Xu Family folks have all left. Seeing the displeased expressions on everyone’s faces, Lai Zi didn’t dare to stay any longer either. Lu Family Village was no longer what it once was. Even if he wanted to slack off, it was impossible now. Each day he had to do hard labor and endure ridicule.
Even the won comrades could earn eight work points. On his good days, he managed eight, but on bad days, only six, which earned him the disdain of others.
Not attending work ant that it had to be reported to the commune, and he might even end up in the small dark room. He had been there once and it was unbearable; he never wanted to go in again. Now that he couldn’t make things work with Shirley, it was all that little wretch’s fault. He had to find that little bastard soon and give him a good lesson.
Jinghao approached Shirley and said gently, "Don’t be sad. Once you’re married, if you’re worried about Dezi, we’ll help you keep an eye on him. He won’t suffer. We plan to send him to school next month, and you can feel more at ease when he’s studying."
"Ah, thank you."
"There’s no need for such formalities between us sisters!"
Shirley nodded and turned to Chengwang, "Chengwang, bring out so candies from ho to share with everyone, to lighten the mood. Today is the day Comrade Chengwang and I are formally engaged, and everyone should share in the joy. Eat so candy, and next month we’ll be married. You all must co and have a drink at our wedding!"
"Yes, yes, I am Chengwang’s mother. After Shirley marries into our family, rest assured, we will treasure her like a gem. Chengwang, bring your elder, second, and third brothers so cigarettes."
"Alright, I’ll go get them!"
Chengwang imdiately headed towards the courtyard.
Shirley and Aunt Qian entertained guests outside. The people from Lu Family Village were also happy, especially with Uncle Guai and Aunt Juying ntioning the gifts they brought for the dowry. Everyone was reassured knowing that this family was well-employed and had prospects, and they truly cherished Shirley like a treasure. Being from the sa village, their happiness was shared, and they showered the couple with blessings.
The Yu Family, however, felt uneasy as Shirley hadn’t spoken a word to them yet!
Previously, Mr. Yu would lose his temper while Mrs. Yu placated him. The two coordinated well, always managing to soften people’s hearts, but this ti it seed ineffective in front of Shirley.
Elder sister-in-law of the Yu family saw her in-laws standing idly and felt displeased.
"Shirley, Mom and Dad have been here to see you several tis. It’s been many years; let bygones be bygones. Your elder brother, as well as your second and third brothers, your elder sister, and younger sister all realize their mistakes. They are your siblings, your own flesh and blood. Family ties run deep; you can’t just disown us!"
"Shirley, your brother realizes his mistakes; I truly do. That year when you got married, I didn’t stop you, and it has burdened my heart all these years. Seeing you lead a good life now, finding a new family, we all sincerely rejoice for you. Today, on your happiest day, if seeing your elder brother and sister-in-law troubles you, we won’t step inside, but at least let Mom and Dad in, right? They should at least have a sip of water. When you get married, Mom and Dad also want to co and bless you. You should always have the support of your family!"
Mr. and Mrs. Yu didn’t speak, but their eyes were firmly fixed on Shirley, their feet facing the direction of the courtyard gate, as if they would enter as soon as she relented.
"No need, thanks for coming to see . I won’t be drinking any water. Please go back; my family still has matters to discuss, so we won’t keep you."
Shirley finished speaking and went to greet people at the door to head back.
Seeing this, Mr. Yu beca anxiously distressed. Lu’s Mansion wasn’t far from Yu Village, and the brick kiln was nearly completed. The workers chosen were primarily from Lu’s Mansion, with very few from other villages.
Their family had three able-bodied workers, fitting the labor standards for the brick kiln, but he already knew his third daughter was in good terms with a leader from the county, soone who erged from Lu Family Village and is now a big shot in Ning County. Just a word from his youngest daughter, and all three of his sons could land easy jobs with high wages.
Having t the person already, clarity in conversation was essential; repeated visits without it would just delay earning work points.
"How dare you, Shirley! We are your parents and your brother and sister-in-law. You’ve really grown capable, haven’t you? You’ve hardened your wings so much, you won’t even let us through your door, nor offer us water. Have you reached such a point in your humanity? Do you still have a conscience?"
"Who’s that, who’s that! Right at the clean doorstep, yet there’s a dog barking. What parents, who haven’t visited for seven or eight years, who found it embarrassing and signed a disownnt certificate when their own daughter was getting married? No way, it can’t be you, right? Oh dear, sharp-tongued big brother, if you didn’t ntion Shirley was your daughter, I would have thought she was your enemy. You used to not treat your daughter like a human being, and now you co knocking on her door; just say what you want clearly. Lay it all out, don’t disguise it with family bonds—it’s disgusting and annoying."
The Yu family seed as if their faces were being peeled off, their eyes fiercely glinting at Aunt Qian while Shirley stood bravely in front of her.
"My mother-in-law is right, if you have sothing to say, just say it. We had agreed never to see each other in this lifeti. All the hardships and abuses I’ve endured alone. Now you speak of ’bones may break but sinews stay connected’, it’s aningless. Really, if you don’t say it today, never bother saying it again. Oh, and by the way, Daya and Xiao Ya are my life. If you dare threaten them again, don’t bla for fighting back."
Aunt Qian was just delighted a second ago that Shirley called her ’mother-in-law’, but she shivered the next second—these damn people had even dared to target her precious granddaughters, utterly shaless.
"What? You even laid hands on my granddaughters? Dear Daya, Xiao Ya, tell grandma, what did they do to you? Did they hit you?"
Daya held Xiao Ya’s hand and shook her head.
"I’m fine, grandma. It was Xiao Ya, Xiao Ya was almost taken away by uncle."
Hearing this, Aunt Qian spat from behind Shirley towards the Yu family, yelling, "Shaless creatures, if you bully my granddaughters again, I will report you to the police."
A gob of thick spit landed on Mr. Yu’s trouser leg, making him so furious he almost fell over. The eldest son of the Yu family took a couple of steps forward, about to grab Aunt Qian, but Chengwang and Lu Jiasheng quickly stood in front of them, firmly blocking them.
"You, Shirley, you ungrateful thing, just watching them tornt your parents, you heartless creature."
"If you won’t speak, then it’s settled. I did give you a chance."
The Yu family understood clearly, Shirley was cold-hearted and indifferent. Seeing her about to enter her house, they hurriedly stopped her.
"Wait, I have to say, cough cough, the brick kilk at Lu’s Mansion is about to start, your brother and your two brothers have entered the kiln, and they will also be earning wages. But the work of burning bricks and hauling soil is too hard. Please, speak to the Secretary General of the Revolutionary Committee at the county, and arrange an easier job with higher wages for your brother, perhaps a supervisor who only needs to drink tea. That’s the type of job we want."
Shirley: "....."
Other people: "...."
What kind of roundabout nonsense is this, please???
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