young ones love to quarrel. I’m too old to interfere. Come, sit down—you’ll get tired standing.”
Hearing that she wouldn’t step in to reconcile them, Jiang Qiuyu quickly presented her gift. “Grandma, I heard today is your birthday. I wish you blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountain.”
Her poised manner left a good impression. Madam Zhong’s gaze dropped to the jewelry box in her hands—but when she saw the pattern on the lid, her smile froze instantly.
Everyone’s attention was on them. Seeing her expression change, Zhong Fang rushed over. “Grandma, what’s wrong?”
Jiang Qiuyu mistook the reaction for shock at recognizing a cherished item. Feigning concern, she asked, “Grandma, don’t you like the gift?”
Zhong Fang glanced at the box in her hands and exploded with anger. “Jiang Qiuyu, have you lost your mind? Giving my grandma an old box? A new one wouldn’t even cost that much!”
Everyone stood up to look, and sure enough, it was a very shabby jewelry box, made of ordinary wood, cheap and worn.
Jiang Qiuyu froze in place. She wanted to say it was Grandma’s lost dowry, but she had no way to explain the truth. All she could do was glance pleadingly at the elder, hoping she would recognize the box’s origin.
Under her expectant gaze, Madam Zhong slowly spoke: “Xiao Yu, do you know what flower is carved on this box?”
“Ah?” Jiang Qiuyu was struck dumb. She disliked flowers and plants—she truly had no idea what it was.
The elder noted her reaction and chuckled softly. “It’s a hibiscus. I appreciate your thought, but take this gift back with you.”
Hibiscus—*fúsāng*—a homophone for *fúsàng* (“mourning”). To present such a thing at a birthday celebration was terribly inauspicious. The Zhong family erupted in anger. Especially Zhong Fang, who clenched his fists in fury. “Jiang Qiuyu, what do you mean by this? We broke up, and now you curse my family?”
At that moment, Jiang Qiuyu’s mind buzzed in shock. She had never imagined things would turn out this way. With tears in her voice, she tried to explain: “Grandma, I really didn’t know what flower it was!”
What was wrong with a hibiscus? Wasn’t it beautiful? Her heart brimmed with confusion, though she dared not ask aloud.
The elder regarded her quietly. “I believe you didn’t know.”
But the Zhong family would never accept a fool as a daughter‑in‑law. So much for the so‑called “prodigy”—just empty praise passed around by others.
Humiliated so deeply, even Jiang Qiuyu’s thick skin couldn’t keep her standing there. Zhong Le wanted to speak up for her, but her mother held her back, leaving her powerless.
Zhong Fang escorted Jiang Qiuyu to the door, his face still dark. “From now on, let’s not meet again. My family will never agree to me marrying you. And I hope you stay away from Zhong Le.”
Madam Zhong was the family’s anchor, and Jiang Qiuyu had committed a grave taboo today. Realizing the seriousness of it, she finally broke down in sobs. “I really didn’t mean it. I didn’t know Grandma disliked hibiscus. I only wanted to make her happy.”
Her crying drew a crowd of onlookers—including Jiang Rou and her companions, who had just been heading back to their private room and happened upon the scene.
“Didn’t your sister say she was going to celebrate her in‑laws’ birthday? Why is she crying here instead?”
Jiang Rou shook her head, just as bewildered.
Although Chen Ailan usually couldn’t stand Jiang Qiuyu, she was still family, so she didn’t just ignore her. She nudged Han Yuanshang beside her, urging him to go see what was going on.
Before long, he returned, leading a tearful Jiang Qiuyu, his face expressionless. “I asked her, but she won’t say. What now?”
“What else? Just bring her in for dinner.”
But Jiang Qiuyu didn’t want to go inside and lose face. She had followed them here only to find Jiang Rou. “Can you come out with me for a moment? I need to ask you something.”
Seeing her swollen, red eyes, Jiang Rou agreed.
The two went to a quiet spot. Jiang Qiuyu held out a jewelry box, her voice thick with tears: “Do you know what flower this is? Do you know its meaning?”
Jiang Rou leaned closer, puzzled. “It’s hibiscus. But hibiscus sounds like *mourning* in Chinese, so elders tend to avoid it. Why?”
“…” At that moment, Jiang Qiuyu felt as if struck by lightning, a wave of crushing defeat rising in her chest. Ever since her rebirth, she had worked tirelessly, determined to rise above everyone else. Yet in the end, she still couldn’t surpass Jiang Rou in this life. Furious, she hurled the jewelry box to the ground and ran off crying.
Jiang Rou stared blankly after her, thinking: Is the heroine mentally ill or something?
After leaving the roast duck restaurant, Chen Aihe pulled Jiang Rou aside, speaking in a low voice: “Xiao Rou, I swear I didn’t buy your sister that wool coat. I asked her where it came from—she said Zhong Fang bought it.”
Seeing her mother’s flustered expression, Jiang Rou sighed helplessly. “I didn’t suspect anything. It’s your money—how you spend it is up to you.”
But Chen Aihe still looked anxious, terrified her daughter might think she was playing favorites.
Time flew by, and in just a few days it would be May Day.
Every year on this holiday, the machine factory held a gala in the auditorium. Each department had to perform—and the cafeteria was no exception.
Han Yuanzhi had planned, as in previous years, to carve a radish flower and call it a performance. But this year the director insisted the cafeteria put on a proper program. He said he’d seen enough vegetable carvings over the years and was thoroughly bored.
Helpless, Han Yuanzhi gathered everyone for an emergency meeting before clocking out.
The moment they heard they had to perform, everyone pulled long faces. Cooking they could handle, but art? That was beyond them.
Han Yuanzhi sprawled in his chair, sipping tea, scolding them with frustration: “Honestly, it’s just a performance, and you’re all stumped? One by one, so useless!”
Someone piped up at that, teasing: “You’re our boss. If we’re useless, then it’s your turn! Right, everyone?”
“Right!” The chorus of agreement nearly made Han Yuanzhi’s nose twist with anger.
“Fine, I’ll do it! What’s the big deal? You lot really have no ambition!”
But his bold words quickly turned into regret. He pulled Jiang Rou aside just as she was about to leave work, whispering for help: “Sister, what do I do now? I can cook, but that’s it.”
Jiang Rou sighed heavily, countering: “Then why did you agree to it? I can’t help you with this.”
Han Yuanzhi scratched his cropped head, sulking, then cautiously suggested: “How about you perform something instead?”
“?!” Jiang Rou’s eyes went wide—of course she refused.
Out of options, Han Yuanzhi played the family card: “Remember when you were ten and fell into the water jar—who pulled you out? And when Jiang Qiuyu wouldn’t play with you, who caught grasshoppers with you every day? Oh, and when she ran around in your new shoes, who got them back for you? You heartless little thing—now your brother’s in trouble and you won’t help me!”
Looking back, Jiang Rou had to admit—without the company of her three cousins, her childhood would have been rather bleak. Softening her gaze, she finally compromised: “Alright then. But let me be clear—we have to perform together. You know I get nervous around crowds.”
Seeing her relent at last, Han Yuanzhi beamed. “No problem! I’ve already got it figured out. We can do a comic skit. I’ll be in front, you’ll be behind. I’ll act it out; you’ll deliver the lines. Perfect!”
Jiang Rou pressed her lips together, belatedly realizing—so all that talk earlier had been a setup for this! But since she’d agreed, she had to give it her all.
The next day, she even took half a day off to go shopping at the department store with Meng Wen, specifically to buy props for Han Yuanzhi’s performance. Walking down the street together, the two of them drew stares from everyone—they had a hundred percent turn‑back rate.
Remembering her aunt’s instructions, Jiang Rou thought for a moment, then casually asked: “Sister Wen, what plans do you have for the future?”
Meng Wen assumed she meant work, and replied that she’d wait until after graduating from university to decide.
Realizing the misunderstanding, Jiang Rou made her question more direct: “I mean in terms of relationships. What kind of man would you want?”
Meng Wen froze slightly, memories of her messy, failed marriage surfacing. She answered faintly: “I haven’t thought about it. I might never marry again in this lifetime.”
Seeing that she hadn’t fully let go of the past, Jiang Rou didn’t press further. Instead, she deliberately brought up Han Yuanshang.
“Oh, by the way, bad news—Shandian went back home with my eldest cousin. If you want to see him, you’ll have to visit my cousin’s place.”
“Really? Has he adjusted since going back?” Meng Wen asked, worried.
She was very fond of Shandian and often fed him treats. Perhaps because Shandian knew his father worked at the meat factory, he often lingered near her house. Over time, their bond had grown deeper.
Jiang Rou’s eyes lit up with an idea. “How about we go visit him later?”
Meng Wen hesitated for a moment, then agreed.
Besides buying props for the comic skit, they also stopped by the clothing and shoe sections.
With Jiang Deshan’s birthday just a few days away, Jiang Rou picked out a pair of trousers for him. She also thought of Shen Chengdong, who didn’t have cloth shoes for spring and summer, and bought him a pair.
After leaving the department store, Jiang Rou led Meng Wen straight to her aunt’s house.
Since Chen Ailan was now living with Jiang Rou, and Han Yuanzhi preferred staying in the work dormitory, only Han Yuanshang was at home. When they knocked, it was Han Yuanshang who opened the door. He had just finished bathing Shandian and wore only a crumpled vest, his arms still damp.
Startled, Jiang Rou quickly shut the door and urged him to put on a shirt before coming back out. She thought if she acted fast enough, Meng Wen wouldn’t see her brother’s sloppy side. Unfortunately, Meng Wen had caught everything, her ears turning red.
Soon the door opened again. Han Yuanshang rubbed his nose awkwardly.
“I didn’t expect guests. Sorry for the offense just now.”
Meng Wen lifted her gaze to him, offering a gentle smile. “It’s alright. I should’ve let you know before coming.”
At that moment, Shandian heard a familiar voice and bounded out of the house. He nuzzled Jiang Rou’s legs affectionately, then circled Meng Wen with joyful excitement.
As its owner, Han Yuanshang knew exactly what it meant. He bent down, pulling the dog back, scolding: “Can’t you stop being greedy? Didn’t you just eat?”
Shandian whined in protest, as if voicing its grievance. He wanted meat—lots of meat…
To give the two some space, Jiang Rou claimed she needed the toilet.
The whole alley had only one public restroom, tucked away at the southern end. But remembering how Chen Ailan had said hooligans often lingered there, Jiang Rou had no intention of actually going. Instead, she went to Granny Zhou’s public telephone booth, hoping to ask if there was a telegram from Shen Chengdong. After all, several days had passed—he should have reached the south by now, shouldn’t he?
Unfortunately, Granny Zhou told her there was no telegram. Jiang Rou felt a pang of disappointment, but even more, a swell of worry.
At that moment, the old woman launched into gossip: “Eh, have you heard? Turns out that ingrate Zhao Qi has been keeping a mistress outside—her child is already three years old! And he even slanders Meng Wen, saying she can’t bear children, claiming the divorce wasn’t his fault, only hers for not giving him a son. What kind of person is that? He’s nothing but a beast!”
Jiang Rou was stunned. She had just parted ways with Meng Wen—how had she not heard of this? So she asked, “Granny Zhou, who told you that?”
“Who needs to tell me? Everyone in the compound knows. Because of this rumor, Meng Shuge is so furious he’s lying at home sick!”
The moment Jiang Rou heard this, she couldn’t sit still. She leaped up and ran toward her aunt’s house; her only thought was to quickly tell Meng Wen the news. The wind brushed past her ears as she ran, and as she gazed at the familiar surroundings, a sudden thought rose in her heart.
In the novel, she and Shen Chengdong divorced after three childless years, only later discovering that the infertility was hers. If Shen Chengdong truly loved children, then when he returned from his business trip… should she bring up the divorce herself?