She changed her seat, sitting between the twins, one on each side, and wrapped her arms around them.
Meeting little He Ze’s puzzled gaze, she frowned. “What are you looking at? If I weren’t worried you’d bump your heads and we’d have to spend money on medicine, who cares about hugging you!”
Her expression was fierce, her tone full of disdain—just like before. A few of the nearby women couldn’t stand it.
“Xiao Lin, it’s not that we’re blaming you, but you’re just too harsh with the kids. You’re their real mom, and being so mean to them… how do you expect them to care for you when you’re old?”
“They’re not unruly or disobedient. They listen to everything you say. You’re too harsh on them—it’s really not right.”
“Exactly! Kids that obedient and well-behaved shouldn’t be treated badly. If you keep going like this, what will you do when you’re older?”
They spoke one after another. If it weren’t for the swaying of the vehicle, Lin Zhi would have thought she’d ended up on a criticism stage.
She rubbed her ears, sending them all a glare. “When I’m old, I have my husband to support me. Why would I rely on them?”
“What? When the wives are old, your men won’t care for you?”
“Also, all of you spend every day meddling in others’ business, can’t manage your own homes, naturally you get criticized.”
“I don’t need you ladies worrying about my household. Whether I live to old age isn’t even certain. Maybe the heavens will strike me with lightning tomorrow—who knows?”
The other women looked at each other in shock. She really said that? Casually talking about being struck by lightning?
“You really don’t know what’s good for you. We’re only concerned for your sake!”
Lin Zhi snorted. “Thanks so much! You come meddling when I don’t even have enough to eat. If you’re really so kind, why not send some grain to my house? My two kids need to eat more.”
“And little He Run too! The doctor said he can’t speak properly because he’s weak and undernourished. If you were truly kind, lend me a hundred or eighty yuan to buy some supplements.”
She asked for grain, money, and more, shutting down anyone who wanted to retort. These days, even those with money couldn’t always buy enough food, so no one had spare to lend her.
Besides, if they lent her money, there was no chance of getting it back.
“Commander He gives you fifty yuan a month and it’s still not enough. My husband gets even less, with elders and kids to care for. How could I possibly lend you grain or money?”
One aunt muttered quietly, and the others nodded in agreement.
Lin Zhi nodded too. “Exactly. You don’t have extra, so why say so much?”
“If you want to be a good person, show it in action. Don’t just mouth a few pitying words and expect thanks. What kind of joke is that?”
The aunt wanted to argue but had never given the twins anything, so she had no ground.
By now, no one dared speak to Lin Zhi. Everyone wondered what had happened to her in the past two days—her words were so smooth.
Before, when she opened her mouth, she scolded. It was harsh, but could be argued against. Now, her words floated lightly yet could infuriate people to no end.
The carriage fell silent again, much to Lin Zhi’s satisfaction. She closed her eyes, mentally flipping through her shop inventory.
She labeled items that could be displayed openly, and made notes for those needing “repackaging.”
Her memory wasn’t the best, and she could get distracted. After living comfortably for a while, she might accidentally take exposed items out.
Once everything was organized and the vehicle returned to the family compound, Lin Zhi set the twins down and carried her bamboo basket to the house.
Wen Xiushu helped unload, wanting Lin Zhi to carry some things inside, but when she turned around, Lin Zhi was already far down the street.
Other women walked the opposite way; two sisters helped her carry for a bit, but the rest she had to manage herself.
By 5:30 p.m., everyone was cooking, so there was no help to be found.
Dragging heavy bags inside, she worked up a sweat. She went to pour a glass of water, only to find the kids sitting on the sofa, listening to the radio.
They acted like little lords, leaving things by the doorway and not offering a hand.
Wen Xiushu tucked her hair behind her ear, drank her water, and started organizing the purchased items.
She had connections in the county, able to get things unavailable in the market.
She took out three cans of fruit, but before they could go into the cupboard, someone snatched them.
“Trying to hog them again?” Lin Weiqing grabbed the cans, distributing them to his two younger brothers while glaring at Wen Xiushu.
Wen Xiushu had been five when she married into the family and eight or nine when she moved with the army. She had memory of her own childhood.
Her mother disliked her, often badmouthing her in front of Lin Weiqing. Over time, Lin Weiqing grew more dissatisfied with her.
Lin Weiguo (eight) and Lin Weibing (seven) were simple-minded. Because of that, they were easily swayed to oppose Wen Xiushu.
Wen Xiushu struggled to get along with Lin Weiqing, trying many methods to restore her reputation, with some success.
She secretly envied Lin Zhi—he was capable, valued by superiors. As long as Lin Zhi didn’t step out of line, he wouldn’t be affected.
Lin Zhi’s husband cared about appearances at home. If she caused a scene, he’d get angry.
Seeing herself better in every way than Lin Zhi but living worse, Wen Xiushu felt frustrated.
Although displeased, in front of the well-favored Lin Weiqing, she could only smile.
“Of course not. These were bought for you, but it’s almost time for dinner, so I just set them aside first.”
Lin Weiqing eyed her suspiciously. “Really? You’re not hiding them to eat yourself?”
Wen Xiushu smiled good-naturedly. “Really. Think about it. When have I ever bought something that wasn’t for you?”
Lin Weiqing considered it—she was right. With him watching, she wouldn’t dare sneak a bite.
“Did you buy the hair I wanted?” He tilted his head proudly, like a haughty young lady speaking to her servants.
Wen Xiushu was exasperated, but outwardly polite. She handed over the two red hairpieces.
“Of course I bought what you wanted.”
Lin Weiqing snorted, grabbed the hair, and carried the cans and his two younger brothers off to eat.