Old lady Niu, who had once been so domineering, was now bedridden from a stroke. Truly, life was unpredictable.
“Was it really from a fall? Didn’t they say she got sick from being angered by Wang Shu and that Widow Hu?”
“Who knows? It’s not like anyone actually saw it happen.”
Song Wei, mingling with the gossiping crowd: I actually do know, but this isn’t the right time to reveal it—it might alert them.
It was nearly dark by the time Lin Zhen returned.
Seeing Song Wei sitting in the courtyard munching on a flatbread, clearly waiting for him, Lin Zhen’s eyes softened with a hint of amusement.
“You’re back late.”
Song Wei handed him a cup of water.
“The plan required my input, and the discussion dragged on. It seems our brigade will be receiving another group of educated youths soon.”
Song Wei immediately understood. “From Public Security?”
Lin Zhen nodded. “Yes, two agents will blend in to monitor Widow Hu and try to capture those behind her.”
Since everything was arranged, Song Wei felt reassured. She then recounted her adventure of sneaking into Wang Shu’s house to eavesdrop.
Lin Zhen frowned. “Don’t do anything so dangerous again.”
“It wasn’t dangerous—they didn’t notice me,” Song Wei replied matter-of-factly.
Lin Zhen: You just wanted an excuse to eavesdrop, didn’t you?
Could Widow Hu really marry Wang Shu?
The answer came quickly.
With Old lady Niu out of the way, the marriage was finalized. Even Wang Shu’s father gave his approval. The opinions of the two children were, of course, completely ignored.
Because Widow Hu was pregnant, the wedding was scheduled to take place that very month.
Old lady Niu was discharged from the hospital and brought home. Wang Shu, with a sorrowful expression, explained to everyone that they couldn’t afford the hospital bills and had no choice but to care for her at home.
For days, the impending marriage between Wang Shu and Widow Hu was the hot topic of conversation.
Song Wei, while enjoying the gossip with the others, didn’t forget her priorities.
She had spent a long time collecting medicinal herbs, and with Old Ji’s help, she processed most of them into pills, ointments, and powders, all neatly packaged for convenience.
Some were made into bundles of herbs for brewing into decoctions.
Once everything was packed and ready to be mailed, Lin Zhen took Song Wei on his bicycle.
The rear of the bike was loaded with packages, while Song Wei sat on the front crossbar.
Fortunately, Lin Zhen was tall and strong, pedaling steadily despite the load. Song Wei, sitting up front, didn’t block his view.
As they rode through the village, a few people teased them in passing.
“Their relationship sure is sweet.”
“They’re not even married yet, and they’re already this affectionate. Even this old lady feels shy watching them.”
“What’s there to be shy about? They’re engaged—of course they’re close. A good relationship needs nurturing. How can you connect with someone you hardly see?”
“This is way better than some people sneaking around shamelessly. I like couples who are open like this.”
Unaware of the ongoing discussions, Song Wei and Lin Zhen continued on their way. When asked where they were headed, Song Wei casually replied that they were going to mail something to her brother.
She wasn’t lying; part of the packages were indeed for her brother.
The wild chickens and rabbits they had hunted in the mountains were made into dried meats to send to her brother. She also prepared a small share for her uncle, though she only dared to send a little—one or two pieces at most.
Some items were for Lin Zhen’s comrades who had helped him.
The packages were divided into three groups. Song Wei had even asked the brigade leader and Lin Zhen’s great-uncle for old cotton-padded coats. She replaced the stuffing with new cotton before sending them off.
She included everything she thought they might need, hoping to hear back soon. If all went well, she planned to visit after the busy farming season.
After mailing the packages, Song Wei brought up her plan.
“What excuse could I use to visit the northwest?”
In those days, travel required a valid reason and a letter of introduction from the brigade leader.
Lin Zhen thought for a moment. “You could say you’re visiting one of my comrades. Talk to the brigade leader. As long as it’s not during the farming season, he won’t make it difficult for us.”
Reassured by Lin Zhen’s suggestion, Song Wei relaxed.
Instead of heading back to the village, they made a detour to the city to visit Lin Zhen’s aunt.
His aunt, the daughter of Lin Zhen’s great-uncle, was married and working in the city. This was Lin Zhen’s first time visiting her since his return, and he had even bought a bottle of liquor as a gift.
As they approached her home, voices could be heard from inside.
“Xiaofei, I’m just saying—why bother sending a girl to school? Girls grow up to marry and become part of someone else’s family. Even if she gets a degree, what good will it do? That money would be better spent on my son—he’s your nephew, your real family.”
“Aunt, that’s my daughter and my money. If I want to spend it on her education, I will. Why are you eyeing someone else’s money?”
“What kind of attitude is that? How dare you speak to your sister-in-law like that! No wonder people from small places lack manners. She’s right—marrying into our family and only giving birth to two daughters. Thank goodness we have Guolin, or you’d have ruined the family line!”
The door swung open, and Song Wei’s voice, dripping with mockery, rang out.
“Lin Zhen, isn’t this your aunt’s house? Why are there beggars asking for money here?”
Everyone inside turned toward the door.
When they saw Lin Zhen standing there, his cold, fierce expression sent a chill through the room.
“W-Who are you?”
One of the women recognized Lin Zhen and stood up, her face lighting up.
“Ah Zhen!”
This was Lin Zhen’s aunt, Lin Fei. She looked to be in her early thirties and had a striking, confident appearance.
Also present were two other women and a cocky teenage boy who looked to be in middle school.
Hearing Lin Fei speak, the two women realized these visitors were Lin Fei’s relatives.
Remembering Song Wei’s sharp words, their faces turned pale.
“Who are these people, acting so rude? They must be some poor, unkempt relatives,” one woman muttered under her breath. Though she spoke softly, everyone could hear her clearly.
Lin Zhen glared at her, his gaze cold and intimidating, silencing her immediately.
“Ah Zhen, come in and sit down. I heard you got engaged—this must be your fiancée. When the snow blocked the roads last time, I couldn’t make it to the engagement party.”
Lin Fei, the pride of her family, was a capable and educated woman. She had secured a job at the grain station and later married a city man. Her husband treated her well, though his family seemed less agreeable.
Regardless, Lin Fei remained the pride of the entire Lin family.
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