In the end, after considering various potential troubles, Hu Xiu still decided to sell the house.
Her daughter-in-law had reasoned that if they ever truly wanted to return and settle down in the future, they could always build a new house.
The Huo family’s house was one of only two brick-tile homes in the village, the other belonging to Old Secretary’s family.
Moreover, it was meticulously constructed with bricks even paving the floors, so the price naturally wouldn’t be low – a full five hundred yuan.
This only covered the cost of the building materials, with all major furniture thrown in as free additions.
Many families were interested, but very few in the village could come up with five hundred yuan.
Hu Xiu would have preferred to sell the house to her two brothers-in-law, even at a lower price or with payments spread over several years.
But after several days of consideration, both families ultimately didn’t dare take on such “massive” debt.
So, to Lin Ting’s surprise, the house eventually ended up in the hands of a male Educated Youth.
He was from the capital city and reportedly bought the house for marriage purposes.
Now both parties had signed the deed under witness supervision, though Lin Ting and her family could stay until their departure day.
Of course, selling the house didn’t mean things became easier.
As the departure date drew nearer, there were actually more and more tasks keeping them busy.
Hu Xiu spent her days leading her two sisters-in-law in final packing.
They packed whatever pots, pans, and utensils they could take with them, while giving everything that couldn’t be taken and didn’t qualify as major furniture to Chen Guilan and Zhang Meihua.
Lin Ting was primarily responsible for looking after the children or spending time with her parents, brothers, and sisters-in-law who visited her frequently.
Amid all this busyness, time slowly moved into March.
One afternoon, shortly after seeing her parents off, Lin Ting received a visitor at home.
The young soldier wearing somewhat worn military uniform was named Wang Hai, serving under Director Hu.
He came to deliver train tickets to Lin Ting and her family.
Learning that he had cycled over fifty kilometers from the county town, Lin Ting – still unaccustomed to current transportation conditions – quickly invited him inside to warm up and served him a cup of tea.
Wang Hai was only 19, with dark skin and an honest appearance. Feeling somewhat embarrassed by the hospitality, he took a few quick gulps before urgently pulling two train tickets from his pocket: “Sister-in-law, the train departs tomorrow at 5:10 PM. Huo Tuanzhang said regimental duties are too heavy for him to get away, so he asked Director Hu to arrange someone to see you onto the train. When you arrive at Tianjing Station, someone will be there to meet you… Oh, Director Hu also said we’ll pick you up tomorrow at 10 AM – is that alright?”
“No problem at all, thank you Comrade Wang.” Lin Ting agreed immediately, not particularly surprised that Huo Xiao couldn’t return since he’d mentioned this possibility when leaving.
Hu Xiu, however, thought of the seven or eight large bundles piled in the small room and said with both concern and reluctance: “Then… we’ll need to streamline our luggage further.”
Hearing her mother-in-law’s words, Lin Ting twitched her lips, thinking it was just as well Huo Xiao wasn’t returning since his mother practically treated him like a workhorse.
Moreover, she genuinely believed streamlining was necessary – like those two large iron pots that had been patched multiple times, or the cleaned but peeling chamber pot…
Thinking this, Lin Ting rubbed her temples and was about to offer some advice when young Comrade Wang Hai flashed a bright white smile and said enthusiastically: “Auntie, don’t worry about the luggage! We soldiers have plenty of strength – we’ll get everything properly arranged for you!”
Hu Xiu’s eyes lit up, though she still felt somewhat embarrassed: “Won’t that be too much trouble? There’s quite a lot of stuff.”
Wang Hai’s smile grew even more earnest as he patted his chest repeatedly. “No problem, no problem. When traveling far, it’s normal to have lots of luggage.”
Lin Ting suppressed a laugh and stood up. “How about I take you to see first?”
Though confused, Wang Hai still rose to follow her.
Then, when he saw the cramped little room packed tightly with luggage, the young man who hadn’t yet experienced life’s hardships gradually froze his smile…
Since they were leaving the next day, after seeing Wang Hai off, Hu Xiu prepared to notify her sisters-in-law about organizing a farewell dinner that evening.
After putting on her thick coat and pushing the door open, she turned back to her daughter-in-law. “Shall I have Da Hai from your third aunt’s family run to Xingfu Brigade to send a message to your parents?”
Lin Ting smiled in response. “Thank you, Mom. You’re always so thoughtful.”
Hu Xiu chuckled and teased her daughter-in-law a couple of times before adding, “Your parents just returned not long ago. Should we have Da Hai tell them to come tomorrow morning instead?”
Lin Ting had been thinking the same thing. “That works. Tell my parents they don’t need to come too early.”
“Alright, understood.”
During the evening gathering, Hu Xiu had also invited Old Secretary.
However, the old man was getting on in years. After eating and drinking his fill, he expressed his intention to return home.
With a house full of women, Hu Xiao’s second and third uncles felt it inappropriate to stay too late, so they took the opportunity to escort the old man home.
Chen Guilan and Zhang Meihua stayed behind to help clean up the leftovers and prepare dry provisions for the train journey.
Given the freezing weather, they didn’t plan to prepare any fresh food, opting instead to make those small steamed rolls like last time for Huo Xiao.
Zhang Meihua focused on kneading the dough in silence, while Chen Guilan pulled up a stool nearby. Munching on sunflower seeds, she chattered about how their eldest sister-in-law was going to enjoy life in the big city and so on.
After thoroughly indulging in envy, she brought up Wang Xiuqin, the eldest daughter of Wang Liujin’s family. “How come some people get all the luck? Just from helping a cadre with some small favor, she got assigned a job in the county town. Why don’t I get such good fortune? Why didn’t I run into something like that? Maybe I could’ve landed a cadre position too—now that would’ve been impressive.”
Having said her piece, still feeling resentful, she muttered, “Heaven has no eyes. I’m such a warm-hearted person.”
Hu Xiu disliked this kind of attitude and frowned. “Why are you always eyeing other people’s households? If you want a better life, work for it yourself!”
Chen Guilan pursed her lips. Since all harvests went to the collective now, why should she work hard? Besides, “Toiling in the fields all day only earns work points worth thirty cents.”
Hu Xiu shot her a glare. “Back when I offered to teach you midwifery to earn money, you weren’t interested either, were you?”
Hearing this, Chen Guilan felt guilty but didn’t want to admit she feared hardship. She rolled her eyes and changed the subject. “By the way, eldest sister-in-law, Da Nier has another matchmaking meeting the day after tomorrow.”
Huo Nini was eighteen this year—in the prime of her youth—and with both character and looks excellent, frequent matchmaking proposals were normal.
But with an unreliable mother, Hu Xiu, as the eldest aunt now chopping scallions, couldn’t help asking a few more questions. “What’s this one like?”
Chen Guilan grinned from ear to ear. “He’s from town. Don’t worry, I checked carefully this time. Tall, and his family is well-off—three large tile-roofed houses! He has eight older sisters, all filial, and he’s the only son. Once the old folks pass away, all the good stuff will go to our Da Nier, won’t it?”
Hu Xiu…
Meanwhile, in the east room.
Under the dim glow of the kerosene lamp, Lin Ting was packing her change of clothes.
She planned to wash her hair and take a bath later, and while at it, give the little ones a wash too—after all, they still had several days to endure on the train.
Da Nier, while stitching shoe soles, kept an eye on the twins and brought up the topic of the matchmaking meeting.
Her last blind date experience had been rather unpleasant, and now, just a month later, she was being set up again. The young girl felt quite uncertain and wanted to hear her elder sister-in-law’s opinion.
Lin Ting, however, didn’t rush to speak. Instead, she glanced at Huo Furong, who was lost in thought beside her, and asked, “Furong, do you think the man’s conditions are good?”
Huo Furong frowned subconsciously. “He’s the only son in the family, so he’s definitely spoiled rotten. His temper is probably not great.”
For a 17-year-old girl who had never even left her town, this was already quite perceptive. Lin Ting then turned to Da Nier. “What do you think?”
Da Nier hesitated. “I don’t know either, but… if there are too many brothers, it’s not easy to get along with the sisters-in-law either.”
Her mother, along with her aunt and third aunt-in-law, had such a harmonious relationship—it was rare in the entire village. The main reason for this was that her aunt could keep everyone in line.
But Da Nier knew herself well. Her temper wasn’t much tougher than a lump of dough, and she really didn’t want to live a life where she’d argue over a single scallion or a clove of garlic.
Lin Ting understood the girl’s fears—after all, she was only 18 by traditional reckoning. “Everyone looks at problems from a different angle. I’ll just share my own perspective. If it were me, I wouldn’t even consider meeting someone with those conditions.”
Da Nier stopped her work and looked over. “Why?”
Though Huo Furong didn’t speak, her face was full of confusion as well.
Lin Ting pointed out just one thing. “That family had eight daughters before finally having a son. That alone tells you they favor boys over girls.”
Da Nier looked bewildered. “But… but if you don’t have a son, people will laugh at you.”
This was a deeply ingrained mindset shaped by the environment. Lin Ting wasn’t surprised and didn’t dwell on it. Instead, she asked, “What if you end up with that man and keep having daughters? Are you really prepared to have eight or ten children?”
Da Nier certainly didn’t want that, but she said, “…It probably won’t be that unlucky, right? My mom had three sons.”
Lin Ting twitched her lips and couldn’t resist offering a bit of science. “Whether you have a boy or a girl depends on the man.”
Huo Furong and Da Nier both widened their eyes in disbelief. “How can that be?” Wasn’t the baby born from the woman’s belly?
Lin Ting briefly explained chromosomes to them, and as their worldviews seemed to shatter, she added, “Even if you’re lucky and have a son right away, have you considered this? Since ancient times, a husband’s older sisters are like half-mothers. With eight older sisters, that’s like having eight mothers-in-law—it’s no easier than dealing with sisters-in-law.”
Da Nier, who had only just grasped the implications, turned pale. After a long moment, she stammered, “Then… then what should I do? My mom seems really pleased with the match.”
Huo Furong, with her impatient temper, blurted out, “When I get married, I’ll just find someone whose parents are both dead and who already has a son. I’ll become a stepmother right away.”
Hearing this, Lin Ting rapped the girl lightly on the head. “What nonsense are you talking? Being a stepmother isn’t that easy!”
Huo Furong rubbed the spot where she’d been tapped and muttered, “Wouldn’t that be simpler? No in-laws to bully you, no pressure to have a son—sounds great.”
Great, my foot! Seeing that Da Nier actually seemed tempted by the idea, Lin Ting was exasperated. “Don’t entertain such wild thoughts. Being a stepmother isn’t something to consider unless you’re absolutely desperate.”
Huo Furong retorted, “But isn’t Elder Sister-in-law doing just fine now?”
Lin Ting thought to herself that this wasn’t a marriage she had chosen for herself. Besides, she was fortunate to have a good mother-in-law and sensible children. Otherwise, no matter how wonderful Huo Xiao was or how unfavorable the broader circumstances might be, she would have sought a divorce.
But such thoughts were better kept to herself rather than frightening the young girls. In the end, Lin Ting simply said, “Anyway, don’t even think about being a stepmother. As for the blind date, why not go check it out since it’s already arranged? Who knows, maybe he’ll be that rare exception and turn out to be a good one?”
Da Nier looked dispirited. “What if he’s not good?”
Lin Ting shrugged. “If he’s no good, then don’t pursue it. Move on to the next one.”
Da Nier sighed. “I’m just afraid my mother will approve… Growing up is so troublesome. Why do we have to get married?”
Hearing this, the seventeen-year-old Huo Furong also seemed to wilt.
Seeing their expressions, Lin Ting patted each of them on the head.
Then, as if remembering something, she turned to a drawer, pulled out two ten-yuan bills, and handed one to each girl.
Both girls refused immediately, looking puzzled. “Why are you giving us money?” And ten yuan at that—they usually only had a few dimes to their names, saved up over a long time.
Ignoring their protests, Lin Ting pressed the money firmly into their hands. “Consider it emergency funds.”
Huo Furong asked, “What do you mean?”
Lin Ting explained, “I don’t have a job right now, so there’s not much I can do to help. But if the match your families arrange doesn’t work out, you can use this money to call your aunt or buy stamps to write her a letter. Your uncles will listen to her. If that doesn’t work, there’s always your eldest cousin.”
At these words, Da Nier’s eyes instantly reddened, the ten-yuan bill in her hand feeling almost scalding.
Huo Furong, too, felt a bittersweet ache in her chest…
Seeing their reactions, Lin Ting hesitated for a moment before voicing a suggestion she had been mulling over for days: “Have you two… ever thought about going back to school?”
As far as she knew, both girls had completed junior high, with most of their tuition covered by Huo Xiao and her mother-in-law.
Having been a teacher for several years, Lin Ting had developed something of a professional habit—she genuinely hoped these two seventeen- and eighteen-year-olds could return to school.
Both girls looked bewildered; after all, they had graduated from junior high over a year ago.
Huo Furong said, “What’s the point of high school? We can’t take college entrance exams, and when it comes to finding jobs, we can’t compete with those who have connections.”
Though Da Nier didn’t speak, her expression conveyed the same doubt.
Lin Ting raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, no connections? Isn’t your eldest cousin one? If you earn a high school diploma and get into a factory on your own merit, usually no one will try to take that opportunity from you.”
Seeing a glimmer of hope on their faces, Lin Ting added, “Besides, Old Secretary gets recommended slots for worker-peasant-soldier university admissions every year. You’re still young—if you keep trying for a few years, your turn will come. Or you could sign up when the military recruitment happens.”
Huo Furong was clearly tempted but still cautious. “It’s really hard for women to get into the military.”
Lin Ting offered some encouragement: “This is just a suggestion. I only want you to know that opportunities favor those who are prepared. If you make yourselves capable enough, you’ll have more choices—in work, and even in marriage.”
These words weren’t particularly profound, but no one had ever spoken them to Huo Nini or Huo Furong before.
In their world, women were expected to marry and have children by the age of seventeen or eighteen.
Based on their family and personal circumstances, their lives after marriage would likely be no different from their mother’s.
Having children, farming, washing clothes, cooking…
Monotonous, dull, noisy, repeating until old age and death.
But now someone was telling them that life could offer different choices.
This realization was a huge shock for both Huo Nini and Huo Furong.
However, after a long silence… ripples still inevitably stirred in their hearts.
Early the next morning.
While the sky was still dimly lit, Lin Shengli and Li Taohong arrived.
Not only did they come in person, but they also brought half a sack of cured rabbit and fish.
Seeing their red-rimmed eyes, Lin Ting felt a pang of sorrow.
Afraid that if she started crying, the elderly couple would follow suit, she held back her tears.
It wasn’t until she was in Director Hu’s car, moving farther and farther away until she could no longer see her parents supporting each other, that she finally broke down and cried.
Miao Miao, sitting quietly on her lap, didn’t understand the sorrow of parting but still reached out her small hand to wipe away the tears, coaxing, “Mommy, don’t cry! Don’t cry!”
Beside her, Hu Xiu, holding Guo Guo, was also crying uncontrollably but still managed to pat her daughter-in-law comfortingly. “Next year, tell Xiao to bring you back to visit your parents.”
Lin Ting had simply overlapped the scene with memories of her parents seeing her off on long trips in her previous life. Hearing this, she laughed. “When would he have the time?”
Seeing her daughter-in-law smile, Hu Xiu felt somewhat relieved and declared confidently, “It’s fine. If he’s busy, I’ll go with you.”
Lin Ting: “Then I’ll hold you to that.”
“Remember it, remember it. I always keep my word.”
“…”
Yesterday had been too rushed, and Lin Ting’s two older brothers still didn’t know she was leaving.
So, after arriving in the county town, she first went to the furniture factory to bid farewell to her eldest brother, Lin Ming, then hurried to the county high school to say goodbye to her youngest brother, Lin Hong, and finally went to the county supply and marketing cooperative to see her second brother.
Because his sister was leaving to join the army, Lin Wei hadn’t taken any long business trips recently.
With time tight, Lin Ting got straight to the point upon seeing him: “Second Brother, try to visit home more often when you have time. Mom and Dad were both crying earlier, especially Dad. He even hid and cried on my wedding day. I’m a bit worried—please help cheer him up.”
Lin Wei agreed immediately, as he had already planned to do so. Noticing his sister’s slightly reddened eyes, he tapped her forehead and teased, “You’ve been crying too, haven’t you!”
Lin Ting swatted his hand away, grumbling, “So what if I cried? It’d be really embarrassing if you started crying.”
Lin Wei chuckled. “How could I possibly cry? What are you thinking?” But inwardly, he thought that the next time there was a procurement task to Hu Shi or Tianjing, he would try harder to get it—at the very least, he needed to see for himself how the silly girl was doing.
Unaware of her second brother’s thoughts, Lin Ting pouted and asked, “How is Big Sister doing?”
Hearing this, Lin Wei’s eyes darkened, though he kept smiling. “Tingting has grown up and knows to care about Big Sister now… Alright, alright, I won’t tease you. Where did you pick up this habit of kicking people… I haven’t found out the details yet, but don’t worry, I won’t let Big Sister suffer.”
True, Second Brother was as sharp as a tack. Lin Ting changed the subject and started talking about other things.
Meanwhile, Lin Ting’s arrival at the supply and marketing cooperative caused quite a stir.
Lin Wei was handsome and capable, and many believed he would take over after the old manager retired, naturally drawing much attention from his colleagues.
When they saw an unfamiliar, stunning beauty approach him and Lin Wei acting very intimate with her, everyone craned their necks, burning with curiosity.
No sooner had he seen his sister off than the well-liked Lin Wei was surrounded by his buddies, all clamoring to know about their relationship.
Not just them—even the young female clerks who usually paid him attention but remained reserved were now pricking up their ears.
Lin Wei knew exactly what these animals around him were thinking and retorted with a mix of amusement and irritation: “Get lost! That’s my sister, though she’s married now.”
“What? You have such a beautiful sister and never introduced her to your brothers? Instead, you let an outsider snatch her up? Lin Wei, you’ve got no conscience!”
“Lin Wei, how many more sisters do you have?”
“Bro, you’re my real brother—I don’t mind if she’s younger. I can wait.”
“You beasts, is that any way to talk? Brother-in-law, look at me…”
Lin Wei grew annoyed, his smile turning icy. “No more sisters. How about me instead?”
The group burst into laughter and scattered…
Lin Ting was completely unaware of the playful drama at the supply and marketing cooperative.
The four women—mother-in-law and daughters-in-law—raced in a military jeep and finally reached the train station just before 3 p.m.
With nearly two and a half hours until departure and the biting wind outside without a proper waiting room, they decided to stay in the vehicle.
Luckily, despite the icy conditions and the train’s habitual delays, it arrived a few minutes early this time.
Director Hu held Huo Xiao in high regard and kept his promises reliably.
Not only had he arranged for Driver Wang Hai, but he also assigned a young soldier named Han Cheng to accompany them.
Han Cheng was quite resourceful. As soon as the train pulled in, he approached the conductor, explaining they had too much luggage to store in the cargo compartment. He offered to pay extra or supplement tickets immediately and discreetly slipped the man two packs of cigarettes, politely asking him to look after them during the journey.
After all, the group included the elderly and a child, with the only young person being a woman who couldn’t lift a feather.
In those days, soldiers were highly respected. Upon hearing they were military dependents, the conductor agreed at once. The unexpected gift of two premium cigarette packs made him even more amenable, and he warmly affirmed the unity between the military and civilians.
Thus, not only was no extra fee charged, but he personally helped settle the seven or eight large bundles and instructed the sleeper car attendant to give them special care before departing with a smile.
His enthusiastic attitude led the unaware Hu Xiu to praise him as a true comrade.
Lin Ting…
Lin Ting was both amused and exasperated by her mother-in-law’s naivety.
But she didn’t explain. Instead, she took a medium-sized bundle from her—packed the previous night with assorted snacks and pastries as thanks for Wang Hai, Han Cheng, and the driver’s assistance—and got off to see the three men off.
Although Huo Xiao would surely repay Director Hu for the favor, these soldiers had traveled all day for her and her mother-in-law; it wouldn’t do to let them leave empty-handed. Money or tickets would be inappropriate, but a few jin of treats were just right.
Sure enough, after a brief refusal, the three happily accepted.
Tianjing Military District was strategically located, bordering several countries across the sea.
It is considered the southeastern gateway of the motherland, hence the military presence is exceptionally strong.
Huo Xiao, despite his youth, was parachuted in as the commander of a tank division, blocking the career paths of many. Naturally, some were discontent, making his past month far from easy.
Now that he had finally won over most people, he still couldn’t spare a week to personally go home and fetch his family.
But he could occasionally find time to tidy up the assigned housing.
Today was no exception. Upon receiving Old Hu’s call informing him that his mother, wife, and children had already boarded the direct train to Tianjing, Huo Xiao couldn’t help but feel his spirits soar.
So when work ended, he unusually didn’t work overtime. After a quick meal at the canteen, he led his orderly straight to the Family Compound.
His partner, Political Commissar Xing, was walking home with his hands behind his back when he saw Huo Xiao in a hurry and called out, “Old Hu, what’s the rush?”
Without turning his head, Huo Xiao replied, “My family will be here soon. I need to hurry and tidy up the house.”
As he spoke, the tall, long-legged man quickly disappeared from Political Commissar Xing’s sight.
He was busy. The house had only been assigned to him four days ago. While the interior was clean, the weeds and dead branches in the yard still needed tending.
Come to think of it, both his mother and wife were cleanliness enthusiasts. Perhaps he should get some lime powder to whitewash the entire walls…
Xing Guoqiang stood still, smacking his lips twice: “Hey, who would’ve thought Old Hu, who always seems so cold, is actually such a family man.”
Though he said this, as colleagues who would be working together for the next few years, when Xing Guoqiang returned home and picked up his rice bowl, he still reminded his wife: “…It seems Old Hu really cherishes his wife. When she arrives, make sure to look after her properly.”
Tang Wenlan, having grown up in the city, was somewhat displeased: “Of course I’ll look after her, but I heard Regimental Commander Huo’s wife is from the mountains just like him. What common topics could I possibly have with her?”
She might as well have said outright that she couldn’t connect with country folk.
Political Commissar Xing frowned. He had always known his wife meant no harm but simply looked down on military wives from rural areas, usually socializing only with those from the city.
But Huo Xiao’s wife was different. He and Huo Xiao were essentially tied together for the coming years. If their wives didn’t get along, wouldn’t that be awkward?
Thinking this, Political Commissar Xing’s expression darkened. He slammed his bowl and chopsticks on the table with a “Smack!”: “I’m not asking you to bare your soul to her or forcing you to become friends. But at the very least, maintain surface courtesy. Besides, Regimental Commander Huo also came from the mountains. A full colonel at 29—more capable than your husband. Don’t let me hear any more talk about rural folks versus city folks.”
Xing Guoqiang’s achievement of reaching his position at 34 was considered young and promising. He usually maintained a smiling demeanor, like a Maitreya Buddha.
But when he turned serious, he could be quite intimidating.
At the very least, Tang Wenlan, who had been somewhat dismissive, immediately straightened up.
However, she was broad-minded. Within minutes, her curiosity returned: “Hey, Old Xing, did Regimental Commander Huo ever mention his family?”
Xing Guoqiang quickly shoveled a few mouthfuls of rice, thinking he’d go help Old Hu later. Since he couldn’t count on his wife, he needed to take the initiative. He vaguely replied, “A widowed mother, a wife, and a pair of Dragon and Phoenix Twins.”
Tang Wenlan: “That’s it?”
Xing Guoqiang: “What else is there to ask?”
Tang Wenlan shot her husband a disdainful look: “With Regimental Commander Huo’s striking looks, didn’t you ask if his wife is pretty?”
Heaven knows how many young women and married ladies were captivated when Regimental Commander Huo first reported for duty those few days.
If he hadn’t repeatedly made it clear that he was already married, there might have been young women fighting over him and pulling each other’s hair—what a lively scene that would have been!
Xing Guoqiang had no idea what his wife was thinking and merely said helplessly, “Only you women care about such things.”
Tang Wenlan retorted, “If I cared about looks, would I have fallen for you?”
Xing Guoqiang, with his broad, square face…