Chapter 381: She was at her wit's end

Lin Shisheng brought his new wife home.

Xuanxuan and Zhengzheng ran up, clamoring to see the marriage certificate.

The marriage certificate, which the groom hadn't even had a chance to look at a second time, ended up in the two sisters' hands.

"Don't I look good?" Taotao hugged the two girls, her smile clean and cheerful. "I knew I was photogenic a long time ago. That father of mine who deserved to die wanted to use my photos for his own gain, but I discovered it early, so no scandal came of it."

"Let me tell you, girls need to have a few more wits about them, otherwise you'll suffer endless losses."

Taotao said with solemnity, "No matter what anyone says, it's best to ponder it over and over. Don't trust people easily, or it'll be a lifetime of regret."

If she hadn't met her man, she didn't know how she would have ended up...

The two sisters smiled and nodded.

"Don't just laugh, you have to take it to heart," Taotao insisted.

Thinking that Xuanxuan and Zhengzheng's situation was different from hers—they had relatives they could rely on—she added, "You two are luckier than me, and that's a good thing. Xuanxuan, Zhengzheng, I will protect you both in the future too."

She didn't have much talent, but... her sixth sense was sharp, and her luck wasn't bad either. If it weren't for that, living in a house full of wolves and tigers like that, she would have been torn apart and swallowed long ago.

Xuanxuan's voice was soft. "I will protect Auntie Taotao too."

Taotao felt warm inside and hugged the two girls. "Thank you for accepting me."

Zhengzheng's expression was serious. "Treat my dad well, and I'll support you in your old age in the future. The kind of support my little aunt calls 'top-tier'."

Taotao was amused by her serious demeanor. She blinked and asked, "What is 'top-tier' support?"

"Living in a beautiful house, eating meat at every meal, never running out of candy at home, having a car for travel, and being able to hire someone to take care of the house..." Zhengzheng listed.

Taotao couldn't imagine how wonderful such a life would be, but she didn't want to pin her hopes on the two girls.

"That would cost so much money. You'd be too tired. I can handle the housework, and I'll find some work to do too. Your father and I will save up for our own old age. It'll be enough if you just come back to see us when you have time."

Being a girl was so hard; she didn't want the two sisters to be under too much pressure.

She didn't have such high demands for life; being full and warm was enough. As for the rest... it was fine if she had it, and fine if she didn't.

Lin Zheng didn't say anything more. Anyway, as long as Auntie Taotao was Auntie Taotao—her father's wife—she would treat her well.

Song Xiwei called out to Taotao, "Let your father and me see your marriage certificate too."

And the regrets were all gone.

Taotao pulled Zhengzheng and Xuanxuan over, smiling brightly. "Mother, look. Aren't Lin Er-ge and I a perfect match?"

"Yes." Song Xiwei looked at the photo and handed it to her husband, nodding. "A perfect match. Taotao is indeed photogenic; you look beautiful."

One rugged and tall, one petite and beautiful, both smiling.

A perfect match.

"Lao Er, treat your wife well," Lin Heling said.

Lin Shisheng: "That's a given."

Even with the one before, he hadn't treated her poorly. He had wanted to live a good life with her, but she had been brainwashed too thoroughly by the Qiu family...

"I believe in Lin Er-ge," Taotao said sweetly.

Lin Zhao received the letter Lin Shisheng sent. It said he had remarried, registered the marriage, and held a banquet, which Uncle De had organized. He also said Zhengzheng and Xuanxuan were getting along very well with their Auntie Taotao, and that he was becoming the "extra" one in the family...

"Second Brother is married!? I have to send something." Lin Zhao wasn't surprised; instead, she felt her second brother was quite dawdling.

The success of these two was within her expectations. Her second sister-in-law was beautiful, and even she liked looking at her. With someone so pretty saying "Lin Er-ge, when are we getting married?" every day, how could her second brother, at his prime, resist?

Men, after all, were all fond of beauty.

"What do you want to send? I'll prepare it with you," Gu Chenghuai said.

"Let me think..." Lin Zhao frowned, feeling quite conflicted.

What would her second brother, who worked in the transport team, be lacking?

Suddenly, her eyes lit up.

"How about sending a set of clothes for the second sister-in-law?"

Gu Chenghuai had no objections. "That's fine. It's the thought that counts."

"Then I'll send a set of clothes, a four-piece bedding set, two boxes of vanishing cream, a mirror, and some food," Lin Zhao decided.

"You're the boss."

Soon, a package was sent from the military region, swaying its way toward Dongfeng Brigade.

One day, Zhang Ping came over, bringing radishes she had grown herself, just like her first visit. The difference was that this time, she brought a whole basket.

Lin Zhao looked at the fresh radishes and was stunned.

"What's this?"

Zhang Ping sat down. "A gift for you to eat."

"Are you not living your life anymore?" Lin Zhao joked.

"Yeah, not anymore," Zhang Ping said calmly.

Lin Zhao's expression turned serious. "Are you serious? What happened?!"

"Nothing much. I just feel that this life of being a widow while my husband is alive is meaningless! That man fancies Bai Taohua, so I'll fulfill their wish. I hope that bitch and dog stay together for a long, long time."

Lin Zhao recalled for a moment before remembering who Bai Taohua was—yes, the sister-in-law who had set her sights on her husband back then, tried to destroy her family, and was eventually driven out of the military region by her schemes.

"Is Bai Taohua still pestering that stinky-butt's father?"

Zhang Ping pulled at the corners of her mouth bitterly. Her smile was forced, and her eyes were full of disappointment. She shook her head. "Let them be."

Lin Zhao didn't bring it up again. "What are your plans for the future, Sister-in-law?"

She had heard that the Zhang family was very proud of that son-in-law. If they knew Zhang Ping had divorced, she wouldn't have an easy life.

Zhang Ping gathered her spirits. She licked her lips, looking at Lin Zhao with nervousness and hope. "Lin Meizi, I want to ask you for a favor."

"... Go ahead."

"I want to settle down in the brigade that grows medicinal herbs with my children. I'd like to ask you to help me put in a word with the brigade leader." Zhang Ping picked at the dead skin on her hand, holding her breath as she waited for Lin Zhao's response, like a prisoner on death row awaiting execution.

She was at her wit's end.

Returning to her maiden home was a dead end, and she couldn't go back to her husband's family after the divorce. She had to find a way herself.

That brigade was close to the military region and had a good business growing medicinal herbs. If she worked hard, she could definitely raise her children.

So that was it.

"Sure, it's just a word. I'll help you," Lin Zhao agreed.

Zhang Ping was overwhelmed with gratitude. She stood up and bowed. "Thank you, thank you, Lin Meizi."

Lin Zhao held her arm. "It's a small matter, no need for this."

Zhang Ping's eyes were filled with tears. She couldn't describe how she felt inside; neither her maiden family nor her husband's family could be relied upon, yet the only person who could help her was someone she hadn't known for long.

"Thank you, thank you..."

She left after saying thanks repeatedly.

A few days later, Lin Zhao heard that Sister Ping had divorced her husband. Because of issues with his personal conduct, Stinky-butt's father received a public reprimand.

The matter caused quite a stir, and everyone in the family quarters was discussing it.

"Divorced? What a shameful thing."

"Sister Zhang isn't thinking straight. How will she live after the divorce with several children?"

"Poor children, their parents aren't together at such a young age..."

Zhang Ping ignored the gossip outside and took her children to pack their things, preparing to leave.

After the divorce, the man who had been invisible in their family life suddenly appeared.

"Where are you going? I'll take you."

Zhang Ping gave a sarcastic laugh. "Don't bother. If you have a conscience, don't fall behind on the children's child support. Even if we're divorced, you're still the father of Stinky-butt and the others. Come see the children when you have time."

The children held their belongings in their arms, not looking at their father.

They held resentment in their hearts.

Especially Zhang Ping's eldest daughter; the hatred accumulated in her heart was like a vine that couldn't be cut by a knife, constantly sprouting outward.

She picked up her sickly younger brother, Stinky-butt, and called to her other brothers, "Let's go. Let's go home."

The man gritted his teeth. "I'm your biological father. This is your home too."

No one paid him any mind; they just kept walking forward.

"Damn it!" The man kicked the broom beside his feet in a fit of rage, his face twisted with frustration.

Uneducated women were nothing but trouble; they had taught the children all wrong!

The mother and children, who had just left home, paused for a moment before stepping forward again, without looking back.

They hadn't walked more than a few meters when Lin Zhao and the others were standing there.

"You're finally here, Sister Zhang. Let us see you off."

"Even though you've... you'll always be a part of our military region. We're here to back you up so the villagers don't think you and the kids have no one to rely on and bully you..."

"Exactly, exactly. We'll just happen to get to know the place. It's not far anyway, so we can make plans to go to the market together in the future."

The enthusiastic sisters-in-law helped move the belongings.

Zhang Ping's hands were empty, and a wave of warmth surged in her heart. This warmth reached her eyes, turning into mist and falling as tears.

"... Thank you, sisters-in-law," she said, her voice choked with emotion.

"You should thank Lin Meizi. She told us... you were moving today," Song Zhi said, glancing at Zhang Ping. "If it weren't for Lin Meizi, we wouldn't have known. Sister Zhang, you're too much. We've lived in the same quarters for so long, how could you not tell us when you were moving? You're being too much of a stranger!"

Having lived in the quarters for a long time, Lin Zhao gradually became familiar with the military wives. She accidentally learned that Song Zhi was actually the cousin of Song Qian, who was a sent-down youth in their brigade.

Because of this connection, they became familiar very quickly.

They even went grocery shopping together.

Auntie Chu followed behind Song Zhi and said, "It's normal to have disagreements when living together, but that's nothing. It's all in the past. You should have at least said something about a big move like this. From now on... we're all your family."

Older people could easily see through the essence of things; she knew... Zhang Ping had suffered the most grievances.

Zhang Ping cried even harder, the tears stinging her face.

She covered her face, her palms wet with water.

At this moment, nothing she said could express how she felt inside.

Auntie Chu hugged Zhang Ping's thin body, her own nose feeling a bit sore. "Why are you crying? You have several sensible children who love you; your blessings are yet to come. Wipe your tears, walk forward with big strides, and we'll see you to your new home."

Lin Zhao handed over a handkerchief at the right moment. "Sister Ping, it's so sunny here, let's go quickly. I've never been to your place, let me see it."

Zhang Ping calmed her emotions and put away the handkerchief. "Let's go, I'll lead the way. Lin Meizi, I'll wash the handkerchief and return it to you."

"Keep it, give it to Stinky-butt to use. I have several handkerchiefs," Lin Zhao said casually.

Zhang Ping hesitated for a moment before accepting it. "Thank you."

She thought that when her family's situation improved, she would repay Lin Zhao's kindness.

The group arrived at Zhang Ping's new home.

It was a small courtyard with two rooms, a kitchen, and a newly built latrine. This house didn't belong to Zhang Ping for the time being; it was rented to them cheaply by the brigade, out of respect for the path Lin Zhao had found for them.

The brigade had a partnership with the military hospital, and the commune members were simple and honest, having a natural affinity for military wives.

"This courtyard is not bad. The walls are high, ensuring safety. The neighbors on both sides look like good people, and there's a vegetable garden where you can grow vegetables. Oh, and is this latrine new?" Auntie Chu finished her quick tour of the new house, talking non-stop.

Zhang Ping was full of gratitude. "Lin Meizi planted the tree, and I'm enjoying the shade. If it weren't for the good business she found for the brigade, I wouldn't even have the qualifications to settle down here."

If the brigade were poor, they wouldn't be willing to accept outsiders. Now that this brigade had become rich by growing medicinal herbs, leaping to become the richest brigade in the area, the young people held their heads high, and the unmarried girls were no longer ignored but had become highly sought after... Many people pulled strings to settle here, but it was said that the brigade leader was very strict and no one could cut corners.

Zhang Ping had indeed benefited from Lin Zhao's light to settle down here smoothly, and no one dared to look down on her.

Anyone could see that Zhang Ping's connection to the military region hadn't been severed; anyone with eyes wouldn't provoke her.

"It's not that exaggerated. Sister-in-law is diligent and can support herself and her children with her own hands; any brigade would welcome you," Lin Zhao said with a faint smile.

Zhang Ping knew how things really were.

The military wives who helped Zhang Ping move all brought gifts—some brought a few eggs, some a scrap of cloth, some a bowl, some a basin... None of them were valuable, but they were all expressions of their hearts.

It was almost mealtime, so Lin Zhao and the others didn't stay long and left together.

Zhang Ping went home, moved to tears, and hugged her children.

"Look, there are still many good people."

"... Don't be afraid, Mom has strength and can keep you fed and warm."

Her eldest daughter nodded. "I'll help Mom support the family."

Zhang Ping looked at her daughter with heartache. "You're still young. Just help Mom take care of your younger brothers and sisters. When Mom earns money, I'll send you to school."

"Can I go to school?" The girl raised her face, her thin, sallow little face full of longing.

"Yes," Zhang Ping said. "Is your Auntie Lin capable?"

"Capable!"

"She's a high school graduate," Zhang Ping continued. "Whether it's boys or girls, you have to study. Your Auntie Lin says that studying brings wisdom. My life is already like this, but I hope all of you will have smooth sailing in the future."

"Mom, I will definitely study hard."

Zhang Ping stroked her daughter's sallow hair. "Mom believes in you."

Mother and daughter were tidying up the things in the house when suddenly, the girl saw a strange envelope and opened it to find it full of money.

"Mom, money?" she said, holding up the envelope and lowering her voice.

Zhang Ping went over to look, and there was a note inside with writing on it.

"Take a look, what does it say?" Zhang Ping asked her daughter.

Her daughter had studied for two years before stopping to help her, but she still recognized basic characters.

"It says... this money was collected by everyone to help you in an emergency, and if you run into trouble, just go back to the military region."

Zhang Ping turned away and wiped the corner of her eye.

She felt that her tears were particularly worthless today; they just kept pouring out, and no matter how hard she tried to hold them back, she couldn't.

"Mom..."

Zhang Ping waved her hand. "It's nothing, there's a lot of dust in the courtyard, it got into my eyes. It'll be fine in a while."

Stinky-butt walked over, pouting, his voice small. "Mom, I'll blow on it for you."

Zhang Ping wiped her son's nose and said, "Mom is fine. Are you hungry? Mom will cook; since we've just moved into a new home, let's have a good meal today."

Her children had suffered so much with a useless mother like her.

Zhang Ping stir-fried a plate of eggs with scallions, and the children ate without lifting their heads.

After eating, they continued to tidy up.

Zhang Ping's eldest son saw a book and said to his mother, "Mom, there's a book here?"

"What kind of thing?"

The literate girl looked over—"100 Questions on Medicinal Herb Planting."

"Mom, it's a book on herb planting," she said excitedly.

Zhang Ping stood there, her heart full of emotion. "This must have been left by your Auntie Lin."

Her heart felt incredibly warm, and she smiled through her tears. "I, Zhang Ping, must have a good life to have met such a noble person."