Chapter 41: Change

Chapter 41: Change

Throughout the afternoon, Xue Chunli had been somewhat preoccupied. As the sun began to set, Lin Wanqiu and Chen Jianghai started preparing dinner. Her mother-in-law, however, had no interest in entering the kitchen; she sat alone by the doorway, knitting a sweater while waiting for her husband and eldest daughter to return.

When the meal was nearly ready, the sound of a tricycle approached from not far away. Xue Chunli stood up immediately, stretching her neck to look. Seeing that it was indeed Lin Wanqing and her father, she finally felt at ease.

"Mom, my sister is back. You can stop worrying now!" Lin Wanqiu said with a smile, taking hold of her mother’s hand.

Xue Chunli’s expression returned to normal, but she couldn't help but glare at her younger daughter. "Why aren't you watching the stove? What will you do if the food burns?"

Pointing toward the kitchen, Lin Wanqiu laughed, "Don't worry! Jianghai is watching it."

Hearing this, Xue Chunli glanced toward the kitchen in surprise, just in time to see Chen Jianghai busy stir-frying.

"Mom, I'm home," Lin Wanqing said with a smile, standing at the door with her hands full of things.

Seeing the smile on her eldest daughter's face, Xue Chunli quickly asked, "Did you get everything done?"

"Yes, it’s all taken care of," Lin Wanqing nodded.

Lin Jianguo chimed in, "Actually, the girl just made a phone call and then bought some things in town."

Only then did Xue Chunli notice that Lin Jianguo was also carrying quite a few items. Lin Wanqiu hurried over to help, asking curiously, "Sister, what did you buy?"

"Just some clothes and some food," Lin Wanqing replied casually.

Xue Chunli couldn't help but complain, "Why buy these things? That’s just a waste of money!"

Lin Wanqing explained, "Mom, I was in a rush when I came back this time, and it wasn't easy to bring things along. Now that I’m here, I naturally had to buy something for you and Dad."

"Sister, what about mine?" Lin Wanqiu couldn't help but ask.

Lin Wanqing pursed her lips toward the kitchen. "How old are you now? If you want something, go ask your husband!"

"Sister, I’m not talking to you anymore!" With a flushed face, Lin Wanqiu took the items and went inside.

Xue Chunli listened to the sisters' exchange without any change in her expression. Lin Jianguo, knowing exactly what his wife was thinking, quickly hoisted his bags and hurried inside. He knew that if he did something wrong at this moment, he might become the target of her pent-up frustration.

"Alright, go in and eat!" Xue Chunli said with a light sigh.

Lin Wanqing followed up, "Mom, don't overthink things. Wanqiu and I are both doing fine. The money I gave you before I left—it was meant for you to improve your life at home. Why are you so reluctant to use it?"

"I was just thinking about how to get Wanqiu away from that Chen Jianghai!" Xue Chunli said, sounding anxious. "But look at how she is now. I don't know what kind of love potion he’s fed her."

Lin Wanqing whispered, "Mom, don't be so loud. If Wanqiu hears you, she’ll be hurt."

"Why is she so stubborn?" Xue Chunli lamented, feeling as though her daughter was beyond reach.

A flash of helplessness crossed Lin Wanqing’s eyes, but she patiently persuaded, "Mom, you saw it yourself this noon. Wanqiu’s husband isn't as useless as you say."

"Who knows what’s going on?" Xue Chunli remained skeptical. "I think he’s just a passing breeze. He’ll surely make Wanqiu suffer later, so no matter what, it’s better to cut ties sooner rather than later."

"Enough, Mom!" Lin Wanqing said, her tone firm. "Wanqiu has had a hard enough life. Please, stop bringing this up. Besides, she has already set her heart on Chen Jianghai. You have to give him a chance!"

"A chance? What kind of chance?" Xue Chunli looked displeased. "They’ve been married for two or three years, he doesn't work, and so what if he knows a few minor tricks?"

"I’ve already made an agreement with Chen Jianghai. If he’s still like this in a year, I’ll make them divorce," Lin Wanqing said, revealing the deal they had made. As the older sister, she wanted to see exactly how this brother-in-law intended to fulfill those three conditions. He had been so incredibly confident when he spoke. Even with his skills, meeting those conditions within a year wouldn't be easy.

Xue Chunli’s expression tightened. "You think he’s not just putting on a show?"

"Mom, even if he could hire a matchmaker to act, there are so many people in the village—he couldn't possibly have hired them all to play along, right?" Lin Wanqing countered.

Hearing this, a complex mix of emotions crossed Xue Chunli’s face. Finally, she sighed helplessly, "Let’s go. Let’s go inside and eat."

...

During dinner, Xue Chunli didn't mention the divorce again. Her attitude toward Chen Jianghai had changed slightly; at the very least, the undisguised disgust she had shown earlier was gone.

Halfway through the meal, Boss Jin arrived with a bottle of Wuliangye, saying it was for Chen Jianghai to taste. Chen Jianghai didn't have a particular fondness for liquor, but he accepted it with a smile and promptly handed the bottle to his father-in-law.

Lin Jianguo was visibly delighted, even referring to him as "my good son-in-law." If he had dared to say such a thing in the past, he surely would have invited a harsh scolding from Xue Chunli. But this time, she acted as if she hadn't heard anything and just continued eating in silence.

Watching this, Lin Wanqiu felt an immense sense of joy. She knew her mother was just strong-willed and unwilling to yield, but in reality, she had likely already begun to accept Chen Jianghai in her heart.

After dinner, the family headed out. The theater troupe had no reserved seating, so Chen Jianghai carried a long wooden bench in each hand. The troupe had set up a stage near the village ancestral hall, and many people could be seen heading in that direction. Adults brought their children, carrying stools in their hands, while the children held snacks—mostly sunflower seeds or peanuts. As one of the most popular forms of entertainment in rural areas, everyone flocked to it, with many families attending together, calling out to friends and neighbors in a lively atmosphere.

When they reached the hall, the play hadn't started yet, but the area was already packed. Finding a spot slightly closer to the stage, Chen Jianghai quickly set down the benches.

"Mom, Dad, Sister, let’s sit here!"

Xue Chunli said nothing, pulling Lin Jianguo down to sit. Lin Wanqing nodded and said with a smile, "Thank you, brother-in-law."

After the events of the afternoon, Lin Wanqing knew this brother-in-law was no simple man; she had accepted him. Lin Wanqiu saw it all. Seeing the once-listless Chen Jianghai now gaining the approval of her family filled her with great happiness.

In the darkness, the sounds of children playing echoed continuously. Many children didn't actually understand or enjoy the plays, but to them, the troupe’s arrival meant staying up late, eating snacks, and playing with their friends.

Chen Jianghai watched the scene before him, feeling deeply moved. With the progress of time, such scenes would likely disappear forever. It was a pity he didn't have a camera; otherwise, he would have loved to record all of this properly.