"It's just washing clothes, but this big thing must cost a fortune, right? Oh, Sister Wang, come quick!"
Yang Yufen felt a pang of frugality at first, but her joy quickly overshadowed it—and joy was meant to be shared.
"Coming, coming! What's the matter?"
Aunt Wang hurried out.
"Sister, look! Qin Nian couldn’t bear to see me washing clothes by hand, so she specially bought me a washing machine. This thing—I’ve never even heard of it before!"
Yang Yufen pulled Aunt Wang over to admire the washing machine, completely ignoring the television set behind them.
"So this is a washing machine! Comrade Qin is impressive—she even bought a TV!"
The neighbors who had followed crowded around, chattering excitedly.
"How much does this washing machine cost?"
When the deliveryman announced the price, many gasped in shock.
"Handwashing clothes doesn’t take much effort. Is it really worth spending so much on this contraption?"
Sour remarks quickly followed.
"My daughter-in-law earned this money herself, and she’s willing to spend it on me. That’s called filial piety!"
"If she were truly filial, she wouldn’t make her mother-in-law wash clothes in the first place."
"What kind of outdated exploitation is this? Don’t you know everyone’s equal now? My daughter-in-law contributes to the nation! What’s wrong with me washing a few clothes? She gave our Zhao family a pair of bright, clever twins—I’d even carry washbasins for her if she asked! You wish you had my luck, but look at yourselves—do you?"
Yang Yufen fired back, stepping forward aggressively. The critic retreated hastily, and the crowd instinctively formed a circle around them.
"Hmph! Sour grapes, that’s all. You bully your daughters-in-law into doing nothing while you play the grand dame, and now you come to my house looking for trouble? If I hear anyone in this compound badmouthing my daughter-in-law, I’ll dump a bucket of manure on their doorstep!"
Yang Yufen lifted her chin with a cold snort, her sharp gaze sweeping the crowd. The onlookers shrank back.
"Alright, everyone, time to go home—nurse your babies if you have them, or scold your useless sons for not buying their mothers TVs and washing machines. I won’t keep you."
Qin Nian watched as her mother-in-law shooed the crowd away. She’d missed the scene at the apartment building where Yang Yufen had confronted Yi Mengling, but now she witnessed firsthand how fiercely her mother-in-law defended her. Her eyes stung, but her heart swelled with emotion.
"Alright, Qin Nian, take the bicycle inside. I’ll figure out how this washing machine works—you look after the kids for now."
"Okay."
Qin Nian nodded.
"You’re something else!"
Aunt Wang gave Yang Yufen a thumbs-up.
"I’d like to see how this washing machine works too. If it’s good, maybe I’ll get one—no ration coupons needed!"
"Don’t worry, ladies, it’s simple. Once we’ve installed it, we’ll show you how to use it. You’ll get the hang of it right away—super convenient."
The deliveryman had all the tools ready. After placing the washing machine in its spot, he connected the water hose and plugged it in. In minutes, it was set up.
"Turn this knob—longer for dirtier clothes, shorter for lightly soiled ones. Put the clothes in, add detergent, press this button, and water will fill it up. For stubborn stains, let them soak first. Do you have any dirty laundry? I’ll show you how it works."
"Sure! The kids just changed out of these."
Yang Yufen fetched the clothes and was about to grab soap when the deliveryman pulled out a packet of detergent.
"This is complimentary. See, for this many clothes, just use this much. The water stops automatically when it’s enough, then the washing starts. When it’s done, no need to take the clothes out—just press this, and the water drains through the hose. Then repeat the steps, but no more detergent needed."
"Not bad—it cleans well! A bit water-heavy, but we can reuse the water for the garden. No waste here."
Yang Yufen praised.
"You’ve got a good eye, ma’am. Your daughter-in-law picked the best washing machine in our department store. After washing, no wringing by hand—just move the clothes here, and this part spins them dry. No more waiting days for clothes to dry in cold weather!"
"It spins them dry too? Amazing! My daughter-in-law really knows how to pick the best."
Qin Nian listened, delighted. Her choices were appreciated, not criticized as wasteful.
"Mom, there’s also the TV—the antenna’s already installed and adjusted."
One worker handled the washing machine, the other the TV. The bamboo pole in the yard saved a lot of trouble.
"We already have a radio, but the kids love TV. The news at seven is great—keeps us updated on national affairs. If I’d known it was for the TV, I’d have prepared a cabinet. Is this height too low?"
Yang Yufen eyed the TV’s placement.
"Perfect for sitting on stools. But we forgot to buy a sofa—Mom, let’s get one delivered tomorrow. Today’s the kids’ birthday—we’ll eat out. You’ve worked so hard this past year. I’ll take you and the kids shopping for new clothes too."
"Wonderful! I’m so blessed to have a daughter-in-law like you. Who says daughters-in-law can’t be as good as daughters? You’re my little comfort!"
"Absolutely! I’m almost jealous—why didn’t I have a daughter too?"
Aunt Wang chimed in playfully.
"Your Xiaofang’s great too—well-educated, good with kids, and so considerate."
"That’s true."
The two women exchanged praises.
"But no need for a sofa. These things already cost a lot. Stools are fine—I’ll make a bamboo one later. In summer, it’ll double as a bed; in winter, we’ll add cushions. Let’s not waste money."
Yang Yufen quickly dissuaded her.
She didn’t mind her daughter-in-law spending, but unnecessary expenses were another matter. Raising kids required thrift.
"We’ll do as you say. Weren’t we talking about clothes shopping? Let’s get ready and head out early."
"Alright then."
Qin Nian nodded slightly.
"Off you go! I’ll bring Yaoyao over to watch TV another time."
Aunt Wang waved, leading Yaoyao home.
"Sure."
Yang Yufen saw them out.
"Mom, let’s go. I’ve got all the money with me."
"Do you have enough? I’ve got some saved up too."
"Don’t worry, Mom. I’ve saved a lot from my salary and bonuses over the years—and I just got a raise."
"Great! Let’s take the tricycle—easier with the kids."
Yang Yufen wheeled out the tricycle, and Dabao and Erbao eagerly clambered into the cart.
"Mom, hurry!"
"Mom, hurry!"
The twins beckoned, impatient for Qin Nian to join them.
The family of four set off happily. Just as they left, Hu Zhenghao, finally done with homework, rushed out—only to find the gate locked. He nearly cried.
