1970s Gangster Couple Chapter 25

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"Who is it?" Wang Desheng, sitting at the entrance, walked over upon hearing the commotion.

"Don’t, old man..." The captain's wife's heart pounded, and she blocked him, preventing him from moving forward.

"Uncle," Wang Wei nodded towards Wang Desheng.

"It’s you?" Wang Desheng was somewhat puzzled. Wang Wei typically worked in the fields, kept to himself, and never engaged in conversations with the villagers. If there were any interactions, it usually resulted in a direct confrontation. Why would he come to his door now?

However, Wang Desheng knew that while Wang Wei could be fierce in a fight, as long as you didn't provoke him, he wouldn't deliberately cause trouble. So, he wasn't as afraid as his wife was.

"Come in," Wang Desheng invited Wang Wei and Xiao Xiao inside, and he asked his wife to bring some water.

After the captain's wife poured the water, she quickly called her son, daughter-in-law, and daughter to join her in the background, observing the situation. In case Wang Wei suddenly became aggressive, they could help old Wang.

The team leader's daughter, named Wang Zhi, was seventeen years old. After observing Wang Wei for a while from behind, a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

On the other side, Wang Wei had already discussed the matter of approving the foundation. Upon hearing that they had chosen a place near the foot of the mountain, Wang Desheng had already agreed in his heart. After all, the land there was not particularly good—building a house far from the center of the village and on infertile ground full of rocks didn't seem ideal.

"There shouldn't be a problem acquiring this piece of land. We can hold a mobilization meeting later and have the entire village vote collectively," Wang Desheng said, pondering as he took a puff of his cigarette.

At this moment, Wang Wei handed over the wild chicken he had brought to Wang Desheng, saying, "It's a little trouble, Uncle. I caught two wild chickens on the mountain yesterday, and there's one left. Please ask Aunt to make some soup for Jiaxing."

Wang Desheng's expression immediately changed. "What are you doing? Take it back. Don't play these games with me," he said sternly.

Seeing that Wang Desheng's expression seemed genuine, Wang Wei gave him a thoughtful look. Nevertheless, he still handed the chicken over. He didn't have much popularity in the village, and although organizing a vote for building a house was usually just a formality with the entire team participating, as everyone was from the same village and constantly interacting, there was no need to create any animosity.

However, things might not be as certain when it came to him. There was always the possibility that someone he had fought with in the past might hold a grudge and not let it pass.

With short hands and soft mouths, Wang Desheng accepted this chicken. If someone deliberately opposed the situation and created trouble, he would have to speak up for fairness.

t/n: With short hands and soft mouths - It means that if you receive benefits from others, you have to help them.

P.s the full raw were 拿人手短吃人嘴软. If you know the translation for this, please let me know.

"Uncle, Wang Wei and I are both younger generation members. What's wrong with showing some filial piety to our elders? Just now, I saw Jiaxing at the door – so adorable, but a bit thin. Children need proper nutrition, especially during the growth phase. It's essential to ensure they get the right nutrients," Xiao Xiao said. While she might not fully understand the local customs, she could see that Wang Wei had no intention of taking the chicken back, so she smiled and added her perspective. Wang Wei had his reasons for doing things, and she naturally wanted to support him.

The only grandson was Wang Desheng's soft spot, and when Xiao Xiao spoke, a look of hesitation immediately appeared on his face.

At this point, the captain's wife, who had been listening to the whole situation in the background along with Jiaxing's mother, couldn't hold back any longer. Wang Desheng, in his leadership role, not only failed to gain any personal benefit but intentionally allocated two percent less during last year's grain distribution.

If it weren't for their small family size and her ability to manage resources well, they would likely have no surplus grain at all. It was tough on Jiaxing. The Xiao family was already struggling, and Xiao Guoxing, around the same age as Jiaxing, was plump and healthy. However, Jiaxing in their family had thin hands, almost like chicken claws.

Jiaxing's mother gently pulled her mother-in-law's hand, saying, "With such a big wild chicken, we can make a nutritious meal for Jiaxing."

Without waiting for Wang Desheng's hesitation, the captain's wife had already rushed outside.

She gave Wang Desheng a stern look, then turned around and smiled at Wang Wei and Xiao Xiao, saying, "I appreciate your care for our Jiaxing. Technically, Auntie shouldn't accept this chicken. But your uncle is really something. He wants to uphold his style, so he withholds food from his own family, leaving everyone hungry. I won't go into all that. After all, it's because he's the captain of this lousy team! But what fault does our Jiaxing have? A little child, all skin and bones from hunger..." She choked up as she spoke.

Although there was a bit of drama in her words, the genuine concern for her grandson was evident.

Xiao Xiao exchanged a glance with Wang Wei, then took the wild chicken from him and handed it directly to the captain's wife, saying, "You're right. A child shouldn't suffer. Auntie, both Wang Wei and I grew up with empty stomachs, so we know how awful it is to go hungry. Fortunately, after spring arrived, Wang Wei's brother, Zhuang Zhuang, came back. With him helping Wang Wei catch wild game, we aren't short of meat. My natal family also has a younger brother. Seeing Jiaxing so thin is heartbreaking for me, let alone for you."

The captain's wife had initially maintained some exaggerated manner, but when Xiao Xiao spoke, she couldn't hold back her tears any longer. Indeed, one shouldn't subject a child to hardship, especially considering that the Wang family had only one male descendant across three generations. If something happened to Jiaxing due to hunger, the entire family would be devastated.

For the first time, she noticed how thoughtful and tender Xiao Xiao could be. Her voice was gentle and sweet, and a few words seemed to touch the deepest corners of the heart.

In her impression, Xiao Xiao was a quiet and reserved girl who kept her head down while working. She rarely spoke and didn't dare to look people in the eye, quite different from her outspoken younger sisters.

It's often said that a woman's marriage is like a second chance at life, and marrying the right person is like falling into a nest of good fortune. Xiao Xiao is a clear example. She used to be quite different back in her natal family, but within just six months of marrying Wang Wei, there was a significant transformation.

Looking at that youthful face, so tender it seems like you could squeeze water out of it, and she's become so much more cheerful. Her speech is as sweet as honey, making people feel at ease. This, in turn, has altered her perception of Wang Wei. He might be fierce to others, but that's only on the outside. He stands strong outside but is tender to his wife at home—now that's a good man.

Unlike some men who have no standing outside but act domineering at home.

"Alright, I won't be polite then. Old Wang, it's not easy for these two kids to build a house. Isn't being a captain about helping the members in need in our team? When the time comes, you can mobilize people from our team to help arrange and build their house," said the captain's wife, joyfully accepting the wild chicken - it’s weight couldn't conceal her delight.

With the chicken accepted, Wang Desheng could only nod, "Building a house is a community effort in the village. The only thing is, when it comes to meals, can you two manage that?" In rural areas, people come together to help with various tasks. Just hiring people to assist Wang Wei was something Wang Desheng could accept.

Xiao Xiao and Wang Wei exchanged a glance, not expecting that a wild chicken would lead to such an unexpected gain.

Wang Wei nodded, "Uncle, I appreciate it. Don't worry, if everyone helps me build the house, I won't let anyone go hungry. I've got some game that Zhuang Zhuang and I caught, and there's still some penned up on the mountain. We can make a meat soup for everyone." Since he wanted Xiao Xiao to have a good life, he couldn't continue to be as standoffish as before. He could tolerate being isolated himself, but he couldn't stand seeing Xiao Xiao treated the same way.

Captain Wang could help in hiring people, and this could also be an opportunity for Wang Wei to interact with the villagers, a win-win situation.

"Zhuang Zhuang?" The team leader's wife looked at Wang Wei with confusion.

"It's a tiger, a tiger that once shared the same mother with me. We're like brothers." Wang Wei finished speaking, grinned, revealing a set of sharp teeth that seemed to glint with a cold light in the dimming twilight.

The captain's wife was startled. The gentle demeanor Wang Wei had shown earlier momentarily made her forget that this was a wolf cub that had nursed from a tiger. Being able to call a tiger a brother indicated a wildness ingrained in his bones.

"Helping to build a house and smelling the aroma of meat, where can you find such a good deal? Don't worry, once your uncle mentions it, there will be plenty of people eager to help." The captain's wife reassured. However, she knew she needed to remind the old man later to put his heart into helping Wang Wei get this done. Otherwise, if they accepted gifts and failed to fulfill their promise, Wang Wei might get angry.

After Wang Wei and Xiao Xiao left, the captain's wife happily slaughtered the chicken. She cut a small piece and asked her daughter-in-law to quickly take it to make chicken soup, while the rest was sealed and preserved in a jar.

Seeing his wife's actions, Wang Desheng couldn't help but sigh, "What are you doing? You even accepted the gift. How am I supposed to face the Party and the people?"

The team leader's wife rolled her eyes at him, "Oh, come on. It's just a chicken. Ermei said they're just concerned about our Jiaxing, and you're making a big deal out of it. Let me tell you, you better pay attention to that young couple's matter." She knew that they couldn't rely on Wang Wei's father for the house construction, and since Wang Wei had little interaction with the villagers, that's why she had asked Wang Desheng to help in hiring people.

The captain's wife and her daughter-in-law entered the kitchen to prepare dinner. Wang Desheng's only daughter, Wang Zhi, helped with the fire. Perhaps due to the glow of the flames, her face was flushed, and her eyes carried a faint, dreamy look.

Jiaxing's mother sighed, "Wang Desheng is so fierce that no one in the village dares to marry their daughters to him. Xiao Ermei has really lucked out, being able to eat meat every day. She's fallen into a nest of good fortune."

The captain's wife agreed, "Who says otherwise? We all underestimated him. He's really fond of his wife." In just that short while, she noticed that even when Wang Wei was talking to the old man, his gaze occasionally swept over Xiao Xiao. The look in his eyes... even an old wife like her couldn't help but feel her heart race.

Glancing at Wang Zhi, who was tending to the fire, the captain's wife couldn't help but worry about her future marriage, "I wonder what kind of person our Zhi'er will find in the future."

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhi's face reddened even more. She lowered her head and mumbled, "What kind of person to find? Just find someone like Wang Wei!"

When Wang Wei and Xiao Xiao walked out of the captain's house, the sky had already darkened.

As they chatted, Xiao Xiao accidentally kicked a stone on the road. Although it didn't seem to break the skin, she couldn't help but let out a cry of pain.

Wang Wei quickly crouched down, asking Xiao Xiao to sit on his right leg. He took off her shoe and carefully examined her foot, relieved to find that the skin wasn't broken. He looked up at Xiao Xiao and scolded her, "What were you thinking..."

"Can't you let me worry less?" He hadn't finished his sentence, but Xiao Xiao automatically completed the second half for him.

Wang Wei was momentarily speechless.

Xiao Xiao hugged his neck and rubbed against him, "Well, I might be a bit absent-minded. You're my husband; you should keep a closer eye on me."

Wang Wei found himself simultaneously amused and exasperated by her assertive demeanor. He wanted to scold her, but Xiao Xiao was now using the tip of her nose to gently nudge his chin. His anger, already mild, melted into a puddle.

"I'm telling you, don't try this with me." Every time, she played the coquettish card when she feared getting scolded. Did she think he would fall for it?

Hmph!

"Get up, I'll carry you." As soon as he finished speaking, he squatted down. Anyway, Xiao Xiao couldn't read his mind, so he wasn't afraid of contradicting himself.

Xiao Xiao's eyes curved like crescent moons as she obediently climbed onto Wang Wei's back. Her chest pressed tightly against his back, and the more pronounced female features, accentuated by her improved nutrition, caused Wang Wei's breath to quicken for a moment.

By the time they arrived at Wang Wei's house, the night had completely fallen. However, tonight was a bit unusual. In the past, at this hour, Wang Mu would be reluctant to use too much lamp oil. People either went back to their respective rooms or sat in the dark chatting.

But at this moment, the main room was lit with a lamp, and the wick was noticeably longer, much brighter than before.

Laughter and chatter from inside the house were audible even at the door. However, as Wang Wei heard a particular female voice, his expression suddenly darkened.

"Who is it?" Xiao Xiao asked in a hushed tone.

Wang Wei sneered, "A person in this house who despises me the most, apart from the woman who gave birth to me. I can't stand her either."

Xiao Xiao quickly went through all the people in Wang Wei's family in her mind and swiftly identified the person: Wang Juan, the other daughter of the Wang family. She had married someone in the county and was the pride of the entire Wang family.

From time to time, Wang's mother would openly praise this eldest daughter in front of the whole family, highlighting how capable and considerate she was. The rest of the Wang family would wear proud expressions.

However, Xiao Xiao had been in the Wang family for almost half a year and had not seen this legendary eldest sister-in-law even once. Last year during the New Year, Wang Juan did not return home, citing that heavy snow had blocked the roads, and she sent a message through someone else that she wouldn't be coming back.

If she doesn't come back for the New Year, what's the point of returning home now?

Xiao Xiao asked Wang Wei, "Are you going to mention it today?" On the way back, they had already discussed that since they were going to provide meals for those helping with the house construction, they needed to have enough grain. Otherwise, if there was too much meat, others would surely be suspicious. After all, even with a tiger helping, it wouldn't be possible to provide meat for so many people every day.

The grains grown on the mountain could be used. If they reduced the amount of nutrient solution, the effect might not be as pronounced, but the taste would still be slightly better for those who ate it.

But they needed a pretext; otherwise, magically producing grain out of thin air would raise suspicions. Wang Wei planned to take out the grain rations he received last year from the Wang family. He intended to bring this up tonight.

Wang Wei calmly said, "Of course, we have to mention it. We don't have so much time to delay with them."

The lively atmosphere in the house suddenly quieted down as soon as the two entered.

Wang Wei pretended not to notice, pulling Xiao Xiao to find a seat and sitting down directly.

By the light of the oil lamp, Xiao Xiao finally got a clear look at the most promising member of the Wang family.

Wang Juan, twenty-five years old this year, kept her hair neatly arranged. Her features were more profound than those of ordinary girls, and she had a soft melon-shaped face. When she smiled, she revealed neatly aligned white teeth. She took good care of herself, drawing her eyebrows and even seemingly paying attention to lip care. She looked more moist and well-maintained than Wang Ying, the unmarried girl of the Wang family.

No wonder she could marry into the city, she really is a beauty.

As Xiao Xiao was appraising Wang Juan, Wang Juan was also scrutinizing her and Wang Wei.

When the two of them walked in just now, Wang Juan almost didn't recognize Wang Wei. She had always known that Wang Wei had a decent foundation, but she hadn't expected that in just over half a year without seeing him, he would seem like an entirely different person, as if he had undergone a transformation.

With such looks, if he were to stroll around the streets of the county, he might bewitch countless young ladies and wives.

After scrutinizing Wang Wei, she shifted her gaze to Xiao Xiao. If she could barely recognize Wang Wei as the same person based on his facial features, Xiao Xiao was completely different and bore no resemblance to her previous impression.

In her memory, Xiao Xiao was a timid and meek girl, only good for doing chores. Her voice was like the buzzing of a mosquito.

But the person sitting in front of her now showed no signs of timidity. Although her facial features weren't as striking, she exuded a unique charm. As Wang Juan appraised Xiao Xiao, the latter showed no avoidance and looked back at her with a hint of curiosity.

Wang Juan's eyes flickered, and she smiled, "Is this the fourth sister-in-law? Your appearance has changed so much; I almost couldn't recognize you. Mother, tell me, did you give all the good things in the house to the fourth brother and his wife? Look at them, well-fed and glossy. Meanwhile, your nephew is still starving!" She pushed her two children toward Wang Mu while continuing, "Mom, you can't just pamper your son; remember to care for your nephew too."

Wang Mu pulled the two children into her arms and glared at Wang Juan, saying, "You're the only one who knows how to talk. Haven't I been taking care of them?"

After Wang Juan spoke, Wang Lao Da noticed the cold smile on Wang Wei's face and quickly responded, "Big sister, that's not the case. You know the situation at home. Little Four and his wife find their own food in the mountains."

"Wang Wei, tell me, what have you found in the mountains that you and your little sister-in-law can eat like this?" Her eyes were full of inquiry. While she believed that Wang Wei could find enough to eat in the mountains, the significant changes in both of them made her feel that things were not that simple.

Wang Wei suddenly chuckled. He casually lifted his right leg and looked at Wang Juan with a half-smile. "You're not content with managing heaven and earth; now you want to manage me? What? Do you really think you've become a city person, pampered by these people..." He gestured towards the Wang family, "...and forgotten about the past? If you dare to say one more word, I'll make you remember how your mouth got messed up!"

How did it get messed up? It was beaten to a pulp by Wang Wei!

This is another big dispute in the Wang family.

When Wang Wei was born, there were rumors in the village. Wang Juan faced mockery when she went out to play with her friends. Fearing and resenting the situation, she later persuaded Wang Mu to abandon Wang Wei when they fled to the mountains to hide from bandits.

Wang Mu already resented Wang Wei for bringing her so much gossip, and Wang Juan's words became the last straw that broke the camel's back. The two of them indeed abandoned Wang Wei.

t/n: the last straw that broke the camel's back - The idiom is used to describe a minor or routine action that causes a large and sudden reaction, because of the cumulative effect of small actions. 

Who could have imagined that Wang Wei was actually raised by a tiger for a period and later rescued and cared for by Grandpa Wang, who returned after retiring from the army, until he was eight years old.

When Wang Wei returned to the Wang family, she was already fifteen years old. Feeling guilty and afraid, she instigated her two brothers to bully Wang Wei, hoping to drive him away again.

One time, Wang Wei overheard her, and he directly pressed her to the ground and slapped her mouth hard, causing her to bleed profusely. It took a long time to recover, and he even threatened to cut off her tongue. If it weren't for the intervention of the Wang family members, her tongue might have been really gone. Since then, whenever Wang Juan saw Wang Wei, she would avoid him, until she married into the city and gained confidence, allowing her to dare to face Wang Wei again and occasionally show her superiority.

Wang Wei's words reminded her of the fear of being dominated by him when she was at her parents' house. The defenses in her heart quickly crumbled, and her whole person stiffened. However, she felt that she had become a city dweller and couldn't lose face. She forced herself to say, "I am now a worker's family member. If you hit me again, I will report you to the police and make you eat prison food."

Everyone could see that she was intimidating but inwardly fearful. Wang Lao Da and Wang Lao Er both muttered in their hearts: Clearly, she's terrified of the fourth brother, but why bother provoking him? What's the point?

Though Wang Wei hadn't been to the city, the slogans shouted by everyone all the time allowed him to grasp some of its meaning. He looked at Wang Juan with disdain, "You are a worker's spouse, and I am still a farmer. We are both the offspring of workers, peasants, soldiers, and intellectuals. Who is nobler than whom?"

Wang Juan was rendered speechless by Wang Wei's retort.

Xiao Xiao held her chin and gazed at Wang Wei in a daze: So handsome!

Wang Wei blushed under Xiao Xiao's admiring gaze. He cleared his throat and put down his raised leg, then looked directly at Wang Fu and Wang Mu: "Just now, I already discussed with the team captain. The homestead will be approved soon. When the time comes, I'll need to use my allocated grain to provide meals for the villagers helping with the construction."

"What? You still need grain? When your wife entered our house, she had nothing. She has been with you for more than four months, and your grain must have run out long ago!" Wang Mu exclaimed anxiously. Hearing that Wang Juan was coming back for grain, she was thinking about sending her with some. Since the beginning of spring, Wang Wei and Xiao Xiao had been going to the mountains every day. They only came down when they were full. At Wang's house, sometimes they just pretended to eat, or they didn't even sit at the table. She was glad that she had saved some grain.

Xiao Xiao leaned on Wang Wei's arm, caressing him, and looked directly at Wang Mu. "You're mistaken. Everyone knows about my appetite since I arrived at Wang's house. I barely ate anything. Later, Wang Wei and I went to the mountains every day and only came down when we were full, saving even more grain. You can't spread false information!"

Wang Mu frowned, "There's none left. We received little last year, and there's hardly any left in the house now. If you take away the grain, it's a matter of life and death for the whole family."

Xiao Xiao instantly understood why Wang Wei always asserted dominance when facing Wang Mu because she was completely unreasonable. "We are taking our own grain. How does that endanger your lives?"

"No means no, no matter what you say," Wang Mu, feeling defeated, embraced her two grandchildren and turned away, refusing to look at Wang Wei and Xiao Xiao.

"Why bother explaining so much to someone who can't understand?" Wang Wei patted Xiao Xiao's hand, finding it a waste of words.

He smirked at Wang Mu and added with a hint of mockery, "You don't think I'm negotiating with you, do you?"

Wang Mu tensed up.

"Fourth Brother, why are you talking to Mom like that..." Wang Juan was afraid that after Wang Wei took the grain, Wang Mu would renege on the promise to give her grain.

Her family of four has only her man working in the factory. She still doesn't have an urban household registration and can't receive grain subsidies, relying solely on her man's supply. Her in-laws were originally dissatisfied with her man marrying a rural girl, and they favored the eldest son, leaving her with no advantages at all.

Last year's harvest sharply reduced, and there isn't much grain in the county. Her man's monthly supply of grain also decreased. No matter how they try to save, it's still not enough to eat. In the past, they could at least use money to buy some coarse grains, but in recent months, she found it challenging to buy even with tickets and money in hand.

In a panic, she hurriedly went back to her parents' home.

"Shut the fuck up!" Wang Wei coldly shouted at Wang Juan and gave her a cold stare.

Wang Juan was silenced by his cold stare, as if falling into an icy abyss.

After scolding Wang Juan, Wang Wei turned his head towards Wang Fu and Wang Mu, "What's the matter? You probably thought my temper has improved recently, and now you think I'm easy to bully, huh?" He clenched his fists, "Want to act shamelessly? Since you don't listen to polite words, and you're eager for a fight, I won't be polite either."

A bunch of opportunistic bastards!

"Wait...wait!" Seeing that Wang Wei was about to start a fight, Wang Fu hurriedly spoke up, "Old lady just said it casually. It's only right that you take your own grain."

“I...” Wang Mu raised her head and was about to say something when Wang Fu gave her a stern look, signaling her to take a look at Wang Wei's current demeanor.

Wang Mu looked at Wang Wei's emotionless, cold eyes and hesitated with her lips moving several times, but ultimately didn't dare to speak again.

Wang Wei lowered his fist and stated, "Last year, I received the highest work points, distributed a hundred pounds of wheat, a hundred pounds of rice, two hundred and twenty-one pounds of sweet potatoes, a hundred and twenty pounds of potatoes, and eighteen yuan and fifty cents in cash. It's been seven months since the distribution of food, and with your scrimping and saving attitude, even if I eat a pound of rice every day, it's not enough. Although Xiao Xiao hasn't eaten much, I'll include her share too, so you won't accuse us of taking advantage. She consumes half a pound of food a day, having eaten at Wang's house for four months, making a total of sixty pounds. Together, we need at least two hundred and seventy pounds of food. You must give me at least two hundred and seventy pounds of food. Fifty pounds of wheat and fifty pounds of rice cannot be less, and the rest can be in sweet potatoes or potatoes."

Wang Wei calculated the account without any expression or pause. It took a while for the Wang family to catch up with his reasoning.

Calculating like this, he took a slight loss, and no one could argue that it wasn't reasonable. However, forcibly taking out over two hundred pounds of grain felt like cutting out Wang Mu's heart.

Wang Fu remained silent for a long time before saying, "It's only fair."

Others were relatively fine, after all, they couldn't argue with or fight against Wang Wei. Besides worrying about losing so much grain, Wang Lao Da and Wang Lao Er didn't have many other thoughts.

But Wang Juan was different.

She came back for the grain. She went to the city, and although her household registration was still in the village, she didn't come back during the busy farming season. Last year, they gave her a symbolic seventy pounds of grain. The brigade also made it clear that if she didn't come back to work, she wouldn't get a single grain in the future.

Today, after much persuasion, she managed to get Wang Mu and Wang Fu to agree to give her a hundred pounds of grain. She could clearly see that although her two brothers and sister-in-law didn't voice any opposition, their expressions clearly indicated that they were not happy about it.

Now that Wang Wei is taking away so much, the Wang family has to tighten their belts. Even if Wang Fu and Wang Mu agree to give her some, her brothers and sisters-in-law are unlikely to approve.

Even though she was afraid of Wang Wei, she forced herself to speak up: "Fourth Brother, you also know that the grain distribution was scarce last year. If you take away so much at once, how are the other people in the family going to survive? Even if you don't care about the elders, think about your nephews and nieces. If they suffer, can you live with yourself?" Wang Wei usually doesn't bother arguing with them, but using his nephews and nieces as a starting point might help to sway his brothers and sisters-in-law. She didn't believe that, despite Wang Wei's strength, he could handle the entire Wang family.

With this statement, the others didn't have much reaction, but Feng Chun's expression changed. Indeed, the grain supply was already insufficient, and since the beginning of spring, Wang Wei and the others had been eating their fill on the mountain. If they didn't take some, at least her children could have a bit more to eat.

Wang Wei usually preferred action over argument, and Wang Juan was trying to tarnish his image with words. However, now that Wang Wei wasn't alone, how could Xiao Xiao tolerate others belittling him? It was just standing on the moral high ground and saying pretty words, who was afraid of whom!

She peeked out from behind Wang Wei and asked Wang Juan with confusion, "Third sister, your words aren't right, are they? We took our own share, not a single grain more. We even intentionally calculated less just now. How does it become, in your words, that taking our own share would starve the nephews and nieces? We're in a tight spot here. Building the house definitely requires feeding those who help. We thought about not burdening our older brothers and sisters-in-law, so we used Wang Wei's own share of grain. Otherwise, with so many people to support, our older brothers and sisters-in-law would suffer even more, wouldn't they?" She smiled at this point.

Feng Chun was momentarily stunned, realizing that what Xiao Xiao said made sense. Indeed, if they didn't give Wang Wei's share to him, and he had to feed the people helping with the house construction, they would end up eating even more.

Wang Juan, seeing Feng Chun hesitating after being persuaded by Xiao Xiao's few words, anxiously said, "Then why do you need to build a house? Isn't it fine to stay where you were?"

Xiao Xiao's eyes lost their previous smile instantly. "Have you ever seen our house? It was the original woodshed of the Wang family, cramped and low. Not only is it cramped, but it also leaks from all sides. On rainy days, it rains outside and inside the house. Wang Wei has grown taller, but he still can't stand up straight in the house. He lived in such a place for ten years. How can you have the face to say it's fine?" She held Wang Wei's hand tightly, feeling sorry for him.

Xiao Xiao's words made Wang Lao Da and Wang Lao Er blush. They claimed to feel guilty towards Wang Wei, but they hadn't even paid attention to the most basic things.

When Wang Juan spoke such shameless words, Wang Wei was originally quite angry. However, seeing Xiao Xiao's worried look for him, his thoughts were immediately focused on her well-being. He touched Xiao Xiao's neck gently. "Don't be angry. It's not worth it to get upset with such a shameless person." If Xiao Xiao gets sick from anger, he would be the one feeling distressed.

Xiao Xiao nodded and smiled at Wang Wei. When she turned to Wang Juan, she suddenly raised the corner of her mouth. "Third sister, you're so kind. I can't compare to you. You've entered the city, become a city person, and with a capable husband like yours, I'm sure you brought back a lot of good things for them this time. Shandong is fortunate. They can now enjoy commercial grain with the help of the eldest aunt."

Zhao Yan had long been annoyed by Wang Juan's attitude of acting superior every time she returned home. Despite living close to the village, Wang Juan acted as if she were superior. This irritated Zhao Yan a lot.

As soon as Xiao Xiao finished speaking, Zhao Yan mocked, "Little sister, you got it wrong. Every time the eldest sister comes back, she doesn't bring anything, but instead takes away a lot of grain from our mother's house. Look, today she came back again just to get some grain." She rolled her eyes at Wang Juan, expressing her contempt.

Xiao Xiao exclaimed in surprise, "Third sister, the family's grain is already not enough to eat. If you take more, what about the other people in the family? What about Shandong? It seems that your concern for Shandong is just for talk." After saying this, she covered her mouth and chuckled, "In this regard, Wang Wei and I indeed can't compare to you. At least what we take is our own share. You are practically taking away the grain meant for Shandong. If they end up in a dire situation due to hunger, it will be your responsibility as their aunt."

Shandong timely chimed in, pursing his lips and pretending to cry, "Dad, Mom, I don't want to go hungry."

As soon as he spoke, the other younger ones also joined in, shouting, "Don't want to go hungry..."

Xiao Xiao patted Shandong's head, "Crying alone probably won't help. You have to plead with your aunt, ask her to be kind and give you all a way out."

This statement was truly heart-wrenching.

Zhao Yan felt relieved by what Xiao Xiao said. In the past, this eldest sister-in-law would flaunt her status of marrying into the city, and whenever she returned to the Wang family, everyone treated her with respect. Even if Zhao Yan felt resentful, she couldn't speak out, and sometimes even her in-laws would scold her. Today, Xiao Xiao's teasing words towards Wang Juan made her feel relieved. "Little sister, you don't know. Our eldest sister-in-law usually speaks so nicely, saying that she married into the city, bringing face to the entire Wang family, and that everyone in the family benefits from it."

At this point, Zhao Yan's mouth almost curled up to the sky, "But I haven't seen a bit of that benefit. Instead, she brought a lot into her own pocket, almost emptying the house every time she comes back. Both of Old Zheng's grandsons were raised by the Wang family. I don't know why she's acting so high and mighty!"

Wang Juan, teased by Xiao Xiao and Zhao Yan in succession, turned red and then purple. She threw herself into Wang Mu's arms, covering her face, and sobbed, "I don't want to live anymore. I come back once or twice a year, and even the sisters-in-law can't tolerate me. Dad, Mom, Big Brother, Second Brother, what face do I have to come back in the future..."

While Xiao Xiao was teasing Wang Juan, Wang Wei had been watching her with a smile, and he even pulled her to sit down, gently rubbing her back, exuding a sense of comfort.

Now that Wang Juan was made to cry, Wang Wei clicked his tongue lazily and said, "Then don't live, who are you performing for?"

"Oh, why is the third sister crying?" Xiao Xiao innocently looked at Wang Wei, "Did I say anything wrong?"

Wang Wei truly loved her innocent act, and with a smile, he nodded, "You didn't say much, just too straightforward. Some people can't handle the truth."

Xiao Xiao responded, "So, should I stop speaking the truth in the future?"

Getting into the act, Wang Wei chuckled and ruffled her hair, "No need to stop. We should speak the truth. Whoever feels offended and cries is the one with the problem!"

The room, originally filled with Wang Juan's sobbing, was suddenly filled with their banter. It made everyone in the room twitch their facial muscles, thinking: Their shamelessness was truly remarkable!

Wang Wei has changed. He used to resort to action rather than words, but now he has adopted a more verbal and potent approach when paired with Xiao Xiao.

Wang Juan, affected by Wang Wei and Xiao Xiao's words, felt her breath hitch. She couldn't cry, but not crying was also not an option.

"Enough." Wang Mu patted Wang Juan's back. She didn't dare scold Xiao Xiao. Over these days, she had come to understand that Xiao Xiao had become Wang Wei's lifeline. Criticizing him might be bearable, but saying anything against Xiao Xiao was like digging into his heart.

As for someone who had no backbone, letting a woman ride on their head, dealing with her as if she was someone of authority, Wang Mu found it quite amusing.

Wang Mu directed her criticism at Zhao Yan, "I haven't died yet, and you're already in a hurry to take charge? You're the eldest sister-in-law, and if Wang Juan comes back once or twice a year, you can't even tolerate her. Are you planning to instigate your elder brother to bury me and my husband on the mountain soon?"

Zhao Yan wanted to retort, but she was pulled back by Wang Laoda. Zhao Yan sat back with resentment, saying, "Mom, that's not what she meant. She's just worried that there's not enough food at home." Implicitly, she disagreed with giving any grain to Wang Juan.

Wang Juan's crying became even louder.

Having had enough of the play, Wang Wei was annoyed by Wang Juan's crying. He stood up with Xiao Xiao, saying, "Alright, whether you want to give her grain or not is your own business. But I won't accept any less than what I asked for."

That night, the main room of the Wang family never quieted down. At first, it was Wang Juan's sobbing, and then she began pleading with each family member. The Wang family members split into two groups, arguing, which furrowed Wang Wei's brows.

He covered Xiao Xiao's ears and pulled her into his embrace. "What if I go and use a rope to shut their mouths?" Normally, at this time, Xiao Xiao would already be sound asleep, but tonight, she kept squirming in his arms, clearly disturbed by the noise.

Xiao Xiao burst into laughter at his playful remark. She ran her fingers over Wang Wei's jaw, feeling the short stubble, and said, "The mouth is on someone else's body. It's too domineering of you to not let them speak."

Wang Wei, tickled by Xiao Xiao's touch on his jaw, restrained her hand and raised his chin with a snort. "I've always been domineering, and it's not like you just figured that out. What, scared now?" Although he spoke nonchalantly, his gaze carefully watched Xiao Xiao's expression, afraid that she might genuinely be afraid of him.

Xiao Xiao, touched by his cautious demeanor, squeezed herself tightly into Wang Wei's arms, as if wanting to melt into his very bones. Locking eyes with him, she tried to see into his heart. "I like you. I like your domineering side, your gentle side, your stubborn side, and even the way you scold me. I'm just that useless..." She buried her head in Wang Wei's neck, biting his jaw playfully as she spoke.

Since Wang Wei lacked confidence in being worthy of love, Xiao Xiao chose to surround him with intense emotions to make him understand that he was indeed deserving of love.

Listening to Xiao Xiao's tender words, Wang Wei felt a tingling sensation in his eyes. He pulled her even closer into his arms and, with a hoarse voice, said, "You even like being scolded. Are you a fool?"

Xiao Xiao smiled and said, "See, you call me fool, and I find you incredibly handsome."

Wang Wei cleared his throat, lifted his hand to wipe his eyes, and turned his head away to hide his expression from Xiao Xiao. "It's easy to find someone to scold you. With your clumsy and awkward ways, it's hard not to get scolded."

Xiao Xiao whimpered, "I don't just want to be scolded; occasionally, you should praise me too. I also want to hear some nice words~"

Wang Wei chuckled softly, and his laughter resonated from his chest. He rubbed his chin against Xiao Xiao's forehead and asked, "Am I foolish or not?"

The next morning, Wang Wei and Xiao Xiao were awakened by the crying of the children.

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Author has something to say:

Wang Wei's inner little person proudly stands with hands on hips, showing off his face: My wife absolutely adores me...

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Translator also has something to say:

I want to be inside of the novel so I can murder Wang Juan. How dare she do that to the young Wang Wei huhuhu

Anyway, although I didn't specify the time of the updates, I'm still sorry for the late update. Also, Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Buy me coffee for extra energy!

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