Lin Wanqiu shook her head: "The past is the past. She's also a woman with a hard life. Her husband is incompetent, and the family is struggling, which is why her mother instigated her. If she can live a good life now, we should help her if we can." She knew that Zhang Lan wasn't a bad person at heart, but she was blinded by poverty and jealousy. Now that the Shen family is doing well, helping her out would be a good deed.
Shen Tingzhou held her hand and said softly, "It's good that you think this way. I'll talk to Zhang Lan tonight and ask her if she'd be willing to come over and cook for you for a few days. You're pregnant now, so cooking isn't convenient for you. It would be good to have someone help you."
“Great,” Lin Wanqiu said with a smile, “It would be wonderful if she were willing to come.”
In the evening, when Chen Nian'an came home from school, she saw the eggs in the bamboo basket and excitedly said, "Mom, Grandma brought eggs again! Is it because little Xixi is about to be born?"
"It's still early," Lin Wanqiu patted his head, "but Xixi will definitely feel Grandma's care. Nian'an, you must get along well with Grandma from now on, okay?"
"I know!" Shen Nian'an nodded vigorously. "I even told Grandma today that after Xixi is born, I'll take her to see the sunflowers and teach her to draw!"
At dinner, Shen Tingzhou made steamed egg custard, stir-fried vegetables, and a bowl of crucian carp soup. The family sat around the table, chatting and laughing, creating a particularly warm atmosphere. Shen Nian'an kept putting food on Lin Wanqiu's plate and said that he wanted to save the steamed egg custard for "Little Sister Xixi," which made everyone laugh.
After dinner, Shen Tingzhou went to Zhang Lan's house. Zhang Lan was feeding the chickens in the yard. When she saw Shen Tingzhou, she said somewhat reservedly, "Brother Tingzhou, what brings you here?"
Shen Tingzhou cut to the chase: "Zhang Lan, your husband works diligently in the workshop. Wanqiu and I have been discussing raising your wages. Also, Wanqiu is pregnant now and it's inconvenient for her to cook, so we'd like to ask you to come and help out for a few days. You'll still get paid. What do you think?"
Zhang Lan was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting Shen Tingzhou to say that. She used to always bully Lin Wanqiu with Old Madam Shen, but now Lin Wanqiu not only didn't hold a grudge, but was also willing to ask her for help, which made her feel both guilty and touched. "Brother Tingzhou, I...I'm willing to go! You don't need to pay me the wages, I'll be happy as long as I can help."
“You must be paid in full,” Shen Tingzhou said. “Don’t worry, you won’t work for nothing. Go over tomorrow. Wanqiu is feeling unwell, so please bear with her.”
"Okay!" Zhang Lan nodded quickly, her eyes full of gratitude. "Brother Tingzhou, don't worry, you and Sister-in-law Wanqiu. I will definitely take good care of her and won't let her suffer any grievances."
After Shen Tingzhou returned, he told Lin Wanqiu what Zhang Lan had said. Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "That's great. With her help, I can relax a bit." She knew that since Zhang Lan had agreed, she would definitely work hard, so she could have more time to rest and prepare for Nianxi's birth.
At night, Lin Wanqiu lay in bed as Shen Tingzhou massaged her legs and whispered, "Now your mother cares about you too, and Zhang Lan is willing to help. Our family's life is getting better and better. When Nianxi is born, we will truly have both a son and a daughter. Just thinking about it makes me happy."
Lin Wanqiu leaned against him, closed her eyes, and smiled happily: "Yes, I feel so content now. With you, with Nian'an, with Nianxi who is about to be born, and with the care of my mother and the neighbors, this is the life I have always longed for."
Moonlight streamed through the window, bathing the two of them in the gentle night air. Only their breathing and the occasional soft movement of the fetus could be heard. Lin Wanqiu knew that her life had been completely transformed by this rebirth, from a miserable widow into a happy woman loved and cared for. In the future, she would carry this happiness with her, continuing to work hard with Shen Tingzhou to make their family even better, ensuring that Nian'an and Nianxi grew up healthy and happy in a loving environment.
Zhang Lan arrived early the next morning. She carried a cloth bag containing a few changes of clothes and said as she entered, "Sister-in-law Wanqiu, I'm here. What would you like to eat? I'll make it for you."
Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "No need for trouble, just make some millet porridge and steamed buns."
Zhang Lan was quick and efficient, soon getting to work. She started a fire and cooked porridge in the kitchen, her movements practiced and efficient. She would occasionally chat with Lin Wanqiu about everyday things, her tone full of respect and gratitude. Watching her busy figure, Lin Wanqiu suddenly realized that relationships between people weren't actually that complicated; with a little more understanding and tolerance, all conflicts could be resolved.
For the next few days, Zhang Lan arrived early every day to help, preparing three meals a day, cleaning the yard, tidying clothes, and keeping the house in perfect order. Lin Wanqiu treated her well, preparing delicious food for her every day and occasionally giving her fabric and thread to make clothes for the children. Zhang Lan was even more grateful and became increasingly attentive to Lin Wanqiu.
Grandma Shen would occasionally come over for a visit, and when she saw Zhang Lan helping Lin Wanqiu with chores, a satisfied smile would appear on her face. She no longer instigated Zhang Lan as before; instead, she would sometimes join Zhang Lan in making baby clothes and cushions for Lin Wanqiu. The sound of the three of them chatting and laughing could often be heard in the yard, creating a harmonious scene.
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