The villagers of Lijia Village were gossiping about Yang Daya.

"What do you think is going on with Yang Daya? Is she sick or pregnant?"

"I heard she's pregnant and needs to stay in the hospital to protect the fetus."

"What a waste of money! As a woman, I can't even take good care of my belly. I was earning seven or eight work points before I gave birth, and I was working in the fields a week after I gave birth."

"That's right, the daughter-in-law of the old Li family is really lucky."

Several women were chattering incessantly, but no one knew what they were really thinking.

When Zhang Cuihua was stretching, she saw several people on the village road.

"Old Zhao, look and see if that's Old Lady Li and Yang Daya."

Zhao Guiying saw that it was indeed true. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Who knows, the child might not be saved. Old Lady Li must be reluctant to stay in the hospital all the time. It costs so much money that she can't live there permanently."

"You're right. Talking like that is truly a sin for the Li family. The third son of the Li family didn't help at all at the supply and marketing cooperative. Just wait and see. The Li family will definitely not have peace in the future."

"My sisters-in-law didn't even go to visit me. If it were me, I'd smash the pot at home."

The two of them chattered non-stop, gloating, completely forgetting that Li Lizhu was next door to them.

Li Lizhu, who couldn't bear to listen any longer, cleared her throat.

"Ahem, Auntie, it's not nice to talk about people behind their backs."

After she said that, she picked up her hoe and walked home. If they didn't live in the same village, she would definitely not give the two old women face.

Zhang Lihua also put down the work in her hands and hurried home.

Li Xiangnan trotted and pounced on Yang Daya like a small spinning top.

"Mom, you and Dad are finally back. Grandma Zhang said you don't want me anymore since you have a little brother."

Yang Daya immediately started to curse: "That old woman is so careless with her words. I will definitely teach her a lesson in the future."

After cursing with a grin, he squatted down and hugged Li Xiangnan.

"You are my precious son, how could I possibly not want you? Don't listen to those people's nonsense."

Li Mingfang patted his little head and said, "Your mother and I love you the most."

Seeing that Xiangnan was clean, the couple knew that it was all thanks to Zhang Lihua and others, who helped them take good care of the child.

"Third sister-in-law, is everything okay?"

"It's okay. I'm in such a bad shape, what can happen to me? You guys should go back to work."

Seeing that she didn't look like she was in trouble, Zhang Cuihua and Li Lizhu picked up their hoes and went back to the field.

Li Mingfang originally wanted to take care of her at home, but was forced to go to work.

The first thing Sun Jiaxue did when she came back from her private plot was to go to see Yang Daya. She didn't even go in, but went back to the house after seeing that Yang Daya was fine.

After Zhang Lihua and her friend returned, they were surrounded and asked all sorts of questions.

"Dear aunts and sisters, Daya is fine." Zhang Lihua said.

"Is this true? Why would you be hospitalized if you're fine?"

"Yeah, it's not something to be ashamed of. Lihua must tell us the truth."

"You can't lie to us just to save face."

Zhang Lihua was so angry that she laughed. She said with a forced smile, "You guys can go and have a look after work, but don't forget to bring a few eggs. It would be embarrassing to come empty-handed."

After these words were spoken, the surroundings became much quieter and no one dared to ask questions anymore.

Zhang Chunya pulled Li Lizhu over and whispered, "Girl, how is Yang Daya?"

"Mom, nothing's wrong. I'm full of energy and will be able to come to work in two days."

"I'm glad you're okay. Mom was worried about Yang Daya coming back to look for you. It seems I was overthinking it."

The mother and daughter chatted for a while and then got busy leveling the ground.

Li Mingqing was bored and wanted to find an easy job for his wife. However, there was a problem: his wife could not read a single word, so it would be better for her to learn some words first.

Thinking of this, he bought two pencils and two notebooks.

"Why did you suddenly buy pens and notebooks? Did you buy them for your nephews at home?"

"I use it myself. Learning is endless. I have to replenish the notebooks and pens at home when they run out."

"You and my brother will definitely get along. He haggles over words all day at home, and it gives my sister-in-law and I a headache."

"Sister Zhao, I'll definitely get to know you if I have the chance."

"What opportunity is there? If you have time, come to my house and visit me. I still get my rice from you."

Li Mingqing smiled and said, "It's just a small matter, all small matters."

The first thing I do when I get home from get off work is to look for my wife.

Seeing him come back, Sun Jiaxue said happily, "Third sister-in-law and mother are back. It's great that everything is fine."

"My wife has a good heart, but if the third sister-in-law bullies you, just scold her back. Don't give in to her just because she's pregnant."

She didn't know whether to laugh or cry when she heard this, fearing that she would be bullied.

"Third sister-in-law has a sharp tongue."

"Not only is his mouth vicious, but his heart is even smaller than a needle."

"Okay, since you got up so early this morning, I'll go make you something to eat so you can go to bed early."

Li Mingqing took out the malted milk and canned meat rewarded by the system.

"Wife, you must drink a glass of this malted milk before going to bed."

"Brother Mingqing, no need, drink it while you're at work."

He really thought malted milk was not tasty. After all, he had drunk all kinds of pure milk and yogurt, and he was not interested in malted milk at all.

"I'm the head of the family, listen to me."

"Okay, let's each have a glass, otherwise I won't drink either."

After saying that, Sun Jiaxue went to prepare dinner, and Li Mingqing sat beside her and watched her cook.

The canned meat is cut into two pieces and sandwiched between steamed buns. It is extremely delicious.

After dinner, Li Mingqing looked at the kerosene lamp in front of him and wondered when the village would have electricity. This weak and dim kerosene lamp really didn't provide any light. It was so dark that he couldn't teach Sun Jiaxue to read.

Alas, every family keeps a close eye on the kerosene lamps.

I only light the kerosene lamp when I really need it, such as when I'm sewing. Otherwise, I don't light it if I can, and I try to save as much kerosene as possible.

There was no light in the other three houses in the yard, only the kerosene lamp in Li Mingqing's house might be lit all night long.

He could still afford the kerosene.

But the smell emitted by the kerosene lamp is really intoxicating. It is very unpleasant but bearable.

After much thought, I decided to buy a flashlight.

Thinking of this, he was grateful for the industrial vouchers awarded by the system, otherwise he would have to buy them on the black market.

"Wife, do you want to learn to read?"

"Me? Can I?"

"Of course, I can teach you if you want to learn."

Sun Jiaxue was silent for a moment and then said, "I want to learn."

"Here are a pen and a notebook," Li Mingqing handed her the stationery he had bought.

She touched it carefully with her hand. She used to envy the children who could go to school. She thought she would never have the chance to study in this life and never expected that this day would come.

She had previously secretly gone to school to attend classes and was beaten half to death by Sun's father when he found out.

Since then, I have never thought about studying again. Every time I think about it, my whole body aches.

Li Mingqing hugged her and said, "Let's start from tomorrow. I want to give you a heads up. I am a very strict teacher."

Sun Jiaxue tightened her arms around him and said, "I will study hard."

He didn't expect his wife to be so serious and was a little speechless.