Shitou was practically bouncing with joy as he sat on the back of the bicycle. It was his very first time riding such a brand-new bike, and to him, it looked like the most beautiful thing in the world. His eyes sparkled as he exclaimed,
“Mom, Auntie’s bicycle is so beautiful! Wouldn’t it be amazing if Huzi and I could ride one every day?”
Sister-in-law Xu chuckled softly, her voice warm and gentle,
“If you and Huzi study hard and get into junior high school, then Mom will buy one just for you.”
Shitou’s eyes widened, full of hope and wonder.
“Really?” he asked, his voice trembling with excitement.
The three of them rode toward Sister-in-law Xu’s maternal home, their laughter trailing behind them like a melody. There was something heartwarming about the way they talked and smiled, as if the sunshine itself rode along with them.
Sister-in-law Xu’s family lived not in the same county, but in the neighboring one. Thankfully, it wasn’t too far—just under two hours by bike.
As they rolled into the courtyard, she saw her mother busy washing vegetables under the faucet, chatting animatedly with the neighbor next door. Her face was glowing with happiness. But the moment her eyes landed on her daughter, that brightness turned into concern. Without even noticing what Xu was carrying, she quickly wiped her wet hands on her apron and rushed forward.
“Why are you back at this time?” she asked anxiously. “Did your mother-in-law or your sister-in-law bully you again?”
Sister-in-law Xu lifted the bundle in her hands with a bright smile.
“If I were being bullied, would I be carrying all this home?”
Only then did Zhao’s mother notice the goods—fresh pork, red cloth, and more. She gasped, taken aback.
“It’s not even a festival… your mother-in-law actually let you bring back so many things? And this red cloth too? Oh my goodness! Just in time! Your brother’s wedding is coming up, and I’ve been fretting over where to get red fabric for new clothes. This… this is perfect!”
The neighbor, who had been gossiping earlier, eyed the bike and the bags with a sour expression. She scoffed.
“Oh my, Lingzi. Why’s your mother-in-law suddenly being so generous? What kind of medicine is she hiding in her gourd today? Don’t tell me she wants something from your mom?”
Zhao’s mother stiffened, suspicion crawling across her face. She turned to her daughter hesitantly.
**“Lingzi… if it’s something small, your parents can help. But if it’s too big—”
Before Sister-in-law Xu could respond, little Shitou puffed up his chest and stepped forward, glaring at the nosy neighbor.**
“There’s nothing wrong with my mom! She just missed Grandma! Auntie said Grandma used to help our family a lot, and now that we’re doing well, she said Mom should bring back some gifts to show respect.”
Though Xu Ying hadn’t said exactly those words, that was how Shitou had understood it—and in his heart, he believed it wholeheartedly.
The neighbor’s face turned an awkward shade of red. She mumbled something and quickly picked up her clothes, retreating indoors.
Zhao’s mother burst into laughter.
“Don’t mind your Second Aunt Wu. She’s just jealous.”
The Wu family situation wasn’t so different. Their daughter had also married into the countryside—but unlike Lingzi, she was an educated youth who couldn’t handle the hardships and had married off in haste. Zhao’s mother knew perfectly well that Aunt Wu was bitter. Her daughter rarely visited, much less showed such affection. But Lingzi… her daughter remembered her, honored her, and it warmed Zhao’s heart.
“Go, go! Your sister-in-law’s family is arriving soon. Let’s get this betrothal settled!” Zhao’s mother beamed with pride. Her eldest son was finally getting married.
Sister-in-law Xu laughed, eyes twinkling.
“How lucky am I to come home just in time for my big brother’s wedding?”
Here, in her mother’s home, everything felt different. There was ease in her steps, lightness in her heart. She could smile freely, speak openly—unburdened.
Zhao’s mother looked at her daughter, love brimming in her gaze.
“We’re going to have a big meal today. I’ve been saving some good meat and fine noodles for a while now.”
Then she added with a curious tone,
“By the way, Shitou mentioned that your in-laws are rich now. What’s going on?”
Pride flared in Sister-in-law Xu’s voice as she explained,
“My husband’s second brother is now a teacher at the commune. And my younger sister-in-law is working at a hotel in the county. Most of the family are working now—they’re doing really well. Lately, my sister-in-law goes into the mountains often and always brings back game. Look at Shitou and Huzi—they’ve been eating well for over a month and have gained weight!”
Zhao’s mother could see it the moment she stepped inside—her grandsons had rounded cheeks and healthy color.
But when she heard about Xu Ying working at a state-owned hotel, her brows lifted in disbelief.
“Lingzi, are you serious? Xu Ying? Working at a hotel? Doing what, a temp waitress?”
Sister-in-law Xu had anticipated this. She quickly clarified,
“She’s a chef now. It’s a formal position—definitely not temporary!”
Zhao’s mother gawked, mouth agape and eyes wide.
“You’re not pulling my leg? That lazy girl? That pampered daughter who’s never even fetched water, let alone cooked?”
Siter -in-law Xu smiled.
“Mom, how could I lie to you? It’s true—she didn’t cook much before. But when she does… it’s divine. Truly.”
Shitou piped up with enthusiasm,
“Grandma, Aunties ’s food is amazing! You’ve never tasted anything like it. Her rice… her rice is even better than what the emperor eats!”
He tilted his head thoughtfully, then added with all the innocence and sincerity of a child,
“Only someone from heaven could cook like her. My Auntie must be a fairy.”
Zhao’s mother rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. A flicker of pride and curiosity lit her heart.
As the mother and daughter chatted away, time slipped by. Soon it was nearly noon. They went into the kitchen together, preparing lunch side by side.
At around 10:30 or close to 11, the bride-to-be’s family arrived.
Zhao’s mother, hearing their arrival, quickly washed her hands and ran outside. Her face brightened upon seeing the smiling faces of her future in-laws.
“Come in, come in!” she called out joyfully. “Please, take a seat. Yinghe just arrived, and Shubo will be back from work soon.”
Her voice softened with emotion as she continued,
“My daughter came home today too. Just a few days ago, I was fretting over where to find red cloth for wedding clothes. Who knew she’d bring exactly what we needed? There’s plenty—enough for suits for both Yinghe and Shubo. They’ll look so festive on their big day!”
Cheng’s mother gave a hearty smile, clearly touched by the sentiment.
Meanwhile, her sister-in-law wandered into the courtyard and cast a curious glance around the Zhao home.
“Sister, how many rooms do you have here?”
Zhao’s mother answered honestly,
“My husband and I use one room. The eldest and the third share another. And my married daughter has her own. But now that the eldest is getting married, I’ve asked the third to move into my daughter’s room.”
She had just discussed this arrangement with her daughter, who hadn’t objected. It was her eldest brother’s wedding, after all. Even if it meant a bit of inconvenience, family came first.
If there weren’t enough rooms, so be it. But the wedding must go smoothly.