Chapter 62: Eavesdropping

Gu Chan snapped her head up, eyes bright as lanterns, grabbing Lin Zhao’s hand. “Zhaozhao, are you serious?”

Lin Zhao patted the materials for the matchbox pasting, smiling faintly. “The materials are right here. Do you think I’d lie?”

“Oh my, be gentle!” Gu Chan quickly snatched the bundle, cradling it carefully in her arms. “Don’t damage it—these are all money!”

After speaking, she looked at Lin Zhao with earnest gratitude. “Thank you for thinking of me.”

In the countryside, aside from earning work points and saving eggs to sell at the supply and marketing cooperative, there was almost no other income. Lin Zhao bringing them matchbox-pasting work was like a pie falling from the sky.

That her sister-in-law had thought of her, Gu Chan’s heart burned warm, a tide of heat flooding through her, eyes slightly damp.

Zhaozhao truly has a kind heart.

Gu Chan wiped her eyes as Da Shitou and Xiao Shitou pushed open the door.

Seeing their mother wiping her eyes, her eyelids red, Da Shitou immediately assumed Third Uncle’s wife had bullied his mother again—his gaze turned sharp.

“Mom, are you okay?” Da Shitou sat beside Gu Chan, adopting the air of the household head.

Gu Chan, subtle by nature, saw at a glance her son’s expression was off; after a moment’s thought, she knew what he was thinking.

She slapped his back playfully.

“Why didn’t you say hello when you came in? Say it now!”

Da Shitou obeyed his mother, muttering, “Third Uncle’s wife.”

Xiao Shitou added dutifully, “Third Uncle’s wife.”

The older brother shot him a glance, mood souring.

Last time their Uncle came, he hadn’t been this eager.

Lin Zhao smiled and pulled out a military-green shoulder bag for Da Shitou. “I heard you started elementary school. This bag’s for you—study hard.”

In the original novel, Wei Xiangdong was caught speculating and sentenced to ten years of labor reform; Wei Dasa mocked and bullied Gu Chan daily. Da Shitou, unable to bear his mother’s suffering, slashed Wei’s face with a knife. It was during a strict crackdown—he was sentenced to death…

This was the beginning of the Wei family’s second branch’s tragedy.

Things got worse after that.

A schoolbag from the supply and marketing cooperative wasn’t cheap; the Wei family couldn’t afford it. Da Shitou wanted the brand-new military-green bag desperately—his hands nearly moved on their own to take it.

But he didn’t.

He still distrusted Third Uncle’s wife.

His mother mattered more than the bag.

“Zhaozhao…” Gu Chan spoke.

Lin Zhao cut her off. “Big sister, don’t say no. It’s for the kids—a small gift. Da Zai and Er Zai both got one.”

The twins nodded.

Xiao Shitou, peering from behind Gu Chan, stared curiously at the two identical faces.

“Xiao Shitou, do you want soda? Come over—we’ve got some.” Da Zai waved him over.

Xiao Shitou had heard of soda—the captain’s child had drunk some, saying it was sweet and delicious.

He instantly forgot his shyness, scampering over, eyes fixed on the twins, his expression plain as day.

Where’s the soda?

Da Zai pulled out a thermos, unscrewed the lid, and handed it over. “That’s soda—my mom filled it. Drink! After you’re done, let Da Shitou have a turn.”

Xiao Shitou didn’t look at his brother, remembering Da Shitou’s tough words, and shook his head. “My brother won’t drink. He says sugar-coated bullets… won’t corrupt his will.”

After speaking, he raised the thermos and drank.

“So good!” the little boy exclaimed, voice bright with excitement.

Now he could tell his friends what soda tasted like.

Countless tiny bubbles danced in his mouth, pricking his tongue like needlepoints—sweet, unlike white sugar water or brown sugar water.

Gu Chan had raised him well; though the little boy still wanted more, he forced himself to restrain himself and returned the thermos.

“Thank you, Big Brother Da Zai, Big Brother Er Zai.” Xiao Shitou bowed politely.

Da Shitou was stunned—his brother wasn’t shy, wasn’t stuttering, and had thanked them voluntarily!!

Pfft. All it took was food and drink to turn him into a brother.

So easy to bribe.

And then.

When had he said he didn’t want soda? So frustrating.

Having such a clueless little brother was truly his fortune.

Da Shitou laughed bitterly.

Gu Chan told Da Shitou about the matchbox-pasting work Lin Zhao had arranged for them.

The half-grown boy’s eyes widened instantly.

He was sharp—he quickly calculated how much income 500 matchboxes would bring the family.

Ten yuan.

A single large bill.

His parents would have to work hard for ages to earn that.

Da Shitou retracted all his defenses and bowed deeply to Lin Zhao. “Thank you, Third Uncle’s wife.”

Lin Zhao smiled. “No need to thank me. These past years have been hard on your mother.”

The boy, with refined features but an arrogant gaze, instinctively glanced at Gu Chan—and saw his mother beaming, her eyes brighter than usual.

He lowered his head, fell silent. All the resentment buried deep inside, all the desire to keep his distance from Third Uncle’s family… every complex emotion gradually settled into calm.

Because no matter how he felt, his mother was willing—she wanted to do something for her young brother who had left home and charged into battle, even if it tired her, it brought her peace.

“Thank you for the bag, Third Uncle’s wife. I really like it.” Da Shitou thanked her again.

Lin Zhao noticed his change, her smile deepening. “Come by the house with Xiao Shitou when you have time.”

Da Zai beamed. “Shitou, we’re building a brick-and-tile house—there’ll be several rooms. My brother, sister, and I welcome you both. We’ll play together then.”

“Yes, play together,” Er Zai added.

“Okay!” Xiao Shitou, impressed by Third Uncle’s wife and the twins, replied brightly.

Da Shitou nodded.

Lin Zhao and the twins didn’t stay long. After finishing their business, the three left.

Before leaving, the twins left the thermos of soda for the Shitou brothers.

Er Zai patted his chest, generously saying, “If you want more soda, come to our house—Mom will buy us more, right, Mom?”

The sly little kid didn’t miss a chance to trap his own mother.

Lin Zhao, amused by his harmless scheming, happily played along. “Yes.”

Er Zai’s eyes crinkled with delight.

The Shitou brothers didn’t envy the twins for having so much soda—they were satisfied just tasting it, let alone that the twins had left them a whole bowl.

The group exited the room one after another.

At the front, Da Shitou saw his Auntie Wei fondling his uncle’s bicycle, touching here, pinching there, frowning.

“Auntie Wei!”

Wei Dasa straightened up, forcing a sheepish smile. “I was just looking, just looking…”

After explaining, she hurried to the backyard.

“Poor big sister,” Lin Zhao patted Gu Chan’s shoulder. “Honestly, if she were my sister-in-law, I’d have torn her to pieces by now!”

Thinking of Wei Dasa’s behavior in the original novel, she lowered her voice to Gu Chan’s ear. “Big sister, have you ever thought about separating households?”

Gu Chan glanced at the main house, whispering back, “Of course I’ve thought about it. Xiangdong said he’d bring it up this winter—he’s been wearing down Mother, and she’s almost ready to agree.”

She understood the mother-in-law’s mindset—after years of enduring as a daughter-in-law, why rush to split?

But they couldn’t stay together—this sister-in-law was simply unbearable.

Lin Zhao’s expression softened. “Splitting is a good thing.”

After a few more pleasantries, she took her two sons and left.

Gu Chan watched her sister-in-law and nephews depart, then turned back home.

Wei Dasa was waiting in the courtyard. Seeing Gu Chan enter, she clung affectionately to her arm, as if they were close.

“Second sister-in-law, I saw Third Uncle’s wife carrying so many packages—she must’ve brought you plenty. What was it? Can this unworldly sister-in-law take a peek?”

Gu Chan felt as if a cold-blooded creature had wrapped around her arm. She pulled away, smiling coolly. “Nothing much…”

Wei Dasa’s warmth faded, her expression reproachful. “You’re so stingy. I’m your sister-in-law, not a stranger—why can’t I just look?”

She stepped forward half a pace, her eyes burning into Gu Chan.

“I heard something about matchboxes…?” Her tone was tentative.

Gu Chan’s face darkened. “Auntie, your habit is acting up again. Do you itch all over unless you eavesdrop on my wall every day?”

Wei Dasa frowned. “How could I be eavesdropping? I just happened to pass by and heard it!”

“You know whether you’re being intentional or not,” Gu Chan said, utterly exasperated.

“Aqian.” A deep, powerful voice rang out. Wei Xiangdong walked over, his cold gaze flicking to Wei Dasa, then warming as it landed on his wife.

“What’s going on?”

Gu Chan didn’t spare Wei Dasa any face. “Zhaozhao came with Da Zai and Er Zai. I brought them in to talk—and you eavesdropped again.”

Wei Xiangdong’s icy stare shot toward his sister-in-law.

“I—I didn’t! I already said, I just passed by and heard it by accident…” Wei Dasa, afraid to provoke her younger brother-in-law, mumbled an excuse and hurried back inside, slamming the door.

Wei Xiangdong’s brow furrowed tightly.

Sick.

“Wife, don’t be angry—I’ll ask for a household split in a few days.” He softened his voice to comfort her, then took Gu Chan back inside.

He casually locked the door.

The two stones were shut out again. The brothers were used to it; they sighed, stepped out one after the other, and went off to show off their good stuff!

Inside the room.

Gu Chan thought that even if they split the household, she’d still have to live in the same courtyard as Wei Dasao, and it made her feel sick all over.

Wei Xiangdong noticed her mood and said, “After the split, we’ll move out—just the two of us.”

“What about Big Stone and Little Stone?” Gu Chan reminded him, then asked in surprise, “Where to?”

If they really moved out, they’d have to build a house.

The family’s savings, plus her dowry and the money her mother had slipped her for the bottom of the trunk, added up to no more than one hundred and twenty yuan.

Would it be enough?

“To the village entrance—I’ve already talked it over with the team leader. It’s shabby, but we can fix it up to live in.” Wei Xiangdong had already planned it all.

“How much?” Gu Chan asked quickly.

Because Wei Dasao had a habit of eavesdropping, the couple always lowered their voices when speaking.

“One hundred yuan,” Wei Xiangdong answered.

Gu Chan’s face lit up. “That’s fine—we’ll buy it. I want to live in my own courtyard, free and easy.”

Wei Xiangdong looked at his wife, his gaze deep with meaning. “I want it even more than you do.”

His elder sister-in-law was seriously ruining his marital happiness.

Once we move into our own courtyard, those two cold stones can roll, roll, roll, roll, roll away!

Just thinking about it made him feel refreshed.

Gu Chan thought her husband looked strange and was about to say something, when he asked, “Why did your third sister-in-law come with the two brats?”

Seeing her mood was decent, he guessed it must be good news.

Gu Chan pulled him down to sit, patted the cloth bundle brought by her sister-in-law, and beamed.

“Guess what’s inside?”

She was practically dancing with joy, as if a giant pie had fallen on her. Wei Xiangdong grew serious, offering various guesses.

“She gave you an old dress?” The man guessed based on the new schoolbag on Big Stone.

Don’t think old clothes are worthless—in this era, even clothes piled with patches weren’t given to just anyone unless they were especially close.

“No,” Gu Chan shook her head.

Then she pulled out the snow cream her sister-in-law had given her, smiling gently. “Look what this is—snow cream. Zhao Zhao gave it to me.”

“I didn’t want to take it, but she got mad if I refused,” she emphasized.

“You deserve it,” Wei Xiangdong said sincerely.

Gu Chan’s eyes sparkled. “Zhao Zhao said the same thing.”

She leaned closer to Wei Xiangdong, her voice brimming with joy. “Xiangdong, I can tell—Zhao Zhao has truly settled her heart. I don’t have to worry anymore about Chenghuai suddenly losing his wife.”

On a transfer stop, Gu Chenghuai, who had come to Haicheng’s largest state-run store to buy his wife a gift, felt his nose itch again.

He quickened his pace toward the counter. “Comrade, please get me that red-and-white plaid dress—I’ll take it.”

He bought the dress in a flash, then moved to other counters, continuing his shopping.

When he stepped out of the store again, both hands were full.

He didn’t linger—he headed straight for the train station.

In just two more nights, he’d be home!!

By the way.

After hearing Gu Chan’s worries, Wei Xiangdong thought she was worrying over nothing.

“You think too much,” he said.

Gu Chan gave him a look. “What do you know? The old saying goes: if you have no distant worries, you’ll have immediate troubles.”

Wei Xiangdong said nothing.

Yes, yes, yes—you’re right about everything.

Gu Chan had no patience to let Stone Dad guess anymore. She made him look at what Lin Zhao had brought, her tone light.

“This is what Zhao Zhao brought—material for making matchboxes. Zhao Zhao taught me how to make them. I can make five hundred total, two fen each. Once I finish, I’ll earn ten yuan.”

Wei Xiangdong looked stunned.

He never imagined Lin Zhao would think of his wife when she had something good.

Still.

He accepted the favor.

“Tomorrow I’ll go up the mountain and catch two rabbits. You take them to her.”

Gu Chan hesitated a moment, then said, “Be careful going up the mountain. Don’t go too deep.”

Wei Xiangdong had expected his wife to stop him—ever since he was bitten by a snake five years ago while hunting, she’d strongly opposed it.

For her to suddenly not oppose it made the man ecstatic!

He’d learned hunting from a mountain hunter at age ten—it was a skill that brought in money. No one but his wife knew, not even his family.

“Really? Then can I go once every half-month?” Wei Xiangdong probed.

“If I don’t tell you to go, you won’t go?” Gu Chan shot him a look, then held out her hand. “Where’s the money you’ve earned from hunting these past two years? Hand it over!”

Wei Xiangdong rubbed his nose, walked to the corner, moved a plank aside, and pulled out a clay jar from a rat hole.

“It’s all here.”

“I knew you weren’t honest,” Gu Chan pried off the lid, poured out the bills, and began counting.

Forty-six yuan and fifty fen.

“So much!” she exclaimed.

Wei Xiangdong explained: “Once I got lucky—I hunted a wild boar weighing over a hundred jin.”

Seeing his wife’s expression turn uneasy, he quickly added: “I went with Dali. You know how strong he is—he’s a great help. No danger.”

Hearing someone went with him, Gu Chan reluctantly relaxed. “Half-monthly is too frequent—what if someone notices?”

“Then… once a month?” Outside, even several of his younger brothers had to consult their wives before going up the mountain.

“Fine. Go with Dali, and you must be down the mountain before dark,” Gu Chan instructed, then couldn’t help muttering, “Now that you’re doing matchbox work, the household will have extra income. Your safety matters most.”

Wei Xiangdong’s eyes sparkled. “Good!”

Once he earned money, he’d make sure his Achan had more than enough snow cream—and he’d also get some cloth coupons and cotton to make her a padded coat.

Lin Zhao and the two brats returned to the team, hadn’t even sat down when Zhao Liuniang said: Gu Xing’er had been arrested by the Public Security Bureau.

“What?! My little aunt got arrested?!” The second brat’s eyes widened, his jaw nearly dropped. “Really? Is this true?!”

Inside the room, Gu Mu, driven mad by Gu Xing’er’s stupidity, just wanted to lie quietly—yet hearing the child’s voice outside, trying desperately to hide her glee but failing, she couldn’t help laughing.

It turned out that when a person was pushed to the absolute limit, they’d laugh without realizing it.

Lin Zhao’s face was full of shock. She moved closer to Zhao Liuniang, curious. “What happened?”

Gu Xing’er, a menace like that, had finally been locked up!

In the original novel, the heartless woman had lived the best life—she’d married into the city, and well, too.

The twins also stared intently at their second aunt.