Chapter Forty-Two: The Mirror
With the college entrance exams settled, the Su family was overjoyed and preparing for the New Year. Shu Yao took the three children to the department store and bought them all new, inside and out.
Although the underwear wasn't visible outside, the roommates could still see it at night. We made new ones for the children so they could go to school looking presentable. Over the years, the family had suffered hardship and had always been very frugal; their underwear and outerwear often had patches.
"It's all in the past. I'll never wear patched clothes again."
The three children were all very optimistic and didn't think it was a big deal at all. Heyi, holding her mother's arm, said, "Most of my classmates are the same. It's not shameful to have patches on your clothes. Back in our first year of high school, one of my female classmates only had one bra with several patches on it. After washing it, she had nothing to wear. We all pretended not to see it, afraid that she would feel embarrassed. But she was too proud and dropped out of high school before finishing her first year."
Shu Yao chimed in, "That might not be because you're too proud; maybe your family won't pay for your tuition."
He Yi nodded: "Yes, that's possible. I saw her family go to her, scold her for spending their money, and tell her to go back to work."
Tangtang was overflowing with sympathy. "I hope she can get into university this time. University is free."
Regardless of what the children think, both parents have now returned to work, and their combined income is quite substantial. They won't have to spend a penny on school fees anymore, and with the family's financial situation good, of course they want their children to have a presentable education.
Each person received three sets of outerwear and underwear to change into, and they could choose the styles and colors themselves. Two pairs of sneakers and canvas shoes were purchased for each person, and many pairs of socks were bought at once.
Tangtang is still small. After her mother took her measurements, she excitedly spun around in the room, exclaiming, "Oh, I'm going to have three new outfits all at once!"
One cotton-padded coat and two single-layer garments; Shuyao also planned to knit sweaters for all three of them. Her third aunt was cooking in the kitchen, while Shuyao sat at her sewing machine, carefully sewing the cut fabric together.
"Wife, make yourself a couple of clothes too." Su Xiangdong only remembered this when he was about to go to bed that night, and took something out of his coat pocket. It was money and coupons. "The compensation they gave us, not much but not little either. Make yourself a few more clothes, you've suffered these past years."
"Don't be so formal." Shu Yao took the money and counted it in her hand. It was always nice to have some income. "It's quite a lot. Now that we have cloth coupons, we'll each make a set. Third Aunt said she didn't wear last year's new clothes, so she won't let me make her any this year. I saw them, and they are indeed very new."
"Okay, let's do it together then."
After experiencing turmoil and finally returning to normal life, this New Year was incredibly enjoyable. We could wear new clothes, eat delicious food, and set off firecrackers. Not only were the children going wild, but the adults were also extremely excited.
On New Year's Eve, a bonfire was burning brightly, firecrackers were popping, and peanuts, melon seeds, and candy were laid out on the table. Tangtang happily filled a bag with candy and went to play with her friends, but her older siblings had to find her and bring it back.
A new year brings new beginnings, sweeping away the previous gloom and despair; things will only get better from now on. In a year or two, when she can contact people abroad, she'll be able to write to her parents.
After the Lantern Festival, Su Xiangdong went to Kyoto on a business trip and took his two children to school. Shu Yao was responsible for taking her younger daughter to school; although they lived in the provincial capital, she still needed to make sure the child was settled before she felt at ease. After making the bed and settling in, her husband returned the next day.
"I need to discuss something with you." After washing up and getting into bed that evening, the house suddenly felt a bit quiet. Ignoring the faint melancholy in her heart, she had to get to the point quickly.
"What is it?"
"I don't want to go to work anymore..."
"If you don't want to go, then don't go. School is free for kids, and my salary is enough to cover our expenses."
She chuckled; he hadn't even finished speaking before she agreed immediately. He was fine with spoiling her so she didn't have to work, but what she wanted to do—could he accept that now?
In his past life, he opened a supermarket with a friend in the late 1980s. He was actually very forward-thinking, having been in the food and grain industry for many years and possessing abundant resources. Initially, thanks to his good character, most goods were sold on credit, requiring minimal investment, yet the business flourished.
In his previous life, he was the owner of a chain of supermarkets with stores in many major cities. He wasn't just involved in grains, oils, and non-staple foods; he later ventured into clothing, home appliances, and other industries, becoming one of the top distributors.
"I'm thinking of selling snacks near the university." Seeing his wide eyes, I was indeed surprised. "I can import some small trinkets from the south and sell them together."
"No, wife," she said, sitting up in surprise. "There's no explicit regulation saying that private street vending is allowed yet."
"I know. There's no explicit rule saying it's allowed, but there's no explicit rule saying it's not allowed either. It's just a gray area, so just be careful."
"But... this must be even more tiring than going to work, right?"
"It will definitely earn more than what I earn at my job. Moreover, I want to develop my business in the future, and it would be best if I could make it a chain store."
"No, honey, are you so sure that it will go back to being a private business in the future?"
"Yes, it's an inevitable trend. A market economy is imperative. Otherwise, what will all these college graduates and educated youth do when they return to the cities?"
"Um, can you hold your breath? I don't care whether you go to work or not, but selling snacks at a stall... what if we get caught..."
“Then I’ll set up a stall to sell jewelry. I’ll only bring samples, so I can leave anytime.”
Su Xiangdong, after all, didn't know what the future held. Wanting to set up a stall at this time was tantamount to speculation. But his wife was so enthusiastic about it that he couldn't object. Things weren't like they were ten years ago anymore; even if he got caught, it wouldn't implicate many others. It shouldn't be a big problem, right?
"Why don't you give it a try?"
"Um."
Shu Yao knew perfectly well that there weren't many crackdowns on speculation and profiteering this year. Although it wasn't explicitly stated that it was allowed, the crackdown wasn't as strict as before. As long as you didn't openly operate in the street, you were generally fine. Even if they did try to catch you, if you ran away in time, they wouldn't give you a hard time.
"Shall I help you find suppliers? What do you mainly want to sell?"
"Hair clips, headbands, hair ties, bracelets, anything a girl can use is fine."
Why not sell one for boys too?
"Too little."
Su Xiangdong smiled; he really took it seriously and contacted her. She was still working at the beginning, and with her aunt helping with cooking at home, she had plenty of free time after work.
In her past life, she found the suppliers herself, which took a lot of effort. In this life, Su Xiangdong helped her; he found the suppliers for her while on a business trip and brought the goods back to her as well.
The items included ribbons, hair clips, and hair ties for girls to tie their hair, as well as pens, notebooks, and other daily necessities for students. The items were small, but they were all things students needed in their daily lives.
"Honey, you have to be careful. If something happens, it's okay if you lose something."
"I know."
She didn't wander around; she stayed on the street behind the university and in the alley where her high school was located. She carried a bamboo basket covered with a blue cloth, so you couldn't see what was inside.
"Hey student, would you like some hair clips, pens, and notebooks?"
She would ask people softly when she encountered them; this was something she had done well in her past life, and now she was back to her old ways with practiced ease. In an era of scarcity, hearing such a voice would generally prompt people to ask the price. University students, in particular, were very price-sensitive.
Hearing that the price was cheaper than that of the supply and marketing cooperative, even if it was only a penny cheaper, would stir up a desire in people. Seeing that people were interested, she immediately started promoting her product.
"Hey classmate, this is much cheaper than at the supply and marketing cooperative. Notebooks and pens are things that won't spoil, so you can stock up if you need them. Plus, the cover of this notebook of mine is really pretty, you should take a look."
Girls are basically powerless against pretty things. After selling a notebook and a pen, she closed the basket again. It has to be said, Su Xiangdong has a good eye, or perhaps he found a great source of goods; the merchandise he got was all very attractive.
She works the early shift, and after getting home and tidying up, she puts on a mask and goes out. She wanders around until 8 p.m. before packing up and going home.
As soon as he entered, Su Xiangdong came to greet him, his face full of worry. "Are you alright?"
"It's nothing." She smiled and went to wash her hands. "You must have heard the news, right? They basically won't investigate these kinds of things much anymore."
"But right now, this kind of thing is still against the rules." He didn't object to what his wife wanted to do, although it was puzzling that she would give up a secure job to try and find another way. But he believed she wasn't someone who acted without reason. He couldn't help but worry and hoped she would be careful.
"I'll test the waters first. If the checks are strict, I'll hold off for now and try again next year or the year after." The factory's fixed monthly salary, plus the risk of being laid off, is far less appealing than starting her own business. In her past life, she wanted to earn more money; in this life, she wants to develop her own career in the same way.
"Okay, be careful. If you get caught, just throw your things away. Without evidence, no one can do anything about it."
"Okay, I understand."
That day, after work, she went to the area behind the university again. She had just sold two laptops when a female classmate tapped her on the shoulder from behind. She turned around, and the two of them stared at each other, both stunned.
"Mom," Tangtang said cautiously, afraid she had mistaken someone for someone else. The mask covered half of her face, but she felt she hadn't mistaken her for someone else.
What are you doing here?
It really was her mother. She pulled her mother behind a big tree and exclaimed, "My dear mother, is it really you?"
"Yes." You brat, why are you so surprised? Can't your mother just carry a basket and do some small business?
"Mom, does Dad know you're doing this?"
"I know."
Tangtang's eyes widened: "My dad just lets you have your way? I... I was just saying this unnecessary thing, my dad treats you..."
"Alright, it's nothing, look how scared you are." Shu Yao said with a smile, her daughter was really timid. "Don't worry, I'll be very careful."
"You're being cautious? How did I know?"
"I heard it from my classmates. What's wrong with that? It's normal."
"What if your classmates report you?" How could her mother be so bold? She never knew that before.
“I won’t talk to anyone who isn’t a classmate. If it really doesn’t work, I’ll just run away.” She shrugged as she watched her daughter leave the basket beforehand. “If all else fails, I’ll just throw the basket away. I never take much with me.”
"My God!"
Tangtang shook her head and sighed. Worried about leaving her mother alone, she accompanied her even though she didn't have class. The mother and daughter wandered around until after 8 PM, and she didn't get home until almost 9 PM.
"I ran into my daughter," she told her husband with a smile.
"Tangtang? She's with you."
"Hmm." She smiled and hung up the empty basket. "At first, I was quite scared, but then I started to get excited. This girl, who studied accounting, is actually very astute when it comes to money."
"Alright then." He smiled and made her some milk. His wife and daughter both loved making money, so what could he say but support them?
In two months, by the time spring arrived and flowers bloomed, Shu Yao roughly estimated that she had earned over a hundred yuan by going door-to-door. Her monthly salary plus bonuses was about forty yuan, which was more than her regular salary. And this was all for small, low-profit items, done only in her spare time.
"Third Aunt, let's go shopping this afternoon."
My third aunt is over seventy years old and in excellent health. She hasn't been sick in years and is always cheerful. As she puts it, she's just easygoing. Although Su Xiangdong was sent to the countryside a few years ago, their family remained very stable, so she wasn't too worried.
"Okay, what do you want to buy? I've already knitted vests for Yiyi and Xuxu, they're meant to be worn with shirts underneath, they'll look great in the fall."
"Okay, let's go make shirts for Chebu."
On the weekend, the two girls went out and called out to Tangtang, who had just woken up. Tangtang and her older sister had been living with their third aunt in the east room since they got a bit older. The east room wasn't big, but it wasn't small either. The two sisters slept in one bed, separated by a curtain for privacy.
"Mom, what are you buying?"
"I'll get you three some fabric to make shirts."
"My God!" Tangtang exclaimed as she put on her clothes, "Mom, have you struck it rich? The clothes you've bought for us since last year are more than you've bought in the previous three or four years combined."
“You don’t have to pay for school. My salary is enough for the family’s daily expenses. Your dad has nowhere to spend his salary, so of course he makes sure you dress decently.”
Actually, she still had about three thousand yuan in savings, and now this small business was making money. Su Xiangdong had a high salary, and the family was well-off and didn't need to worry about anything. She had previously made things difficult for the children to avoid attracting attention, so this was a way of making amends. She hoped they wouldn't develop a stingy personality; the family wasn't actually struggling financially.
The two of them helped their aunt up and took the bus to the department store. Tangtang picked out a different pattern for her older sister than for herself, and a white shirt for her brother.
"A blue wool vest paired with a white shirt is both refreshing and stylish. My brother would definitely look good in it."
"OK."
One light blue and one white outfit for my son to wear alternately. I also gave my daughter two outfits each, letting her choose the pattern herself. Hers are different from her sister's; the two sisters are about the same height, so they can swap outfits for a fresh look.
The shirts and trousers weren't enough, even after using up all of their fabric ration coupons from the first quarter. Most of them were earned by her selling goods, and some were given to her by Su Xiangdong. So, not only did the children have them, but she herself also wore a whole set.
A white shirt with a geometric pattern, paired with dark blue trousers and a pair of new Warrior canvas shoes—this outfit makes him look at least five years younger.
"Director Shu, I remember you're over forty, right?"
"Yes, I'm over forty."
"My God, he doesn't look forty at all, he looks like he's in his early thirties at most."
In the canteen, Meng Xi and Zhou Aili sat together. These past years had been difficult for both of them. Meng Xi was disfigured and raising her daughter alone, while Zhou Aili's husband had also been sent to the countryside, and the couple had long since divorced. She struggled to make ends meet, raising her two children on her own.
"Shu Yao is older than both of us, right?" Zhou Aili asked slowly, her gaze on Shu Yao filled with complex emotions.
"He's three years older than me and one year older than you."
"Didn't we go to the farm with Su Xiangdong to farm before? Why is there no trace of farming at all?"
"Are you dressed up well?"
“No.” Zhou Aili glanced at the glass next to her. “Didn’t you see? There wasn’t a single wrinkle on her face. Her eyes were clear too.”
"Envious?" Because of the scars on both sides of her chin, she always wore a large mask. Her relationship with Zhou Aili had actually improved a lot over the years; they could often sit and chat together. But since Shu Yao came back, their emotions seemed to have become unstable again.
“Your eyes are full of jealousy, and you’re still talking about me.”
"Su Xiangdong is the Party Secretary now, so there's no use in being jealous."
"you,"
Zhou Aili gritted her teeth in anger. Before, they could at least sit down and chat and vent their frustrations, but now they'd started arguing again. "I'm not doing well, and neither are you. We're truly in the same boat."
"At least I have someone to work on, but you're all alone. Even if Sun Yaozu were to return someday, he'd still be your sworn enemy."
"you,"
Both of them were still fuming, but this seemed to finally balance things out a bit. They looked down on each other and ignored one another. That afternoon, after work, Meng Xi rode her bike away, deliberately passing in front of Zhou Aili. Zhou Aili gritted her teeth in anger, while her coworkers shook their heads and sighed.
"It's just riding Sun Yaozu's car, what's so great about it? I heard that Sun Yaozu set fire to her house and burned her like that back then, which was clearly meant to kill her. How dare she still live in the Sun family's house and ride their car."
Zhou Aili nodded in agreement: "Absolutely. Let's see how she handles it when Sun Yaozu comes back."
There was no concrete evidence of what happened back then; all traces were destroyed by the fire and the people who rushed to the scene. Moreover, no one was killed, and in such chaotic times, the statute of limitations had long passed. However, the feud between the couple was widely known, and countless versions of Meng Xi's actions had been fabricated behind her back.
Zhou Aili gritted her teeth. Arguing with others was just a pastime; she needed to think carefully about her own path. She envied Shu Yao and regretted her past actions, but recently she had come to a realization. Even if she married Su Xiangdong, even if she could enjoy it for a few years, she would still choose to divorce him after he was demoted.
It's all the same solution; her own way of doing things has already made up her mind. So there's nothing to think about too much. The important thing now is to find the child's father. Their relationship has already cracked, but at least they still have the child, and he might consider the child's feelings.
She had apologized profusely to the man many times. When he wouldn't forgive her, she would cook his favorite dishes with their two children, hoping he would soften.
Seeing her busy every day trying to mend her marital relationship and reconcile, Meng Xi felt both sad and envious, unable to describe the feeling.
Since she was disfigured, Wu Erhu was afraid that any further involvement with her would lead to infidelity, and he was also terrified by Sun Yaozu's actions, so he broke off all relations with her.
She raised her daughter alone, barely making ends meet. While others had a chance to improve their situation, she remained all alone. Yet, she still hoped that Sun Yaozu would never return, so she could continue living in the Sun family's house. Other couples might be reunited, but for her, the outcome was uncertain.
As the weather warmed up, Zhou Aili remarried her ex-husband in the summer. She was already feeling down, and the happiness of others only made her feel more like a failure. Just then, the two children from the Su family returned from university. She suddenly realized that the Su family had undergone a complete transformation in the past six months; they were eating and dressing much better.
A sour feeling welled up inside her, and she was incredibly anxious. "Yinyin, do you think Shuyao is wasteful? She spends all the family's money on food and clothes. She's so vain. Humph, so what if she dresses nicely? Is it really necessary? I've seen Heyi change into several new outfits these past few days."
Sun Shuyin rolled her eyes. "Mom, why do you always compare yourself to the neighbors? A few years ago you laughed at them for being sent to the countryside, and now you envy how well they dress and eat. Is it really necessary? Everyone should just live their own lives."
Meng Xi stood up angrily: "Sun Shuyin, you're siding with outsiders! Your mother raised you with such difficulty, and I've suffered so much for you all these years..."
Sun Shuyin's eyes reddened with anger: "For me? You cheated on me for my sake?"
Sun Shuyin, enraged, blurted out some harsh words. The mother and daughter started arguing fiercely at home. Next door, Shu Yao was sewing clothes when Meng Xi yelled at her, and she quickly stopped.
"Third Aunt, what's going on next door?"
"The mother and daughter are arguing. Sigh, Sun Yaozu isn't home, and Meng Xi is arguing with her daughter again. Honestly, she can't seem to get along with anyone."
Shu Yao nodded silently, deeply agreeing. With her parents gone and her brother and sister-in-law estranged, only her daughter remained, and yet they wouldn't even be on good terms with her. Did they have to be completely alienated from everyone? Were their mother-daughter relationship good in their past life? She couldn't remember. But in this life, it was clearly bad. Without Sun Yaozu draining her resources, the mother and daughter were struggling, and their relationship was terrible.
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