Chapter 42 Double Surprise
More than half a month has passed in the blink of an eye, and in just five days it will be New Year's Eve. It happened to be the weekend, so Jiang Suining went to Sister Lian's house before lunch. After thinking it over, she decided to ask Commander Zhang Luye about his return date. If he really wasn't coming back for the Spring Festival, she would ask for leave in advance to go back to her parents' home for the holiday.
She had inquired beforehand and found out that the Spring Festival holiday was only three days long, not even enough time for her to go back to her parents' home and travel back and forth. She also didn't know how easy it was to buy boat or train tickets in this era. If she couldn't buy them, wouldn't she have to spend the New Year alone?
Every time she thought of this, she felt a surge of irritation. She had been in the book for less than a year, and although she had already adapted to this era, it would be truly miserable to leave her alone in an empty room during the Spring Festival, a time for family reunion.
Jiang Suining knocked on the gate of Sister Lian's courtyard. Zhang Haisheng opened the door and was very happy to see Jiang Suining. He said with a smile, "Auntie, you've come at the right time. My mom just fried some fish balls, they're so delicious."
After Zhang Haisheng finished speaking, he turned around and called out to the yard, "Mom, Aunt Jiang is here."
"Xiao Jiang is here," Jiang Suining responded, and saw Sister Lian wearing an apron appear at the kitchen door. "Haisheng, hurry, let your Aunt Jiang come in and sit down. I'll be done in a little while."
"Sister-in-law, let me help you," Jiang Suining said politely.
"Don't get involved. Let Haisheng serve you a bowl, and you can try it first," Sister-in-law Lian said before going back into the kitchen.
"Auntie, please come inside. I'll go get the meatballs." Zhang Haisheng opened the door and let Jiang Suining in.
Upon entering the house, Commander Zhang, who was just coming out of his study, smiled at Jiang Suining and said, "Little Jiang, you're here! Please have a seat."
Jiang Suining sat on the sofa, and Commander Zhang poured her some water: "Stay for lunch. Your sister-in-law's fried fish balls are absolutely amazing."
"No, no." Jiang Suining quickly waved her hand. The reason she came at lunchtime was that she didn't want to eat here, but she didn't expect her sister-in-law to have prepared the food so early.
"Don't mention it," Commander Zhang invited again. "Lu Ye isn't home, but we're neighbors, so it's no problem if you come over for a meal every day."
Jiang Suining didn't want to continue the topic: "I came here to ask when Lu Ye will be back."
Commander Zhang suppressed his smile, completely unexpected that Jiang Suining would ask about this. As a military family member, he had to abide by the confidentiality regulations; he shouldn't ask what he shouldn't ask, and he shouldn't look at what he shouldn't look at.
"Auntie, eat it while it's hot." Zhang Haisheng brought over the fish balls, breaking the silence in the living room.
Jiang Suining knew she shouldn't have asked, and she felt a little embarrassed. She chuckled awkwardly and said, "My family isn't on the island, and it would be quite boring to spend the New Year alone, so I thought I might as well buy a ticket in advance and go back to my family before the Spring Festival."
Commander Zhang understood the subtext of those words, but he couldn't break the rules. He picked up his chopsticks, took a fish ball, and put it in his mouth. "Try it quickly. This fish ball is chewy and bouncy, fresh but not greasy."
"Dad, what are you doing? This is for Aunt Jiang," Zhang Haisheng said reproachfully, handing chopsticks to Jiang Suining. "Auntie, please eat."
"Okay." Jiang Suining was a little disappointed, so she stopped asking questions, picked up her chopsticks, put a fish ball in her mouth, and chewed it slowly. Just as Commander Zhang had said, it was very delicious.
Perhaps he had asked an inappropriate question, because Commander Zhang's smile never returned. Jiang Suining also felt uncomfortable. After eating two fish balls, she said, "I'd better go help Sister-in-law Lian."
Without waiting for Commander Zhang's reply, she stood up and left the living room. Zhang Haisheng followed behind like a little tail.
In the kitchen, Sister-in-law Lian was taking the last few fish balls out of the oil, removing the firewood, and wiping the stove when she saw Jiang Suining come in. She said, "I just fried some fish balls, and the kitchen is full of fumes. Don't let the smoke bother you. I'll clean it up now."
"I didn't have anything to do. I was bored by myself on the weekend, so I came over to hang out. It's no fun just sitting here." Jiang Suining casually made up an excuse, grabbed another rag from beside the stove, and started tidying up.
“It’s all my dad’s fault,” Zhang Haisheng suddenly said. “Aunt Jiang just wanted to know when Uncle Lu would be back, but he gave her a hard time.”
“Nothing of the sort,” Jiang Suining said, wishing she could cover Zhang Haisheng’s mouth. This kid meant well, but why did he have to be so quick to speak? “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have asked about this in the first place.”
As a woman, Sister-in-law Lian understood Jiang Suining very well. In the past few months, Lu Ye had indeed been on many missions. She had heard Commander Zhang mention that the reason the higher-ups made such arrangements was to promote Lu Ye. However, he was still young, and if he was promoted too quickly, others would have objections. That's why they wanted him to accumulate more military merits and let his abilities speak for themselves.
“Lu Ye is your man, so you can ask around and see if there’s anything wrong with it. But we are military wives after all, and sometimes, in some situations, sacrifice is necessary,” Sister-in-law Lian comforted Jiang Suining. “However, sacrifice is not without its benefits. Lu Ye is so young, and he is being used so highly. He’s probably going to be promoted again.”
Lu Ye's promotion was certainly a good thing, but for her, it was just a nice thing to say. Only she knew the bitterness inside. But she couldn't say these things to outsiders. She just smiled and said modestly, "Whether I get promoted or not is secondary. It's all about serving the people. I support it. It's only a few days until New Year's Eve. I was thinking that if she doesn't come back for the New Year, I'll go back to my parents' home. It's not good to spend the Spring Festival alone."
“Based on my past experience, Lu Ye can make it back for the New Year,” Sister Lian said. She had thought that Jiang Suining was resentful because Lu Ye was away on missions for a long time, but hearing her say this, she felt relieved. “Even if he doesn’t come back, you won’t spend the New Year alone. Not to mention that you and I are neighbors, Lu Ye is also Lao Zhang’s subordinate. He can come to my house for the New Year, and it will be just as lively.”
"Then who knows, we might really have to squeeze in at your house then." Jiang Suining smiled, feeling more confident. With her sister-in-law saying that, Lu Ye would most likely be able to come back. They should put the matter of going back to her parents' home on hold for now. They could discuss it again when Lu Ye returned and see if he could take a leave of absence before going back.
Having achieved her goal, Jiang Suining wanted to go home, but her sister-in-law wouldn't let her leave and insisted she stay for dinner. Jiang Suining refused, but Zhang Haisheng pulled her aside and said there was a problem. Helpless, Jiang Suining followed the child to the study.
The sound of Jiang Suining explaining a problem to Zhang Haisheng came from the study. After listening for a while, Commander Zhang left the living room.
In the kitchen, Sister-in-law Lian was picking vegetables. When she saw Commander Zhang, she was taken aback and said sarcastically, "Oh, did the sun rise in the west today? You, this aloof Buddha, have actually come to the kitchen. What, are you here to inspect the work?"
"What are you saying, New Era! What Buddha or not, where is your thinking? Where is your awareness? That feudal superstition is unacceptable!" Commander Zhang had just stepped into the kitchen when he was interrupted by Sister-in-law Lian, and he stopped in his tracks, caught in a dilemma.
Upon hearing this, Regiment Commander Zhang realized that his wife knew what had happened in the living room earlier, and explained with a smile, "Soldiers take it as their duty to carry out orders! As a military wife, while enjoying the glory, it is inevitable that some sacrifices must be made."
"Alright, if you want to come and help, you're welcome. But if you want to have a political lesson with me, get out of here," Sister-in-law Lian said, too lazy to pay him any attention. "You're an eyesore!"
These days, he didn't know what was wrong with his wife. She always looked at him with disdain, and her words were always sarcastic and barbed. Commander Zhang was completely baffled. He couldn't figure out what he had done to offend her. His deep-rooted belief was that he shouldn't argue with a woman, so although he was unhappy, he held back and said, "Fine, fine, I'll go out. I won't be in your way."
Sister-in-law Lian glanced back at Commander Zhang's retreating figure as he walked out of the kitchen, and found it amusing. But after the laughter subsided, a wave of sadness washed over her, which ultimately turned into helplessness.
Jiang Suining ultimately stayed at Sister Lian's house for lunch. Because he had been given a gentle but firm rebuke by Sister Lian in the kitchen, Commander Zhang said to Jiang Suining at the dinner table: "Under normal circumstances, comrades who go on missions will rush back for the New Year. If they can't come back, they will try to send a message back. The regiment has not received any news from Lu Ye yet, so he should be able to come back."
"Oh," Commander Zhang suddenly spoke, startling everyone at the table. Jiang Suining and Sister-in-law Lian exchanged a glance and nodded. "I understand, thank you, Commander Zhang."
His gaze was full of laughter, and seemed to have a hint of seeking praise and recognition. Even his sister-in-law's heart trembled, and she quickly looked away, ate a few mouthfuls of rice, and thought to herself that the older one gets, the more clueless one becomes!
After lunch, Jiang Suining helped Sister Lian clear the table and explained the remaining homework problems to Zhang Haisheng before going home. Sister Lian's cooking was excellent, and with Haisheng and Sister Lian constantly putting food into her bowl, she ate her fill. When she got home, she felt a little sleepy. Since it was the weekend, she simply locked the door, drew the curtains, and went to bed for a nap.
I slept in a daze, not knowing how long I had slept, until I was awakened by a knock on the door.
The sky had darkened without her noticing, and the curtains in the bedroom were drawn. Jiang Suining groggily opened her eyes, feeling a sense of disorientation, as the knocking at the door gradually became more tangible. She then recognized Lu Ye's voice and immediately perked up. She threw off the covers, slipped on her slippers, and left the bedroom.
Hearing the door open, Lu Ye stopped knocking and said in a low voice, "Sui Sui, open the door quickly, I'm back."
Jiang Suining's heart pounded like a drum, filled with both surprise and joy. She wished she could rush into Lu Ye's arms immediately, but through the courtyard wall and fence, she vaguely saw that there was more than just Lu Ye outside. She quickly calmed herself down and opened the courtyard gate.
"Sui Sui, look who's here." The moment the door opened, Lu Ye stepped aside.
It was her mother and brother. Jiang Suining was stunned when she suddenly saw her relatives. The surprise was too sudden and she could hardly believe it. She took two steps back, her mouth opened and closed, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Since Jiang Suining left Qingshui Village with Lu Ye, her mother has been thinking about her day and night. Although she receives at least two letters from the island every month, and they are all about how well she is doing and not to worry, how can a mother not worry about her children when they are not by her side?
Seeing her daughter now, just as fair-skinned and beautiful as she was at home, with an added touch of married charm, it seemed she was doing well here. Her son-in-law must be treating her well, and only then did I feel completely at ease.
"Mother misses you too." Jiang's mother's eyes welled up with tears, but she didn't want her son-in-law to see it, so she gently patted Jiang Suining's back while holding back her tears.
"Little sister," Jiang Fengnian said, feeling a little jealous as he rubbed his sister's arm with his index finger, "I'm here too."
Jiang Suining left her mother's embrace, wiped away her tears, and wanted to give Jiang Fengnian a hug as well. But as soon as she opened her arms, Lu Ye squeezed through, stood in front of Jiang Fengnian, and hugged his wife.
"Sui Sui, did you miss me?" Lu Ye asked Jiang Sui Ning so casually in front of his mother-in-law and brother-in-law.
Jiang Suining was reluctant to leave the familiar embrace, but her mother and brother were still watching. She felt a little embarrassed, so she handed Lu Ye over and took her mother's arm, saying, "Mother, come inside quickly."
Lu Ye quickly followed his wife into the courtyard.
Jiang Fengnian stood at the gate of the courtyard, arms outstretched, still in the posture of waiting for a hug: "I haven't hugged you yet." He muttered to himself, when he heard Lu Ye urging from the front: "Big brother, don't forget to bring the luggage in."
Jiang Fengnian then noticed the two large duffel bags at his feet, and was immediately furious, but had no choice but to obediently carry the bags and follow them into the house.
Jiang Suining pulled her mother to the sofa and went to the kitchen to make honey water. Lu Ye followed her in and hugged her from behind, saying, "Sui Sui, I missed you so much."
"Let go quickly, Mother and brother are here." Jiang Suining nudged Lu Ye with her elbow. "Go and keep Mother and brother company."
Lu Ye knew his limits; he kissed and bit Jiang Suining's earlobe before quickly letting go.
Jiang Suining felt a tingling sensation in her earlobe, which immediately threw her into a state of confusion. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself down, filled a plate with tangerines, placed it on a tray, and took it out with honey water.
In the living room, Jiang's mother sat on the sofa looking around the room. Lu Ye showed Jiang Fengnian around the room. Jiang Suining gave Jiang's mother a tangerine and handed Jiang Fengnian some honey water.
“Mother, why didn’t you send me a telegram before you came? I could have gone to the dock to pick you up in advance,” Jiang Suining said, sitting next to her mother. “Luckily we met Lu Ye, otherwise I would have been so worried.”
When Jiang Suining saw Lu Ye and her mother and brother returning together, she assumed they had met at the dock.
"Huh?" Jiang Fengnian downed the honey water in one gulp. "You didn't know we were coming?" He glanced at Lu Ye before continuing, "My brother-in-law specially went to pick us up to celebrate the New Year."
Jiang Suining's eyes widened as she looked at Lu Ye, shocked and moved, stammering, "You, you picked them up? Aren't you, aren't you on a mission?"
"I was on a mission, and I only went to pick up my mother and older brother after I finished," Lu Ye said with a smile. "I just wanted to give you a surprise, so I didn't tell you."
Jiang Suining was deeply moved. If her mother and Jiang Fengnian hadn't been there, she would have definitely hugged the man and kissed him a lot.
But then she thought about it again and Jiang Suining stood up abruptly, worriedly saying, "You went on a mission but went to pick up my mother and the others. Isn't that against the rules? Won't you get a demerit?"
“Don’t worry,” Lu Ye walked over and put his arm around Jiang Suining’s shoulder, making her sit down. “I submitted a report before I went on the mission, and my superiors approved my request to pick up my mother and older brother after the mission was over.”
"So that's how it is," Jiang Suining said, relieved, thinking to herself that this man was truly thoughtful.
"Let Mother and Brother wash up and rest first. It must be tiring to travel by boat," Lu Ye said, seeing that Jiang's mother looked exhausted.
"I'll go light the stove. Lu Ye, you take your brother to wash first. There's water in the solar water heater." Although it wasn't cold in January and the solar water heater was still working, her mother was getting old, so using hot water would make the bathroom warmer.
“Okay.” Lu Ye immediately understood Jiang Suining’s intention: his older brother should shower first, and then his mother-in-law would shower later without getting cold, once the bathroom was warm.
Lu Ye asked Jiang Fengnian to get some clean clothes, then took him into the bathroom, taught him how to use solar energy, and then came out.
Jiang Suining had already lit the water-heated furnace and opened the valve, and the water began to circulate.
"Keep an eye on things, I'm going to buy two beds." Lu Ye changed his clothes, said goodbye to Jiang Suining, and then went out.
Jiang Suining grabbed him, saying, "Why buy two? Where will we fit them at home?"
“One single bed, one in the study, and one in the living room. That's enough for two people. Otherwise, how can we sleep comfortably?” Lu Ye explained.
“Buy a double bed for the study. It’s so inconvenient to put a bed in the living room,” Jiang Suining frowned. “You can sleep with my brother, and I’ll sleep with Mom.”
"No way, you're my wife, you have to sleep with me," Lu Ye said reluctantly, leaning closer and whispering, "It's been so long since we last met, don't you miss me? If you don't, I miss you terribly!"
Lu Ye spoke close to her ear, his lips seemingly unintentionally brushing against her earlobe, sending a tingling sensation through her. His warm breath filled her earlobe, making half of her cheek feel hot.
"Hurry up and go, you're so unruly." Jiang Suining pushed Lu Ye over, afraid that her mother would see her.
Lu Ye knew that his wife had agreed to let him buy two single beds. His smile was so wide it almost reached his ears. Seeing Jiang Suining's flushed cheeks, he felt a surge of heat in his heart, hugged her, and leaned her against the wall outside the bathroom to kiss her.
Jiang Suining was also moved and responded to him, her hands involuntarily wrapping around his neck.
The two were so engrossed in their kiss that they were reluctant to part, when suddenly Jiang's mother called out, "Sui Sui, is the stove lit?"
This was the first time Lu Ye had seen Jiang Suining in such a state. Her eyes, now completely devoid of lust, were wet with panic, and her cheeks and neck were covered with a faint pink, making her look quite beautiful. He couldn't help but sigh. Feeling really uncomfortable, he quickly looked away, thinking to himself that he had really brought this on himself.
Jiang Suining finished packing and saw Lu Ye standing there with one hand against the wall. She knew why he wasn't leaving but didn't look at him, so she quickly went back inside.
Jiang's mother remained seated on the sofa. Upon seeing her daughter enter, she quickly asked her to sit down and inquired in detail about her experiences since arriving on the island.
Jiang Suining didn't hide anything and talked about her work and her grievances with Zhou Xiaomei.
Jiang's mother was surprised. After Zhou Xiaomei left Qingshui Village, her parents made a scene in the village several times and even called the police, but nothing came of it. Her father even said that he no longer had a daughter like her and that if she went back in the future, he would beat her out.
But Zhou Xiaomei never returned to Qingshui Village. The villagers gradually stopped mentioning her. Jiang Suining never thought of Zhou Xiaomei and never expected her to come here.
"Xiaomei has been causing trouble this week. Why didn't you tell me? You just let her bully you." Jiang's mother said, feeling sorry for her daughter.
"Don't worry, Mom, I won't let her bully me," Jiang Suining said, not taking Zhou Xiaomei seriously at all. "She schemes against me, and when has she ever gotten away with it? She's been taught a lesson several times but never learns."
“She has wicked intentions; stay far away from her,” Jiang’s mother advised.
"I know, Mother, don't worry."
The mother and daughter chatted happily. After Jiang Fengnian finished showering, he came out and exclaimed while drying his hair, "Sui Sui, the bathing facilities in your house are so good, so comfortable. What's that long tub in there for?"
“That’s a bathtub,” Jiang Suining said, startled, then quickly realized what she meant and explained with a smile, “It’s for taking a bath. You fill it with water and lie in it.”
"Isn't that just like the bathtubs we use?" Jiang Fengnian exclaimed. "You guys really know how to enjoy yourselves, being able to lie down and bathe."
"I'll let you enjoy it another day," Jiang Suining said, then took her mother to take a bath.
The stove outside was burning, and the hot water circulated in the bathroom. Jiang Fengnian had just taken a shower, and the bathroom was steamy. The mother and daughter were so hot that they couldn't put on their clothes as soon as they came in.
Jiang Suining adjusted the switch for the hot water heater and the solar water heater, taught her how to adjust the water temperature, and showed her where to put her toiletries and clothes. Then she walked out, but stopped at the door. Seeing that the ground was wet, she was afraid that her mother would slip and told her to be careful and to call her if she needed anything.
When Jiang's mother saw these novelties, she knew that her daughter was doing well after marrying into the family, and she was very pleased.
Jiang Suining walked out of the bathroom and saw her brother looking at the dried fish hanging under the eaves. She reached out and squeezed it: "Did you make this?"
“You’re right, even the neighbor’s sister-in-law helped make it,” Jiang Suining walked over and squeezed it; it was completely dry. “I was going to dry it and send it to you, but since you’re here, I’ll ask you how to eat it and then make some for you to try.”
"You've only been married a few months and you've already learned to cook?" Jiang Fengnian paused in drying his hair, his brows furrowing. His younger sister had hardly ever cooked at her parents' home all these years, and now, after only a few months of marriage, she can already cook? It's clear that Lu Ye doesn't treat her well.
"You think my cooking is bad, huh?" Jiang Suining didn't realize Jiang Fengnian's thoughts and just thought she was being disliked, so she pretended to be angry and said, "Then let your brother-in-law cook for you. He's a great cook."
"Who cooks on weekdays?" Jiang Fengnian was a little confused. He originally wanted to scold Lu Ye a few times to avenge his sister, but when he thought about how he was no match for Lu Ye in Qinghe Village, he became a little timid. Hearing his sister's words, he quickly asked.
“Of course it’s him,” Jiang Suining blurted out. “We agreed that he would cook and I would eat. But sometimes when he comes back late or is on a mission, I will cook occasionally. But you know my cooking skills, so I usually cook in the cafeteria.”
That's more like it. Jiang Fengnian was glad that he had chickened out earlier and hadn't dared to criticize Lu Ye in front of his sister. But he was still worried and asked, "That kid Lu Ye didn't bully you, did he?"
"How could I let anyone bully my sister?" Jiang Suining reassured Jiang Fengnian and talked to him about what had happened afterward.
Upon hearing that Zhou Xiaomei was not only on the island but had also schemed against his younger sister more than once, Jiang Fengnian immediately flew into a rage. He rolled up his sleeves and was about to confront Zhou Xiaomei when Jiang Suining stopped him, saying, "Don't be reckless. Going there like that will only give Zhou Xiaomei something to say."
"So you're just going to let her bully you like this? You can swallow this insult, but I can't." Jiang Fengnian refused to give up.
“I took my revenge back then,” Jiang Suining comforted her brother. “But if you’re really still angry, I have a good idea.”
"What method?" Jiang Fengnian knew his sister was full of clever ideas, so he quickly asked.
"Who do you think Zhou Xiaomei is most afraid of?" Jiang Suining asked with a wicked grin.
"Who are you afraid of?" Jiang Fengnian's eyes darted around, and he immediately understood. "Then let her go for now, and I'll tell her father when I get back."
"Smart, no wonder you're my brother." Jiang Suining gave Jiang Fengnian a thumbs up.
Jiang Fengnian leaned back on the sofa, looked around, and asked as if he had noticed something, "Where's my brother-in-law?"
"Oh, he went out, he'll be back in a bit."
After Jiang's mother finished showering, Jiang Suining put the two of them in the washing machine to wash their clothes. Just as the washing was finished, Lu Ye returned.
He led a few soldiers, carrying some unassembled furniture into the yard.
Jiang Suining hurriedly came out, followed closely by her mother and Jiang Fengnian.
The soldiers put down their furniture and went inside to make room. Lu Ye asked Jiang Suining to make arrangements, and Jiang Suining explained to her mother while giving instructions.
Jiang's mother was displeased when she heard this. "Why buy a bed? We can just stay at the guesthouse. It's such a waste of money."
“Mom, staying at the guesthouse costs money too.” Jiang Suining comforted her mother with a smile. “It’s the New Year, who would stay at a guesthouse? Besides, I would like Mom and my older brother to stay at home.”
The furniture has already been bought, so there's no point in saying anything more. Jiang's mother shook her head and asked Jiang Fengnian to help as well.
Several people moved the furniture together, and soon they had set up two single beds and placed them in the study and living room.
“The house is small, so I’m sorry to trouble Mother and Brother,” Jiang Suining said as she spread out her bedding on the bed. “Mother will sleep in the study, and you can sleep in the living room, Brother.”
“The new bed has already been bought, so why say you’re feeling aggrieved?” Jiang’s mother looked at the few bedding items in the wardrobe and thought to herself that she would take advantage of this visit to make up for the dowry she hadn’t prepared for her daughter.
In the evening, Lu Ye personally cooked so that Jiang's mother and Jiang Fengnian could try the island's specialties. Jiang Suining stayed in the living room with her mother, but was sent to the kitchen to help.
Jiang Suining was very unwilling, but she couldn't disobey her mother's orders. In the kitchen, Lu Ye was busy all day, processing shrimp and cleaning oysters. Seeing this, Jiang Suining took an apron, tied it on, and took on all the washing and scrubbing work.
After two hours of work, the two of them finally prepared a table full of dishes: garlic-roasted oysters, steamed prawns, braised prawns, steamed sea cucumber with eggs...
Looking at the table full of dishes, Jiang's mother exclaimed that there were too many and it would be a waste if they couldn't finish them.
Jiang Suining comforted her mother, "They're all in their shells. They look big, but they're actually just a piece of meat the size of a fingertip."
Lu Ye took out a bottle of baijiu and two glasses from somewhere, poured some for Jiang Fengnian and himself, and drank a few glasses with his brother-in-law.
Jiang Suining kept serving food to her mother, peeling shrimp, and picking out conch meat. The family chatted and ate, their laughter echoing throughout the courtyard.
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