Qin Nian recalled that the last time she came back, her mother-in-law didn't mention anything about wanting to buy a tricycle. Why did she suddenly want one? Could it be that she was short of money?
"Mom just mentioned it today. Maybe she didn't want to tell you," Shen Xianjun explained quickly when he saw Qin Nian frowning in surprise.
Qin Nian didn't rush to speak. She thought it was unlikely and decided to listen further.
"Buying a tricycle isn't a big deal. My allowance is more than enough. It's just that Mom wants to use the tricycle to take Aunt Wang out together. I don't think it's a good idea, considering her age."
Qin Nian nodded in agreement. That was indeed the case.
"I was thinking of getting her a good one. Mom also agreed. I'll get her a gasoline-powered one so she doesn't have to pedal. It's just that this month's allowance..."
"I have money. Let me contribute to buying something for Mom. But can Mom ride it?"
As soon as Qin Nian heard about the money, she immediately reached into her pocket and took out two hundred yuan.
Shen Xianjun watched his wife's casual gesture. Was it so easy for her to take out money? Every time he had to feel around first and calculate how much money he had left.
"No, no. I have enough money. I just wanted to tell you where this month's allowance went."
Shen Xianjun explained.
"Are you really sure? I mean, we're husband and wife, and taking care of our elders should be a joint effort."
Qin Nian's gaze involuntarily turned to the wardrobe.
"Actually, you don't have to tell me specifically where your allowance goes. It's all small stuff. I know you won't spend it recklessly. I trust your character."
Qin Nian added another sentence.
"You're so good, wife."
Shen Xianjun was extremely touched. His wife didn't care how he spent his money and even took out money to share the burden with him. She was really wonderful.
Seeing Shen Xianjun's touched expression, Qin Nian couldn't help but lower her head slightly.
"Um, can Mom really ride it?"
"Of course she can. Mom can even drive a tractor. But she said she wants a tricycle."
"Mom is actually that amazing?"
Qin Nian was shocked.
"The title of the No. 1 Iron Lady in the commune isn't a joke. In Mom's life, except for reading and writing, there's hardly anything she can't do. It just depends on whether she wants to do it or not."
Now Shen Xianjun also thought his mother was really amazing. He used to think she was too overbearing, but now he had a different feeling.
"I've been reading recently and there are some parts I don't understand. I've written them down. Can you help me figure them out?"
Shen Xianjun suddenly remembered and picked up the book again.
Hearing this, Qin Nian also focused her attention on the book. Her hair had a faint fragrance of shampoo. She pointed at the questions Shen Xianjun had and began to explain.
"I'm not too clear about this question either. I'll ask someone about this mechanical principle later. Are you going to build fighter jets?"
Qin Nian looked at the questions Shen Xianjun asked and suddenly spoke up.
"Yes."
Shen Xianjun was shocked by Qin Nian's sharp perception. Then he thought it was only natural and felt a sense of pride.
"I think there are several books that are very suitable for you to read, but they're not available in China. I'll try to get them for you, but they're all in foreign languages."
Qin Nian thought for a moment and then said.
"I've been learning foreign languages all the time."
"That's good."
Qin Nian nodded. It was getting late, and the two of them turned off the lights and went to bed.
Shen Xianjun smelled the faint fragrance beside him and felt his nose itch.
It was so hot that night. Shen Xianjun couldn't help but turn over. He breathed softly and looked at Qin Nian in the darkness.
Yang Yufen was woken up by the noise in the yard. She put on her shoes and walked out. It was just starting to get light, and the sun hadn't even risen yet. But she recognized who was in the yard at a glance.
"Taking a cold shower early in the morning. Serves you right. You don't know how to please your wife," Yang Yufen said disdainfully when she saw it was Shen Xianjun. Then she turned around and went to the kitchen. Since she was already awake, she might as well make breakfast for the kids.
"Mom, it's too hot."
Shen Xianjun explained.
"Yeah, it's hot. Since you have so much energy, go and split the firewood later. Don't waste your energy for nothing."
After Yang Yufen finished speaking, she went into the kitchen. Shen Xianjun touched his nose, thought about his allowance, and then went back to the room to change his clothes first.
Qin Nian opened her eyes and saw a broad and tall back, bare - chested, rummaging through the clothes in front of the wardrobe.
He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist. His body, which had been exercised all year round, had a healthy complexion and firm muscles.
Shen Xianjun turned around when he heard the sound, holding a vest he had just found.
"Did I wake you up? Why don't you go back to sleep?"
The man was standing with his back to the window. The rising sun outside shone through the window and fell on the man.
Qin Nian involuntarily swallowed her saliva and then calmly spoke.
"Why do you still have water on your head when you got up so early?"
As soon as Qin Nian finished speaking, her mind raced, and she wished she could cover her own mouth.
"Cough, cough. It's too hot. I sweated all over in my sleep. Well, I'll go and split the firewood."
Shen Xianjun quickly put on the vest and walked out. Qin Nian pulled the quilt over her head.
It took a long time for Qin Nian to put the quilt down. She wondered what she was thinking at that time. It was dark, and they just got married in a hurry, as if they were just completing a task.
Suddenly, Shen Xianjun flashed back into the room.
"We're husband and wife, right? Well, you don't hate me. I, I like you. I know about family planning. We have Dabao and Erbao, and I'm very satisfied. I'll go and apply for family - planning supplies later. Can you agree to that?"
Actually, Shen Xianjun was almost at the kitchen when he suddenly remembered what his mother said about wasting his energy. So he turned around and came back.
The door wasn't closed, and Shen Xianjun naturally saw what Qin Nian was doing.
Qin Nian's face turned completely red. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Well, I'll go and help Mom."
Seeing Qin Nian's reaction, Shen Xianjun started grinning like a fool. He walked away happily and even kindly closed the door.
Qin Nian buried herself in the quilt and took several deep breaths before she could calm down.
She didn't hate him. It was just that she seemed to be a bit out of control, and she didn't know what to do.
When Yang Yufen saw Shen Xianjun come in and then go out with an axe to split the firewood, his happy look was a bit silly. She couldn't help but twitch her eyebrows.
Li Wu and Li Wen woke up not long after. They quickly folded the quilt neatly, put on their clothes, and then remembered that they were already home.
"Get up and brush your teeth and wash your face. Don't think you can be lazy just because you're home. Go for your morning exercise run."
Shen Xianjun arranged for the two kids. Li Wu and Li Wen didn't think there was anything wrong with it. They had gotten used to it during this period.
After the kids finished washing up, Shen Xianjun took them out for morning exercise.
Yang Yufen saw that the porridge was cooked and the buns were done. She moved the firewood to one side and then went to knock on Qin Nian's door.
"Niannian, Mom has something to do today. Are you free?"
"What's wrong, Mom?"
Qin Nian quickly opened the door.
"The two kids have grown taller recently, and their shoes are too small. You and Xianjun take the kids to buy some clothes and shoes. Xianjun has to go back to the army tonight."
