NOVEL NEXT Chapter 40: More Than Just "A Few Things"
Chapter 40: More Than Just “A Few Things”
Lu Yuan paused, considering the suggestion. So they wanted him to let his mother-in-law come help with household duties rather than expecting his working wife to handle everything.
It wasn’t that he expected Su Liyan to do everything—he wasn’t the type who merely opened his mouth to eat and stretched out his hand for clean clothes. If his wife didn’t come home at noon, he could easily get food elsewhere. But the reality was that Su Liyan worked hard at the factory, especially during her night shift rotations when she alternated between days and nights every two weeks. Coming home after a shift to cook and clean would be exhausting.
Having his mother-in-law stay to prepare meals and maintain the home would make his wife’s life significantly easier. Su Liyan could focus on her job, knowing a hot meal awaited her return and household chores were handled.
The more Lu Yuan considered it, the more sense it made. Moving to the city was generally viewed as a blessing these days—at least among the younger generation. The older folks might prefer the comfort of familiar surroundings, but he could work around that.
“I’ll have them take turns,” he decided. “One month for my mother-in-law, one month for my stepmother. The food and accommodations here are certainly better than in the village.”
He nodded decisively. “That’s fine. Bring Lina too. I’ll find her a preschool.”
Lu Yuan knew that if Su Lina wanted to enter school properly, she’d have to wait until next spring. At nine years old—turning ten by then—she’d already be older than the typical seven or eight-year-old first graders. The age gap could create social difficulties, potentially leading to isolation or bullying.
Using these next six months for preschool education in the city would be ideal. The early primary curriculum was relatively straightforward—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. With dedicated study, Lina might even qualify for second grade by spring, which would better match her age group.
Su Liyan set down her bowl and chopsticks upon hearing this, wrapping her arms around Lu Yuan with emotion.
“Brother,” she said softly, “you’ve taken on so many of my family’s burdens.”
Ever since she started working, Su Liyan had become more physically affectionate, greeting Lu Yuan with embraces when she returned home. He enjoyed the feel of his delicate, beautiful wife in his arms.
“We’re family,” he replied with a grin. “Why distinguish between your concerns and mine? Now eat up—we have important business tonight.”
Su Liyan’s expression shifted from emotional to extremely shy, her charming demeanor nearly making Lu Yuan abandon dinner altogether in favor of retiring to their bedroom.
—
The next morning, Lu Yuan yawned as he and Su Liyan boarded the bus back to their hometown. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the sight of Su Lina running toward them, having waited eagerly since breakfast.
Lu Yuan lifted the girl into his arms and walked with his wife toward the village. The villagers, gathered under trees to enjoy the morning coolness, called out greetings as they passed—noticeably more enthusiastic than usual.
Word had spread throughout the village about Lu Yuan’s truck full of goods and how he was selective about banquet invitations, offering them only to those with whom he had good relationships. Su Liyan squeezed her husband’s hand, puzzled by the sudden friendliness.
At home, they found both mothers-in-law had assembled a group in the yard cutting paper decorations and wedding characters. The women rose to greet them, smiling at the sight of Su Lina in Lu Yuan’s arms.
“Lina’s been waiting at the village entrance since finishing breakfast,” one explained. “She’s been so excited for her brother-in-law’s arrival.”
Lu Yuan grinned, understanding why the child had come running as soon as they’d stepped off the bus.
The mothers-in-law turned to Su Liyan. “Hurry and change, then come help us.”
“I’ll be right there after dropping off my things,” Su Liyan replied with a sweet smile, heading toward the main room.
Lu Yuan stood nearby, unable to suppress another yawn. After their vigorous activities, he hadn’t fallen asleep until two or three in the morning, managing only a few hours of rest.
The mothers-in-law recognized his exhaustion immediately. “Yuan’er, go rest. We’ve prepared a room for you.” They gently took Su Lina from his arms.
Understanding her brother-in-law needed sleep, Su Lina stood obediently without protest.
Lu Yuan considered declining but was truly tired. They were family—no need for unnecessary politeness. He made his way to the indicated room.
Inside, he discovered not only had his mothers-in-law already tidied the space, but Su Liyan was in the midst of changing clothes. His entry startled her briefly before she relaxed upon recognizing him.
Seeing his wife’s fair pink skin, Lu Yuan couldn’t resist reaching for her, earning a whispered “You bad man” in his ear.
Finally, he removed his shoes and stretched out on the kang bed while Su Liyan finished changing into her home clothes and quietly slipped out, closing the door behind her.
As Su Liyan explored the house, she noticed something strange. The contents of their home seemed different. And was that… grunting coming from the backyard?
She knew her husband had gone shopping yesterday—when she’d asked what he’d purchased, he’d casually mentioned “just a few things.” But this situation suggested otherwise.
When she reached the backyard, Su Liyan stared in astonishment at a live pig, two sheep, and a dozen chickens in bamboo baskets.
“This… is this what he meant by ‘just a few things’?!” she wondered, incredulous at the scale of her husband’s preparations.