Chapter 212: Two Women at Odds

Compared with the bleak New Year atmosphere at Guo Tuzi's house, Sun Yan Hong, though alone with two children, is full of vigor.

Steaming buns, wrapping dumplings, she is busy yet content and happy by herself, which of course is thanks to her job at the agricultural machinery repair factory.

Having a secure job gives her a sense of hope for the days ahead.

When she saw Lu Cheng swaying into the doorway, Sun Yan Hong hurriedly dropped what she was doing and rushed to help him.

"Hey, how much have you been drinking? You reek of alcohol—come in, sit on a stool so you don't fall."

"It's fine, I didn't drink much; I just saw the lights on in your house and came over to sit." After Lu Cheng sat down, he casually grabbed a crispy meatball from the table and tossed it into his mouth.

"Then I'll pour you some water."

Lu Cheng hadn't visited for a while; although they saw each other daily in the courtyard, the feeling of him actually stepping into the house was still different.

When Lu Cheng didn't come, Sun Yan Hong didn't dare to invite him, fearing that people would gossip about him again.

On New Year's Day, Lu Cheng suddenly entered the house, which made Sun Yan Hong instantly overjoyed.

She rubbed her hands on her trouser legs, forgetting what she was supposed to do; when she remembered she needed to pour tea, she hurriedly fetched the Enamel Jar and the hot water kettle.

Lu Cheng didn't expect that his arrival would leave Sun Yan Hong momentarily flustered.

"Sister Yan Hong, the radish‑filled fritters you fried are actually quite tasty."

Sun Yan Hong bent over to pour tea: "The Factory Area gave out New Year bonuses; just the radishes alone were over fifty jin, and I wondered how to eat that much, so I made extra fritters. If you'd like some, I'll bring you a portion later."

"No need, my mother also fried a lot," Lu Cheng said, shrugging his shoulders left and right.

Sun Yan Hong understood then.

"Have a sip of tea to ease the alcohol, then later when you lie on the bed, I'll massage your shoulders."

Indeed, clever women need no training; Lu Cheng lifted the Enamel Jar, smiling, "It won't delay your dumpling‑making, will it?"

Sun Yan Hong laughed along, "No, there's plenty of time tonight; the dumpling filling is ready. I'll massage your shoulders first, it won't take long."

Lu Cheng nodded, placed the Enamel Jar on the table, "If someone's massaging my shoulders, why bother drinking tea?"

Just as he was about to get up and go inside, a voice came from outside.

"Lu Cheng, are you here?"

Upon hearing Lin Qingyan, Sun Yan Hong was momentarily flustered.

She hurriedly lifted the outer curtain: "It's Qing Yan, Lu Cheng is here. I saw him pass the doorway earlier and think he's had too much, so I let him in for a glass of water."

Sun Yan Hong didn't say that Lu Cheng came of his own accord; first, she feared it would affect their relationship, and second, if anyone gossiped, they could blame her.

After all, she's a widow and is used to being the subject of gossip.

Fortunately Lu Cheng hadn't entered the inner room yet, otherwise it would have been hard to explain.

Lin Qingyan smiled, "Thank you, Sister Yan Hong. We also have water at home."

Sun Yan Hong froze for a moment; perhaps to others it sounded like an ordinary sentence, but as a woman she keenly sensed an undertone of displeasure.

But after all, Lin Qingyan is Lu Cheng's wife, leaving Sun Yan Hong's face only with awkwardness and a hint of jealousy.

Lin Qingyan has always been poised and generous; after she uttered that sentence, she realized it was inappropriate, and she didn't know how she let it slip.

"Sister Yan Hong, I didn't mean anything else; I'm also worried Lu Cheng drank a lot, and I want him to go back and rest early."

Sun Yan Hong lightly nodded, "Yeah, I know; he should get proper rest."

Listening to the two women's conversation, Lu Cheng felt puzzled; it sounded a bit like a clash of words—Logically, Lin Qingyan shouldn't be like that.

When he interacts with other women, Lin Qingyan has always been indifferent.

Back in the West Wing Room, Lin Qingyan poured a glass of water: "Here, drink up; we have water at home, so we won't have to go to others' houses for it anymore."

Lu Cheng took the Enamel Jar, about to drink, but didn't bring it to his lips; he looked up and asked, "You… what's wrong?"

At this moment Lin Qingyan's mind was chaotic; she had previously said that Lu Cheng could interact with other women, and if he liked someone, she would sincerely wish him well.

But why now, seeing Lu Cheng with other women, does she feel a slight discomfort inside?

"I—I'm fine, you go rest first; I'll go to the kitchen to help Mom make dumplings."

Watching her departing silhouette, Lu Cheng shook his head; today's Lin Qingyan was indeed a bit odd.

On New Year's Eve night, sleep was impossible; the fireworks crackled nonstop throughout the night.

Lu Cheng slept in a drowsy haze, and since he had to pay New Year's visits early the next morning, he simply stayed awake.

He arrived at his sister's room, woke the sleeping Qing'er, put on his clothes, then went to the Main Hall and kicked open his mother's bedroom door.

It was only five o'clock in the morning; Chen Xianglan had been busy all night and was about to lie down for a nap.

"Bang!" she startled, seeing her own brat, she immediately frowned.

"What the heck are you doing so early? That door will eventually get broken by you kicking it."

"Hehe, Mom, I'm bringing Qing'er to wish you a Happy New Year."

"Alright, alright, I get it, let Mom sleep a bit; I can't even keep my eyes open…"

Chen Xianglan, disinterested in further dealing with her son, pulled the quilt over herself, tilted her head, and fell asleep.

Seeing his mother give no response, Lu Cheng tossed a small iron basin onto the floor, then made Qing'er kneel on the ground and bow; another "Bang!" startled Chen Xianglan, causing her to sit up sharply.

"Ow, is this never ending… Ow ow…" Chen Xianglan, still half‑asleep, gasped when she saw Qing'er's head bang loudly, denting the small iron basin beneath, and she shrieked, leaping out of bed.

She scooped up Qing'er and slapped Lu Cheng: "Are you crazy! Let Grandma see if it's broken—look, it's all bruised, does it hurt…?"

Qing'er shook his head: "It doesn't hurt; Uncle said to make a loud bang with it."

Chen Xianglan was about to hit again, but Lu Cheng quickly dodged: "Mom, Qing'er already told you, can't you acknowledge it?"

Only then did Chen Xianglan remember she should give the New Year's money; she had actually prepared it already and would give it at breakfast.

"You little rascal, how could I not know about the New Year's money? No need to bang your head like that." Chen Xianglan patted Qing'er's forehead: "Don't copy your uncle's nonsense in the future."

"Mom, hurry and pull out the money; I still have to take Qing'er to find my dad."

"You're the one in a hurry…" Chen Xianglan rolled her eyes and fetched the prepared single coin.

Lu Cheng glanced, a bit dissatisfied: "Mom, just give one coin?"

"How much red‑envelope money can that kid still give? Besides, even one coin isn't little. Here, Qing Er, take it."

"Thank you, grandma."

"Hmm, really sensible, unlike your uncle, who never listens."

"Lu Cheng curled his lip, took Qing Er back into his arms, and was just about to pick up the small iron basin when Chen Xianglan snatched it away."

"Don't use this 'ke' to headbutt; if you do, I'll smash your head first."

"Chen Xianglan raised her hand as if to strike, and Lu Cheng, holding Qing Er, hurried away."

"Lu Beitang didn't return home the whole night; he was in the Backyard playing mahjong with others."