The kitchen was unbearably hot and stuffy.
Xu Cuifen rolled out the dough, folded it to the length of a finger, and deftly cut it with a knife. She lowered her voice and spoke to the girl sitting on the small stool:
"Jiaojiao, what's your opinion of Zhaoye now?"
Wen Jiaojiao learned a lot about Xu Cuifen from their several battles, including her efforts to bring the two together.
Strands of hair at her temples, glistening with sweat, clung to her cheek as she sat on a small stool, her brows slightly furrowed, and said:
"Seriously? Your daughter is in this state, and you're still trying to set us up? He's at least a factory manager, while I'd be called a slut if I went out."
Xu Cuifen's words were full of dissatisfaction with her condescending attitude:
"So what? He didn't even finish fourth grade, while you've made it to fifth grade."
My daughter is beautiful, has a great figure, and most importantly, is very sensible. None of the ugly girls in the village can compare to her.
I always felt a little guilty for trying to set you two up.
But in order to be able to take care of you nearby and avoid future conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, I've put up with it. Now, in my opinion, he's just right for you.
"Hehe~" Wen Jiaojiao raised her hand and scratched her slender white calves, which were red from mosquito bites, and laughed awkwardly twice, not understanding where her confidence came from.
Putting aside the fact that in the 1980s, people valued a woman's reputation and chastity, even if Wen Jiaojiao had both of those qualities, Wen Zhaoye, who wasn't blind or lame, definitely wouldn't have been interested in her.
Seeing that she had no further to say, Xu Cuifen couldn't help but anxiously offer some pointers:
"Let me tell you this first: if he marries another woman, your life will definitely not be as good as it is now."
"But if you choose him, you'll be the boss's wife of Chenxuan Garment Factory. Just imagine how glamorous that life will be."
“Many people in the village are eyeing your brother with great interest. If I hadn’t intervened in the past two years, matchmakers would have worn down the doorstep.”
Wen Jiaojiao suddenly found her words extremely funny; after all, what man would use the phrase "matchmakers knocking down his door" to describe his situation?
Her eyebrows curved into crescent moons, her delicate face sweet and innocent as she spoke:
"Let's forget about it. Look at his fierce face. I'm afraid he'll abuse me. Let whoever wants this good fortune enjoy it."
Xu Cuifen was exasperated by her daughter's carelessness, but ultimately couldn't bear to scold her. She sighed and said resentfully:
"You just don't know what's precious and what's worthless. What a great man he is! He's handsome, he's rich, and with your mother here holding his father in check, would he dare lay a finger on you?"
Wen Jiaojiao said in order to make her give up:
"Let's forget about it. Even if I were willing, I doubt he'd rather stay single than marry me."
"So, you're thinking about this?" Xu Cuifen paused, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, and continued:
"Don't worry, I guarantee you two will get together."
Wen Jiaojiao's pupils trembled slightly in fright, fearing that she might resort to drugging or other underhanded methods. She frantically waved her hands in refusal:
"Oh no, I'm not thinking about that. I'm not planning to get married or find a partner right now. I want to enjoy life for another two years."
Xu Cuifen smiled, assuming she was just embarrassed, and went behind the stove to start a fire.
Now, my little Jiaojiao can enjoy the good life for the rest of her days.
The water in the pot was bubbling and steaming, and a layer of white mist filled the entire kitchen ceiling. The temperature was scorching and stuffy.
Wen Jiaojiao, with her keen senses, lifted the pot lid, took out the boiled eggs, then loosened the noodles and vegetables and put them into the pot before putting the lid back on.
Actually, she had never cooked in her previous life, but she could still make pasta even without Italian pasta.
Watching her daughter busily working, Xu Cuifen felt a surge of relief, but also a pang of heartache. She wondered what hardships her daughter had endured to become so sensible.
However, she didn't dare to ask, for fear of touching on old wounds and causing unhappiness. Now, she was content with whatever it took as long as the person came back and didn't leave again.
She chopped scallions, garlic, and chili peppers, then sighed with emotion as she looked down.
“My daughter Jiaojiao has really grown up. She used to never stay in the kitchen, but now she even helps her mom make noodles.”
Wen Jiaojiao didn't want to go back to the main room simply because she felt uncomfortable with two men around, and going out meant she couldn't avoid being ridiculed.
She sat back down on the small stool with an embarrassed expression, forcing a smile as she said:
"Why do you have nothing better to do?"
Xu Cuifen grabbed another pot of boiling hot oil and poured it over the chili peppers, scallions, and garlic, making a sizzling sound, and said with a smile:
"How about Mom takes you to the county town for fun tomorrow? I'll buy you some new dresses then."
The polyester dress Wen Jiaojiao was wearing was one of the original owner's clothes from two years ago. Her taste in men was generally poor.
The clothes she chose were all quite nice, and every piece of clothing in the wardrobe looked brand new and spotless, suggesting that Xu Cuifen had carefully collected them because she missed her daughter.
She glanced at the blazing sun outside, which seemed to be baking the ground, and said:
"It's so hot today, how are we going to get there?"
Xu Cuifen: "Yesterday, when Mom took your dad to the clinic, we used that flatbed cart, right? Tomorrow, Mom will use that to take you there."
Although Wen Jiaojiao was eager to visit the county town, she still shook her head and said:
"I'd better not go. It's too hot and the journey is too slow. I don't want to go."
Xu Cuifen lifted the pot lid, and steam rose up, making her face feel hot as she said:
"How about I talk to your dad and have your brother take us around on his motorcycle?"
Wen Jiaojiao recalled his disgusted look and said with a look of utter disdain:
"Trouble him? I'd rather stay home."
Xu Cuifen scooped out a large bowl of noodles, added a few drops of sesame oil and a boiled egg without chili, and placed it on the stove, saying:
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