Chapter 173: 1990: A Family by the Spring, Chapter 173: The Origin of the Military Merit Medal, Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law Mee

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Protagonist:

Lin Xiyu

"Coming, coming..."

Just as she was speaking, a jet-black Crown sedan drove through the gate and stopped at the doorway of the living room.

The driver got out, trotted over to the rear compartment, and respectfully opened the door.

Guben's mother got out of the car, her demeanor extremely arrogant.

"The airs of a leader are indeed different."

The second daughter-in-law muttered something under her breath, rose from the sofa ahead of everyone else, and welcomed her with a smiling face: "Third Sister-in-law has arrived, everyone has been waiting for you, we sisters-in-law haven't seen each other in ages. After lunch, let's play mahjong together and have some fun..."

"You play, I have no time."

Guben's mother, Gu Yuelan, refused outright without giving any face: "After lunch I must return to Y City. Tomorrow I still have to accept an interview from the Television Station and go to impoverished mountainous areas to offer condolences..."

As soon as these words were spoken, the noisy living room fell silent instantly.

Fu Nainai's smile vanished, and her gaze toward her daughter-in-law was full of displeasure.

"Mom, you've finally come back once; why not rest a few more days at home?"

Seeing that Eldest Brother hadn't returned yet, Guben could only harden his scalp to smooth things over: "It just so happens that Father is back too. You two could go to Grandfather's house on the second day of the new year, have a reunion dinner, and then leave."

"Your grandfather knows I'm busy and won't blame me."

Gu Yuelan waved her hand, her refusal obvious.

"Auntie is so busy with work yet still found time to rush back; she must be very tired."

Lin Xiyu was quick-witted and helped Guben ease the awkwardness: "Let's not talk about that for now. Quickly, pour a cup of tea and let Auntie drink some water and rest."

"Alright."

Guben nodded, following her train of thought, said nothing more, and turned toward the kitchen.

"This girl of the Lin family is indeed extraordinary..."

Gu Yuelan scrutinized Lin Xiyu and said mockingly: "My unruly son, who couldn't even be controlled by his grandfather, has actually been tamed by you."

"What Lin family girl..."

Fu Nainai couldn't listen anymore and scolded her displeasedly: "Xiyu is Xiao Bin's fiancée. Watch your words."

"I am just like this; I can't tolerate a grain of sand in my eyes."

Gu Yuelan sneered disdainfully: "Even if she has charmed everyone, she is not the ideal daughter-in-law in my heart."

—

Guben's father and several other brothers were discussing current political affairs in the study.

"The United States is too bullying."

"We must accelerate our own satellite navigation development speed. Only then can we remain invincible in future high-tech wars."

Because of the Galaxy Number incident, the elders were all indignant. Hearing the discordant voices from the living room, Guben's father became even more furious. He came out with a displeased face: "It's the New Year, what are you making a scene about again? Speaking so rudely..."

"Am I the one making a scene?!"

Gu Yuelan rubbed her brow wearily, her face full of impatience: "I didn't want to come back in the first place. You forced me to come back just for a reunion dinner. I rushed back from Y City early this morning and sat in the car for several hours. Is it easy for me?"

"If you don't want to come back, then don't. No one forced you."

Fu Bin's father was extremely disappointed, and the look in his eyes toward her no longer held a shred of tenderness.

"It was me who called Mom and asked Mom to come back for the New Year..."

The sound of a car engine came from outside the living room again. Fu Zheng jumped down from the jeep and strode in.

"Xiao Zheng..."

Seeing her eldest son, Gu Yuelan's eyes brightened, and she had some smile on her face.

"Mom, you've worked hard."

Fu Zheng was considerate and filial: "Do you want to lie down on my bed for a while? Come down when dinner is ready."

"Alright, Mom is indeed a bit tired."

Gu Yuelan smiled with relief, followed her son's wishes, and went upstairs with him to rest in the bedroom.

Mother and son spoke upstairs, and the first-floor hall returned to harmony and peace.

—

"Third Sister-in-law's temper is truly fierce..."

The second daughter-in-law, having been made to lose face by Gu Yuelan, felt aggrieved: "She's at least a bit better to Xiao Zheng, with a smiling face."

"Xiao Zheng has been sensible since childhood, unlike Xiao Bin who is so naughty and always makes her angry..."

The eldest daughter-in-law, knowing the ins and outs: "In Third Sister-in-law's heart, Xiao Zheng is her proudest son, a treasure in her palm, flesh of her heart."

"That's right..."

The fourth daughter-in-law said sourly: "When Xiao Zheng was admitted as a Pilot, she was so happy that she told everyone she met how lucky she was to have such a promising son."

"Xiao Bin's wife isn't good-looking. Who knows how picky Xiao Zheng's wife will be..."

The eldest daughter-in-law said mockingly: "I bet even the Count Mayor's daughter wouldn't be good enough. It would take a fairy descending from heaven."

"Cough, cough."

Lin Xiyu's heart trembled. Thinking of the hidden story about Eldest Brother that Guben had mentioned, she couldn't help but feel some worry for him.

"Xiyu, drink some soda."

Fu Nainai saw her coughing and mistook it for thirst. She picked up a bottle of orange-flavored soda from the tea table and handed it to her.

"Thank you, Grandma."

Lin Xiyu smiled gratefully, taking the opportunity to hide her inner panic.

"Xiyu, don't mind it..."

Fu Nainai patted her hand affectionately: "Whatever your uncle's wife says, don't take it to heart. This household isn't for her to run. As long as Grandma has one breath left, I won't let anyone bully you."

"Grandma, you're so good..."

Lin Xiyu was moved to tears, and without thinking, she opened her arms and hugged Fu Nainai.

"When Grandma was young, she also carried a daughter..."

Fu Nainai felt her dependence, smiled with relief, gently stroked her hair, and showed a hint of nostalgia for the past: "Back then, right after liberation, life was hard. Grandma's body was weak, and when she went down to work, she accidentally fell and bled."

"Ever since then, Grandma has had an obsession: to have a well-behaved and cute granddaughter. Now that I have you, Grandma's wish is fulfilled. Having you keep Grandma company and share heartfelt words makes Grandma happier than anything."

—

"An old woman of such age, still so affected..."

Fu Yeye watched with envy, pushed his wheelchair from the study himself, and wanted to show off his presence in front of his granddaughter-in-law: "Why bring up the past? Did my words not count? Xiyu's father was my soldier; she is my child. In this family, there's no need to worry about anyone. Stand straight. If Xiao Bin treats you badly, Grandpa will beat him..."

"I'm talking to Xiyu; why are you butting in?"

Fu Nainai was unhappy and argued with him again.

"Is Xiyu only your granddaughter-in-law?"

Fu Yeye said righteously: "Our family has so many brats. It's not easy for a flower that understands speech to come along, and I can't say a couple of words?"

"Go talk about current affairs with them; don't disturb us."

Fu Nainai waved him away: "We women are sharing heartfelt words. What is a big man like you meddling in?"

"Xiyu, do you like the Military Merit Medal Grandpa gave you last time?"

Fu Yeye was unwilling to give up and used the Military Merit Medal as an excuse.

"I like it, thank you, Grandpa."

Lin Xiyu laughed helplessly and could only go along with his intentions to express gratitude: "My mother and I are very grateful to you. The Military Merit Medal is already treasured at home. This time, no one will snatch it away or lose it again."

"Speaking of the Military Merit Medal, Xiyu's stepfather's daughter maliciously lost it. The facts are clear, and her civil liability can be pursued. Although she was young then, her father should also bear part of the responsibility. At the very least, Xiyu should be given certain spiritual compensation."

Guben's father suddenly spoke, causing a huge stir.

"The stepfather's daughter is too hateful. Logically, she shouldn't be let off so lightly."

"She even dared to throw the Military Merit Medal. Too lawless."

"She had ill intentions since childhood. When she grows up, she'll definitely be full of bad ideas."

"Did she really throw it? Could it be hidden, deliberately deceiving people?"

"She threw it. We asked her afterward, and she admitted it herself. She threw it into the sewer. After so many years, even if you wanted to find it, you couldn't."

"She really threw it. So damn hateful."

"That was a Military Merit Medal. She even dared to..."

"An ignorant and stupid legal illiterate. Does she think the Military Merit Medal can be discarded at will?"

"She just doesn't understand the law, which is why she dares to be so domineering..."

The living room instantly became noisy. The juniors, who previously knew nothing about this matter, were filled with righteous indignation and hated Xu Jie very much.

"I'll handle this matter..."

Guben returned from the kitchen carrying a pot of hot tea and spoke at the right time: "Xiyu's mother and Xu Weiguo are divorced and have already won the lawsuit. I asked the lawyer to add this clause to the property division agreement. They must pay the price they deserve..."

"The Military Merit Medal is priceless. No amount of money is enough for her to compensate."

"Not letting her go to jail is already letting her off cheap."

"I think this matter can't just be left like this. At least beat her up to vent anger. Otherwise, I feel so stifled..."

The juniors still refused to give up, while a group of elders remained tight-lipped and silent.

"Dad, why don't you say a word?"

Guben's third paternal cousin was furious and couldn't understand the elders' indifference.

"Beating people is a crime."

The eldest uncle glared with tiger eyes and shouted sternly.

"It was that woman who was wrong first."

The third paternal cousin still refused to accept it.

"You don't need to worry about this matter."

The second uncle had a better temper and kindly pointed out: "Someone has already taught her a lesson."

"Who?"

The third paternal cousin blinked and subconsciously looked at Guben.

"It's none of my business..."

Guben remained calm: "It's normal for someone passing by to fall into the manhole cover at their doorway that has been in disrepair for years..."

"Pfft."

The fifth paternal cousin spat out a mouthful of tea.

The third paternal cousin was stunned: "That woman didn't fall in, did she?"

"She broke an arm."

Guben said concisely and shockingly: "It just happened to be the hand that threw away the Military Merit Medal back then..."

"Hey, what a coincidence."

The third paternal cousin gloated: "This is really a coincidence. Even Heaven can't stand it anymore and wants to punish her."

"When did this happen?"

Lin Xiyu did not know the truth, barely concealing her shock: "Why have you never told me?"

"Before our two families' elders meet..."

Guben no longer deliberately hid it, telling the truth: "We investigated and confirmed the Military Merit Medal was indeed lost and cannot be found again, so Grandpa ordered my father to find one exactly like it no matter what."

"A lost Military Merit Medal cannot be reissued."

Guben's father smiled sheepishly: "The one we gave you took a lot of effort to get. I asked around among old comrades and found one belonging to someone already deceased, then helped his descendants with several matters before they agreed to transfer the Military Merit Medal to me. This can't be made public, otherwise it violates military discipline and even I would be punished..."

"Thank you!"

Lin Xiyu was deeply moved, tears filling her eyes: "I didn't know you did so much for me in private..."

"You are the Fu Family's granddaughter-in-law..."

Fu Yeye seized the chance to straighten his old back and put on the airs of Head of the Family: "The Fu Family is your backing. Whoever bullies you is opposing the Fu Family. Grandpa has lived a lifetime and never feared anyone on the battlefield; even foreign devils were beaten back to their home countries by him. Whoever opposes me, I will destroy."

"Grandpa is mighty, Grandpa is domineering!"

The juniors' blood boiled with excitement, giving very enthusiastic support.

"Hehe."

Fu Yeye was pleased hearing it, smugly raising his eyebrows at Fu Nainai.

"Showing off."

Fu Nainai gave him a white eye, pulling Lin Xiyu out of the living room: "Xiyu, come with Grandma to the backyard to see the vegetables Grandma planted. Pick whatever you like to eat, and we'll stir-fry them for lunch..."

"Okay..."

Lin Xiyu readily agreed with a smile, accompanying Fu Nainai to the backyard.

"Just a few shabby sheds—what's there to show off?"

Fu Yeye pretended not to care, but his small gaze kept darting outside the living room.

"Grandpa, I'll push you. Let's go see what vegetables Grandma planted."

Guben stifled a laugh and stepped forward to push his wheelchair.

"I can guess without looking: nothing but radishes and cabbages, which your grandma treasures..."

Fu Yeye said he disliked it with his mouth, but his body was honest and did not reject the suggestion.

"I think so too. What vegetables can you grow in such cold weather..."

Guben smiled in agreement, quickened his steps, and pushed the wheelchair after them.

—

Backyard vegetable plot.

Fu Nainai had her filial children and grandchildren build a shed for her small vegetable garden with bamboo strips and plastic cloth. To Fu Yeye's surprise, besides radishes and napa cabbage, there were also well-preserved pumpkins and loofah vines.

The pumpkins were yellow-orange, already frost-bitten, and especially sweet when steamed.

Several shriveled old loofahs hung on the loofah vine, their color withered yellow; pinch them and the outer skin would crumble.

"Xiyu..."

Fu Nainai pointed at the loofah vine and asked: "Does your family want loofah sponges?"

"Yes."

Lin Xiyu gave very enthusiastic support: "My maternal grandmother also likes using loofah sponges to wash dishes; they wash very clean."

"Go pick two and take them back to your maternal grandmother."

Fu Nainai was indeed very pleased, pointing at the withered yellow loofah and gesturing for Lin Xiyu to go pick them.

"Okay."

Lin Xiyu went along with her wishes, pulled the loofah off the vine, crushed the outer skin with her hand, and peeled out two complete loofah sponges.

"Leave the seeds for me."

Fu Nainai treasured her loofah seeds very much and had Lin Xiyu wrap them in a handkerchief, carefully tucking them into her own pocket.

"You're embarrassed to give two broken loofah sponges and let Qinjiayi laugh at us..."

Fu Yeye, unwilling to be left out, wanted to make another show of presence: "If you're going to give, give something good. Hurry up and bring out the tomatoes you preserved in bottles yourself. Add a dish for lunch, make tomato egg soup, and let Xiyu taste it..."