The weather was scorching, and Nan Sheng couldn’t sleep, so she picked up a pen to write a letter. Unable to pour out her heartfelt emotions on paper, she instead wrote about everything that had happened since her marriage, carefully selecting what could be shared. When it came to the matter of disciplining the children, she phrased it with subtlety. Don’t ask—some things were better left unsaid for the sake of dignity!
Before she knew it, she had filled two sheets of paper, yet she had only written up to the part where Zhou Wei was sent back to her parents’ home by Eldest Brother Lin. Nan Sheng thought Lin Han might even find it entertaining enough to read like a storybook.
When morning came, both mother and son looked weary. Country houses were usually warm in winter and cool in summer, especially during the hotter months. No matter how sweltering the day was, the temperature would always drop at night, allowing for a good night’s sleep. But last night was different—Nan Sheng had woken up multiple times from the heat.
While cooking, she reminded her son, "Your aunt’s family lives in the county town, and they don’t have stored grain. I expect she’ll be back soon. Stay in my room during the day and lock your own door."
The new chest, table, and chairs she had made for Sizhe had been delivered a few days prior. Sizhe had neatly folded all his clothes into the chest, keeping his room tidy. The grain in Nan Sheng’s room was locked in a cabinet, and the two bags originally placed on the kang bed had been carried by Sizhe to his own room.
"I got it, Mom!"
Sizhe’s temperament was much like Nan Sheng’s—neither of them was the type to overflow with sympathy. He had clear likes and dislikes, and even if it was his own aunt, he couldn’t muster any fondness for someone he disliked.
"How does your aunt treat you and your sister?"
If she had been kind to the children, often buying them things, Nan Sheng would have felt obliged to return the favor.
"She doesn’t like me or my sister, and she doesn’t like you either, Mom!"
As the youngest in the family, his aunt had never been close to any of her nieces or nephews. When she visited, she might bring a pound of pastries for Grandpa and Grandma Nan, but that was about it—though at least they got a bite or two.
"Alright, then I know how to handle her."
Before leaving, Nan Sheng told her son to seal the letter. She planned to send it to Lin Han today and mail the rest once she finished writing.
Sizhe, clearly missing his father, had filled an entire sheet of paper himself. Nan Sheng regretted not giving him more paper—next time, she would.
While Nan Sheng and her son enjoyed their peaceful bond, she had no idea that her parents’ and in-laws’ households were already in turmoil.
"Sister-in-law, I’ve come to take Dad home. With me and my wife out working all day, there’s no one to look after the house."
Zhong Yanyan didn’t even invite Uncle Nan inside, speaking to him at the doorstep. "What are you implying? That there’s anything worth stealing in this house?"
He was the one with sticky fingers—who was he to act suspicious of others? "That’s not the point. Even a poor house has some grain and money. Besides, are you planning to support Dad for the rest of his life?"
Did Zhong Yanyan look like someone who could be intimidated by such words?
"We can certainly afford to. Since you moved out to build your own place, and Mingli’s growing up, my husband and I need to prepare a house for his future marriage."
Uncle Nan couldn’t win the argument, and he didn’t dare bring up the house issue again. Instead, he tried to push past her to drag the old man out.
"Dad, your son’s here to take you home. What, enjoying yourself at Eldest Brother’s so much you don’t want to leave? Don’t forget who’s supposed to take care of you!"
Zhong Yanyan blocked the doorway. "Your brother isn’t home, so you’re not stepping inside. You know your reputation isn’t exactly spotless."
Grandpa Nan emerged from the room at the commotion. "What’s the ruckus, boy? I’m not going back. I haven’t had my fill of staying here yet."
Uncle Nan’s face darkened when he saw how much healthier his father looked after just a few days here. What a waste of food for someone half in the grave—better to save it for the younger generations!
He softened his tone. "Dad, how long do you plan to stay? What about the house? Grab your things—let’s go home!"
Grandpa Nan ignored him, turning back into the room.
He was old. He couldn’t hear a thing!
"Tch, this old man. Even a dog doesn’t abandon its home, no matter how poor. A couple of good meals and you forget where you belong?"
Zhong Yanyan had no patience for his nonsense. "Watch your mouth. That’s your father. You’ve seen for yourself—he doesn’t want to go back. When he’s ready, we’ll send him."
That was unacceptable!
He had planned to take the old man back and squeeze some grain out of his elder brother in the process. Their own home was nearly out of food!
"Sister-in-law, I’m just looking out for you. With my brother out working all day and my nephew gone, who knows what people might say about you and the old man alone in the house?"
Zhong Yanyan never imagined her brother-in-law would stoop so low. She spun around and marched to the kitchen for a cleaver, ready to chop the bastard into pieces.
Seizing the chance, Uncle Nan barged in to drag out the old man. "You stubborn old fool, move it! Don’t make me get rough with you!"
He didn’t expect Zhong Yanyan to return so quickly, cleaver in hand. As he turned, pulling Grandpa Nan, the blade slashed across the back of his hand.
"Damn it, you crazy bitch—you actually cut me?!"
Blood dripped from the wound. Zhong Yanyan smirked coldly.
"Listen well, Nan Jingdang. If you dare spew that filth again, next time this blade will land on your neck. Anyone who dares tarnish my name will pay with their life!"
Clutching his hand, Uncle Nan glared at her with hatred. This wasn’t over!
Meanwhile, Mingli had just arrived at Grandma Zhong’s house. With a bicycle, getting around was much easier.
He carried a small icebox freshly bought from town, packed to the brim. The black market vendors hadn’t even wanted to take his money, but after asking the price, he tossed the cash onto the table.
He wouldn’t cause trouble for his sister, but the idea of trading goods himself was starting to tempt him.
Grandma Zhong’s home was separated from her son’s by just a courtyard wall. After the families decided to share meals a few days ago, Zhong Min had even opened a small gate between them.
Now, his wife delivered meals to the elderly couple twice a day.
Since his uncle was out working, only his aunt was home. Mingli hesitated before locking his bicycle, then carried the icebox inside.
"Grandma, Grandpa, Mom sent me to check on you. How have you been these days?"
The old couple brightened at the sight of their grandson. "We’re doing great! Your aunt’s cooking is delicious!"
Nowadays, they spent their time strolling or tending the vegetable garden, free from even cooking duties.
"Though this heat is unbearable—makes your chest feel tight."
Mingli proudly presented the icebox. "Take a look inside!"
Grandpa Zhong took it, surprised by the weight. "You spent money on this? Don’t waste it—you’ve already brought us so much grain."
When he opened it, his eyes lit up. "Where’d you get all this ice?"
Their village could collect six pounds of ice daily from town, reserved for elders and children struggling with the heat. He had fetched some just yesterday.
"Don’t worry about that. This box keeps ice for two days. If the heat gets too much, just hold a piece to cool down."
The ice was exactly what the elderly needed. Grandma Zhong immediately went to prepare chilled water. "Call your aunt over for a bowl too. Cooking in this weather is hard on her."
By the time Mingli returned with his aunt, four more people had crowded into the room. Half the ice was already gone, and the chilled water had vanished.
"Who told you to touch this? Have you no shame?!"
Zhong Qin returned with the child again, less than ten days after her last departure...
