Chapter 79
◎On Sunday, Wei Bili came back with her husband Chen Jinlong. This was the first time Chen Jinlong took the initiative to ask for a date after their marriage◎
On Sunday, Wei Bili came back with her husband Chen Jinlong. This was the first time after marriage that Chen Jinlong took the initiative to ask her to visit her parents' home. Her parents-in-law did not object and asked Chen Jinlong not to be stingy and buy more things for his mother-in-law Miao Xiuxiu.
Chen Jinlong was at a loss for words. It was you who had previously openly and secretly stopped your daughter-in-law from visiting her parents' home often. Now it was also you who asked her to spend more time with her mother-in-law.
Well, he admitted that he used to look down on his mother-in-law's family, but now the situation is different and things have changed.
My sister-in-law Bei Bitang quietly and with great fanfare got into university, which is one of the best universities in the eyes of the locals.
Wei Bili never told him that her sister-in-law was going to take the college entrance examination.
Braised pork, small river shrimp, tofu with green onions, pickled duck, steamed sea bass, stir-fried chrysanthemum, small yellow croaker with pepper and salt, carrot and pork rib soup.
Miao Xiuxiu, wearing an apron and holding a spatula, looked at the dishes and felt that they were not rich enough, so she had to add one or two more meat dishes.
She took out two big unity notes and sent Lin Bilan to the street to buy another boiled chicken and some braised beef.
The sunset is golden and the clouds are rosy, so graceful.
The fragrance fills every household.
"Bilan, yo, where are you going again? Isn't it almost time for dinner? Are you going to pick up your Bili?"
Lin Bilan shook her head and said with a smile: "Yes, Bili will be back for dinner today, I will go buy a few more dishes."
"It's a happy occasion. Bili is back, and Bitang has been admitted to Jiaotong University. It's only right to buy a few more dishes and celebrate."
Lin Bilan nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Lin Bilan's mentality has calmed down now, and her mind is full of how to repair her sisterly relationship with Bei Bitang.
As soon as Wei Bitang and Chen Jinlong entered the door, Miao Xiuxiu immediately broke into a big smile.
"Second uncle is here!"
Wei Bili, a living person of her size, stood there without saying a word to Miao Xiuxiu, who could only see Chen Jinlong's behavior. She walked quickly towards Bei Bitang and pulled her hand.
With red eyes, she choked up and said, "Bitang, Second Sister is really happy for you."
Marrying into a good family is just empty talk. Who wants to get married when they can go to college? Even if I marry my ideal husband, I won't change it.
Bei Bitang smiled and said, "I told you to trust me, Second Sister. You underestimated me, didn't you?"
Wei Bitang wiped the corner of her eyes, sniffed, chuckled, and said, "Yes, yes, I was wrong."
The sentimental atmosphere disappeared.
Miao Xiuxiu reached out to take the gifts from Chen Jinlong and smiled widely. Summer peaches, watermelons, wool, and milk powder, what a great deal of money.
She greeted Chen Jinlong and said, "Hurry up and sit down. I'll ask Bilan to tell her brother-in-law."
Lin Bilan came out of the kitchen, holding the cooked food she had bought, nodded to Wei Bili, and called Chen Jinlong "brother-in-law".
Then he hurried downstairs and asked Huang Dashan to come home for dinner.
The whole family is at home today. Lin Bilan and Huang Dashan are not at work, but he has not been seen all day and did not even come home for dinner.
Lin Bilan was shouting downstairs, hating Huang Dashan deeply for not living up to her expectations and not bringing honor to her. Even her brother-in-law Chen Jinlong was here, but he was not at home waiting to entertain the guests.
Only after Lin Bilan and Huang Dashan came back did everyone pick up their chopsticks and start eating.
Lin Bilan was actually a little flattered. In the past few days, she had experienced the situation that Bei Bitang had been in over the years.
Chen Jinlong took the initiative and invited Huang Dashan to drink.
There was still half a bottle of plum wine left, and Bei Bitang also drank half a glass, her face flushed.
After three rounds of drinks, Wei Bili glanced at Bei Bitang, reached out and poked Chen Jinlong, and glared at him with gritted teeth.
Where's the red envelope? Don't forget the real work!
Chen Jinlong put down his wine glass, took out a red envelope from his pocket and placed it directly in front of Bei Bitang.
He smiled subtly and said, "Little sister, this is a little gift from your sister and brother-in-law. Please accept it. Congratulations on getting into university."
Bei Bitang looked at Wei Bili.
Lin Bilan's eyes were shining as she stared at the red envelope on the table, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated. Huang Dashan also raised his body slightly to look in Bei Bitang's direction.
The two looked at how thick the red envelope was and estimated in their minds how much money was in it.
Wei Bili added, "Half of this was given to Bitang by Jinlong and me, and the other half was given by my parents-in-law."
After a pause, she glanced at Lin Bilan and Huang Dashan, then said, "It's not much, just one hundred yuan. Bitang, take it and buy paper and a pen."
Bei Bitang said a little embarrassedly: "Then I'll accept it. Thank you, brother-in-law, uncle and aunt."
When saying the latter part, Bei Bitang looked at Chen Jinlong.
Bei Bitang generously put the money into her trouser pocket. She had to accept the money. Accepting this favor meant that she was willing to get close to the Chen family and be their relative.
Why were Chen Jinlong's parents so generous to give her a fifty-yuan gift? Isn't this exactly their purpose?
Why should she let Second Sister live a happier life? She can't push the money back, even though she doesn't like these social conventions.
Miao Xiuxiu was so happy that she couldn't stop smiling. Not only did her second son-in-law come, he also brought generous gifts. Even her usually indifferent father-in-law and mother-in-law sent gifts.
From then on, she could stand up straight and interact with the Chen family.
Lin Bilan also smiled happily. She was happy that Bei Bitang was valued by her parents-in-law. The money was given to her by her parents-in-law in front of the whole family.
She didn't care what other people thought, because her sister got the benefit anyway.
Wei Bili didn't think too much about the fact that her younger sister had been admitted to university, and her parents-in-law would look up to her a little more. She didn't care. If possible, she would rather move out with Chen Jinlong, rent a small room, close the door, and live her own life.
Wei Bili was simply happy and proud of her sister Bei Bitang.
Chen Jinlong gave Wei Bili a piece of her favorite marinated duck leg and said with a smile, "Little sister, when are you going to register for university? Tell your brother-in-law. He will drive you directly to the dormitory and help you carry your luggage up there."
Wei Bili's eyes lit up. This was a good idea. It would save Bei Bitang the trouble. She could even take Chen Jinlong's car and clean and make Bei Bitang's bed.
Bei Bitang waved her hands hurriedly and said, "Brother-in-law, no need. It's too much trouble."
Wei Bili said: "It's not a problem, your brother-in-law is free!"
Bei Bitang smiled and said, "Sister, how much luggage can I have? Besides, I'm a local, so I can slowly carry my things over. If it really doesn't work out, and I need something, I don't have to wait until the weekend. I can go home and get it after class."
Wei Bili thought about it and realized she'd been taking things for granted. Bei Bitang's small luggage wouldn't take up much space. If Chen Jinlong drove a large truck to take her to school, given her personality, she'd have to hide from her classmates for the first few weeks of school.
Chen Jinlong opened his mouth to say something, but Wei Bili reached out to stop him and said with a smile, "Your second brother-in-law is joking. What's there to give him? He has to drive to earn money to support the children."
Wei Bili had finally come to terms with the child and stopped dwelling on it. It was Bei Bitang's admission to university that finally opened her eyes.
No matter how difficult it was, was it as difficult as Bei Bitang getting into Jiaotong University? How could she not know what level Bei Bitang was in? When Bei Bitang was in junior high school, she was the one who taught her homework.
There's no such thing as an impenetrable wall, and even a cough at night could be heard from a distant shikumen. Bei Bitang wanted to take the college entrance exam, but the cold words and sarcasm she faced were, needless to say, no less than the criticism she received for not being able to conceive.
In such a situation, Bei Bitang could remain silent, doing what she wanted to do and living her life well. She didn't listen, didn't think about it, and even if she failed the exam in the future, it wouldn't be the end of the world.
As her elder sister, she did not have Bei Bitang's perseverance and ambition, and she also went to college to study, but she no longer thought about her troubles and ignored other people's ridicule and malice, and she always managed to do it.
Wei Bili hadn't been so happy for a long time. Bei Bitang persuaded Wei Bili to obey her with just a few words. Chen Jinlong couldn't help but admire his sister-in-law Bei Bitang even more.
He looked at Bei Bitang carefully. She was still the same person, but something seemed different. This time, his sister-in-law still looked a little depressed and didn't talk much, but her expression was full of confidence.
At the dinner table, people not only talked about the happy event of Bei Bitang being admitted to university, but also talked about a lot of miscellaneous things from all over the world.
Bei Bitang was happy to have Wei Bili around, and she didn't want to make the atmosphere awkward. Not only did she soften her expression towards Lin Bilan and Huang Dashan, she also occasionally responded to their words with a smile.
Miao Xiuxiu held the little boy in her arms and looked at her daughter and sons-in-law with a smile.
It wasn't until the grandfather clock struck eight that she interrupted their heated conversation and said, "It's getting late. Jinlong, take Bili home. Don't miss the last bus."
Before coming, Chen Jinlong joked to Wei Bili, asking her if she wanted to drive back to give him some face.
Wei Bili laughed and hit him hard. He knew that drinking was inevitable on this trip, but he still said such words to tease her.
Wei Bili came happily and left happily.
Without saying a word, Wei Bili picked up her bag, and Bei Bitang followed her like a little tail.
The night breeze was blowing gently, and Bei Bitang passed by one person after another who was enjoying the cool air outside. Chen Jinlong not only gave up his seat tactfully, but also slowly fell behind them.
Bei Bitang walked all the way holding Wei Bili's hand, with a beautiful smile on her face that never faded.
"Second sister, let me tell you, that math problem was incredibly difficult. I frowned as soon as I saw it, but then I looked up and saw the older brother in front of me scratching his head anxiously. That made me feel relieved. If it was difficult for me, everyone else would think it was difficult too. Since no one could solve it, that meant I got it right and got all the points..."
When they arrived at the bus stop, Bei Bitang turned around and looked directly at Chen Jinlong with a serious face. She said in a deep voice, "Brother-in-law, you must treat Second Sister well. I didn't have the qualifications or the confidence to say this to you before, but now I have it. If you ever treat my Second Sister badly in the future, I will fight you to the death."
Chen Jinlong's heart was shocked, and Wei Bili's eyes suddenly turned red, with tears shining in her eyes.
Chen Jinlong came back to his senses, nodded solemnly and said, "Little sister, you don't have to tell me, I will definitely do it, otherwise I will be struck by lightning!"
Bei Bitang doesn't believe in any oaths. Hasn't Xu Zeli told her enough that she will be struck by lightning and die a miserable death?
Well, Huang Dashan had said that before when he came to propose marriage. And according to her understanding, those female educated youth who were in relationships had their partners tell them the same thing.
Do all men have to say these words at least once? Otherwise, it feels like their life is incomplete, like something is missing.
Of course, that's not the right thing to say. Bei Bitang smiled, brushed a strand of hair away from her ear, and said in a gentle tone, "Brother-in-law, of course I believe you. I sounded a bit serious, but I just wanted to tell you that Second Sister not only has you as her husband to rely on, but she can also rely on me as her sister."
People with power speak in a domineering manner.
Chen Jinlong smiled and nodded, saying, "My little sister is promising. If I have a daughter in the future, I will let her learn from you, my aunt."
People say that if a nephew looks like his uncle, his child is destined to have no uncle. Of course, he doesn't care. It would be great if he looked like his aunt. This aunt must be his aunt Bei Bitang.
The two sisters, one in the car and the other on the ground, looked at each other and waved their hands non-stop, as if they were parting forever. Bei Bitang even chased after them for a short distance.
It was not until the bus turned that Wei Bili turned her head reluctantly. Chen Jinlong hugged her shoulders, feeling sore that his teeth ached. Is this what the relationship between sisters is like?
His sisters aren't like this either? Telling off each other, stealing each other's pocket money, laughing at each other's jokes... that's just how his older and younger sisters live. Maybe his older and younger sisters are more carefree, right?
After a heartwarming meal, Bei Bitang's heart softened again.
The He family was severely humiliated by Bei Bitang and ruthlessly rejected He Dafei. He Zhiguo certainly wouldn't let Bei Bitang and the others off for no reason. He didn't dare to use drastic measures, but there would always be small obstacles.
Miao Xiuxiu is a retired person, Bei Bitang is an unemployed vagrant, Xiao Maotou is a child, Huang Dashan is an idle person in society, and Wei Bili is married.
He Zhiguo couldn't do anything about these people, so he could only take his anger out on Lin Bilan.
As a production director, it was easy for him to greet the team leader of the production workshop. Lin Bilan was thus given a look.
The workshop leader didn't dare bully her too much, he just kept a close eye on Lin Bilan, telling her not to slack off, telling her that others could slack off but she couldn't. He also ordered her to fetch water and food.
If Lin Bilan suffered a little injustice, she would talk about it for three days and three nights, shouting it to the whole world.
This time was no exception. She was clearly the one who made the mistake first. The first time the workshop team leader sent her to fetch water, she immediately made a bitter face and started complaining when she got home from get off work.
Miao Xiuxiu didn't pay much attention to her and just told her to relax.
Even with no one speaking up for her, Lin Bilan continued to complain. She grew increasingly assertive, claiming that all her suffering was caused by Bei Bitang, and that it was Bei Bitang who had caused the workshop director to make things difficult for her. Only after Bei Bitang received her acceptance letter from Jiaotong University did she stop making such remarks.
The sun had set, and it was time to get off work. Bei Bitang waited at the entrance of the alley for He Zhiguo, who was carrying a black briefcase.
He Zhiguo saw Bei Bitang, and it was obvious that the other party was coming for him.
He gave a stiff smile and said warmly, "Bitang, what do you want to talk to me about? Come to my house with your uncle for tea, and we can talk while we drink tea."
There's no way. She's a prospective college student now, and he can't afford to offend her.
Bei Bitang said with a cold face, "No, I don't dare to go to Director He's door. As soon as I walk in, the word will spread that I'm your daughter-in-law."
He Zhiguo smiled dryly and said, "Bitang, how can this be possible? Dafei is not here."
He Dafei has always been unable to walk when he sees a beautiful girl. After the two families fell out, He Zhiguo was afraid that He Dafei would be stubborn and cause trouble, which would affect his promotion, so he quickly sent him to his uncle's house and asked his tall and strong uncle to look after him.
He Zhiguo was thinking about bringing his son back home, but when the news of Bei Bitang's admission to university came out, He Zhiguo suppressed the idea and decided to wait until Bei Bitang started school before bringing his son back to Shanghai.
Bei Bitang said impatiently, "Director He, my eldest sister was wrong about what happened before, but your family is not? You're all pretending to be ignorant even though you know the truth. My eldest sister has learned her lesson enough. You can't keep playing tricks on her at the factory. If you keep doing this, after I get into Jiaotong University, I'll write an article for the school newspaper, explaining the whole story, so that the alumni can discuss and distinguish right from wrong."
He Zhiguo's face changed drastically, sweat broke out on his forehead, and he said in panic: "No, no, Bitang, it's all my fault, uncle is here to apologize to you!"
The words "school newspaper" may not sound very impressive, but what kind of people will Jiaotong University students become when they enter the workplace? And what kind of people in various industries will the teachers who teach Bei Bitang be?
He Zhiguo wiped his sweat with his hand, bent down slightly, and said, "Bitang, you misunderstood me. Your eldest sister hasn't been bullied in the factory recently. Everyone flatters her. Her workshop supervisor even invited her to dinner."
Bei Bitang underestimated the value of college students and the title of "Jiaotong University students".
The news of her admission to university spread not only throughout the Shikumen community but also to the textile factory. He Zhiguo's supervisor, knowing that he lived with Bei Bitang, inquired about her daily life so that their children could learn from her.
He Zhiguo had a chance to get close to his boss, so he didn't dare to put any obstacles in Lin Bilan's way. As soon as he left the boss's office, he rushed to Lin Bilan's workshop and found the team leader, asking her to treat every worker under her fairly and justly in the future.
Needless to say, the workshop team leader dared not even look at Lin Bilan. He now has a younger sister who is a college student. If one person succeeds, everyone in the family will benefit. Maybe Lin Bilan will also become successful in the future.
Then, Lin Bilan discovered that the workshop leader's attitude towards her had completely reversed. Not only did he enthusiastically take her arm around his arm and take her to the cafeteria for dinner, he also treated her to three meat dishes, brought her some mung bean soup from home, and gave her two of the popsicle rolls distributed by the factory.
Even the people around her smiled at her, and whatever topic they talked about would always lead to her. Lin Bilan was so proud of herself that she was almost cocky.
Bei Bitang walked back with a look of regret on her face, feeling that she had worried for nothing.
Lin Bilan is really something. Since the workshop leader is no longer targeting her, why didn’t she tell her family, causing them to worry and be anxious about her?
This "they" only refers to Bei Bitang. In fact, as early as when Lin Bilan stopped complaining, Miao Xiuxiu knew that Lin Bilan's treatment in the workshop had at least returned to its old state, so she put her worries aside.
Lin Bilan's problem was solved, and in the following days, Bei Bitang waited for Jiaoda to be happy with peace of mind.
Her luggage had already been prepared and placed in a camphorwood box.
Summer is hot, but a calm mind brings coolness. Bei Bitang leads a comfortable life. She either goes to Feng Guangmei and Zhou Jiewen's homes to chat, or goes to the city library to read books related to vehicle engineering.
Of course, she did not forget Gu Wangxi. Occasionally, she would find an excuse to spend the night outside, but in fact she was going to Room 719 of the Peace Hotel to see him.
A week before school started, something unexpected happened to Bei Bitang.
That night, Feng Guangmei called downstairs, "Bei Bitang, do you want some rice dumplings with fermented glutinous rice?"
"Eat!" Bei Bitang, who was reading in a depressed mood, quickly stuck her head out and responded when she heard Feng Guangmei's energetic voice.
Bei Bitang changed her shoes and trotted downstairs, with the two braids on her chest moving up and down.
"Let's go to my house." Feng Guangmei walked forward and took Bei Bitang's hand without feeling the heat.
Even at seven or eight o'clock in the evening, the temperature did not drop much. People did not want to sweat while eating, so they took their bowls and chopsticks and went out to the alleys to eat.
Aunt Zhang squatted, mixing her scallion oil noodles. Seeing Bei Bitang and Feng Guangmei walking hand in hand like sisters, she couldn't help but ask, "Bitang, tell me why your scallion oil smells so good? I got home from get off work tonight and was planning to make rice, but when I smelled your scallion oil, I was so tempted I immediately followed suit and made scallion oil noodles."
Bei Bitang stopped and smiled, saying, "Aunt Zhang, next time you make scallion oil, you can add some onions, bay leaves, cinnamon, or even star anise."
Bei Bitang had been staying home these past few days, reading professional books. Frowning, she'd go to the kitchen to tinker with food to relax. She'd actually managed to come up with a few delicious dishes, one of which was the compound scallion oil.
Most people make scallion oil with just oil, sugar, and shallots. Bei Bitang had a sudden inspiration and added some other natural spices, like red onion and bay leaves. She didn't like the taste of star anise, so she left it out.
The method Bei Bitang described wasn't difficult. Aunt Zhang smiled and praised, "Bitang, you're clever and deft. I'll make it again tomorrow according to your instructions. It's sure to be delicious!"
As they approached Feng Guangmei's house, passing a shadowy area, Feng Guangmei suddenly said, "Bitang, did you know? He Dafei is married."
Bei Bitang widened her eyes in surprise. She hadn't heard the name He Dafei for a long time. Is he married?
Bei Bitang shook her head and said, "I don't know. Where did he find a girl so quickly?"
She didn't go out these days. Miao Xiuxiu and the others knew that she disliked He Dafei, and they didn't dare to mention He Dafei in front of her, so they didn't hear about He Dafei's marriage.
Bei Bitang thought with emotion, before, no matter what she said, people would still listen to her. Now, she didn't need to say anything, and others would naturally consider her and take care of her feelings.
This is the advantage of being strong. Even after going to college, she cannot relax herself. The more outstanding she is in the future, the more others will be cautious about what they want to do to her and will not dare to provoke her.
Feng Guangmei said, "She's from out of town, I heard she's from the southwest. I saw her from a distance. She's petite, less than 1.55 meters tall. Standing next to He Dafei, she was like a needle. This girl is so pitiful."
At the end of her speech, Feng Guangmei's face showed a look of sympathy and compassion.
How could He Dafei be a good match? If he hadn't had a good father and mother, he would have entered the palace several times.
Ordinary families who love their daughters would not marry them to her, not even Hu Fener, who tried to get rid of her several times. If He Dafei approached her daughter, she would beat him away with a fire poker.
Bei Bitang sighed, patted Feng Guangmei's arm, and said soothingly, "Maybe she has a way to deal with He Dafei. Use softness to overcome hardness. If she was born into a family that doesn't treat their daughters as human beings and has never had enough food or clothing since childhood, and her family wants to marry her off to someone even worse than He Dafei, then He Dafei is her best choice."
Feng Guangmei curled her lips and said, "Let's not talk about He Dafei anymore. It's unlucky! Let's go upstairs and eat some fermented rice wine."
There was no point in saying more. She couldn't help much either. The girl had never run away from the He family to ask for help. If one day, the girl from another place wanted to escape, if she ran into her, she could give her travel expenses.
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