"Sister-in-law, wouldn't you call this a slap followed by a sweet treat?"
Jian Dan was listening to what Wang's wife and the others were saying when she heard this and paused for a moment.
Does it count?
Wei Kangzhan is not young, and the term "sister-in-law" is a respectful way of addressing her, originating from Qin Qinghuai's lineage.
It's impossible for someone to simply and casually call someone by their name.
"Brother Wei, now I finally understand your predicament. I really made things difficult for you the other day. Did you also have a headache dealing with these trivial matters?"
This really hit the nail on the head for Wei Kangzhan.
"Sister-in-law, what you said is so true. I wouldn't even frown if you asked me to do the work. But the way things are going, it's like old women fighting, pulling hair and tearing clothes. I can't hit them, I can't scold them, I can't lay a hand on them. Ugh, it's making me so worried."
"If it were a grown man, no, just a young lad, a teenager, I'd just take action. But you know what? With just my mouth against so many of them, every single time it's like a battle. I feel like if this happens a few more times, my hair will turn completely white from worry."
Sister-in-law Wang slapped her thigh and laughed.
"Oh dear, Jian, you know what I'm saying, Director Wei is absolutely right. The ones who caused trouble these past few times were the most shrewish and opportunistic ones in the family compound. They started fighting after just a few words. Old Mrs. Liu even scratched her neck until it bled. If it weren't for Director Wei keeping things in check, it might have really escalated to the political commissar's office."
In the past two years, Jian Dan really hasn't paid much attention to things in the family compound. Plus, everyone knows she has a bad temper, so no one dares to cause trouble for her. After she became pregnant, the adults and children in the family started filtering out outside news, intentionally or unintentionally. In addition, Jian Dan doesn't interact much with outsiders. Apart from a few educated youths in the family compound, she can only talk to Sister Wang a lot, so she really doesn't know many things.
Wei Kangzhan looked like he had a headache.
"Don't say that. It's like a scholar encountering a soldier. You can't reason with him, so you can only scare him."
Not to mention me, I've also used your name quite a bit, sister-in-law, otherwise, I might not be able to keep you in check.
They're always smiling, but when they start fighting, it's like they're sworn enemies, like needles and wheat clashing. Sometimes after mediating, I'll ask them what happened, and you'd never guess—nothing serious. Maybe someone's clothes got caught on someone else's clothes, someone's chicken ran into someone else's yard and ate their seedlings, or someone's kids were fighting. Sometimes it's even more bizarre; it could all be over a single sentence, and they'd be tearing each other apart.
Wei Kangzhan shook his head as he spoke.
"I'd always heard that three women make a drama, but I'd never dealt with anyone like this before. Now I really understand. You can't underestimate anyone, especially women."
After saying that, he glanced at Jian Dan and quickly added another sentence.
"Sister-in-law, I wasn't talking about you,"
"I know,"
Simply wave your hand.
"Thanks a lot."
Wei Kangzhan was almost moved to tears.
“Sister-in-law, you understand me so well. Let me tell you, sometimes I think they are being petty, but, sigh! But I also know how important those little things to them are, so I try my best to be fair. But, I'm really not cut out for this. I would be willing to work two extra hours every day if I didn't have to do this.”
Sister-in-law Wang covered her mouth and laughed.
"I can tell, Director Wei is really suffering a lot."
Having lived with the Jian family for so long, and becoming familiar with the old man and woman, Wang's wife has been somewhat influenced by them. Especially when talking to strangers, or to people like Wei Kangzhan who look particularly imposing and intimidating, she has become much bolder and more at ease than before.
Then she asked the question that Wei Kangzhan wanted to ask.
"Girl, it seems to me you're planning to take over this whole mess?"
A simple look at Wei Kangzhan,
"Brother Wei, to be honest, it's also my fault these past two years. I've been given the title of deputy director for nothing, but all these things have been piled on Brother Wei's shoulders. It's been tough on you, running around between the two places."
Before, I was too busy with pregnancy and childbirth to get away, and now with the little one, my area is limited to this spot. I don't have anything else to do, so Brother Wei, let them come to me with any minor issues here. You just focus on managing things over there and don't get distracted.”
Wei Kangzhan's eyes lit up.
"Sister-in-law, are you serious? I'm not being polite. If you're not kidding me, then I'm taking it seriously."
This parents' committee, though nominally an official body, doesn't actually offer any real benefits. In fact, it does have some advantages, but Wei Kangzhan is also very troubled by this mess. It's easy to understand that in a family compound, conflicts usually arise between family members, and it's more appropriate for family members to mediate and resolve them. She's already making an exception for them.
"Brother Wei, what you're saying makes me lose face! Logically speaking, in any military region, the responsibility for military dependents lies with the families of service members. These past two years, you've been suffering for me!"
"Don't say that,"
Wei Kangzhan felt relieved, and his smile became much more genuine.
"This is not anyone's responsibility. Putting aside everything else, none of us will be in a good situation after we go back, especially those of us who are missing limbs and have difficulty making a living."
In this situation, being recalled, having families to support, being given a job to earn money so we can continue to live like human beings—that's all. It's not the military region's responsibility; we all know that.
Whether it's the regimental commander and political commissar, or Company Commander Cheng, sister-in-law, we all know how hard you've worked for us.
Sister-in-law, we won't say thank you; it's too insincere.
If you respect us brothers and treat us like human beings, then we certainly won't let you down.
Sister-in-law, don't talk about replacing her or not. Whether it's hard work or not, as long as she can do something, we'll feel at ease.
Why are you getting all sentimental when you're just talking?
"Don't say that. You have all fought against the enemy. You are all heroes, no matter what. It's not just about responsibility, but also about your brotherhood. Your injuries are also an honor for protecting our country. There's no reason for the honor to be forgotten after the war is over."
Wei Kangzhan, Li Shengli, and Liu Erhong all felt their eyes welling up with tears. Since their discharge from the army, they had almost never heard such affirmation. All they had heard were curses, complaints, and even vicious curses. Even their family members did not always understand.
Fortunately, Wei Kangzhan is a straight man, so any emotional talk was just a passing thought, and the topic was quickly brought to a close.
“We came here because we heard there was a commotion here and we were worried. Now that things have been resolved and with your sister-in-law here to keep things in order, I feel relieved. Sister-in-law, we’re going back to work now. If you need anything, just send someone to find me.”
Liu Erhong and Li Shengli were still moved when Wei Kangzhan dragged them away.
They remained silent the entire way. When they arrived at their work location, Liu Erhong uttered a quiet remark.
"Brother Wei, aren't we a disgrace to our family?"
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