Shen ng noticed Lu Zhenping’s confusion, leaned closer to him and said, "I bought these from the Cooperative Society and spent quite a bit of money. Consider it a favor for you. Just look at how my brother and sister-in-law are staring at you, almost lting you with their gazes."
Following her gaze, Lu Zhenping glanced back at his uncles and almost got goosebumps; it was really creepy.
The n were talking in the main room while Mingyang and Mingliang, along with the other children, clung close to Lu Zhenping. They were truly frightened today.
Worried they might be hungry, Shen ng first brought out the dumplings she had bought from the State-Owned Restaurant, heated them on the coal stove, and hurriedly let them eat. With many people around, Lv Qinlan helped with the cooking. Shen ng took out a piece of smoked bacon, cut half a cabbage, stir-fried them briefly, then added water and directly cooked a large pot of noodles. From another small pot, she took out ten prepared pie fillings from the cupboard, had Su Xiaoi oil them, and started to cook.
The golden crumbly pies and fragrant noodles were soon ready. The fish brought back from the county was heated, and the family gathered around the dining table to start eating.
"Eldest brother, second brother, when you go back, take this bag with you. Inside there are officer boots for dad and mom, big head cotton shoes for you, scarves for elder sister-in-law and second sister-in-law. Xiao Bin, take these clothes with you tonight. Also, these food containers are for Xiangxiang and Director Guo, and this thermos is porridge for Daya’s mother."
"Your family has fortune now, having food and drinks, and buying so much stuff. Little sister, don’t be so extravagant. These must cost a lot, can you afford it? Zhenping’s allowance as a soldier is ant for raising children; how can it also suffice to buy so much for us? We don’t want it, you should return them. If it’s not returnable, then sell them in the town."
Shen Shoutian slurped his noodles while also lecturing his sister. Country folks wearing multi-layered cotton shoes are already enviable, yet his sister went ahead and bought so many big head cotton shoes; that would cost a pretty penny. Even city dwellers would want to buy them by gritting their teeth.
He didn’t believe his brother-in-law would think to buy them. He was touched earlier, but thinking about it, it was tough enough for Lu Zhenping to think of their parents, let alone buying for all the siblings and the extended side here; his yearly allowance wouldn’t cover it.
"Eldest brother is right, Xiao ng. Even with money, you can’t spend it like this. It’s better for you and your husband to have a good life than anything else. Don’t worry about us with shoes and scarves. We’re just staying in during winter, a towel is enough to wrap around, no need for scarves. Listen to your brother and sell those things in the county."
Shen ng: "...."
That wouldn’t do. She had barely managed to scrape these from the space, and if not used soon, they’d mold, especially the continuous cycles of grain in the fields filling her granary.
"Flipping goods isn’t good; these are all out of Zhenping’s kindness. His comrade bought them from the Friendship Store. A pair can last many years. Just keep them. It’s getting dark, sneak them back ho."
Lu Zhenping also hurriedly spoke up: "What Xiao ng said is right. I’ve been away from ho for many years now; Xiao ng alone with four kids, dad, mom, and you brothers have really helped her out. These items are my way of thanking everyone. If you don’t accept them, my purchase would be in vain. Besides, they are tailored for you; where else would you sell them!"
Now that he had said as much, Shen Shoutian and the others found it hard to refuse further, given it’s their brother-in-law’s sincere gesture, heavy though it was, it did indeed prove he truly considered them family.
After the al, Shen Shoutian and the others rode off on their bicycles. Shen Xiaobin stayed; he tied the packet to the back of his bicycle, placed several lunch boxes and thermoses in the basket, and rode off to the clinic.
Ming Fang and Ming Liang both slept with Shen ng that night, seeing her daughter’s tender little face, and the body occasionally shifting towards her, her heart ached unbearably.
"I’ve committed a grave sin, my child."
"Don’t worry, I’ll take them to practice more from now on. No matter when, one must have the capability to protect oneself. I previously thought they were too young and didn’t have the heart to push them too hard. Starting from tomorrow, Ming Fang will also join in the training."
Shen ng, while caressing Ming Fang’s little face, was terribly upset. Hearing Lu Zhenping’s words only made her feel worse.
"That’s an even greater sin!"
Lu Zhenping: "......"
The next day, the incident at Lai Zi’s house blew up in Lu Family Village. Both adults and children began discussing it; many of the older folks criticized Director Guo for being careless in his actions. However, the won who often suffered at the hands of their parents-in-law and husbands held great admiration for Director Guo.
Lu Debang and Zhang Hongfa made another trip to the clinic. Following Yu Xueli’s renewed request, they accompanied Director Guo to a eting at the brigade headquarters. The matter was even reported to the commune, and the office director of the commune contacted Lu Jiaxuan to inquire about Yu Xueli’s situation and sent officials to Lai Zi’s house.
Upon hearing that the dical expenses would amount to over sixty yuan, Lai Zi’s family unanimously decided to get a divorce and refused to allow Yu Xueli to take anything with her. The attitude they displayed infuriated the officials, who, in fact, had spontaneously inflated the sum from sixteen yuan to sixty upon entering the house. In other families, people would sell everything they could to save a loved one, but this family regarded money as more important than human life.
Around four o’clock that afternoon, Yu Xueli finally obtained the long-desired divorce certificate.
Director Guo, carrying a basket of oranges, approached her bedside and sighed.
"Shirley, from now on, you’re on your own. The village has allocated a plot of land for your residence. Recently, Xiao ng, Xiangxiang, and so other village won have been helping you make adobe bricks. Everyone is working together to support you. You must strive hard, earn work points, and take good care of Daya and Xiao Ya. Everyone will be there to help you."
"Ah, thank you, Director Guo. My children and I could leave the Xu Family all thanks to you. I want to kowtow to you."
She struggled to get up from the bed, but Xiuqin quickly held her back.
"No, no, no need for kowtowing. As long as you live well from now on, that’s what matters most. Moreover, it’s really thanks to Xiao ng and Zhenping that you could get a divorce. It was they who had Xiangxiang hold back to delay my arrival. The words and your dical expenses that I ntioned were also taught to by Xiao ng through Xiangxiang. You should keep this great kindness in your heart."
Director Guo spoke and took out the money raised by Lu Family Village for her dical expenses; apart from what was spent, there were still thirteen yuan left.
This money was collected bit by bit from the villagers, so contributing ten cents, others twenty, five, or three cents. Holding the money, Yu Xueli’s eyes reddened, and she soon began to sob quietly.
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