Chapter 73: Making Trouble Behind the Scenes and Giving Birth to Children

Since the quarrel, the sound of Feng Zitao’s cry was often heard next door, followed by Fang Xiaoli scolding him at home.

Although Fang Xiaoli appeared to be lecturing her child, in reality, she was cursing Su Yue indirectly and it was so obvious that even a fool could hear it.

Su Yue chose not to stoop to her level. She pretended not to hear anything, but Old Lady Han was different. Every time she heard the neighbor secretly scolding Su Yue, she would slam the door open in anger, stand in the doorway, and curse back at the top of her voice.

The neighbor scolded secretly, and Old Lady Han scolded back just as secretly. She never mentioned names, but everyone knew who she was referring to.

When it came to quarreling, Fang Xiaoli was far inferior to Old Lady Han. After all, the old lady had many more years of life experience, and her tongue had been sharpened through village disputes. How could she lose in a battle of words? Against her, ten Fang Xiaolis wouldn’t stand a chance.

As a result, every round of scolding ended with Old Lady Han’s victory. Fang Xiaoli, fuming with rage, would throw things around her house, making loud bangs that could be heard upstairs and downstairs.

Because of this, whenever Fang Xiaoli saw Su Yue and Old Lady Han outside, her eyes burned with the desire to tear them apart.

Su Yue, on the other hand, treated it as a kind of entertainment. Listening to Old Lady Han’s verbal battles with the neighbor became her new pastime. Far from feeling annoyed, she actually enjoyed it as it made life more amusing.

Still, she worried her unborn children might pick up bad habits from listening. So, after every “battle,” she would gently pat her belly and educate the two little ones inside.

“Mother took you to listen to Grandma fight, but you’re not allowed to learn how to curse, okay? You’re still young, and cursing is wrong. Let’s just enjoy it for fun.”

Right on cue, the two little ones would kick and punch inside her belly, leaving handprints and footprints as if to respond. It was hilarious.

Han Aimin’s eyes widened when he saw the movement. Staring at the bulge in Su Yue’s belly, he exclaimed, “Sister-in-law, can my two little nephews really understand what you’re saying? They’re too smart!”

Well, another one had been bewitched by these two mischievous little devils.

As their uncle, Han Aimin had practically become their number one fan. He adored the unborn twins, talking to them daily, spending his pocket money to buy fabric, and even sewing little clothes. The twins always “gave him face” by responding with kicks whenever he spoke to them.

But time passed quickly. Soon, Han Aimin had to return to his hometown to attend junior high school. This time, he wanted to travel back alone. Su Yue worried about his safety, so she sent a telegram to Han Lao-er and Han Lao-san, asking them to pick him up at the station.

Before leaving, Han Aimin reluctantly talked to his unborn nephews for a long time. Though still a teenager, he behaved like an adult, giving them red envelopes in advance since he couldn’t be there when they were born. He promised he would return to visit them during the New Year and bring them lucky money then.

Su Yue was reluctant to let him go. If not for the fear of delaying his schooling, she would have kept him by her side a little longer.

But despite her worries, Han Aimin still boarded the train and left. Two days later, the army received word that he had arrived home safely and only then did Su Yue breathe a sigh of relief.

After Han Aimin’s departure, Fang Xiaoli suddenly stopped the scolding war. Without her provocation, Old Lady Han also held her tongue. Thus, the half-month-long quarrel finally came to an end.

Ma Cuiyun chuckled and said, “She must’ve given up after realizing she couldn’t outscold Aunt Han.”

Old Lady Han lifted her chin proudly, looking very satisfied.

Su Yue nearly burst out laughing.

She originally thought the battle was over, but two days later, she discovered that Fang Xiaoli had not given up at all. Instead, she had changed her tactics. Since she couldn’t win against Old Lady Han in a quarrel, she resorted to other ways of making trouble.

That day, the courtyard was suddenly bustling. Someone had bought something big, and all the neighbors rushed out to watch.

Su Yue wasn’t interested, but Old Lady Han couldn’t resist the excitement. She joined the crowd downstairs to take a look.

Not long after, she returned with a smile and said, “A family upstairs bought a sewing machine. It’s brand new and looks beautiful. They just brought it back from the supply and marketing cooperative. Everyone’s envious—come see.”

Su Yue’s heart skipped a beat. She immediately asked, “Did they really buy it from Wenxiang Supply and Marketing Cooperative?”

Old Lady Han nodded. “Yes, the family upstairs said so themselves. They just brought it back from there.”

Su Yue frowned. If that was true, why hadn’t she been able to buy one despite going to the cooperative multiple times? When her pregnancy made it inconvenient to go herself, she had asked Ma Cuiyun to check for her, but the answer was always the same: no stock.

Even just two days ago, Ma Cuiyun had gone to buy thread and asked again, only to be told there were none available.

So why did the family upstairs manage to get one?

Just as Su Yue thought of Ma Cuiyun, Ma Cuiyun came downstairs to look for her. The moment she entered, she frowned and said, “Sister, they bought a sewing machine next door.”

Su Yue replied calmly, “I already know.”

“You know?” Ma Cuiyun waved her hand angrily. “Then do you know who bought it for her?”

Su Yue blinked, a person immediately coming to mind. She asked tentatively, “Fang Xiaoli?”

“Yes! It was her!” Ma Cuiyun almost jumped with anger. “I just went to the supply and marketing cooperative to ask for you two days ago. Every time the salesperson saw me, they said it was out of stock. I actually believed them and thought there really weren’t any. I’ve been asking for half a year! But now it turns out they weren’t out of stock at all, they just didn’t want to sell to us!”

Old Lady Han, overhearing, sensed something was wrong and quickly asked, “What’s going on? Yueyue, you wanted to buy a sewing machine too, but you didn’t get one?”

Su Yue nodded. “When I was first pregnant, I thought I’d have more chances in the future to make and alter clothes. Since I wasn’t skilled at needlework, I wanted a sewing machine. Aiguo even got me a ticket for one, but every time I went to the supply and marketing cooperative, the salesperson said they were out of stock.”

Ma Cuiyun spat in frustration. “Same with me! Every time I asked, I was told it was out of stock. But my neighbor wanted one too, so she went to Fang Xiaoli instead. Guess what? Fang Xiaoli agreed right away, and in no time, she got her a brand-new sewing machine. What does that mean? It means the supply and marketing cooperative has machines but they just won’t sell them to us!”

Su Yue also thought of this and couldn’t help suspecting that Fang Xiaoli was the reason the salespeople had been refusing her all this time.

Ma Cuiyun was even more certain. Gritting her teeth, she said, “Sister, I’m telling you, it must have been Fang Xiaoli. She definitely told the salespeople not to sell to us. Otherwise, how could it have been out of stock for more than half a year? Even if goods arrived each time, we’ve been queuing and asking for months. It’s impossible for them to always be out. I was foolish enough to think they really had no stock, but in the end, both of us were tricked by Fang Xiaoli!”

Su Yue pressed her lips together and remained silent.

Ma Cuiyun continued, “Normally, we’d never even think of asking Fang Xiaoli for help. But this time, she helped my neighbor get a sewing machine without hesitation. That’s no coincidence; she clearly did it to provoke you. She wants to show off her ability and make you regret offending her.”

Su Yue agreed. The two families had been quarreling fiercely lately. Fang Xiaoli couldn’t out-argue Old Lady Han and must have been holding in her anger. It was entirely possible she had deliberately used this method to get under their skin.

Old Lady Han finally understood. She clapped her hands angrily and said, “So Fang Xiaoli works at the supply and marketing cooperative? Did she deliberately tell the salespeople not to sell you a sewing machine?”

“Yes, Auntie,” Ma Cuiyun confirmed. “That woman has been against us all along. She must be the one behind it.”

“What a wicked woman! How can she be so deceitful!” Old Lady Han was even angrier than Su Yue. She stood up, ready to storm out. “I’ll go ask her face to face how she could do something so immoral!”

Su Yue hurriedly grabbed her arm. “Mom, you can’t go now. They’re at work. Besides, we have no proof, it’s all just our suspicion. If they deny it and accuse you of slander, it’ll only cause you trouble.”

Old Lady Han fumed. “Then what should we do? Are we just supposed to let her bully us like this?”

Su Yue gently patted her hand to comfort her. “Mom, don’t be angry. We don’t need to bother with her. Your needlework is excellent so we don’t even have to buy a sewing machine. And who says we must get one from the Wenxiang’s Supply and Marketing Cooperative? We can look elsewhere. If not, we can buy a second-hand one. When Aiguo comes back, we’ll have him ask around. We won’t beg her for anything, that alone will annoy her to death.”

Old Lady Han thought it over and realized Su Yue was right. Without evidence, confronting Fang Xiaoli was pointless. Better to ignore her entirely. Though she still felt stifled, she endured it.

Su Yue and Old Lady Han did not argue with Fang Xiaoli. Fang Xiaoli, however, felt that they were afraid of her and became very proud. Every time she saw them, her eyes were full of contempt, as if saying: Look, you country bumpkins just don’t have the ability. If you offend me, even if you have tickets, you still can’t buy anything.

Old Lady Han was so angry that Su Yue had to constantly comfort her, urging her to calm down.

Fortunately, such days soon came to an end. When Su Yue was nine months pregnant, her belly had grown so large that she could barely bear the weight. She had to support her stomach while walking, and she often felt a vague discomfort. A sense of panic rose in her heart for no reason.

It felt as though the children were about to come out.

She had heard that twins usually arrived early, but she didn’t know how early. Feeling uneasy, Su Yue told Old Lady Han about her condition.

Although Old Lady Han had many grandchildren, she had never experienced twins in the family and had no knowledge of such cases. She only knew that a twin pregnancy was somewhat different from a normal one. So, when Su Yue mentioned she felt the babies were coming, the old lady immediately panicked. Forgetting all about quarrels and anger, she hurried to pack Su Yue’s things.

Most people of that era gave birth at home, at most hiring an experienced midwife. But Su Yue, being a modern woman, was accustomed to hospital births. She felt giving birth at home was unsafe, so she had already spoken with Xu Can beforehand to help her make arrangements at the hospital.

Xu Can had everything ready in advance, so all Su Yue needed to do was go there when the time came.

Old Lady Han respected Su Yue’s decision. She also felt hospitals were safer with doctors and nurses present, it was worth spending more money.

Suppressing her panic, Su Yue packed with Old Lady Han’s help. They gathered money, clothes, diapers, daily necessities, and placed everything into a basket. Su Yue even tidied the house before leaving. Once everything was in order, she held onto Old Lady Han for support and carefully boarded the shuttle bus to the commune hospital.

Thanks to Xu Can, Su Yue was admitted into a single ward. She would stay there until labor began.

Perhaps mother and children truly shared a connection, for Su Yue’s instincts proved accurate. Barely a day after being admitted, before she even had time to familiarize herself with the hospital, her stomach began to ache.

It was time to give birth.

—-

Han Aiguo strode out of the army camp. Dust and blood still clung to his face and body, but he didn’t stop to clean himself. He quickened his pace toward the family quarters, almost breaking into a run.

Feng Junwei nearly failed to keep up. “Aiguo, why are you walking so fast? You just made a great contribution. The leader asked you to write a report, but you ran off before writing it. What’s the rush?”

Han Aiguo didn’t stop. His voice was calm but urgent: “My wife is nine months pregnant and about to give birth. I’m worried; I have to go back and check on her.”

Feng Junwei immediately understood. No wonder Aiguo had rushed home without a second thought. Under such circumstances, the report could certainly wait.

When Han Aiguo reached home, he expected to find his wife and mother waiting. Instead, the house was empty. His expression darkened, and he was about to dash out in search of them when Ma Cuiyun, who had been keeping an eye on things downstairs, hurried up.

Seeing him, she anxiously said, “Company Commander Han, go to the hospital quickly. Su Yue felt like she was about to give birth, so she already went with your mother. I don’t know if she’s given birth yet. Please, go fast!”

Han Aiguo froze for only a second before running downstairs without a word. He borrowed a car from the army and rushed straight to the hospital.

By the time he arrived, Su Yue had already been wheeled into the delivery room.

The moment Old Lady Han saw her son, she finally felt some relief, as if her backbone had returned. She clutched his arm tightly and said, “Yueyue started feeling unwell this morning. She’s been inside for several hours now, and there’s still no news.”

Han Aiguo’s hands trembled slightly. His voice quivered as he muttered, “Isn’t it only nine months? Why is she giving birth so soon?”

Old Lady Han reassured him, “The doctor said twins are often premature. It’s good that they’re born at this time. You came back just in time so you’ll get to see your children.”

Han Aiguo pressed his lips together firmly, legs straight and body tense, eyes fixed on the delivery room door. Inside was his wife, giving birth to his children.

Old Lady Han paced back and forth anxiously, whispering over and over, “Mother and child safe, mother and child safe…”

Han Aiguo clenched his fists tightly, praying silently with all his heart: Mother and child must be safe.

Time crawled by. The sky outside darkened, and Han Aiguo’s legs grew numb from standing when, at last, the door opened. Two nurses stepped out, each holding a baby. Smiling, one of them asked, “Are Su Yue’s family members here?”

Han Aiguo rushed forward at once, with Old Lady Han close behind. “Sister, how is my wife? Are these my children?”

The head nurse smiled and nodded. “Congratulations. Mother and children are safe. She gave birth to twins; two boys. Both are healthy.”

The other nurse added, “One weighs four pounds, and the other five. The one in my arms is the younger brother, he’s five pounds and a little chubbier than his elder brother.”

“Yes, the younger one is fatter than the elder.” Old Lady Han sighed in relief, carefully taking the thinner eldest child into her arms. She thanked the nurse gratefully while examining the baby.

Han Aiguo barely glanced at the children. His hoarse voice betrayed his anxiety: “Where is my wife? How is she? Can she come out?”

Before the nurse could answer, Su Yue was wheeled out. She was still conscious. The moment her tired eyes landed on Han Aiguo, they lit up faintly, and she whispered hoarsely, “You’re back.”

Her hair was damp with sweat, several strands clinging to her pale face. Her lips were bloodless, and she looked utterly exhausted.

Seeing her like that, Han Aiguo’s eyes reddened. He bent down, took her hand, and kissed her again and again. “Yue’er, Yue’er, thank you for your hard work.”

Su Yue smiled faintly and raised her weak hand to touch the rough stubble on his chin. “Fool, I’m fine.”

Han Aiguo kissed her forehead before the doctors and nurses wheeled her into the ward.

The two babies were placed in a crib beside the hospital bed so that Su Yue could see them whenever she turned her head.

Though exhausted, Su Yue refused to sleep. She tilted her head to look at her children. But after a while, she sighed softly and complained to Han Aiguo, “I originally hoped for two girls, but it turned out they’re both boys; two little boys.”

Old Lady Han laughed and consoled her: “Two boys are wonderful. Our Han family is used to having boys. Look at me; I never even managed to have a girl. You’re still young. You’ll have more chances in the future.”

Han Aiguo also gazed at the two little boys and said firmly, “We’ll definitely have a girl next time.”

Su Yue rolled her eyes at him. As if things were that simple. What if the next one was another boy? She’d probably go mad. Besides, handling these two little troublemakers was already going to be challenging. She could already sense they were not going to be easy to deal with.