Chapter 84: The Sharp-Tongued Man

“Big sister successfully split the household—congratulations!” Lin Zhao smiled for her sister-in-law. “When did it happen?”

Gu Chan’s heart warmed; she laughed. “The same night you and Dacai and Ercai came over—our family moved yesterday.”

“How come you didn’t call us to help with the move?” Gu Mu frowned.

Wei Xiangdong defended his wife: “There wasn’t much to move—I hired two people.”

With the son-in-law speaking, the mother-in-law couldn’t press further; she shot her daughter a sharp glare, annoyed she didn’t treat her natal family as family.

Was that really just help?

When your natal family comes calling, it’s to back up your married daughter!

Gu Chan felt guilty and quickly lowered her head; her inner self stuck out her tongue.

She knew her mother meant well, but she’d been busy packing matchboxes and hadn’t come back.

“Where are you living now?” Gu Mu asked.

Gu Chan’s whole face lit up, her tone light. “The old house at the village entrance—we fixed it up, it’s livable, has several rooms. My husband and I are very happy.”

Wei Xiangdong nodded.

No more squeezing into a room with two cold stones—he was satisfied. Extremely satisfied.

As for last night’s scratches and bites over his fiery temper, he’d already forgotten them.

Real benefits outweigh a few complaints—beatings mean affection, scolding means love.

The man reached for his enamel cup; a searing pain flared across his back. He winced.

Tsk. Ahchan’s fingernails absolutely need trimming—I’ll sharpen the scissors when I get home!

“How much did it cost?” Gu Mu pressed on.

“One hundred and twenty.” Mentioning the expense made Gu Chan’s heart ache—it was all saved penny by penny.

But.

Thinking of finally having her own little home, never again having to endure Wei Dasao’s hateful face, the sting turned to honey, seeping softly into her chest.

Family matters!

Money? We’ll save more slowly.

“That’s not expensive,” Gu Mu said, her face bright as if a great mountain had been lifted off her chest.

Splitting the household is good—it makes life easier.

Huang Xiulan and Zhao Liuniang felt envy.

Which daughter-in-law doesn’t want to split off and live alone? They both wanted it.

Then they remembered the troublemaking little sister-in-law had been thrown out, and that the filial offerings from the third son and his wife would now benefit them too—suddenly, their own lives didn’t seem so bad, and their moods calmed.

“Mama, how are you? Is your wound healed?” Gu Chan asked, concerned.

“Healed, healed—I’ll be back in the fields earning work points soon.” Gu Mu had rested too many days; her whole body ached. She’d been eager to recover, diligently applying medicine.

“Wait until you’re fully recovered before going back,” Gu Chan worried, her brow furrowed.

“Do you think I don’t know?” Gu Mu snapped. “Your father’s watching me.”

A thread of irritation leaked into her voice.

Clearly, she’d been cooped up too long!

Gu Chan gave a sheepish smile and dared not provoke her further.

They chatted for another while.

Gu Mu slipped away to her room, packed some red sugar, biscuits, and canned goods the third son and daughter-in-law had given her, and carried them out to the courtyard.

In front of all three daughters-in-law, she handed them to her daughter.

Openly. Honestly.

“Take them back for the two stones to eat. When you have time, bring them home—I haven’t seen my grandsons in months. I don’t even know if they’ve grown taller.”

Before Gu Chan could speak, she rushed on without pause: “Now that you’ve split off, live well. Make sure the children eat enough. If anything happens, send word to us.”

Lin Zhao’s expression didn’t change.

As always: once something was given, how they used it didn’t matter to her.

Gu Mu stole a glance at the third son’s wife, ready to retort if Dacai’s mother showed displeasure.

The third son rarely came home—she didn’t want to see them quarrel.

Seeing Lin Zhao’s face unchanged, she quietly exhaled.

Gu Chan knew everything her parents had came from the third brother and his wife. She pushed back: “I won’t take it! We have everything we need. My husband and I are strong—we can feed the two stones. These good things? You and Dad eat them.”

“They’re for my two grandsons—you take them!” Gu Mu’s face darkened. “We didn’t help you split or move. Take these. Otherwise, return every egg and piece of meat you brought back—and don’t come home again!”

With her words so blunt, Gu Chan dared not refuse.

She looked shamefully at her sisters-in-law, cheeks flushing.

“Big sister, take it,” Lin Zhao eased the tension. “Moving out is a cause for celebration—it’s only right to celebrate.”

Only she could say that and make it fit.

Zhao Liuniang smiled, speaking plainly: “You should take it. Technically, we should’ve prepared something too—but this news came so suddenly, we had nothing ready. Don’t hold it against us for having nothing to give.”

“No, no, we never meant to trouble you,” Gu Chan waved her hands. “We don’t lack anything.”

Huang Xiulan smiled. “Don’t lack anything? Then what about your cooking pot?”

Gu Chan smiled helplessly.

“We lack one.”

That’s why few families split—each household had only one pot. Splitting meant you couldn’t even cook.

Huang Xiulan turned to Lin Zhao. “Third daughter-in-law, you’re from the city—if you happen to find a pot, please keep it. We’ll split the cost and give it to Ahchan.”

Her words rang generous; Gu Yuanshan’s face glowed with pride as he watched his wife.

Look—this is what a true eldest daughter-in-law looks like. She truly brings him honor.

Lin Zhao recalled she’d drawn a double-handled iron pot. “I have one—a double-handled iron pot. I’ll give it to Big Sister.”

“We’ll split the cost,” Huang Xiulan thought, perfect timing—she added, “Can’t let you hog all the glory!”

“No need,” Gu Chan said. “Xiangdong arranged help already. A pot costs over ten yuan—split three ways, that’s several yuan per family. At work-point rates, that’s half a month’s labor.”

“Don’t speak—you’ve got nothing to do with this,” Zhao Liuniang cut in, teasingly. “A free pot? Refusing it’s stupid.”

“Before I start feeling the pain, say yes—quickly!” she urged, her face twisted with mock anguish.

Gu Chan was stunned.

Lin Zhao leaned against Gu Chenghuai’s shoulder, laughing softly, her warm palm gently patting his back.

Nearby, Gu Yucheng’s whip cracked through the air—*snap*.

The whip’s tip struck the spinning top, sending it whirling faster.

“Wow, Second Uncle is amazing!!”

“Second Uncle is so cool!!”

Children’s exclamations and laughter rose in waves.

Gu Yucheng sank deeper into the praise.

Laughter so loud it could lift the courtyard off its foundation.

The oldest child was twelve, yet he played like a wild boy.

He didn’t miss Gu Chan’s side either—he called out loudly: “Ahchan, listen to your sister-in-law! She’s being generous for once—don’t be stupid and refuse!”

He turned to Wei Xiangdong: “Xiangdong, you’re smart—don’t be as foolish as Ahchan. Family isn’t two households.”

A few yuan meant nothing compared to blood ties.

Ahchan never took advantage of her natal family—she never came back empty-handed.

Wei Xiangdong spoke: “Alright, we’ll accept it. Thank you, Elder Brother, Elder Sister, and Third Brother and Sister-in-law. When I catch a big fish, I’ll treat you to meat.”

Gu Fu’s expression was solemn, every word filled with care.

“You can eat meat—but be careful. Nothing matters more than your limbs being whole. You’re Ahchan’s and the two stones’ support. If you get hurt, even with us, their lives will be hard. Remember my words—don’t be reckless.”

Wei Xiangdong stood up, voice loud and clear: “I’ll listen to Father.”

As soon as he finished speaking,

he ran over to wrestle the whip from his brother-in-law, eager to spin the top himself.

He knew how to play.

One lash.

The wooden top seemed infused with life—its spin accelerated, blurring into a haze, the painted colors merging into a single swirl like seven-colored clouds.

It leapt into the air, hovering half a foot above ground, pausing slightly at its peak, then crashing back down—

*Thud!*

Dust exploded upward.

The top still spun wildly on the ground.

“Wah!!” The children gasped, hands clutching their chins.

Ercai clung to his aunt’s husband, begging: “Auntie’s husband! Auntie’s husband! Teach me! Teach me! I want to learn!!”

Tiechui said earnestly: “Second Uncle isn’t as good as Auntie’s husband.”

Gu Yucheng: “….”

Dacai nudged Tiechui with his elbow, whispering: “Tiechui, don’t say that—adults care about face.”

Tiechui listened immediately: “Second Uncle, you’re great too.”

As he spoke, he looked at Gu Yucheng and gave a firm nod—a clear look of approval.

“...” The effusive praise just now felt like a dream to Gu Yucheng.

He muttered a half-hearted compliment, then pulled Dacai up and surged toward Wei Xiangdong, exclaiming “Whoa!” over and over.

Wei Xiangdong stole a glance at his brother-in-law and shrugged.

Can’t help it—pure strength.

Gu Yucheng ground his teeth.

Stone’s father was too childish to watch; Gu Chan quietly covered her face.

She wiped her face firmly from top to bottom, scrubbing away the tangled emotions, then turned to her sister-in-law and younger sister-in-law and said sincerely, “Thank you, Big Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law, and also Zhaozhao.”

Huang Xiulan, straightforward by nature, laughed. “Thank for what? We’re family.”

“I’m frugal, not stingy—don’t listen to your second brother’s nonsense, he’s ruining my reputation,” Zhao Liuniang added, defending herself.

Lin Zhao bit back a laugh.

If she didn’t truly know her in-laws’ second sister-in-law’s nature, she might’ve believed it!

Gu Chan also knew her sister-in-law’s character—once something was in her pocket, it rarely came out again; asking meant saving for Yu Yu’s dowry.

It surprised Gu Chan that Second Sister-in-law had spent money to buy her a new pot.

Hearing Zhao Liuniang’s words, she shook her head like a rattle drum. “Not stingy at all—so generous! Which sister-in-law would give a daughter-in-law who’s been married for years a new pot?”

Zhao Liuniang was thoroughly flattered.

Seeing the fine wrinkles around her sister-in-law’s eyes spread into a joyful smile, Gu Chan added several more sweet, soothing words.

“Your second brother’s eyes are glued shut with paste—he can’t see your goodness. It’s his eyes that are faulty, not yours. Don’t hold it against him. Mother sees everything and will teach him properly.”

Of course, Gu Chan knew her second brother was just joking.

Lin Zhao turned her face toward Gu Chenghuai, stifling laughter.

Poor eldest sister-in-law—so quiet, yet forced to praise Second Sister-in-law so hard.

Come to think of it, aside from Gu Yucheng, the entire Gu family, when not talking about the children, were all the silent type.

Gu Chenghuai looked at Lin Zhao and smiled helplessly. Behind the family’s back, he silently took her hand, cradling the soft, boneless fingers in his palm.

Gu Chan and her husband didn’t stay long. After another twenty minutes, they took their leave.

Before they left, Gu Fu stepped out of the house with a flashlight.

“Take the flashlight. Be careful on the road.”

Gu Chan stared at the flashlight curiously. “Dad has a flashlight now? Did Chenghuai give it to you?”

“Of course he did,” Gu Fu said, proudly.

His son was accomplished.

Gu Chan smiled secretly.

“Xiangdong and I can see fine—we don’t need...”

Before she finished, the flashlight was shoved into her hand.

“Take it. It’s not a gift—I wouldn’t give it away for free. Bring it back next time you come,” Gu Fu said.

If she weren’t his own daughter, he wouldn’t even lend it.

His son’s flashlight—he treasured it. He’d stroke it several times before sleep each night.

“...Alright,” Gu Chan replied.

Lin Zhao went back inside, then came out again, a cloth bag in her left hand and a single iron pot in her right.

She handed the items to her eldest sister-in-law.

Not wanting to hear her protests, she turned and walked back inside.

Gu Chenghuai watched the slender, decisive back disappear, a smile like March wind blooming in his eyes—then he quickly looked away, facing Gu Chan. “Sister, Zhaozhao doesn’t like to go back and forth with politeness.”

“I know,” Gu Chan’s face was full of emotion.

“Please thank Zhaozhao for me.”

After that, the couple left.

Wei Xiangdong left only the flashlight in his wife’s hand; he carried everything else himself.

Inside the house was hot, and it wasn’t bedtime yet—many people sat outside in the breeze, chatting in small groups.

After Lin Zhao became a sales clerk, gossip about her in the village sharply declined.

Even when there was talk, it was praise.

They held the four characters “human relations” tightly in their grasp.

Then—

Su Yuxian became the center of attention.

Sure enough, five or six aunts had gathered in a circle, chattering away.

“I heard Yizhou’s wife beat Baozhen—Baozhen was crying for her father.”

“I heard too. What happened? I remember before marriage, Yuxian always said how good Baozhen was—she’d tell everyone how well-behaved she was! Now she’s been married less than a month and already beating the child? What about Lu’s couple? Don’t they care?”

“Care about what? The money hasn’t been found yet. Those two are like ghosts—this afternoon I called them, shouted several times, and they didn’t respond.”

“Sigh,” another aunt sighed, visibly pained. “I heard they lost over a thousand yuan. Even if Yizhou saved, it’d take two years to earn that. No wonder they can’t bear it—if it were me, I couldn’t either.”

So much money—it made your heart ache just thinking about it.

“Life still goes on. Better to come to terms with it soon.”

“But we were talking about Yizhou’s wife—why did she beat Baozhen?” Someone always listened intently to gossip.

“I know, I know,” said Lu’s neighbor. “It seems Yizhou’s wife had just washed clothes, and Baozhen dropped them on the ground. Yizhou’s wife got angry, grabbed Baozhen’s ear, and started beating her—made her scream and cry, yelling ‘Bad stepmother! I want my dad! Let my dad kill you!’”

“Baozhen’s only four—Yizhou’s wife is cruel.”

“I think she deserves it. Kids won’t turn out right without a beating. Washing clothes is hard work—tiring! She dropped them on the ground—she deserved a good thrashing,” said the woman, inserting a needle into her shoe sole and pulling out thread, her tone light as air.

“But she beat her too hard,” muttered Lu’s neighbor. “Yizhou’s wife hit hard—at least five minutes. If it were her own child, she’d never do it.”

Another added: “If Yizhou’s first wife knew, she’d be heartbroken.”

The child she’d given her life for.

As they spoke, two figures appeared ahead.

Closer look: Gu Jia Chan and her sharp-tongued husband.

Everyone knew Wei Xiangdong was not to be trifled with—they merely exchanged polite greetings, daring not to ask more.

Once the two figures vanished, the topic naturally shifted to them.

“Did you see? Jia Chan’s husband’s new pot.”

“We’re not blind. The Gu family treats their married daughter well—they even gave her a new pot.”

“Did Chenghuai’s wife get it for her?”

“Who else could?”

“Look at all those packages—I told you, Jia Chan is smarter than Xing’er. She’s cultivated ties with the third family—what good things won’t she get?” The remark barely concealed the implication: Gu Chan was helping the third family for personal gain.

Wang Chunhua thought this unfair and couldn’t help saying, “Jia Chan isn’t like that. For years she had nothing, yet still helped her third brother’s family.”

The woman lowered her head and said nothing more.

The Gu household.

The adults returned to their rooms; the children still romped in the courtyard.

Lin Zhao sat on the backrest chair before her desk, her arm casually resting on the tabletop, feeling as if she’d forgotten something.

Gu Chenghuai leaned against the doorway, his tall frame casting a shadow. His deep eyes rested on his wife, warm and smiling, brimming with affection.

“What are you thinking about? So serious.”