Daily Life in the 70s-Chapter 189 Coincidence

Chapter 189: Coincidence

Dahua, always quick-tempered and straightforward, understood that Yang PeiMin had asked people to make another trip mostly for her and the Red Army wife, both with children in tow. Thereupon, she coldly said to Kong Ya, "Fine, since Sister-in-law doesn’t want to pay, you can just walk back by yourself."

Kong Ya hadn’t expected Dahua to confront her. Usually, everyone got along well; all were straightforward people. And Yang PeiMin, being new and only having been around for a few days, how could her superficial goodwill compare to the years of friendship Kong Ya shared with her? Was it because Yang PeiMin’s husband held a high position? Kong Ya immediately felt dissatisfied. "What’s wrong? The family already said no need to give anything. Who is she showing off and blaming by acting generous? They are simple and honest people. If you suddenly give them money, what’s that supposed to mean? If Sister-in-law Shen feels she has too much money and nowhere to spend it, then just keep your own share. I would rather buy some candy with that spare money."

Initially, Yang PeiMin just wanted to pay herself. For people like Kong Ya who loved to take advantage of small gains, she was speechless. Seeing Dahua about to argue further, she quickly interjected, "It’s okay, whether the money is too little or too much, it’s just about peace of mind. Everyone’s home situation is the same; we all have elders and children to care for, it’s tough and everyone understands. Just thinking about how they came by car specially, they might have delayed their work time, perhaps bearing complaints from their family, all for this kindheartedness. Shouldn’t we appreciate that as well? Okay, let’s not give money, not treat it as a trade. But can we regard them as fellow villagers or our own relatives? We just brought back some groceries, since we’ve got stuff at hand, can’t we treat them as our guests? Maybe offer them some food? Give them a handful of cornmeal, a few sweet potatoes. When we have visitors at home, isn’t it customary to send them back with something?"

"Sister-in-law, you’re absolutely right!" Dahua looked at Yang PeiMin with genuine admiration and a new respect. Indeed, she was eloquent and sincere.

The Red Army Wife kept agreeing, "Sister-in-law is right; this is our gesture of goodwill. We shouldn’t let the kind helper suffer complaints from his family for making this trip in vain. I don’t care how much you all give; I happened to buy some eggs today, and I plan to give him two." fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm

Kong Ya’s face reddened slightly; after a moment of silence and feeling somewhat uncomfortable, she said, "I’ll give two sweet potatoes."

Dahua quickly added her contribution, "I’ll give three eggs."

Seeing that everyone was looking at her, Yang PeiMin smiled, "These food items have already been portioned out, so I won’t add to those. Instead, I plan to give him 50 cents."

"Alright, let’s put everything in a net bag and just give it to him like that."

"Good, that looks better."

As they chatted, they walked back along the road.

However, Yang PeiMin’s goods were quite heavy, totaling fifty to sixty pounds. Following Dahua’s suggestion, they divided it into two hemp bags and carried it on a shoulder pole. She managed to persevere for about ten meters at first, but gradually, she couldn’t continue; her strength was waning. She weighed around 90 pounds herself, and all this was more than half her body weight; she was out of strength.

Seeing her struggling and lagging behind, everyone stopped. "Sister-in-law, is it too heavy?"

Kong Ya couldn’t help but chuckle; she even turned around and continued to laugh as everyone looked her way.

Yang PeiMin’s face reddened, "It is a bit tiring."

Dahua then said, "Sister-in-law, why don’t you put some things over here with me, I’ll carry some for you." She was carrying two baskets with her, one with her young daughter and the other with recently purchased groceries and household items, already a heavy load.

The Red Army Wife did the same; generally, everyone saved up for a while and then took a trip to town, always planning to stock up on a month’s worth of groceries on the return trip.

Yang PeiMin shook her head, denying, "No need, sister. I can walk more slowly." Saying this, she gritted her teeth and walked a few more steps, regretting buying so much and feeling like she wanted to cry.

Dahua and the Red Army Wife saw her stubborn persistence and had no choice but to slow down and wait for her.

Kong Ya, however, lacked such patience, particularly for someone she disliked, sarcastically mocking Yang PeiMin before walking ahead.

Yang PeiMin really wanted to stop and wait for a bull cart, but if she did, everyone would stop with her. Even if not very close, coming from a military family and leaving her behind on the return trip just wouldn’t be right.

But Yang Peimin knew they wanted to take a walk. First, it would spare them the boredom of just waiting. Second, although Li Dashu had agreed to inquire about transportation, it wasn’t certain he would come, so they needed to prepare. Moreover, by walking part of the way themselves, they could save a lot of time when the ox cart arrived since it was much slower than the tractor they had on the way over. Going back to the compound would take at least an hour, and considering it was the ox cart’s first trip, it would take two hours.

The time saved could be used for many things, at least preventing the meat in the sack from going bad.

While Yang Peimin was battling her thoughts, a savior arrived.

Xiao Xu, driving a jeep, came from behind.

"Sisters, are you going to the market?"

"Ah, Xiao Xu, it’s so great to run into you."

"You’re heading back, right? Perfect, you can give us a lift."

"Indeed. You don’t know how close we were to walking back. Look at Sister-in-law Shen, she’s about to give out," said Kong Ya, pointing at Yang Peimin with a laugh.

Xiao Xu hurried over to Yang Peimin and took her bundle, saying, "Let me carry that for you, sister-in-law."

Yang Peimin didn’t stand on ceremony and handed it to him to put in the trunk of the car.

As everyone got into the vehicle, they started asking him questions.

"I just took two officers to the city, and I’m heading back," Xiao Xu explained, glancing at Yang Peimin.

"That’s our luck then, bumping into you. Oh, and keep an eye out for the ox cart on the road, Xiao Xu. Please stop the car if you see it."

Xiao Xu asked what the matter was.

Kong Ya rushed to explain, her tone somewhat accusatory towards Yang Peimin.

Xiao Xu laughed a bit, seemingly unaware of the implication in Kong Ya’s words. "Sister-in-law Shen is kind-hearted."

Kong Ya choked up and stopped talking.

Almost at the military region, they ran into Li Dashu and his group, who hadn’t reached home yet. Yang Peimin specially got out to tell Li Dashu he didn’t need to come anymore.

When Mrs. Cui saw them in the jeep, she immediately grew envious. Her two grandsons wanted a ride just like her; they were on the same wavelength.

Looking at Yang Peimin, Mrs. Cui said, "Sister-in-law Shen, look at my grandson. I’m an old woman with not many days left, and I might never ride in such a car again."

Yang Peimin gestured with her hand, "Auntie, we’ll talk more when we get back; the driver is about to leave." She then got back into the jeep.

Kong Ya, seated in the back near the window, spat outside and shouted loudly, "There really are shameless people!"

Mrs. Cui’s face burned with shame, and she was about to retort when Xiao Xu drove off, leaving a trail of dust. With her mouth open, Mrs. Cui ended up with a mouthful of dust.