Daily Life in the 70s
Chapter 101 Previous

Chapter 101: Chapter 101 Previous

Chapter 101: Before Leaving

Shen Yiguang took her to visit Fourth Aunt before leaving.

Although Fourth Aunt occupied a higher position in the family hierarchy, she looked just a few years older than Chen Guizhi, in her sixties.

Because she loved to laugh, her appearance was very friendly and approachable. She pulled Yang PeiMin toward the kang to sit, beaming with laughter as she patted her hand and kept saying what a pretty girl she was. Then she asked Yang PeiMin to sit while she herself rummaged through her room for something.

When Fourth Aunt returned, she held a wooden hairpin with a pomegranate flower design in her hand and tucked it into Yang PeiMin’s palm, "Fourth Aunt doesn’t have many fancy things; this one is somewhat interesting to look at. Here, take it and have fun."

Yang PeiMin looked down at the hairpin in her hand, its simple design and dark brown color shining with a slick gloss. It was smooth as jade, fragrant as honey; she thought it must be made of agarwood.

She tried to return it to Fourth Aunt, "This is too precious, Fourth Aunt."

Fourth Aunt chuckled as she held Yang PeiMin’s hand, "It’s just a trifle. People these days don’t wear these things anymore, take it just for fun; it’s not expensive."

Then she whispered into Yang PeiMin’s ear, "There’s plenty of this kind of wood at home, and nobody really values it much. Only your Fourth Uncle is so keen on it, happily making these little things. Yiguang, that boy, is not as courteous as you; if he sees something good, he snatches it for himself without hesitation."

After talking, she pulled Yang PeiMin into an adjoining room to look at an array of small carvings neatly displayed on a shelf, "Look, there’s more here. I thought about it, and since you’re newly married, I picked out the pomegranate flower for you, for the symbolism of having many children. If you don’t like it, you can pick another one."

Yang PeiMin was impressed; there were many hairpins with intricate carvings, all of them made from fine woods. There were life-like animal shapes, and she even spotted one with a butterfly and flower that conveyed an extremely vivid scene, though it lacked any color.

She shook her head, "The one Fourth Aunt gave me just now is perfect. I really like it."

Yang PeiMin thanked Fourth Aunt, who seemed even more delighted, her gaze lingering on Yang PeiMin’s face, "Come by and chat with Fourth Aunt when you have time. I’ll make you something delicious, pumpkin stewed with eggs is one of my specialties. You must try it... Having such a beautiful young lady around makes me feel younger too..."

Yang PeiMin smiled with her lips pursed, finding the elderly lady quite charming, "Fourth Aunt, I might just have to come over and steal your cooking secrets..."

Fourth Aunt was in high spirits, eagerly sharing the joy of cooking with her.

After Shen Yiguang emerged from Fourth Uncle’s woodworking room, he saw the two of them chatting like long-lost friends deep in conversation. A smile spread across his face as he approached, "What are the wonderful things you are discussing? Let me listen in too; I know Fourth Aunt has many stories up her sleeve."

Fourth Aunt waved him off, "Alright, take your wife away now. I’ve already shared all my stories with her; I need to rest a bit."

Shen Yiguang led Yang PeiMin out of Fourth Aunt’s room.

"Fourth Aunt really likes you," he said.

Yang PeiMin nodded; she found a resemblance to her own grandmother in Fourth Aunt, that unconditional kindness shown to her, and smilingly told Shen Yiguang, "I like her a lot too."

Shen Yiguang stroked the back of her head, "Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt don’t live with their son due to personality reasons, and normally not many people visit to chat with her. If you have time later on, go and keep her company. She seemed quite happy today."

Yang PeiMin couldn’t help commenting, "But Fourth Aunt seems to have such a good temper."

Shen Yiguang shook his head, "If she takes you to heart, you can do no wrong; if not, it doesn’t matter who you are, she won’t give you a second glance. She’s the type with clear-cut likes and dislikes, who can’t stand even a grain of sand in her eyes. In past years, she took the initiative to split the household from her children, and now the two elders live quietly and comfortably in good health."

So that was it. Yang PeiMin nodded in understanding, recognizing that Fourth Aunt was indeed someone with a strong personality. She decided to send Fourth Aunt a little gift as well.

Shen Yiguang took a hairpin out of his pocket and gave it to her.

"Made it last night, just finished now, it’s a bit rough but you can use it for now, I’ll make you a better one next time."

Yang PeiMin held the simple wooden hairpin, with its peach-heart-shaped top, her face lit up with astonishment, "It’s really well made, did you stay up all night? Did you secretly get up in the middle of the night to make this?"

Shen Yiguang shook his head with a smile, "Let’s go, to your home." He did not directly answer her question.

Yang PeiMin hugged his arm, "Don’t hide it from me next time."

"Okay."

After lunch, Shen Yiguang and Yang PeiMin planned to return to Xiahe Village to say goodbye to her parents.

The Yang Family had received a message and were all waiting for them at home.

Zhang Minghua was somewhat displeased that Yang PeiMin wouldn’t accompany the troops, but she didn’t show it on her face. Instead, she took out snacks such as sunflower seeds and peanuts to entertain them and even peeled an orange for her son-in-law, "We still have some of those oranges you brought last time. When are you leaving tomorrow? Have you packed everything? Is Minmin going with the troops or staying at home?"

Shen Yiguang was so alarmed that he quickly stood up, took the half-peeled orange from Zhang Minghua, and helped her sit down on the heated brick bed, "Mother, please sit, you shouldn’t have to lift a finger, it shortens your life."

It was only after sitting down that he replied, "We are taking a bus at six o’clock tomorrow to the city to catch the train. Minmin has packed everything neatly. As for accompanying the troops, both our parents hope that Minmin can join, but I need to return to the unit and submit an application, which might take some time..."

Hearing that she would eventually join the troops, Zhang Minghua’s heart settled back down, and her face broke into a broad smile, "I said the same thing. I know you have elderly at home and are naturally worried, but it’s just that you two have just married and will be living apart. Good relationships can grow distant without children, and I hope you can have a child soon. If she can accompany the troops, she can get pregnant sooner, don’t you think?"

Shen Yiguang looked at Yang PeiMin and smiled, "Yes, Mother is right. My parents have the same thoughts. There will be a housing project for families in the military region this year, and I too would hope that by the time it’s finished, it would be perfect for Minmin to join then, as she would be living in better conditions..."

Zhang Minghua nodded repeatedly.

Yang Dahai, sitting aside, also relaxed his brows and asked Yang Peijun to refill Shen Yiguang’s tea.

"Is everything arranged at home? How are the health of both sets of parents?"

Shen Yiguang elaborated on his parents’ situation in detail.

Yang Dahai instructed him to write home often, "Our families aren’t that far apart; we can look out for each other. If there is any matter on your parents’ side, just send someone to bring a message. There’s nothing else to worry about; your brothers surely have the strength to help out."

Shen Yiguang hastily expressed his gratitude, "That would be wonderful, though it’s a bother for my cousins..."

Zhang Minghua smiled warmly, "We are one family, there’s no need for such formalities. Minmin will need your care too..."

Li Hong, sitting on the side, became concerned about Yang PeiMin’s new job, "Minmin, I heard you’ve started working now?"

The family looked at her with surprise.

Yang PeiMin shared her job situation.

Li Hong expressed her envy, "Minmin, you’re really lucky. See, it really pays off to be educated, it’s easier to find a job compared to others."

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