"Lin Han's wife, do you think they have no intention of leaving?" Fan Shuting had come to their house right after school, first preparing dinner for her grandson before waiting for her daughter-in-law to return.
When Nan Sheng got home, she was met with a litany of complaints. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Nan Sheng rolled her eyes inwardly—wasn’t it obvious? She offered a half-hearted suggestion, "Then send word to Lin Xue and have her husband come fetch his mother."
Fan Shuting paused mid-sip of her porridge. She was afraid that if they made a scene, her daughter’s life with her in-laws would become even harder. The best solution, really, would be for her own daughters-in-law to drive the old woman away.
But her eldest daughter-in-law was busy caring for her pregnant granddaughter, and the third daughter-in-law was constantly fighting with her son—neither could be relied on. After some thought, Fan Shuting concluded that only Lin Han’s wife, Nan Sheng, could handle the mother-in-law.
But how could she bring it up?
Dinner passed with Fan Shuting distracted. Afterward, she insisted on washing the dishes, but no sooner had she finished than Zhou Wei arrived with her own daughter-in-law in tow.
"Mom, I knew you’d be here. The house is in chaos!"
Lin Guozheng had locked up all the food at home. That evening, he’d gone to their eldest son’s for dinner, while Fan Shuting had come to their second son’s place—both clearly avoiding the mother-in-law.
This had been their plan: to shame the woman into packing up and leaving. But did she have any shame?
The answer was no. She had knocked on Lin Guozheng’s door, demanding he return and unlock the food so she could cook.
Acting like the Queen Mother herself, she expected to be waited on hand and foot—except when it came to eating.
Zhou Wei, worried the old woman might lash out and hurt her pregnant daughter-in-law, had brought her here to hide. Besides, her daughter-in-law had a favor to ask of Nan Sheng.
Nan Sheng stood and gestured for Zhou Wei and her daughter-in-law to sit. A pregnant guest deserved proper care.
Hearing about the commotion at home, Fan Shuting shot Nan Sheng a pleading look. Unfortunately, Nan Sheng was busy opening a can of fruit for the pregnant woman and didn’t glance her way.
Left with no choice, Fan Shuting headed back alone to assess the situation.
Once her mother-in-law was gone, Zhou Wei launched into complaints.
"Everyone used to say how well our sister-in-law Lin Xue married. Who knew she’d end up with such a mother-in-law? These past few days have been an eye-opener—that woman is downright shameless!"
Nan Sheng fetched two bowls, dividing the canned fruit between them before letting Sizhe take the rest to share with his sister in the west room.
"If you don’t want her here, just kick her out. What’s the big deal?"
Zhou Wei pursed her lips. "It’s all for Lin Xue’s sake. We’re worried the old hag will take it out on her once she’s back."
Wang Yuting had been married into the family for over half a year but had rarely interacted with Nan Sheng. She sat quietly, listening to the exchange while mentally rehearsing how to make her request.
Zhou Wei, who doted on her daughter-in-law like her own child, took the initiative to broach the subject.
"Nan Sheng, do you remember Yuting’s younger brother, the college graduate?"
"Of course! A promising young man, and quite handsome too."
Now it was Wang Yuting’s turn to speak. "Auntie, after graduating, my brother pulled some strings to secure a job at the town government. But it’s been over half a year, and there’s still no progress. Could you… ask around to see what’s holding things up?"
Nan Sheng hesitated. "You must’ve heard the villagers talking. The town government’s been swamped dealing with the black market lately. Secretary Ma is in no mood for interruptions—if I ask now, I’d just be adding to his troubles."
Wang Yuting bit her lip, embarrassed. She recognized the polite refusal. With no real bond between them, she didn’t know how to press further.
Zhou Wei, less perceptive, patted her daughter-in-law’s hand reassuringly.
"Then we’ll wait a little longer. A few more days won’t hurt. By the way, Nan Sheng, I heard some people from the black market were executed? How terrifying!"
Nan Sheng nodded. "Absolutely. The town’s arrested so many, and every day, people beg for mercy at the government offices. It’s a mess."
The conversation flowed between Nan Sheng and Zhou Wei, leaving Wang Yuting no opening.
Her parents had made it clear: they’d learned the holdup was with Secretary Ma, who held Nan Sheng in high regard. If Nan Sheng intervened, her brother’s job would be secured.
Was Nan Sheng hinting at a bribe?
Wang Yuting cursed her parents inwardly. They’d sent her to ask for help but hadn’t even thought to bring a gift.
As dusk fell, Nan Sheng yawned conspicuously. Zhou Wei took the hint and stood, helping her daughter-in-law up.
"You should rest, Nan Sheng. We’ll head back now."
Nan Sheng feigned reluctance. "No rush. You don’t visit often—stay a while longer."
Zhou Wei declined, carefully guiding her pregnant daughter-in-law out. On the way home, she offered comfort.
"Don’t stress over this, dear. Your brother’s a college graduate—he’ll do just fine."
Wang Yuting murmured agreement. "Mom, do you think I should buy Auntie Nan Sheng a gift? She didn’t seem willing to help."
Zhou Wei hushed her. "You’ve married into a good family. Back in the day, your aunt Nan Sheng wasn’t just strict with her kids—she even beat your third uncle, his wife, and her own sister. She’s fierce, doesn’t even respect the elders. If she refuses, pushing won’t help."
Most importantly, Zhou Wei couldn’t afford to cross Nan Sheng—and she certainly didn’t want to risk getting beaten on her daughter-in-law’s behalf!
After seeing them off, Nan Sheng locked both the courtyard gate and the house door. Turning around, she found her two children staring at her expectantly.
"Mom!"
"Hungry!"
Their timing was impeccable.
Lately, Fan Shuting had been rationing food, serving thin porridge that left the kids’ stomachs growling after a few trips to the outhouse.
While doing homework, their stomachs had competed in a symphony of rumbles. They’d been counting the minutes until Zhou Wei and Wang Yuting left.
Nan Sheng chuckled. Why didn’t they like the pastries? These days, she was the one finishing most of the snacks, while the kids preferred home-cooked meals.
"Alright, no need to pout. Sizhe, go pick two tomatoes from the yard. I’ll make you dough drop soup."
For those who treated her with sincerity, she’d go out of her way to help. Fan Shuting and Wang Yuting didn’t make the cut.
Even if her mother-in-law outright demanded it, Nan Sheng wouldn’t lift a finger. As for the Wang family? She’d let the matter fade on its own.
The black market had reopened, though business was slow. Only the truly desperate ventured there now, fearing arrest.
Following Nan Sheng’s advice, Mingli picked her up from work daily. He greeted everyone cheerfully but kept conversations brief, quickly becoming a familiar face.
Secretary Ma even praised him to Nan Sheng. "Your brother’s got potential. If an opportunity arises, I’ll see about getting him a proper job!"
Secretary Ma knew Nan Sheng had placed Mingli in the black market to assist him. She’d also hinted that if she left to join her husband in the army, Mingli would take over managing Yan Shaoshu’s affairs.
She had arranged everything so meticulously, so it was only right for him to return the favor and not let her efforts go unappreciated.
Nan Sheng smiled and said, "That kid still needs more experience, but if Secretary Ma takes a liking to him, it’ll be his good fortune!"
Today, Secretary Ma had another matter to discuss with Nan Sheng. "Nan Sheng, County Magistrate Yu called me. He mentioned that the higher-ups intend to commend us before the autumn harvest. Since you arrived at the town government, you’ve done a lot of practical work for the people. Both Magistrate Yu and I remember your contributions. Rest assured, good news will come soon!"
Nan Sheng was also looking forward to what kind of reward the higher-ups would give him…
