Third Sister-in-law Shen’s maiden name was Zhao—Zhao Huiru. She was fair-skinned and delicate-looking, with clean, refined features. She wore a light yellow cotton dress. After following them inside, she greeted everyone one by one, then smiled apologetically at the eldest and second sisters-in-law. Her husband doted on his little sister, so he’d been a bit impatient.
Both women shook their heads with smiles, saying they didn’t mind. Liu Lanying thought to herself that this third sister-in-law was really considerate—and it made her feel quite comfortable.
“Oh my, your little sister has such a kind heart. When she saw someone fall into the water, she jumped in to save them. Who would’ve thought the water weeds would tangle her feet? That damn Gu Linchuan just happened to come back and run into it. But instead of saving your little sister, he left her there and ran off to rescue that capitalist heiress surnamed Lin who lives at the educated youth point! It makes me furious just thinking about it!”
“Luckily there were other people on the bank. It was him who saved your little sister’s life. Her lifesaver is coming over for dinner tonight, too.”
“I told you to go to the supply and marketing cooperative to get some meat—did you manage to buy any?”
Shen Qingbai pressed down the anger in his eyes and nodded. “I did. It’s in the main hall.”
“Little sister, this marriage really can’t go on. Gu Linchuan didn’t even value your life—he’s not worthy of being your husband!”
“Mm.” Shen Qinghe nodded obediently.
“Mom, little sister just fell into the water—why are you letting her cook?”
Zhou Chunfeng clicked her tongue. “She said she wanted to cook a meal for her lifesaver. How could I stop her?”
“Third brother, third sister-in-law, I’m fine now. Don’t worry.”
Zhao Huiru came over to check on her as well. Though she usually spent the least time at home, her relationship with Shen Qinghe was actually the closest.
“Mom, where’s Wubao?”
Shen Qingbai and Zhao Huiru had only been married a few years and had just the one child, Wubao. With both of them busy at work and no time to look after him, Wubao was left in Zhou Chunfeng’s care. But since Zhou Chunfeng had to work in the fields, Shen Qinghe often looked after him more.
The Shen family doted on her and rarely made her work in the fields. Most days she only did what her nieces and nephews did—cutting pig fodder to earn a few work points.
“Dabao took them to bathe. Those little monkeys just went fishing with your eldest and second brothers and came back covered in mud.”
Shen Qingbai brought over the meat he’d bought. “Mom, it was too late today—there was no meat left at the cooperative. This meat is from Huiru’s parents’ place. There’s also a pound of ribs.”
“We also bought a pound of brown sugar and a pound of apples—to help little sister recover.”
“Thank you, third brother and sister-in-law.” Warmth spread through Shen Qinghe’s heart. Family really did treat her the best.
Zhu Yuxiu and Liu Lanying exchanged a glance. Since the third brother’s wife had already made a gesture, they’d have to do the same later. Their circumstances weren’t as good as hers, so their gifts wouldn’t compare—but fortunately, neither their mother nor little sister was the sort to fuss over such things.
……
Just after six, Shen Xingqing came back from the fields, drenched in sweat.
Zhou Chunfeng was wiping down the table and benches. “Hurry up and wash. I’ve left water for you in the washroom—go straight there. Be quick. If Comrade Huo comes and you’re not here, what would that look like?”
“Are the dishes ready?”
“Almost. Our girl is cooking today.”
“Our girl’s cooking?” Shen Xingqing was a little surprised, but didn’t say much. If his wife thought it was fine, then it must be fine.
“Third son, haul up the watermelon from the well, slice it, and get it ready. When Comrade Huo arrives, he can eat right away!”
“Second son, are the cups washed? Hurry and take out the flower tea your little sister dried last year and brew it!”
“Eldest son—”
Though Zhou Chunfeng wasn’t cooking herself, she was still running around nonstop, directing the Shen family into a flurry of activity.
When Huo Yanxiu reached the courtyard gate, he saw this busy yet warm scene at the Shen household. A flicker of envy passed through his heart.
“Comrade Huo and Comrade Xu are here!”
“Third son, pour the tea—quick!”
Shen Xingqing and Zhou Chunfeng went out to welcome them. Seeing the two men carrying things, Zhou Chunfeng couldn’t help saying, “Comrade Huo, Comrade Xu, you’re just here for a meal—why bring gifts? Take them back, take them back!”
With a casual glance, she spotted a tin of malted milk, along with White Rabbit milk candies and biscuits. These were far too valuable.
Xu Chenfeng smiled. “Auntie, we can’t very well come for dinner empty-handed.”
“What’s wrong with empty-handed? It’s just a meal—no need, really!”
“Auntie, this Comrade Huo here—he’s thin-skinned and feels embarrassed to come empty-handed. Don’t be polite with him. He’s not short on money. If you don’t accept them, he won’t sleep tonight.”
“Well…” Zhou Chunfeng hesitated, then smiled. “All right then—we’ll shamelessly accept them.”
The more she looked at Huo Yanxiu, the more she liked him. Handsome, polite, respectful to elders—so much better than Gu Linchuan!
Huo Yanxiu shot Xu Chenfeng a wordless glance. The latter raised an eyebrow—what? If I didn’t put it that way, would they have taken the gifts?
“Come on in—have some tea and watermelon.”
Shen Qingbai set the tea in front of them and spoke earnestly. “Comrade Huo, thank you for saving my little sister.”
Zhou Chunfeng introduced him. “This is our third son—he teaches at the commune primary school.”
Huo Yanxiu nodded. “You’re too kind.”
“Hey, what kind of tea is this? It’s a little sweet,” Xu Chenfeng asked in surprise after taking a sip.
At the mention of the tea, Zhou Chunfeng straightened her back with no small amount of pride. “Locust flower tea. Our Qinghe dried it herself. If you like it, drink more.”
Huo Yanxiu looked down. The tea in his cup was a pale yellow. He took a sip—lightly sweet, with a faint floral fragrance. “There should be a bit of tea leaves mixed in, right?”
Most flower teas were made only with dried blossoms, often with sugar or honey added. He’d had plenty before, but always found them too sweet. This one was different—the first taste carried the slight bitterness of tea leaves, and the aftertaste held the gentle sweetness of locust flowers. It suited his palate perfectly.
The Shen family’s daughter had a clever touch.
“Exactly. Qinghe said it tastes better this way. We don’t really understand these things, so we just let her tinker.”
Huo Yanxiu smiled faintly. It seemed the Shen family truly doted on their daughter. Tea leaves were precious in northern rural households—most families only drank them a few times a year.
“Comrade Huo, Comrade Xu—if you like it, we’ll pack some for you to take home later.”
“No need to trouble yourselves.”
“It’s no trouble at all—you saved our Qinghe’s life!”
“Take it. You came for dinner and brought so many things. If you won’t even accept this flower tea, we won’t have the nerve to accept your gifts either.”
Huo Yanxiu sighed helplessly. “…Then thank you, Auntie.”
“Comrade Huo, Comrade Xu, this watermelon was just chilled in the well. Go on, have some—it’s very sweet.”