Chapter 72: Quarrel

“Okay, okay, let’s not talk about those troublesome people.” Old Lady Han waved her hands, unwilling to bring up the family matters again. She stuffed the money into Su Yue’s pocket and said, “Alright, if I give it to you, just keep it. Don’t refuse, otherwise Mother will be unhappy.”

Knowing her mother-in-law’s temper, Su Yue did not refuse. She accepted the money, pulled Old Lady Han over to sit at the dining table, and asked Han Aiguo to bring out all the dishes from the kitchen. “Mother, you must be hungry. Come, let’s eat first, and then we’ll talk after we’re full.”

Han Aimin’s eyes lit up the moment he saw the dishes. “Sister-in-law, I haven’t eaten your cooking for such a long time. I’ve missed it so much.”

Su Yue smiled. “Then eat more today. I cooked a lot, it’s enough for everyone. Just open your belly and eat.”

Han Aimin was not polite. He picked up the chopsticks, grabbed a piece of meat, and stuffed it into his mouth. His expression was as if he had just tasted some rare delicacy.

Old Lady Han ate while picking up vegetables for Su Yue. “Yueyue, don’t worry about us. Eat more yourself. You’re carrying two children so you can’t afford to go hungry.”

Even if Su Yue had wanted to eat less, it was impossible. The two children in her belly wouldn’t allow it until they were satisfied. So, even though the old lady and her brother-in-law were visiting for the first time, Su Yue still ate freely, showing them exactly what it meant to “eat with an open belly.”

By the end of the meal, Su Yue was the only one still holding her chopsticks.

Old Lady Han and Han Aimin stared at her in stunned silence, but Han Aiguo, long used to this, calmly added food and vegetables to her bowl.

Su Yue finally put down her chopsticks when she was completely full. By then, the dishes on the table were already wiped clean, the rice pot was empty, and so was her bowl.

She looked at Old Lady Han and Han Aimin sheepishly, smiling. “Now I really look like a starving ghost reincarnated. If I don’t get enough to eat, I get all flustered. Don’t laugh at me.”

Han Aimin blinked, quickly hiding his shocked expression, but his heart had gained a new understanding of pregnant women. So this was possible? A pregnant woman’s appetite could rival two grown men! He remembered that his sister-in-law used to be full after just half a bowl of rice.

Old Lady Han, after her initial surprise, was actually happy she had brought extra food stamps and money. With Yueyue eating like this, no matter how much food they prepared, it might still not be enough. Who knew if they had enough before? From now on, she would have to cook larger portions, making sure Yueyue never starved while carrying the babies.

That night, after the meal, Han Aiguo prepared to leave as he was departing that very evening.

Su Yue didn’t say much. She simply saw him off, following him all the way to the family compound’s gate. She didn’t stop until he firmly insisted she not come any farther.

Biting her lower lip, she looked at him quietly for a while, then touched her belly and forced a smile. “The babies and I will be waiting for you to come back. Make sure you come home early to see us.”

Han Aiguo couldn’t help himself. He pulled her into his arms, kissed her quickly on the forehead regardless of who might be watching, and then left without looking back.

Su Yue covered her mouth to hold back tears. Only after her emotions calmed down did she return home, pretending as if nothing had happened.

—-

The old lady hadn’t been able to rest since arriving. On the very first day, she went to the back yard of the family compound to inspect the vegetable patch, pulled out all the weeds, watered every bed carefully, and tended to the plants more diligently than Su Yue herself. She also took the opportunity to chat with neighbors while working. Before long, she had struck up conversations and become familiar with many of them.

In less than two days, Old Lady Han had figured out the entire compound like who the sharp-tongued women were, who was kind-hearted, and who liked to take advantage of others. She knew it more clearly than Su Yue, who had lived there for over half a year.

Su Yue couldn’t help but admire her social skills.

After all, Old Lady Han was not like the younger generation. Su Yue could stay home all day without going out and still feel fine, but the old lady would feel restless if she stayed inside. So she spent her days doing housework and cooking, then carried her sewing and embroidery outside, sitting under the big tree in the yard to chat while stitching clothes and baby diapers. From time to time, she would glance toward their doorway, and if Su Yue needed anything, she would call out.

Han Aimin, on the other hand, disliked sitting around chatting with groups of women, and there were very few boys his own age in the compound. So Su Yue taught him accounting and related knowledge at home. She soon discovered that he had a keen interest in business and a natural talent for arithmetic.

Although the policies were still strict and one couldn’t openly run businesses, Su Yue knew that once reform and opening up arrived in a few years, opportunities would flourish. If he continued to study and hone his skills, Han Aimin might become one of the first wealthy men in China. Because of this, she fully supported him by teaching him everything she knew about accounting, and often slipping in bits of business knowledge.

One morning, after breakfast, Old Lady Han went downstairs to chat as usual. Su Yue was teaching Han Aimin how to settle accounts when there was a knock on the door. Looking up, Su Yue saw it was Old Madam Feng from next door.

Su Yue quickly stood, supporting her large belly, and greeted her. “Auntie, is everything alright? Please, come in and sit.”

Old Madam Feng glanced at Su Yue’s belly, hesitated a moment, and then asked, “Girl, can you still make that cream cake?”

Su Yue blinked. “Auntie, you still want me to make a cream cake?”

Old Madam Feng sighed. “My boy is pestering for it again. No matter how we coax him, he insists on eating it. I came to ask if it was possible. If it’s inconvenient, that’s alright.”

Ever since he had tasted Su Yue’s cream cake, Feng Zitao had been clamoring for it almost every day. No other snack could coax him. But cream cakes were expensive, and even wealthy families couldn’t afford to eat them daily, so they bought one from Su Yue occasionally.

In recent days, the child had been making a fuss again. Old Madam Feng knew Su Yue was close to giving birth, so she had tried persuading him, but it didn’t work. Her daughter-in-law doted on the boy endlessly, so in the end, Old Madam Feng had no choice but to come ask anyway.

Su Yue felt apologetic. “Auntie, I’m so sorry. Look at me; I can barely stand for long. I’m too tired to be in the kitchen. For now, I really can’t make it. After I give birth, I’ll gladly make one for him again.”

Old Madam Feng waved her hands quickly. “Don’t apologize; it’s me who should be sorry. You’re pregnant, you need to rest and take care of the babies. I was shameless to come and ask.”

She left soon after, presumably to deal with her son.

Not long later, the wails of Feng Zitao rang out from next door, loud and ear-splitting. Clearly, he hadn’t taken the refusal well.

Su Yue shook her head. That child was truly a headache. If he had been hers, she thought, she would have spanked him long ago.

Old Lady Han had seen someone at the house when she was coming back from downstairs. She hurried inside and asked, “Yueyue, who came by just now? Is everything alright?”

Su Yue replied, “It was the aunt next door. She came asking if I could still make a cake. I used to make them for them with food stamps and money, since their boy liked eating them. Now he’s clamoring again.”

Old Lady Han shook her head quickly. “How could you possibly do that with a belly this big? You didn’t agree, did you?”

“Mother, I didn’t. I refused. Listen; the child next door is crying.”

“No wonder I heard him wailing. So that’s why. But even if he cries himself hoarse, you can’t cook. You can hardly stand these days so how could you still go into the kitchen?”

Su Yue had originally thought that this matter would pass, but that night, Fang Xiaoli from next door actually came to her door in person. Su Yue couldn’t hide her surprise when she saw her.

Since the day they had moved in, Fang Xiaoli had only invited her over once for dinner, and after that had never come again. Even when she ordered cream cakes for her child, it had always been Old Madam Feng who came to speak, while Fang Xiaoli herself never showed up. Why was she here today? Su Yue was puzzled, but she wasn’t in the mood to overthink.

After exchanging polite greetings, Su Yue asked directly, “What brings you here?”

Fang Xiaoli’s expression looked a little unnatural. The smile on her face seemed forced, and her tone was far less arrogant than usual. “Sister, I just wanted to trouble you to make a cream cake. The child at home is still making a fuss. He’s so fussy he won’t even eat; he only wants the cream cake you made. Look, I brought you food stamps and money. Please make one for me.”

As she spoke, Fang Xiaoli pulled out money and food stamps and handed them over.

Su Yue immediately frowned and pushed them back. “Auntie already came this morning. I explained to her that with my belly this big, I can’t stand for long, much less go into the kitchen. I really can’t make this cake. If your child wants to eat, you’ll have to wait until after I give birth. Sister-in-law, please take back your money and stamps. Go home and coax the child instead.”

Old Lady Han also chimed in, “Yes, our Yueyue can’t go into the kitchen right now. Wait until after she gives birth.”

Fang Xiaoli already knew what had happened in the morning; her mother-in-law had explained it to her. But no matter what anyone said, the child still made a racket. As a mother, she couldn’t just ignore his crying. And as a grandmother, how could she be so cruel?

Besides, Su Yue was only eight months along. It was still early. How could she be so delicate that she couldn’t even step into the kitchen? Fang Xiaoli thought bitterly. She must be pretending, deliberately making excuses and refusing to give face.

Her irritation grew. Taking another yuan from her pocket, she placed it down and said, “Sister, your belly is only eight months along. It’s fine to go into the kitchen once in a while. Just look at how pitifully he’s crying, make one for him. Here, I’ll give you another dollar.”

The way Fang Xiaoli looked at her, like tossing her an extra yuan should settle the matter, made Su Yue’s anger flare instantly. She had tried to hold back because she was pregnant, but her temper snapped.

Her face turned cold. “I told you, I can’t go into the kitchen because of my belly. It’s not about money. Even if you gave me an extra hundred yuan, I still couldn’t do it. Go back. Don’t embarrass yourself here.”

Fang Xiaoli felt that she had already humbled herself, yet Su Yue still refused to give her face. Clearly, this woman was making things difficult on purpose and probably still holding a grudge over the marble incident with the children. How narrow-minded!

If Su Yue wouldn’t give her face, then she wouldn’t bother giving face either.

“I said, we’re neighbors. Don’t you think you’re being too much? Even if the child offended you before, it wasn’t intentional. How can you keep holding on to it? It’s just a cake! Does it take that much effort? Yet you refuse even though we’ve come begging? You think you’re so capable just because you can make a cake? Don’t flatter yourself too much!”

At this point, Fang Xiaoli’s eyes swept Su Yue up and down with contempt. “Oh, do you think you’re so great because your man is a company commander? Let me tell you, a little company commander from the countryside might be impressive there, but here in the army, it’s nothing. Don’t take yourself so seriously.”

If she insulted only her, fine, but she had dragged Han Aiguo into it. How could Su Yue tolerate such a shameless and self-righteous woman?

She was about to retort sharply, but before she could, Old Lady Han stepped forward, shoved Fang Xiaoli out of the doorway, and made her stagger back.

Before Fang Xiaoli recovered, Old Lady Han unleashed her fury. Pointing at her nose, she shouted, “You shameless woman! We spoke nicely, yet you insulted my daughter-in-law and looked down on my son! Why are you spouting such nonsense in my home? My daughter-in-law is heavily pregnant so why should she cook for your child? Can’t you hear a refusal? Are you so domineering and unreasonable? You say my daughter-in-law is arrogant, but it’s you with your nose stuck in the air! In all my years, I’ve never seen someone as shameless as you. Truly, I’ve learned something new today! If I were your family, I’d be too ashamed to let you show your face outside!”

She didn’t give Fang Xiaoli a chance to speak, instead turning to the crowd of onlookers. “Everyone, judge this for me. Her child wants to eat what my daughter-in-law made, but my daughter-in-law can’t stand long with her big belly, let alone cook. Yet this woman barges into my house and scolds her! Tell me, is there anyone so domineering and unreasonable?”

Several old women who had good relations with Old Lady Han immediately joined in.

“Her belly is huge, and she’s carrying twins. How can she go cook for your child? Isn’t that making things difficult?”

“That’s right! When you’re asking for a favor, at least show the right attitude. Instead, you scold her and look down on her because she’s from the countryside. If you despise her so much, why come begging for help?”

“If you want it, make it yourself! What kind of attitude is this? You won’t gain anything by behaving like this.”

With the crowd speaking out, no one held back. Normally, people might not dare confront Fang Xiaoli directly, but now that so many were speaking at once, their courage grew. They practically besieged her with criticism.

It was the first time Fang Xiaoli had ever been scolded by so many people at once. She nearly exploded with rage, her reason gone. She glared at Old Lady Han, shouting, “So what if you’re the mother of a mere battalion commander? What’s there to be so arrogant about? Believe it or not, I can make sure your son isn’t even a battalion commander anymore, I’ll send your whole family back to the countryside!”

Su Yue sneered coldly, deliberately raising her voice. “Since you’re so powerful and the army listens to you, then go ahead. I’ll wait right here to see if you can make my husband lose his position. Let’s see if you really have that ability!”

“You! Fine, just wait, I’ll make sure your man….” Fang Xiaoli was about to continue when Old Madam Feng rushed over and quickly covered her mouth.

Old Madam Feng’s face was livid as she snapped at her daughter-in-law for the first time, “If you keep spouting nonsense, I’ll call Junwei back and have him divorce you! Don’t think he wouldn’t listen to me; I’m his mother.”

This was the first time Fang Xiaoli had ever been spoken to so harshly by Old Madam Feng. Panic flashed through her eyes. No matter how domineering she was, she was terrified of divorce. She didn’t dare argue further, and instead flung Old Madam Feng’s hands away, running into the house crying.

Old Madam Feng quickly apologized to Su Yue and Old Lady Han. “My daughter-in-law was being unreasonable. Please don’t take it to heart. I’m sorry, please don’t mind her.”

Old Lady Han waved it off without saying much, then turned and pulled Su Yue back inside, shutting the door to block the gawking crowd.

Once they were alone, Old Lady Han’s anger turned to worry. “Yueyue, that woman was so arrogant just now. Is her family really powerful? She said she could make sure Aiguo isn’t battalion commander anymore. Could that really happen?”

Su Yue patted her back gently to comfort her. “Mother, don’t let your imagination run wild. That won’t happen. The army doesn’t let one woman decide such things. If she could get anyone removed with just a word, the whole army would fall into chaos. The leaders aren’t fools.”

“But… but…” Old Lady Han still looked uneasy. “Our family has no power or background. What if someone really tries to target Aiguo? He’s worked so hard all these years to earn his position. What if someone deliberately tries to bring him down?”

She wasn’t ignorant; she knew the army wasn’t like farming in the countryside. Promotions were hard-won, and behind every advancement were politics and connections. If even small brigade cadres could scheme against each other, how much more so in the army?

Su Yue knew Old Lady Han’s worries weren’t baseless, but she still put on a reassuring front. “Mother, no. The army is fair. Promotions are based on contributions and merit, not on someone’s idle words. Look at Aiguo; he’s worked hard, step by step, to reach his current position. No one can just shake that. Trust him, Mother. Don’t worry.”

Hearing her daughter-in-law speak so firmly, Old Lady Han finally relaxed a little.

But after comforting her, Su Yue herself remained uneasy. She had no idea what Fang Xiaoli’s family’s actual connections were. She had only heard from Ma Cuiyun that Fang Xiaoli’s father held some authority in the army, but she didn’t know his exact position. If Fang Xiaoli really made a complaint, her father might well interfere with Han Aiguo’s career.

It had taken Han Aiguo many years of hardship to reach his current rank. If someone suppressed him, he might never be able to advance further.

With that worry in her heart, Su Yue missed Han Aiguo even more. He had already been gone for a month without a single message. She didn’t know how he was doing. Fortunately, she hadn’t had any bad dreams during this time that at least meant he was safe for now.