90s Left-Behind Mother Decides to Change

At sixteen, Liu Suqin graduated from junior high and went south with her cousin to work. Like most factory girls, she met a young male colleague she liked, quickly fell in love, got married, and th...

Chapter 42 Chapter 42 The conspicuous duo.

Chapter 42 Chapter 42 The conspicuous duo.

Liu Suqin found that her mentality was getting younger and younger. She had just discussed with her little sister about getting her hair done, and she left without hesitation, leaving her child directly to Aunt Zhang.

Amin didn't even take his son out. Today was Li Liang's long-awaited day off, so he let his father take care of the baby at home.

So she was half-pushed and half-pulled away by the two men.

They arrived at the barber shop that Ahui was familiar with, and all three of them had their hair permed. Amin and Ahui also dyed their hair the most popular burgundy color.

However, Liu Suqin didn't like the yellowing of her hair after dyeing it, and Tongtong felt she looked better with long, curly black hair. So, they resisted the barber's advice and insisted on getting a perm. The result was absolutely perfect.

They went out around one o'clock in the afternoon and finally finished before dark. After finishing, they said goodbye in front of the barber shop and went home.

Liu Suqin, with her curly hair that attracted a lot of attention, stopped by the store. As soon as she entered, Lin Nanjiang was so shocked that his eyes widened and he almost couldn't cook.

Seeing his silly look, Liu Suqin expressed satisfaction. Of course, she didn't say it. Seeing that the store was quite lively at the moment, she went up to entertain the customers calmly. The customers called her "Boss Lady" one after another, which made her very happy.

Lin Nanjiang was simmering in the kitchen, sweating profusely in the winter heat. Seeing that there weren't as many customers, he immediately called Lin Quansheng over to take his place. He eagerly approached his wife and started to make small talk, "Honey, did you get your hair done today?"

Liu Suqin casually brushed her long hair and said, "Yes, I'll show it to you as soon as it's done. What do you think?"

"It's very beautiful. I'm stunned." Lin Nanjiang's eyes sparkled, and he also wanted to reach out and touch it, but he retracted his hand halfway and rubbed it on the sweat towel for a long time, but in the end he didn't stretch out his greasy big hand again.

Liu Suqin didn't mind. She stood on tiptoe and touched his bangs, which had grown a little. "I saw a few guys getting their hair permed there today. Do you want to get one too after you're done? I asked the boss, and they closed even later than us before the New Year."

Lin Nanjiang was indeed a little moved, and he raised his hand to touch the top of his head, "Is this appropriate? Will it seem too unstable?"

Although he is also a good young man, he has already started a family and is a man with a wife and children to support. Lin Nanjiang is now afraid that others will think he is not calm and reliable enough.

Liu Suqin had previously held similar beliefs, believing that as a wife and mother, she should be virtuous and manage the household, gradually abandoning herself. In her new life, she wanted to prioritize herself. Because only when she was truly content would she not need the approval of others; and by not pinning her hopes on others, she would avoid disappointment, which would lead to resentment and hurt herself and others.

But now, Liu Suqin's thoughts have changed a little. Not only is she willing to try new things, she also wants to drag Lin Nanjiang to experience them together. No matter what one's status is, one should be oneself first.

She encouraged him, "Go ahead and give it a try. Those guys don't look as energetic as you. With your height and looks, you'll look more lively if you dress up a little. I'll also buy you a leather jacket. Who knows how many guys will envy you when you go out."

Lin Nanjiang's eyes sparkled as he listened, but he was still being polite. "Leather jackets are so expensive these days. A good one costs thousands of yuan. Honey, you might as well buy yourself a couple of gold necklaces. By the way, we've been away for two years now, so why don't you buy a gold necklace for my mom and mother-in-law?"

Liu Suqin wondered where this guy learned to be so cunning. He said it was expensive, but he even found out the price of the leather jacket. Doesn’t this mean he doesn’t want it?

However, since he was a man of few words but never sloppy in making money, Liu Suqin still cooperated and coaxed him, "I've already chosen the gifts for the family. Grandpa and Grandpa both got watches, and Grandma and Grandma both got gold bracelets of similar styles. I've also picked out a set of gold jewelry, as well as a jade necklace and bracelet. Fangfang will get a gold and jade longevity locket. The only thing missing is your New Year's gift. After all, you're the pillar of our family. Without your hard work, we wouldn't have the good life we ​​have today. I definitely have to ask you what you want."

"No, no, you've already bought me so many clothes and shoes this year. As for the rest, I, a grown man, don't need them. Just buy what you like, like gold, jade, and emerald. Buy more so you can change them when you go out."

Seeing the corners of his mouth almost flying to the sky, Liu Suqin said in her heart that this is a man, and her tone became softer, "Everyone in the family can choose not to buy a gift, but you can't. Since you didn't tell me what you want, I decided on my own. Buy a nice leather jacket, a belt and leather shoes, and a big gold chain. After all, people will call you Boss Lin when you go out..."

Boss Lin was so coaxed that his lips curled up, but he still had an expression of "I can't do anything to you" on his face, "Okay, okay, I'll listen to the boss lady."

After Liu Suqin shared the joy of getting her hair permed, she saw that the store was not very busy. Lin Nanjiang and the others should be packing up and preparing for the next stall. Naturally, she didn't want to stay and cause trouble, so she went home.

As soon as she left, Lin Nanjiang's expression changed. He happily approached his good friend and said, "Do you know what Suqin came here to say? She saw a fashionable leather jacket while shopping today that she thought would suit me perfectly. She insisted on buying it for me. She also said she wanted to pair it with a big gold chain and get a very fashionable perm..."

Lin Quansheng: Can he say that he is not curious at all?

Liu Suqin's hairstyle made her look beautiful for many days. When Li Hong came to visit her during the holidays, she was very excited to take her to get a perm. "When are you planning to go back to your hometown? Have you bought the train ticket? Why don't you get a haircut later so you can look beautiful when you return to the village?"

Li Hong pulled her back with amusement, "You're the most beautiful girl in our factory. You look good with or without a hairstyle. Even with a shaved head, you wouldn't look much worse. I can't compare to you. And I came here just to tell you that I'm not going back this year. I plan to stay and earn triple the salary."

"Triple pay! Your boss is so generous." Liu Suqin wasn't surprised by her friend's sudden decision. She could go back home anytime, but triple pay was something she couldn't come by. However, she was a little worried. "But as a girl, is it safe for you to stay in the factory and work overtime during the New Year holiday? Is there anyone staying in the dormitory with you?"

"There's a security guard and a workshop supervisor. A few girls from next door will also stay. We've already agreed that everyone will move in together. Don't worry, nothing will happen."

Liu Suqin: "It sounds like there are quite a lot of people here. Is the cafeteria open as usual? You know there are not many shops on the streets during the New Year holidays. It's hard to find a place to eat."

Li Hong nodded affirmatively. "Everything is the same as before. We even asked the older sister who worked overtime last year, and she said that the factory cafeteria was very well-stocked during the Chinese New Year. They had chicken, duck, fish, meat, and seafood, and they provided three meals a day, including midnight snacks."

"That's good. You should eat more then." Liu Suqin felt much more relieved. Finally, she asked her whether her overtime pay would be settled immediately after the Chinese New Year. After all, she would have to resign after the New Year to go for training. If the factory started to reduce her salary from now on, wouldn't she have worked for half a month in vain?

Li Hong said she had inquired about all these matters clearly, and being on duty would not affect her resignation and escape next year. After saying this, she could not help but look around. "By the way, where's Fangfang? I bought her a small gold bracelet after receiving my salary. It's considered an early New Year's gift to my eldest niece. When you leave for home, I will probably still be working overtime at the factory, so I won't be able to come and see you off."

"Aunt Zhang took her upstairs to play with the young lady. I guess she'll be home soon." Liu Suqin said a few polite words, but still didn't stop Li Hong from happily putting the bracelet on the little girl. "Not bad, not bad. Our Fangfang is really a lucky charm. Look at this gold and silver jewelry, she doesn't look tacky at all."

After giving the gifts, Li Hong hugged the child and cuddled with him for a long time, had a hearty lunch, and finally returned to the factory to work overtime, feeling refreshed.

Liu Suqin walked her out of the complex as usual, and on the way, she couldn't help but urge her to save more money. "I told you to just come by yourself. Don't bring anything. We have everything at home. But you, on the other hand, give more and more expensive gifts. You're so extravagant. What are you going to do in the future?"

"Don't worry, I've saved up for my tuition." Li Hong saw the genuine concern in her eyes and couldn't help but look around. Seeing no one paying attention to them, she leaned over to Liu Suqin and whispered, "Suqin, I'll tell you alone. With the overtime pay and bonuses during the Chinese New Year holiday, I estimate I can leave the factory with a savings of 7,000 to 8,000 yuan."

Liu Suqin was so shocked that her pupils trembled. "Where did you get so much money?"

She knew her friend was capable, but she didn't expect him to be so capable. He had only been in the city for a few months, but he had quietly saved up seven or eight thousand yuan. Robbing a bank was no big deal.

"Hey, don't look at me like that. Compared to your husband making tons of money every day, my little fortune is nothing, and I've saved it for years. I probably save a few thousand yuan every year. I can't let my family know, so I don't dare tell you, for fear that I'll accidentally let it slip during a casual chat one day... You know how much I earn after moving to the city. Counting overtime and various subsidies, I can make over 800 yuan a month, which is double my money, so I can save it even faster."

Liu Suqin gave a thumbs-up and praised sincerely, "You're a girl, and you have to pay for your family expenses, but you can still save such a large sum of money. It's really amazing. With such calculation and perseverance, you will succeed in everything you do. But Li Hong, you are not planning to go back for the New Year this time. Are you still going to send money home?"

Li Hong waved her hands awkwardly, then nodded sadly at the last sentence. "It's the same old rule, 2,500 yuan a year. Even if I don't go back this year, I have to ask my fellow villagers to help bring it back, otherwise I won't have peace in the future."

The savings she told her friend were the amount minus the money she needed to send back.

"Yeah, just think of it as buying some peace and quiet. Otherwise, if they start making a fuss, it'll be even harder to get rid of them if they find out about your current salary and benefits." Liu Suqin knew that Li Hong wasn't really a pushover. In her previous life, she went back to her hometown to get married, had children, opened a shop, and even got divorced, but she had never been controlled by her family. After the divorce, the three of them lived a carefree life. Now that she had come to Shenzhen to develop her career, it was even less likely that she would be controlled by her family. So she didn't dwell on the issue, but just joked, "But you're so rich now, why are you acting like learning makeup is a life-threatening thing?"

"It's okay if I don't save money. The more I save, the more reluctant I am to spend it." Li Hong also laughed, "But after taking into account the overtime allowance and bonus for the New Year, I feel much more at ease. I decided to spend about 5,000 yuan on makeup lessons like you did. This way I will still have 2,000 to 3,000 yuan in savings, so I won't be so worried."

"That's about right." Liu Suqin patted her friend's shoulder and spoke earnestly. "I have no prejudice against hairdressers. The income in this industry is not bad. It's just that makeup artists have better prospects. After learning hairdressing, you only have two choices: work in a barber shop or open your own shop. Makeup artists have much more diverse jobs. There are more and more makeup shops now, as well as high-end photo studios, wedding companies, art troupes and theaters. Oh, and if you go to the capital after graduation to develop your career, you can also apply for jobs in entertainment companies, advertising companies, TV stations and film studios. If you succeed, you will be able to join the entertainment industry and do makeup for celebrities."

Li Hong was so delighted by her big cake, "Okay, okay, I'll listen to you. I will follow you steadily from now on."

After saying that, he went back to the factory to screw in screws with even more enthusiasm.

Liu Suqin also continued her shopping spree. The closer it got to the New Year holiday, the more she spent money.

However, as long as Liu Suqin stopped buying houses without any reason, the speed at which she spent money every day would still not be able to keep up with the speed at which Lin Nanjiang made money. No matter how much she spent, even if she bought a gold chain and a leather jacket, Lin Nanjiang could still make the money back by setting up a stall.

The couple worked hard to make money while the other spent money recklessly, and finally the day of their business closing came.

Lin Nanjiang, who was persuaded by his wife for a long time before he "reluctantly" agreed to get a perm, couldn't wait to ask Liu Suqin to accompany him to the barber shop early the next morning after the holiday.

It was so fast that Liu Suqin was caught off guard.

"Don't we have to send Aunt Zhang home today? Why don't you go early and come back early? It doesn't matter if you go to perm your hair in the afternoon or evening. Short hair can be permed very quickly." Liu Suqin gave a tactful suggestion.

But Lin Nanjiang also had a confident argument, "This time when I'm sending Aunt Zhang back to the village, I have to stop by Uncle Chen and Aunt Jin's house to sit and chat. Given their hospitality, they'll definitely keep me for dinner and tea. They might not let me go until dark, and by the time I rush back, the barber shop will definitely be closed. I might as well get my hair permed first. A whole morning should be enough time to go to the barber shop now, right?"

"That's enough." Liu Suqin didn't want to argue with him about such a small matter. As long as Lin Nanjiang was happy, she stood up and said, "Then I'll change into my going-out clothes. You go and tell Aunt Zhang that we promised to take her home in the morning. We can have lunch in the village."

"good."

Liu Suqin went back to her room and changed into the knitted dress she had recently bought, which outlined her slender figure. She put on a dark woolen coat, which made her look elegant and warm. Her fluffy curly hair was spread out, and she simply drew her eyebrows and put on some lipstick. When she looked in the mirror, she felt that she was indescribably radiant.

Grabbing her handbag and walking out of the bedroom, Lin Nanjiang was already dressed and ready to go. Aunt Zhang was also holding Fangfang and told them to just go out and relax while she stayed at home to take care of the children. "By the way, what do you want for lunch? There's nothing in the fridge. With the frozen fish, shrimp and beef balls, I can only stir-fry three or four dishes at most."

Aunt Zhang used to think that three or four dishes with fish and shrimp were already a rich meal, but when she followed her employer's family to the city, the four adults had to eat at least five or six dishes per meal, and the portions were just enough to empty the plates, so they had to cook again for the next meal. Leftover food was not allowed. After living like this for a long time, Aunt Zhang, who was frugal, gradually developed the habit.

Liu Suqin thought for only a moment and said decisively, "Let's not make lunch. Let's go out to eat. Do you want to go out with me? We can also take Fangfang to the barber shop. You don't have to stay at home to take care of the child."

"I won't go. You young people should have fun. Besides, Suqin, didn't you say that the chemicals in the barber shop are pungent and smelly? Our good boy won't go. Even if it doesn't have any effect on the body, the smell of the chemicals will hurt the little nose if it stays in the barber shop for a long time." Everyone was already familiar with each other, and Aunt Zhang was becoming more and more comfortable, saying whatever she wanted.

Liu Suqin also knew that she was not a spoiler.

During this period, she took her child to shopping malls and supermarkets, bought clothes, ate at McDonald's and dessert shops, and drove to the beach to enjoy the breeze and dig sand. She always had the other person by her side, and even the elderly Aunt Zhang was the main person holding the child.

Although Aunt Zhang was nervous and restrained at first, she actively cooperated with her travel arrangements and gradually enjoyed it.

It was obvious that Aunt Zhang was an old lady willing to accept new things, so she didn't want to go to the barber shop with them. Liu Suqin knew that the other party was not being polite, so she nodded readily, "That's fine, you and Fangfang stay at home, and when we're done, we'll come back and pick you up to go to the restaurant together."

It must be said that without having to bring the little one along, Liu Suqin felt refreshed. She turned to look at Lin Nanjiang and said, "Then let's go. By the way, isn't Brother Quansheng going?"

"How could he not go?" Lin Nanjiang was also wearing his wife's new sweater today. It was a loose, thick cashmere cable-knit pullover. He also paired it with a shirt and loose-fitting jeans. He put his hands in his pockets as he spoke, looking completely immersed in his handsome appearance. He even pointed towards his good friend's room and said, "I wonder what he's tinkering with in there?"

Liu Suqin glanced at him and thought, you two are the same, okay, big brother, don't laugh at the second brother.

However, when the footsteps came closer, she turned around and looked over, her eyes widened.

Lin Quansheng fiddled in the room for a long time, and it turned out that he had put on his "battle suit" for the New Year in advance.

Yes, when Liu Suqin went to buy a leather jacket and a big gold chain for Lin Nanjiang, she also bought a set for Lin Quansheng.

Originally, she thought that the other party had just bought a house and was a little short of money, so she might as well cash out the year-end bonus directly and give him a big red envelope of two or three thousand yuan, which could immediately relieve most of Lin Quansheng's financial pressure.

My action was like providing timely help, and the red scarf on my chest became even brighter.

However, when the couple turned off the lights and lay in the same bed, Lin Nanjiang still forced himself to chat with her despite his tired body, as if the day would be wasted if he didn't chat with her at night.

The theme of Lin Nanjiang's night talk was his good friend's envy and hatred for the leather jacket and big gold chain he bought for his wife.

Lin Nanjiang said it once or twice, and Liu Suqin thought he was just pretending, but when he said it for the third and fourth time, she had to believe it a little.

She found some time to test Lin Quansheng's thoughts: did he want cash as a New Year's gift, or would he prefer the same leather jacket and big gold chain as Lin Nanjiang? When the other party heard the second option, his eyes lit up instantly, and Liu Suqin couldn't pretend to be blind.

Well, she took it for granted. The thinking of men and women cannot be said to be exactly the same. They are completely unrelated.

However, Liu Suqin did not understand, but supported it.

It was supposed to be a reward for their hard work throughout the year, so of course the arrangement had to be based on the preferences of the parties involved.

Besides, what's wrong with young people liking to show off? It doesn't prevent them from doing their work.

Liu Suqin fully met the requirements of the two and went to the mall to carefully select two leather jackets.

Her man has broad shoulders and legs that are 1.8 meters long, so she confidently picked a black suit for him. Lin Quansheng chose a versatile brown suit, and the other parts were not much different. They were all elegant, classic, and timeless styles.

Liu Suqin, who was well versed in the art of keeping a balance, went to a gold shop and bought a gold chain of similar weight but slightly different style.

The necklace did not come in any size, so on the night they brought it home, Liu Suqin let the two of them choose it themselves.

Seeing Lin Quansheng couldn't wait to wear it out, Liu Suqin already knew how much he liked it.

Compared to Liu Suqin who just opened her eyes wide, Lin Nanjiang's reaction was much greater. Before Lin Quansheng even approached, he was already making ambiguous "tsk tsk" sounds. When the other person got closer, he even circled around him a few times, his tone as sour as lemon essence, "No wonder you've been locked up in the room tinkering for so long. If you know, you're going to get a perm, but if you don't, you'd think you were getting married today."

Lin Quansheng wasn't ashamed of this, but rather proud of it. He stroked his gelled bangs with a smile, "Really? You also think the outfit my sister-in-law picked is great?"

Lin Nanjiang: ...

He tried hard to pull his eyes away from his leather jacket and turned his head to observe his wife's reaction. "Suqin, what do you think?"

"I think it's good too. The color and size suit Quansheng brother very well. He looks energetic and fashionable, yet calm and composed."

This wasn't what Lin Nanjiang wanted to hear! He hinted wildly, "But isn't this what you wear when you go home for the New Year?"

Liu Suqin thought to herself that she was not his mother, so she said indifferently, "Let him wear whatever he wants. He can wear the clothes as soon as he gets them home."

Seeing his wife being so tolerant, Lin Nanjiang couldn't suppress his inner thoughts any longer. "How about I change my clothes too?"

In response to his cautious probing, Liu Suqin had only three words: "Hurry up."

"Okay." Lin Nanjiang couldn't wait to turn around and go back to his room, changing his clothes as quickly as possible. Two minutes later, he came out wearing a leather jacket and a big gold chain. He and Lin Quansheng walked out and down the stairs arm in arm, completely showing no regard for their relatives.

Liu Suqin lagged far behind the two of them, trying hard to reduce her presence and not wanting to admit that she had anything to do with these two conspicuous bags.

However, it was rare for the two of them to be so relaxed and happy. Although it was a bit childish, it was more in line with their age. Although Liu Suqin said she disliked it, her body was still very honest. While they were getting their hair permed, she went shopping in the surrounding shops and picked out two fashionable glasses for them.

When Lin Nanjiang and Lin Quansheng got their hair permed in the latest style and left the barber shop wearing sunglasses, their steps were no longer just those of apathetic relatives, but those of their entire ancestors.

Liu Suqin also put on a pair of large sunglasses that covered half of her face. She held her head high and chest out, looking straight ahead, pretending that she had nothing to do with the two people in front of her.