The next day, Zhao Mingyue accompanied Shen Xuyue to visit his former educated youth colleagues at the educated youth settlement. There were not many educated youths left at the settlement. Everyone was trying to find ways to return to the city through various means: some took the college entrance exam, some were recruited for jobs, some were forced to retire due to financial difficulties, and some retired due to illness. Everyone used their own methods, and currently only four educated youths remained.

Everyone was overjoyed to see Shen Xuyue, as he was the first friend to return to visit them after coming back to the city. They treated Shen Xuyue and Zhao Mingyue to lunch, and the group busied themselves in the kitchen. Then, they had Shen Xuyue sing for everyone, just like the winter before last. Everyone was in high spirits, but there was a sense that things had changed.

The educated youth brought out their collections of liquor and chatted while drinking. They talked about the past and the uncertain future, and several of them shed tears, fueled by the alcohol. Shen Xuyue silently drank with them, and was also forced to drink quite a bit. He accepted every drink offered, which made everyone unhappy. He was quite successful and proud of his position, so it was only fair that he was forced to drink a little to balance things out.

The person who was forced to drink didn't get drunk, but the people who forced the drinks were completely intoxicated, crying their eyes out. Zhao Mingyue quietly poured drinks and added rice for everyone, listening to their complaints. After the meal, those people went straight to bed and fell asleep. Zhao Mingyue wanted to help them clear the table, but Shen Xuyue stopped her: "No need to clear it, let them clear it themselves. We should go back now."

As the two left the brigade's courtyard, Shen Xuyue felt a little dizzy and unsteady on his feet. Zhao Mingyue reached out to support him, saying, "Let me help you."

Shen Xuyue put his arm around Zhao Mingyue's shoulder, and Zhao Mingyue put her hand on his waist. They supported each other as they walked home. People on the way saw them and expressed their surprise. Zhao Mingyue smiled and said, "He's had too much to drink."

No one said anything. They're different from the rest of us now; they're big city people. City people behave differently from rural people. This kind of mutual support wouldn't be unusual in the city.

Shen Xuyue sighed and said, "Things have changed, and everything is over. I hope all of this will pass soon, and everyone can return to their original positions."

Zhao Mingyue comforted her, saying, "Don't worry, returning to the city is a major trend, and this matter will be basically resolved in less than two years."

"That's good. I hope that next time I come, I won't have to drink such bitter wine. In the future, when we get together, we'll drink the fine wine of our reunion," Shen Xuyue said.

Back home, Hu Nianchun looked at them and asked, "What happened to Xiao Shen? Is he alright?"

Zhao Mingyue shook her head: "It's nothing, he just drank a bit too much with some friends. He'll be fine after a nap." She helped Shen Xuyue to her third brother's bed, took off his shoes, and pulled the blanket up for him.

After watching her daughter help Shen Xuyue to bed, Hu Nianchun whispered, "Your second aunt just came over and said she wants you to come over for dinner tonight."

Zhao Mingyue nodded: "Okay, I understand."

Hu Nianchun said, "Are you cold? Let me light a fire for you to warm up."

Zhao Mingyue shook her head: "No need, I can still manage. Mom, come here, I'll take your measurements and then make you a set of clothes to wear for the New Year."

Hu Nianchun waved his hand with a smile: "No need, I don't need to wear new clothes. I'll save the fabric for you to make your own. It's you young people who need to wear new clothes."

Zhao Mingyue smiled and said, "Mom, when I was little, you would always find a way to make a new set of clothes for my siblings and me every year for the New Year, but you and Dad rarely made new clothes, unless you had nothing else to wear. I remember clearly how many years it has been since you made new clothes. Now that your daughter is able to, I'm making you new clothes. Don't you like that?"

Hu Nianchun smiled happily: "Alright then, I'll enjoy the blessings of my daughter."

Zhao Mingyue took out a ruler to measure her mother's body, then wrote down the measurements in her hand. While measuring, she asked, "What about my father and my third brother? I've prepared fabric for them too, enough to make one outfit for each of them."

"What about yourself? Stop thinking about us all the time and forget about yourself."

Zhao Mingyue laughed and said, "Don't forget, I have some too. Where are they?"

"Your dad went out to pick vegetables, and your third brother probably went to visit someone. He should be back later."

Zhao Mingyue took her mother's measurements, tidied up the counter, and then began cutting the fabric. Hu Nianchun asked curiously, "Mingyue, where did you learn to make clothes?"

Zhao Mingyue said with a smile, "You forgot? I learned how to sew from my second sister-in-law. We don't have a sewing machine at home, so I'll go to her house to make one later."

"How long have you been studying? And you've already opened a shop in Beijing?" Hu Nianchun thought his daughter was being far too bold.

Zhao Mingyue smiled and said, "I'm learning as I go, and I'm actually doing pretty well, really, I'm not lying to you." Of course, what she learned from her second sister-in-law was just the tip of the iceberg; the main thing she learned was from her previous life. But luckily, she had the excuse of learning tailoring from her second sister-in-law to cover it up. She told people in Beijing that she learned it at home, and told her family that she learned it in Beijing, so she wouldn't be exposed.

A short while later, Zhao Minglang returned, and Zhao Mingyue called her third brother over: "Brother, come here, I'll make you some clothes and take your measurements."

Zhao Minglang stretched out his arms, letting his sister take his measurements: "What kind of clothes do you want to make for me?"

Zhao Mingyue said, "I'll make you a really cool one, I guarantee you'll like it."

"Really? There are only a few days left until the New Year. Will you be able to make it in time for me to wear new clothes for the New Year?" Zhao Minglang said with a smile.

Zhao Mingyue said, "There's definitely no problem." She can easily make several items a day.

When Zhao Shunsheng returned home and heard that his daughter wanted to make him clothes, his eyes crinkled with laughter. He was overjoyed and asked Zhao Mingyue to take his measurements.

Shen Xuyue lay in the inner room, not sleeping soundly, but rather feeling numb from drinking too much, his body listless and unwilling to move. He listened to the sounds outside; a family was happily discussing making new clothes. With his eyes closed, he felt a deep envy. Although the family was poor, it was filled with love. He wished his own parents were as loving as that, but alas, his mother's temper... He vowed that he and Mingyue would one day create such a harmonious and happy family.

Shen Xuyue cherished the atmosphere of Zhao Mingyue's home, but he still had to leave. His parents were waiting for him to return for the New Year, and his older brother would also be coming back this year. They hadn't seen each other for many years, and he absolutely had to go back for a family reunion. So, when the time came, he embarked on his journey north. Zhao Mingyue saw him off at the station, and Shen Xuyue said, "Mingyue, come back soon after the New Year. Write to me when you're sure you're coming, and I'll come pick you up."

Zhao Mingyue said, "I can't be 100% sure about that. What if there are delays on the way? You don't need to come pick me up. I'll come with Youqing. You'll have company on the way, so don't worry."

"It's alright, I'll definitely come to pick you up then." Shen Xuyue looked at Zhao Mingyue with reluctance. "Remember to write to me, I'll miss you." He lowered his voice to say the last sentence.

Zhao Mingyue blushed and lowered her head: "I can do it too."

The car started, and Zhao Mingyue waved from under the car. Shen Xuyue kept turning his head to look down at the car until he could see nothing anymore, then he turned his head away.

Shen Xuyue left, taking Zhao Mingyue's longing with him. However, this separation felt much better than the last one during summer vacation. It felt like an old married couple; their feelings weren't as intense and urgent as they were at the beginning, but had become mellow and enduring. Love in this world doesn't last forever, does it? Slowly, it transforms into a habit, into the most solid and reliable kinship.

Zhao Mingyue hurried home to make clothes so that her family would have new clothes to wear on New Year's Day. Looking at the patterns Zhao Mingyue had cut, her second sister-in-law could hardly believe that her apprentice had made them. She joked, "Little sister, this is a classic case of 'teaching an apprentice and starving the master.' Look at you, the clothes you made are much better than mine. I really can't believe my apprentice made them."

Zhao Mingyue said, "I actually did this a lot when I was in Beijing, and I gradually learned how to do it better and better."

“You scholars are really capable; you can figure things out for yourselves. We can only copy what others do,” the second sister-in-law said enviously.

Zhao Mingyue laughed and said, "I just copied what they did."

My second sister-in-law said, "Why don't you make some clothes for me with the fabric you brought me last time? Make a set of clothes for my eldest son, and use the leftover fabric to make a pair of pants for my second son, okay?"

How could Zhao Mingyue refuse? "Okay, I'll cut it out for you, and then you can sew it, okay?" Sewing is a basic task, but the biggest difference in clothing lies in the cutting.

"Okay," the second sister-in-law readily agreed.

By the 28th of the twelfth lunar month, Zhao Mingyue's clothes were almost finished. She excitedly took the clothes home, intending to surprise her family. She had left the finished clothes at her second sister-in-law's house until they were all done before bringing them home. Before even entering the house, Zhao Mingyue called out, "Dad, Mom, Third Brother, the clothes are finished! Come and try them on."

Stepping inside, she found the room empty. Zhao Mingyue remembered that her parents were making tofu in the back shed. She glanced into Zhao Minglang's room and saw him lying on the bed, seemingly doing something. "Third brother, what are you doing? Get up and look at the clothes I made for you. Do you like them? They're definitely styles you've never seen before."

Zhao Minglang had a medical book covering his face and didn't answer her. Zhao Mingyue walked over and lifted the book off his face: "Could he be asleep? He's not even covered with a blanket..." As soon as the book was removed, she saw Zhao Minglang staring wide-eyed at the top of the tent, his face blank, seemingly lost in thought.

Zhao Mingyue placed the clothes on the bed, then waved her hand in front of Zhao Minglang's eyes: "What's wrong, Third Brother?"

Zhao Minglang's eyes finally moved, and he finally spoke, his voice very low and hoarse: "I saw Yu Youfen."

Zhao Mingyue sat down on the edge of the bed: "Are you still upset about her?"

“She was violated by that beast surnamed Cheng, got pregnant, and that’s why she married him,” Zhao Minglang said. His voice sounded like he was stating the matter without any emotion, but in fact, his anger was definitely suppressed to the extreme.

Zhao Mingyue had a sudden realization: "How could this be?"

Zhao Minglang said, "She went to visit relatives and came back a little late. On the way, she met that beast surnamed Cheng returning from gathering firewood. They walked together, and then..."

"Did Sister Fen tell you all this?" Zhao Mingyue thought to herself. These days, women's status is so low. After being raped by a man, not only can she not report it to the police, but she also has to submit to the rapist. It's truly unjust. Some might even say that the rapist is incredibly lucky to have married her. Zhao Mingyue reached out and gripped the mattress, her knuckles turning white.

Zhao Minglang said, "Yes. I told her to abort the child, not to marry that beast, and to sue him. But she wouldn't listen to me. She felt she had no face to face me and was not good enough for anyone else, so she could only marry that beast."

Zhao Mingyue shook her head. This wasn't just Yu Youfen's tragedy; it was the tragedy of the entire era. "Third Brother, forget it. You and Sister Youfen weren't meant to be. Don't think about it anymore. Maybe the man she married will treat her well." They weren't meant to be in their past life, and they still aren't in this one.

Zhao Minglang remained silent, lost in thought. Zhao Mingyue pulled Zhao Minglang's arm: "Brother, get up. I made you a new dress. Try it on and see if it fits."

Zhao Minglang glanced lazily at the clothes unfolded in Zhao Mingyue's hand, showing no intention of trying them on. Zhao Mingyue pulled him up, saying, "Give me some face, will you? I'm not trying to be mean, but she's already married to someone else. What are you still thinking about? You're so handsome, a college graduate, and you'll be a great doctor in the future. When the time comes, there will be a line of beautiful girls for you to choose from. What kind of wife can't you marry?"

Zhao Minglang finally laughed at his sister's words. He sighed, "It's not that I can't find a wife, it's just that I feel sorry for her. Why is her life so miserable?"

Zhao Mingyue thought to herself that her life in her previous life was even more miserable. "Then put on your clothes and show them to me in a bit. I'll go get my parents' clothes for them to try on."

Zhao Mingyue took her parents' clothes out. Her parents were busy and didn't have time to change, so they just shook them out for a quick look and said they would try them on later. Zhao Mingyue went inside to look at Zhao Minglang's new clothes, then laughed and pulled Zhao Minglang out to show her parents: "Dad, Mom, do you think my brother is handsome? He could wear this to a blind date, right? He must be so envious of other people's girls."

Looking at Zhao Minglang, who was wearing a stand-up collar Zhongshan suit, he looked tall and slender, quite handsome. Hu Nianchun chuckled and said, "Clothes really do make the man. Our Minglang looks like a completely different person in this outfit."

Looking at his dashing son, Zhao Shunsheng couldn't help but chuckle with delight.

Zhao Minglang was also a little happy, but he still said with a straight face, "The clothes are too small, you can't wear them outside, it's cold, I'll go change."

Zhao Mingyue said, "Don't change it. Just wear your cotton-padded coat over it. It's nice to take it off occasionally to look cool."

"Let's take it off first and wear it during the New Year," Hu Nianchun said.

Seeing how well her third brother looked dressed, Zhao Mingyue decided to go back to Beijing and make a set for Shen Xuyue as well. Shen Xuyue was taller than her third brother and had a better figure, so he would definitely look good in this outfit.

Hearing that Yu Youfen was home, Zhao Mingyue decided to visit her. She knew that if she were to make a special trip to the Cheng family, Yu Youfen would never want to set foot there again, and visiting during the Spring Festival wouldn't be appropriate. Now that Yu Youfen was surely back to say goodbye for the New Year, this was the perfect time to visit. Zhao Mingyue didn't prepare any gift for her, just a bag of candy she'd brought back from Beijing and ten yuan. Even if she couldn't be her sister-in-law, she wouldn't let their sisterly bond go to waste.

When Zhao Mingyue arrived at the Yu family home, Yu Youfen was sitting in the courtyard basking in the sun, her belly swollen. Yu Youqing was also sitting with her in the courtyard. He had sharp eyes and spotted Zhao Mingyue from afar. He happily got up to greet her, saying, "Mingyue is here." He didn't know when it started, but he changed his way of addressing Zhao Mingyue to Mingyue. Zhao Mingyue herself had never noticed.

Zhao Mingyue greeted her from afar: "Sister Youfen."

Yu Youfen looked at Zhao Mingyue, her expression a mix of crying and laughing.

Zhao Mingyue walked over and hugged Yu Youfen: "Sister, are you alright?"

Yu Youfen hugged Zhao Mingyue's neck and choked up, unable to speak.

Zhao Mingyue patted Yu Youfen's back: "Sister, don't cry, cheer up, you're pregnant." Zhao Mingyue let her go and took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears.

Yu Youfen sniffed, then laughed. Zhao Mingyue saw the bitterness in her smile; one could only imagine how much pain she was in, still unable to accept this fact even after so much time had passed.

Yu Youqing had already brought out a stool: "Mingyue, please sit down."

Zhao Mingyue sat down opposite Yu Youfen and carefully observed her. Even when Yu Youfen smiled, her brows seemed furrowed, perhaps indicating a persistent bad mood. Her complexion was also poor, with freckles covering her face due to pregnancy. She was very thin, with only her belly round, though it didn't appear particularly large. Zhao Mingyue felt a pang of pity for the child in her womb, arriving in a way the mother didn't expect, growing amidst a sense of resentment and frustration. The child's physical and mental well-being was likely not good.

Zhao Mingyue held Yu Youfen's hand: "Sister, you're going to be a mother. What a happy thing this is! Don't always look so gloomy. It's not good for the baby."

Yu Youfen sniffed and nodded: "Okay."

Zhao Mingyue looked at him: "Where is he?"

Yu Youfen knew that "he" referred to her husband. She pursed her lips and said, "I'm leaving. I'll go back after dropping me off."

Zhao Mingyue sighed almost inaudibly, guessing that life wasn't easy for her either, and then asked, "Sister Youfen, how are you doing?"

Yu Youfen kept her head down, fidgeting with the hem of her clothes, and remained silent. Yu Youqing said from the side, "My sister is too weak-willed; how can she have an easy life?"

With Yu Youfen's background, her in-laws would definitely look down on her, and her life would be miserable. Zhao Mingyue looked at Yu Youfen and said, "Sister Youfen, you have to learn to fight back. Try being a little fiercer and tougher, and see if that person's attitude improves. Don't be afraid. If he hits you, fight him to the death. People like that are actually very afraid of death and only know how to pick on the weak. If you fight back fiercely once, maybe he'll submit to you afterward." In her previous life, Cheng Yongqiang was completely subdued by the fierce Wang Qiulan, which proved that he was just all bark and no bite.

Yu Youfen looked at Zhao Mingyue: "Will this work?"

Zhao Mingyue said, "What's wrong with that? If you don't resist, you'll be ridden on for the rest of your life, always being bossed around by him, and you'll never be able to turn your life around."

Yu Youqing said, "Sister, Mingyue is right. You can't just accept your teacher's treatment. You have to learn to fight back. Why should you let him bully you?"

Zhao Mingyue said, "Don't be too submissive. It's human nature to bully the weak and fear the strong. The more you give in, the more they will look down on you. So you must be tough on yourself."

Yu Youfen kept her head down and remained silent. Zhao Mingyue said, "You haven't wronged them, so why do you feel inferior? A woman must never underestimate herself, or she will be looked down upon."

Yu Youfen looked up at Zhao Mingyue and nodded.

Zhao Mingyue said, "These days, life is tough, and some people get divorced. Don't be so timid and afraid of trouble. What are you afraid of? Youqing will support you."

“Yes, sister, don’t be afraid, I will help you,” Yu Youqing said, patting her chest.

Zhao Mingyue added, "Sister Fen, if you trust me, you can come to me for help. If you have any troubles, you can write to me and I will help you find a solution."

Yu Youfen sniffed and nodded vigorously: "Okay, thank you Mingyue."

Zhao Mingyue saw a tear fall onto the back of her hand, which sparkled in the winter sun.

Having seen Yu Youfen, I feel a weight has been lifted from my heart. A woman's destiny is in her own hands; no one can save her. Zhao Mingyue understands this well, but I wonder if Yu Youfen herself can understand it.

After the New Year, Zhao Mingyue and Yu Youqing returned to school together. Along the way, Yu Youqing was very proactive, handling everything from carrying luggage and buying tickets to reserving seats in an orderly manner, which impressed Zhao Mingyue. The boy had grown up.

After the New Year, many people were heading north, and the aisles were packed with people. The two were lucky enough to buy two seat tickets. Yu Youqing, holding Zhao Mingyue's teacup, pushed through the crowd and squeezed back to his seat: "Mingyue, here's some water for you."

Zhao Mingyue accepted it: "Thank you, you've worked hard."

Yu Youqing sat down next to Zhao Mingyue. The three seats were squeezed into four people, and the two were very close together. Zhao Mingyue didn't feel anything was wrong, but Yu Youqing's heart was pounding with nervousness.

A talkative middle-aged woman across from him asked Yu Youqing, "Young man, is this your girlfriend?"

Yu Youqing blushed immediately, and Zhao Mingyue quickly said, "No, we are siblings."

Yu Youqing turned to look at Zhao Mingyue. Zhao Mingyue was chatting with the older woman, who kept praising how well the younger brother took care of his older sister. Yu Youqing glanced at Zhao Mingyue, then looked down at his hands. He was clearly half a year older than Zhao Mingyue; even if they weren't boyfriend and girlfriend, they were still siblings. He hadn't expected Zhao Mingyue to treat him like a younger brother. Yu Youqing sighed inwardly.

Even after getting off the bus, Yu Youqing was still agonizing over this question. He called out to Zhao Mingyue, "Mingyue, I'm clearly older than you. When did you become older than me?"

Zhao Mingyue turned to look at Yu Youqing: "Really? What's your zodiac sign? What month is your birthday?"

Yu Youqing said, "I was born in the Year of the Pig, in April."

Zhao Mingyue's mouth was slightly open. He was indeed half a year older than her: "Why did I always feel like I was older than you? It seems I was mistaken." Actually, she hadn't thought about how old Yu Youqing was at all; she just thought of him as a little brother.

Yu Youqing frowned slightly and said, "So don't tell anyone you're my sister anymore."

Zhao Mingyue couldn't help but laugh: "Okay, then I won't say anything." A man still needs to protect his little bit of pride.

It was already dark when they arrived at the station. After exiting the train station, Zhao Mingyue was about to find a bus when she suddenly heard someone call out, "Mingyue!"

Zhao Mingyue looked up and saw Shen Xuyue standing at the exit, running towards her with a big smile: "We've finally arrived! I've been waiting for two days." As he spoke, Shen Xuyue took the bag from Zhao Mingyue's hand.

Zhao Mingyue looked at him, her heart overflowing with emotion, and gently chided him, "Didn't you say we'd go back on our own and didn't need to be picked up?"

Shen Xuyue whispered, "I miss you. I hope to see you soon." Short separations between lovers are very beneficial for enhancing their relationship and keeping things fresh.

Zhao Mingyue smiled especially sweetly.

Shen Xuyue said, "Let's go, I drove here to take you back to school. Youqing, thank you for taking care of Mingyue on the way."

Yu Youqing noticed that as soon as Shen Xuyue arrived, Zhao Mingyue's heart and eyes were completely filled with him, and he himself seemed to disappear completely. He couldn't help but sigh slightly.