Widow Remarries in Sixties

“Yes, he doesn’t have a mother and father, but my husband and I are his parents now. Initially, I considered that no matter what, it was our child who hit someone, so we thought about compensating you. But with your attitude, we don’t feel it’s necessary anymore. In fact, I have the right to report you to the production team. Is this the mindset and awareness of your entire production team?”

After saying this, she took her daughter’s and He Yan’s hands and turned to leave. “Let’s go. We did nothing wrong and there’s no need to apologize.”

“Hey, you… stop right there…”

Zhou Guowen’s mother wanted to reach out and grab them, but the teacher stopped her. “Mrs. Zhou, this time, it really is your fault. Take your child home and educate him properly.”

“Teacher Wang, what do you mean by this…”

Walking away, they could no longer hear the voices behind them. The walk was silent until they exited the school. Qian Yufeng finally couldn’t help but pat her chest and say, “You were so intimidating just now. Honestly, I didn’t even dare to breathe.”

She then added, “You’re quick with your words. A few sentences and they were left speechless.”

Jin Xiuzhu shook her head. “I was just telling the truth. This time it really wasn’t He Yan’s fault. It was that mother and son who lacked proper upbringing.”

“Are you really going to report this to the village?”

Jin Xiuzhu’s brow furrowed. “Of course. We don’t bully others, but if someone bullies us, we can’t be timid.”

Walking behind them, He Yan wiped away his tears. But this time, they were tears of relief, not sadness.

Next to him, Wu Xiaojun patted his shoulder and whispered, “Your aunt is really great. Not like my mom, who always makes me apologize without asking questions, even when it’s not my fault.”

In a choked voice, He Yan corrected him, “Not aunt, it’s mom.”

In his heart, Jin Xiuzhu would be his mother from now on.

When they reached home and parted ways at the door, Jin Xiuzhu took out the milk and sweet potato cakes from her cloth bag and handed them to Qian Yufeng. “Thank you, sister-in-law, for accompanying me today. Here, take these and enjoy them. They were just made today.”

Both Qian Yufeng and her child’s eyes lit up. After some polite refusals, she quickly accepted the cakes, saying, “Next time you need anything, just come to me. I’m always willing to help.”

Jin Xiuzhu smiled.

When they got home, Jiang Mingchuan had already prepared the meal. He heard them coming and stepped out of the kitchen. Not finding anyone home earlier, he had gone to check at Grandma Wu’s place and learned from her what had happened.

Pretending not to notice his son’s red-rimmed eyes, he patted him on the shoulder. “Let’s eat.”

He responded with a soft “Mm.”

Dinner was two dishes and a soup: vegetables, tofu, and egg soup.

During the meal, the family of four remained silent. It wasn’t until they were washing the dishes that Jin Xiuzhu told Jiang Mingchuan what had happened. Jiang Mingchuan was quite pleased with Jin Xiuzhu’s thoughtful words. “You’re right. Even though we aren’t wrong, their child did get hurt. I’ll take five eggs over to them later as a gesture to help their child recover. Let’s put this matter behind us.”

Jin Xiuzhu scoffed softly, having anticipated his kind-hearted response. “Aren’t you worried that Xiaoyan will be upset?”

Jiang Mingchuan replied, “I’ll explain it to Xiaoyan. He’s a very understanding child.”

“So, understanding children should be the ones to suffer?”

“That’s not just about being wronged. In this matter, the child with the surname Zhou insulted him, and that child was in the wrong. But he acted impulsively by injuring someone with a stone. Fortunately, nothing serious happened this time. If the person had been seriously injured or if a bigger accident had occurred, it would probably take a lifetime to make amends. He still has a long life ahead of him and shouldn’t ruin it over such matters.”

This time, Jin Xiuzhu didn’t argue back. She was also worried, and deep down, she knew that Jiang Mingchuan was right. She just murmured softly, “Well, then you should talk to Xiaoyan.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Mingchuan turned his head and gave her a gentle look. He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but he felt that Jin Xiuzhu had changed in some ways, becoming softer.

Not knowing what he was looking at, Jin Xiuzhu raised her hand to touch her face. “What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?”

Jiang Mingchuan shook his head and changed the subject. “Recently, the unit is planning to open a literacy class. Do you want to sign up?”

Mainly, after Jin Xiuzhu went to the cafeteria earlier, many military spouses were dissatisfied and complained to the leadership, saying that Jin Xiuzhu had used connections to get in, benefiting from her foster parents’ relationship. The leadership was annoyed by the uproar and decided to open a literacy class so that the military spouses would have something to do instead of constantly monitoring others.

Jiang Mingchuan didn’t tell Jin Xiuzhu about this, but he felt that even if he did, she wouldn’t care.

Jin Xiuzhu had recently finished learning pinyin and numbers with He Yan. She had basically recognized all the characters in the first-grade textbooks. Furthermore, He Yan didn’t want to study with Jin Xiuzhu and her sister anymore because he found that as soon as Dad taught once, Mom would understand. Not only Mom, even the younger sister could understand. For addition and subtraction, before he could even come up with the answer, his sister could already say it out loud.

Clearly, he wasn’t dumb in class. He even ranked in the top five in every exam, despite starting half a semester later than everyone else.

Jiang Mingchuan didn’t have time every night. Usually, he would teach them for a while after dinner at home.

Jin Xiuzhu had always yearned for knowledge. She had never thought she could go to school herself, so she immediately said, “When is it? I’ll sign up.”

“Seems like next Friday.”

Jin Xiuzhu nodded, already thinking about making herself a small backpack.

In the living room, Fu Yanyan watched as He Yan diligently did his homework. Suddenly, she asked, “Doesn’t Zhou Guowen have an older brother?”

He Yan lifted his head slowly, blinking. “How did you know?”

Fu Yanyan didn’t answer directly but continued, “What’s his brother’s name?”

Furrowing his brow in thought, He Yan thought for a moment, “I think his brother’s name is Zhou Guoqiang or Zhou Wenqiang. I can’t remember. Why?”

Fu Yanyan fell silent for a moment. If she remembered correctly, that person’s name was Zhou Guoqiang. In her past life, it seemed that He Yan’s leg injury was caused by him.

During the summer vacation when He Yan passed the entrance exam for the military academy, he accidentally saw Zhou Guoqiang dragging a girl towards a haystack. After rescuing her, He Yan was retaliated against by Zhou Guoqiang, who brought a group of people to cut off He Yan’s legs.

At that time, medical technology was not advanced, and with the delay, He Yan couldn’t walk normally anymore and failed to enter the military academy.

Fu Yanyan heard all these things in the hospital. The girl was Zhao Yun’s daughter, Tang Ying, the one who accused her of stealing her Father Jiang. Tang Ying, along with her fiancé, found their way to the hospital. She was beautiful and delicate, standing next to her handsome and tall fiancé, making He Yan look even more miserable.

Without looking at He Yan, she said lightly, “Don’t be impulsive in the future. Also, stay away from those two brothers. They’re not good people.”

He Yan didn’t dwell on it much, thinking his sister was worried about him. He looked at her with some emotion and obediently said, “I won’t fight anymore.”

Fu Yanyan didn’t know if he had taken it to heart, but she decided to remind him again in the future.

***

The literacy class was held in a room next to the cafeteria, which was originally used for storing miscellaneous items but had been cleared out for the class.

It seemed that the leadership attached great importance to this literacy class. They had specially invited two military wives who had attended college to be teachers. One was surnamed Chen, who seemed quite old, possibly the wife of a senior officer.

Jin Xiuzhu hadn’t seen her before; it was Qian Yufeng who had found out about her. Even though Jin Xiuzhu had been here for many years, she had never seen her. However, she kept herself informed and knew that this lady had studied abroad when she was young and had also worked as a translator for a senior leader.

Most of the people who came to listen to the class came for her.

Another person was Fang Min, who had just come over to Captain Yan’s house for dinner. Jin Xiuzhu had spoken to her a couple of times, but she hadn’t seen her since then. Qian Yufeng said she was arrogant because she could earn money at home and usually wrote poetry and articles.

What Jin Xiuzhu liked most about this world was the equality among everyone, regardless of gender.

There were no masters or servants, and women could also go out to work and earn money. This was something she had never dared to imagine in her previous life. “Among all things, reading is the best,” was an idea she had accepted since childhood. In her memory, even the maids who could read were respected.

She didn’t want to spend her whole life in the kitchen; she wanted to be a worker in the future. This was the goal Jin Xiuzhu had set for herself.

“What’s it like abroad?”

Qian Yufeng knew Jin Xiuzhu didn’t understand many things, but every time she talked about them, she seemed very enthusiastic, making her appear knowledgeable. So she eagerly explained, “Abroad is just abroad, with countries like M, Y, and S. Although they’re more developed than our country, our leaders say we’ll surpass them soon.”

Jin Xiuzhu nodded, knowing Qian Yufeng couldn’t explain it further either.

The room was filled with people; it seemed like all the military wives were there. Some people didn’t have seats and had to stand. Because Jin Xiuzhu was more active, they sat in the front row and had the clearest view.

In the first lesson, Teacher Chen taught them the ten digits. Holding a piece of chalk, she wrote down numbers one to ten on the newly cleaned blackboard, and then pointed to them one by one, teaching them to read.

After repeating it about five times, she started calling people up to ask questions, starting in order and then randomly pointing to ask. Slowly, people started making mistakes.

Jin Xiuzhu was pulled nervously by Qian Yufeng next to her, “What should I do? What should I do? I don’t know how to do this. I was lost in thought just now.”

Jin Xiuzhu: “…”

Little did they know that the more they feared, the more it happened. Qian Yufeng was suddenly called upon by the teacher. Mrs. Chen pointed to the number seven. Qian Yufeng froze for a moment, quietly counting on her fingers. Although she couldn’t read, she understood the order. After hesitating for several beats, she timidly uttered, “Seven.”

Mrs. Chen immediately pointed to another number. After a few rounds of this, Qian Yufeng became confused. Eventually, it was Yanyan, sitting on Jin Xiuzhu’s lap, who took pity on her and discreetly reminded her.

Qian Yufeng took a shot in the dark, but to her surprise, she got them all right. After safely sitting back down, her face flushed red from the anxiety. She whispered to Jin Xiuzhu, “I’m never coming again.”

It was too scary.

Mrs. Chen at the podium pretended not to notice, but when her gaze fell on the little person on Jin Xiuzhu’s lap, there was a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Mrs. Chen taught math, while Fang Min taught Chinese. With classes ending at nine in the evening, it was convenient for Jin Xiuzhu to go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the next day.

As they parted ways at the door, Jin Xiuzhu felt her daughter tug on her hand. “It’s Daddy.”

Jin Xiuzhu glanced over and indeed, it was them. Although it was too dark to see clearly, she could tell from the outline that it was father and son.

Her heart softened. She didn’t know when she had become so familiar with them to this extent.

Holding her daughter’s hand, she walked over. A few steps away, Jiang Mingchuan also noticed them. He took a few steps forward and lifted their daughter into his arms. “How was the class?”

Jin Xiuzhu nodded, “It was fine.”

Then she seemed to remember something. “By the way, can you speak a foreign language?”

She heard from Qian Yufeng that when national leaders go abroad, they have to take airplanes. She wondered if she would have such an opportunity in the future.

Jiang Mingchuan modestly said, “I can speak a little Y language and S language.”

Jin Xiuzhu nodded in satisfaction, “You can teach me when you have the chance.”

Learning an additional skill is never a bad thing.

“Sure.”

While Jin Xiuzhu went to the neighboring cafeteria to prepare ingredients for the next morning, Jiang Mingchuan waited outside with the two children. Zhang, the chef, and his team were also there. They had just finished their work, and when they saw Jin Xiuzhu approaching, they waved to her. “We have some braised pork left over from tonight. Would you like some?”

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t hesitate, “That would be great. It’ll save me from cooking tomorrow morning.”

Chef Zhang smiled happily and instructed his apprentice to get a bowl for Jin Xiuzhu.

Every time Jin Xiuzhu cooked something delicious, she would give Chef Zhang a portion. Over time, Chef Zhang would also save some food for her.

While Jin Xiuzhu was kneading dough, Chef Zhang said beside her, “It’s always good to learn more. When I was young, I used to eavesdrop on private tutors’ classes, watching those students inside, feeling envious. Some of those young masters from wealthy families became farmers, while others became scientists. I’ve lived many years, experienced hardships and toils, but let me tell you, better days are ahead.”

Jin Xiuzhu smiled, “That’s what I think too.”

As they came out of the kitchen, the two children were sitting on Jiang Mingchuan’s lap, one on each side, listening attentively to Jiang Mingchuan’s stories from his time in the military.

Seeing Jin Xiuzhu coming out, Jiang Mingchuan lifted each child with one arm, and they exclaimed in surprise.

Jin Xiuzhu chuckled, taking out a piece of braised pork from the bowl and feeding it to them. Then, she extended her hand, offering to Jiang Mingchuan first.

Feeling the sweetness on his lips, Jiang Mingchuan was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected to be fed first.

Jin Xiuzhu winked at him.

Seeing his apprentice still craning his neck to look, Zhang the chef couldn’t help but pat his head irritably. “What are you staring at? What’s so fascinating?”

The apprentice rubbed his head and grinned. “I just couldn’t help but want to take a few more glances. Seeing them, a family of four, so happy, makes me happy too. Uncle, do you think if my parents were still around, would it be like this?”

Hearing this, Chef Zhang glanced outside, smiled, and didn’t say anything more.

He thought to himself, who wouldn’t?

Before going to bed at night, Jiang Mingchuan hugged his wife in his arms and suddenly asked in a soft voice, “Do you love me?”

Jin Xiuzhu was so sleepy that she could barely open her eyes. Upon hearing his question, she impatiently gruntled.

Unsatisfied with her response, Jiang Mingchuan asked again, then followed up with, “Why did you give me the meat first?”

Annoyed by his pestering, Jin Xiuzhu replied irritably, “Because you like sweet things,” then turned over and ignored him.

Hearing this, Jiang Mingchuan couldn’t help but hold her tighter, feeling a touch of sourness in his nose. From childhood to adulthood, this was the first time someone had noticed his fondness for sweets.

After calming his emotions, he leaned down and gently kissed her on the forehead.

***

In the early hours of the next day, He Yan finished urinating outside and ran back to his room to continue sleeping. He saw his sister sitting on the bed, glaring at him for waking her up. Afraid of her getting angry, he quickly said, “Do you know what Mom and Dad were talking about just now?”

The family’s toilet was outside, but Jiang Mingchuan was worried about insects and snakes, so he had bought a chamber pot and placed it in the living room for the convenience of the two children to use at night.

Fu Yanyan was indeed curious, so she suppressed her annoyance and raised an eyebrow, asking, “What were they saying?”

He Yan glanced at her hesitantly, then whispered, “I heard Mom saying Dad is her sweetheart, and she feels uncomfortable when she can’t see him for a whole morning.”

Fu Yanyan’s mouth twitched, and couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

Thinking she didn’t believe him, He Yan emphasized, “It’s true. Mom also praised Dad for being amazing and said she couldn’t bear to leave him.”

Fuyan Yan’s face twisted in embarrassment, then she quickly reminded him, “Don’t say these things outside.”

He Yan glanced around with guilty eyes, his confidence lacking, “I didn’t say anything.”

Then he tried to justify himself, “Other people’s parents always argue, and some dads even hit their moms. But our family is fine.”

So sometimes he couldn’t help but show off that he had good parents and a particularly clever little sister.

“…” What a big mouth.