“I’ll change after eating,” Xu Ying said casually, though she found it quite amusing that her mother was even more anxious than she was. Was she really taking her out shopping… or escorting her to Versailles?
After finishing the last bite of her steamed bun and sipping down the remaining porridge, Xu Ying let out a small burp before turning on her heel and heading back inside.
Opening her closet revealed a wardrobe full of carefully hung dresses. After some deliberation, Xu Ying selected a light blue, long-sleeved dress adorned with delicate lace at the hem. She slipped on a pair of clean socks and stepped into her small, polished leather shoes.
Facing the mirror, she admired the reflection looking back at her. The girl in the glass had soft features and sparkling eyes. With a pleased smile curling on her lips, she murmured to herself, Yes… this face really is my proudest asset. She had inherited the best features of both her father and mother—how could she not be beautiful?
“Oh my, why is my little darling so stunning?” Xu’s mother exclaimed as her daughter walked out, stunned by the sight and brimming with pride.
Shitou and Huzi, who were playing nearby, stood frozen for a moment with their mouths agape. Then, as if suddenly waking from a trance, the little ones dashed forward excitedly.
“Auntie , you’re so pretty! When I grow up, I’m going to marry someone just as beautiful as you!” Shitou declared earnestly, his face full of innocent admiration.
Huzi didn’t fully understand what “beautiful” meant, but he knew one thing—just looking at his auntie made him happy. Following his brother’s lead, he chimed in enthusiastically, “auntie looks pretty! Huzi wants to be pretty too!”
The Xu family was famous in the village for their good looks, and Xu’s mother’s pride swelled as her grandsons admired their Auntie.
“Don’t forget your words when you grow up,” Xu’s mother warned with a grin. “If you dare bring home someone crooked-looking, I’ll beat you black and blue!”
Shitou shook his head vigorously. He didn’t want to marry someone “crooked” and unpleasant to look at.
“Mom, how about I take you to the county town on my bike?” Xu Ying asked with a sly smile. Don’t think she hadn’t noticed—her mother had been dying to go see where she worked.
The moment Xu’s mother heard that, her eyes curved into delighted crescents. “That sounds perfect. I haven’t seen your Sister Qiuye in a while. I’d love to visit.”
“Auntie, we wanna go too!” Shitou said pitifully, his eyes wide with longing.
Unfortunately, Xu Ying’s cycling skills were only so-so—she could manage two passengers at best. If Shitou went, Huzi would certainly insist on going too.
In the end, one stern look from Xu’s mother had Shitou obediently dragging his brother back home.
Riding along the narrow village path with Xu’s mother perched proudly on the rear seat, Xu Ying pedaled at a steady pace. Her mother’s back was straight as a rod, chin lifted with pride as if she were riding in a carriage.
Now and then, they passed neighbors and acquaintances.
“Have you eaten yet?” Xu’s mother called out cheerfully. “My daughter’s off work today, and she insisted on taking me to the county town for a stroll!”
“Sister-in-law, you’re so blessed. Are those new clothes you’re wearing? Yingying must’ve bought them for you!” The villagers didn’t particularly like Xu’s mother’s tendency to show off, but out of respect for her position as the captain’s wife, they responded with smiles.
Xu’s mother, of course, shook her head humbly—but not really. “Oh no, not Yingying. These were from Qiuye. You know, Xu Renguo’s daughter. She’s dating my second son now.”
“What? Xu Renguo’s daughter?” someone scoffed, unable to believe her ears. It was Sun Dacao, eyebrows raised in disbelief. “The one who works at the supply and marketing cooperative? You’re saying she’s dating your second boy? Sister-in-law, don’t tease us!”
The mocking tone didn’t go unnoticed. Xu’s mother immediately shot her a glare, brimming with righteous fury.
“What’s so unbelievable about it? My second son is a teacher at the commune school. He might even be transferred to teach in the county town soon. He’s good-looking, well-educated, and perfectly matched with Qiuye. Don’t tell me your jealousy is talking, Dacao!”
Sun Dacao’s expression twisted. Of course she was jealous. Who wouldn’t be?
First, the Xu family’s eldest son, despite his silliness, had managed to marry a city girl and land himself a position as a clerk. Now the second son—formerly known as an idle good-for-nothing—was suddenly a schoolteacher and involved with Xu Renguo’s daughter?
Xu Renguo wasn’t just anybody. He was a respected figure, once just a village boy but now an accountant at a textile factory in the county town. His wife worked there too, and both earned enviable salaries. And his daughter Xu Qiuye? A beauty working at the prestigious supply and marketing cooperative—she was the dream daughter-in-law.
If Qiuye had married a county boy, no one would have dared to envy her. But marrying someone like Xu Shengcai? Sun Dacao just couldn’t accept it. And she wasn’t the only one.
The other village women started growing restless too. Their sons weren’t so bad. If Qiuye was going to marry into the countryside, why not choose one of their boys?
“Pfft. What’s the big deal? Just a lousy teacher,” Sun Dacao said with a snort. “If our Xiangdong had studied a little harder, he could’ve become a teacher too.”
Mentioning her son stirred another wave of bitterness. The boy had been chasing after Chen Zhiqing, begging to marry her, yet she hadn’t even spared him a second glance. Sun Dacao was boiling with frustration.
“Dacao,” one of the women whispered with a chuckle, “your Xiangdong’s getting old. Instead of dreaming about romance, better find him a wife soon, or you might miss your chance at a grandchild.”
The words hit a sore spot. Dacao only had one precious son.
“Zhang Guiying, shut your cursed mouth! Talking like my son won’t have children!” she snapped, red-faced with rage.
Xu’s mother, unbothered, tilted her chin. “I’ve already got two grandsons. What do I care?”
“My son will marry soon, just you wait! I’ll have a grandson next year!” Dacao shot back, stamping her feet.
Xu’s mother ignored her, instead turning to her daughter with a bright smile. “Come now, let’s go see Sister Qiuye. And after that, we’ll visit your workplace.”
“Yes, Mom! And when we stop at the restaurant, I’ll treat you to braised pork. You’re going to love it!” Xu Ying said sweetly.
Sun Dacao looked like she was about to explode from sheer envy.
The crowd of onlookers burst into laughter.
“Dacao, I told you not to mess with Guiying,” someone teased. “You just can’t win. I heard your precious son went to help Chen Zhiqing again today!”
Sun Dacao nearly choked in fury. Her son refused to do proper chores at home, but was willing to do manual labor for that girl? What a waste of effort!
“Mom, don’t bother talking to Aunt Dacao. She’s just jealous,” Xu Ying whispered, not wanting her mother to get too worked up.
Xu’s mother waved it off with a snort. “Every time she opens her mouth, I almost faint from laughter. She’ll never change.”
“Yes, yes, my mom is the best!” Xu Ying beamed.
And with her head held high, Xu’s mother sat straighter, pride blooming in her chest.
As the two figures disappeared down the road, a shadow under the big tree nearby shifted.
Someone stood watching silently, eyes dark with envy and malice.
Meanwhile, Xu Xiangdong smiled dotingly at the girl beside him. “Yanran, if you ever feel tired or uncomfortable, just tell me. I’m a man—I can take the hardship. Next time, let me help you. Don’t resist.”
A flash of disgust flickered in Chen Yanran’s eyes, quickly replaced by a soft, fragile smile. “Xiangdong, I appreciate your help, but the fieldwork is just too much. I can’t bear to see you suffer for my sake,” she said, eyes watery and voice gentle as a breeze.
His heart stirred. Her vulnerability made him feel ten feet tall. “Don’t worry, Yanran,” he said passionately. “As long as you’re not tired, I don’t care how much I suffer.”