The 1960s: The Story of a Country Girl's Journey to the City

After a week, Wu Dayong's eyes became increasingly dark, and he looked completely drained. He finally mustered the courage to refuse his mother's request and even proposed to halve his pension.

During this time, Wu's eldest brother and sister-in-law came again, but were scared away by Chen's sister-in-law using the same method.

It is said that they hid the kitchen knife before going to bed at night, but unexpectedly, Mrs. Chen took out another one from under the bed and continued to sharpen it.

After Chen's wife finished sharpening Xie Laidi's knife, she stopped.

For a man like Wu Dayong who has nothing, face is more important than money, because money can be earned, but he has very few opportunities in his life to save face.

The question now is, which is more important, face or life? You may have fewer opportunities to gain face in your lifetime, but you will eventually have them. You only have one life.

Over the weekend, Jiangcheng bought some food and wine and brought his whole family over, saying he wanted to welcome her and also hear his older brother's jokes.

He felt he should improve his relationship with the third brother's family. He wasn't as thick-skinned as his eldest brother, and he couldn't let them use the same tactics against him against him.

Two days later, Monkey brought wine and food to welcome her back, and also brought Simao along, saying that Simao's cooking skills were quite good and that he should show off his skills to Baoya.

In the days that followed, the monkey practically lived at her house. Not only did he come to eat, but he also brought his brothers along, and they were the kind of people you couldn't shoo away.

It was around this time that Bao Ya met Zhang Kangmei.

Zhang Kangmei is a tomboyish girl. Her father is the newly appointed factory manager of a food factory. When she first came to her house, she had short hair, but in just ten days, she has two little pigtails.

"Sis, you're so beautiful."

Zhang Kangmei sat on a small stool, resting her chin on her hand, looking at Bao Ya with a lovesick expression as she watched her cook by the stove in the yard.

Bao Ya rolled her eyes at her. She was initially happy to hear her say she was pretty, but now she didn't believe her aesthetic sense at all.

"I'm good-looking? What about the monkeys?"

"He's not just good-looking, he's handsome..."

As she spoke, Zhang Kangmei lowered her head shyly.

Damn, with this kind of aesthetic sense, she's insulting herself by saying she's beautiful.

"Aren't the monkeys in the zoo pretty handsome too?"

"Oh dear, what nonsense are you talking about? How can you compare them like that?"

"You really can't compare them like that. Monkeys are much more interesting to watch. Don't just sit here idly; go wash the vegetables they picked."

Bao Ya really didn't want to chat with someone whose mind wasn't clear, or order her around to do chores.

Zhu Wang and Cao Hui were picking the big ones from the vegetable garden, even picking the medium-sized ones, which made Bao Ya feel heartbroken.

"You two, stop looking. You're not grown up yet, so you can't eat us. Take a few buckets of water and water the ground."

Bao Ya then directed those two silly boys to work. With school closed, these kids were running around aimlessly all day.

The few who came to her house were relatively well-behaved; at least they didn't go out and cause trouble.

But she couldn't stand it. She kept coming to her own house every day. Although she brought her own food, she still had to give some of it to herself.

"Sis, sis, look what I've done!"

The monkey ran along carrying a bucket, calling out to her. Now he doesn't call her "sister-in-law" anymore; he and Simao call her "sister."

"What is it?"

Bao Ya walked over and glanced into the bucket. Hmm, pig intestines.

"Why are you doing this? It's so hot, and you still have to clean up this smelly stuff."

She's tired of pig intestines now; she's been eating them all winter.

"Tsk, you used to cook this every day, why are you complaining about it now?"

The monkey was not very satisfied with her attitude.

"Are you stupid? Do you think cooking in winter is the same as cooking in summer? In winter, the factory sells them for two cents a pair, but in summer they're given away for free. Why do you think that is? You're clueless. If you want to eat them, wash them yourself."

"Fine, I'll wash it myself. Who do you think you are?"

After saying that, the monkey went to the west room and took out a large wooden basin to wash the pig intestines. He was even more familiar with the process than Bao Ya.

While the two of them were bickering, the others listened silently. Bao Ya had a bad temper, and they didn't want to be kicked out before they even finished their meal.

"Brother Monkey, I've bought the steamed buns. Where should I put them?"

After the two of them finished arguing, Ding Xiaopang picked up twenty steamed buns and asked Monkey in a low voice that they had pooled their money to buy them in the cafeteria.

Everything else is fine, but Bao Ya really can't afford the staple food; her family only has enough for Jiang Yuan alone.

"Put it inside, and come back to help me wash the pig intestines."

Inside the courtyard, everything was bustling with activity. Outside, Widow Qin stood at the gate, leading a burly middle-aged woman.

"Director Hou, did you hear that? This little vixen is too tempting. Now she's even going after monkeys. She's corrupting such good children."

Widow Qin glanced sideways at the courtyard gate, embellishing her story about what was happening inside.

Ever since Bao Ya called her a "half-human," she's held a grudge and will definitely take the opportunity to kick her while she's down.

Director Hou looked grim. In the past few days, she had also heard some rumors in the family compound, saying that her son was always hanging out with Jiang Yuan's young wife, and the words were extremely nasty.

"Alright, I understand. You can go back now."

Director Hou is still unclear about what happened. He wants to go into the hospital to take a look, but he is afraid of seeing something he shouldn't, so he wants to send Widow Qin away.

With Director Hou already at her door, Widow Qin naturally refused to leave; she was still waiting to see what would happen to Bao Ya.

When Director Hou told her to go back, Widow Qin agreed verbally, but didn't move, her eyes still glancing through the crack in the door.

Director Hou didn't move either, but looked at her with unfriendly eyes. Having worked at the Women's Federation for so many years, how could she not see through Widow Qin's thoughts?

Sensing Director Hou's gaze, Widow Qin shrank back, forced an awkward smile, and walked home, glancing back every few steps.

After seeing her walk away, Director Hou turned around, took a deep breath, and pushed open the door to go inside.

Although Widow Qin walked back slowly, she kept an eye on the commotion. When she saw Director Hou go inside, she turned around and ran over.

As he ran, he winked and waved to acquaintances on the roadside.

Everyone lives in this area; they all know each other. Judging from her posture, you can tell there's going to be a good show. Soon, about ten people gathered behind Widow Qin.

Director Hou pushed the door open with considerable force, rushed into the courtyard, and was immediately dumbfounded by the scene before him.

What did she see?

These young masters and ladies, who never lift a finger at home, are all working diligently.

Especially her precious son, who was actually washing pig intestines.

"Mom, what brings you here?"

Seeing his mother like this, the monkey asked, somewhat puzzled. When he stood up, he was still holding up his two greasy hands.

"Aunt Hou."

"Aunt Hou."

……

Several children greeted her.

"Director Hou, you need to see me about something."

Bao Ya wiped her hands with her apron and came out of the house.

"See, I told you so, she's at her house. I always told you she's good at seducing people. I even saw two soldiers coming back with her the other day. We haven't seen her for a long time, I wonder what she's been up to..."