Chapter 3: The Neighbors

Chapter 3Ming Mei wears a radiant smile, her two twists of braids shaking delightfully, an appealing sight to behold.

She speaks in a crisp and clear manner, "Mom, let's take a walk together, and you can introduce me to everyone in our compound. Brother Zhiyuan must be busy with work and probably doesn't know as much as you. I need your guidance."

Zhao Guihua looks at Ming Mei in surprise but quickly agrees, "Alright."

There are many people in their quadrangle who are no easy trick, perhaps it was necessary to give the new daughter-in-law a heads up to avoid any difficulties. After all, it's not fifty years later where everyone tends to their own business without involving in other's affairs. Nowadays, things aren't so simple.

Neighborhood relationships are tight-knit, and their large compound has its fair share of gossip and frequent interpersonal dealings, it's only right to stay cautious.

She confidently says, "You did well by asking me, nobody understands this better."

Ming Mei nods repeatedly, "I knew you weren't ordinary."

Zhao Guihua raises the corner of her mouth, humbly waving her hand, "Indeed, perhaps I just understand a bit more, grasp a little deeper, and see a bit further."

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She's been reincarnated, lived over a hundred years and outlived these old folks. She knows every family's situation and future development like the back of her hand. If it's about seeing far, nobody could surpass her!

Ming Mei nods in agreement, "Mom, I will depend on your guidance. You are indeed amazing."

Zhao Guihua smiles, "Alright, you can count on me."

This dialogue between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dumbfounded the family. Liang Meifen never imagined that her newly entered sister-in-law was such a sycophant. Every word she spoke was blatantly flattering. It was genuinely infuriating.

She bit her lip, wanted to say something, yet was stumped by her sister-in-law's audacity.

Just as she was about to squeeze a compliment, her mother-in-law spoke.

Zhao Guihua said, "Old Man Zhuang, Zhiyuan, you guys come home early today, we will hold a family meeting tonight."

Old Man Zhuang nodded, "Understood."

He had briefly chatted with Zhao Guihua earlier, so he knew the main content of the meeting. Zhuang Zhiyuan, however, wasn't very clear about it, but he had a hunch. He nodded without objection, "Got it."

On the other hand, Liang Meifen's face paled, turning white as a sheet.

She wanted to say something but dared not to, even avoiding eye contact with her mother-in-law. All she could do was appeal to his husband. However, Zhuang Zhiyuan was too engrossed in getting to work, completely ignoring her. They were already running late this morning.

Zhuang Zhiyuan stood up upon finishing his meal, "I need to hurry."

Old Man Zhuang also agreed, even though his workplace was closer, he couldn't afford to delay either. Both father and son hurriedly made their way out.

Liang Meifen tried to keep her composure, aiming to appear natural, yet she couldn't shake the chill she felt, the bitterness gnawing at her heart. All she could hope for currently, was for her mother-in-law's upcoming family conference to settle on maintaining a united family.

She didn't want to divide the family, not in the slightest.

Perhaps, Zhao Guihua was intending to announce the decision of retaining the unity of the family. Her husband was the eldest son and they'd both be depending on him for their old age after all. Maybe they wouldn't divide, she reassured herself, and that gave Liang Meifen just enough fortitude to steady herself.

Zhao Guihua was closely observing Liang Meifen. Having been in a mother-daughter-in-law relationship with Meifen for nearly sixty years, could she not discern the type of person she was? Zhao Guihua let out a derisive chuckle, her tone dripping with mockery. Liang Meifen, who had just regained some color in her face, went pale once more.

Regardless of Liang's reaction, Zhao instructed, "Clean up the dinner table; I'll take Ming Mei for a little walk."

Promptly, Liang Meifen obliged, "Sure, I'll tidy up."

Although she wasn't sure what caused her mother-in-law to scoff, she was uncertain and could only hope Zhao Guihua noticed her helpfulness. But Zhao Guihua had already shifted her attention and commanded, "Let's go."

Ming Mei got up briskly, comfortable enough to link arms with Zhao Guihua, who glanced down at her hand and suppressed a smile. Ming Mei, considering herself an insider, said, "Mom, I’m your daughter-in-law, so I’m your own daughter too. I'm clueless about many things, and you have to teach me more."

Before Zhao Guihua could respond, another arm looped around her — it was her youngest son, Zhuang Zhixi.

Freshly married Zhuang Zhixi did not wish to leave his bride behind, but he found it improper to link arms with his wife in front of so many people. However, he saw no issue in doing so with his mother, and chimed, "I'll join you."

Appreciating the emotions of the newlyweds, being one herself in the past, Zhao Guihua agreed, "Alright, let's all go together..."

Liang Meifen's reaction to this was one of utter disbelief, concealed by a swift intake of breath.

She was frustrated with Ming Mei for her excessive intimacy and familiarity. What was she going to do if her mother-in-law got charmed away?

Besides, her own children were proving to be their usual troublesome selves. She muttered under her breath to her lively duo, "All you do is eat! Young as you are, you're matching an adult's appetite". She hoped what was left on the plates could satisfy her husband, but those two rascals, Hutou, and Xiao Yanzi, seemed to have no end to their hunger.

Unfazed by their mom's remarks, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi clung onto their rice bowls.

Hutou, with his boyish obstinance, declared, "Can finish it!"

The food was too good, he could absolutely finish it.

Echoing her brother, little Xiao Yanzi chirped in her babyish voice, "Can finish it!"

Feeling a growing sense of frustration, Liang Meifen took a deep breath. Seeing that her children were far from finishing their meals, she left them to their devices. Immediately she darted toward the entrance and started peeping through the doorway...

Leading the young couple outside, Zhao Guihua noticed that due to the chilling weather, the yard was empty, as most people were indoors. Besides, with the New Year approaching in less than a fortnight, the elderly housewives were out sourcing goods from food stores every day, emptying the courtyard for the time being.

They didn't leave early. The ones who had jobs, the ones doing the shopping, everyone had left, leaving only locked doors behind.

Zhao Guihua looked at her long-lost courtyard and felt familiarly entranced by every single plant.

Zhao Guihua: "Our large compound is a two-section courtyard. On our side is the front yard, home to four families. Madam Su's family, a widow, takes up the four rooms of the main house. The name Madam Su doesn't really come from her own surname, but her deceased husband's. Her husband passed when all three children were still small, so she stepped up to raise them herself. She's typically soft-spoken, kind and delicate, ready with a smile for anyone she meets, always thoughtful and considerate. But if you trust her, be prepared to pay a price."

Ming Mei immediately nodded seriously, summarizing, "A wolf in sheep's clothing."

Zhao Guihua chuckled softly, appreciating the accuracy of her daughter-in-law's summary.

A twitch played at the corner of Zhuang Zhixi's mouth, "…"

He really had no idea his mother had such an opinion of Madam Su.

Zhao Guihua continued: "Madam Su has two daughters and a son. The daughters have been married off for centuries, but you'll still see them. They come back every now and then with gifts, as if to empty their marital homes in support of their mother's house. Her son married ten years ago, but died on duty a few years back, leaving behind a daughter-in-law and three grandsons. Because both men died while working at the factory, that's why they could get the four rooms of the main house. Her daughter-in-law, Wang Xiangxiu, is a young widow. Wang Xiangxiu was quite fruitful, giving birth to three boys, nine-year-old Su Jinlai, seven-year-old Su Yinlai, and five-year-old Tonglai. After her husband's passing, she took over his job at the Progress Machinery Factory. She certainly doesn't share her mother-in-law's cunning, but she isn't a piece of cake either. She looks like a tough Beijing girl, but she is just as crafty as her mother-in-law. The elderly men in the compound are somewhat attracted to her."

Ming Mei: "Ah, wow, not to be trifled with."

Zhao Guihua nodded, "Indeed, not to be trifled with."

Zhuang Zhixi's mouth twitched again, "..."

Their home was next to Madam Su's, with four rooms including an odd, crooked room. Although called four rooms, it was actually three and a half. One being a crooked small side room. It wasn't exactly four rooms but there's no phrase for half a room.

So, it's still considered four rooms, but it can't compare to the four rooms of the main house.

Directly opposite their home, lived two families, occupying four proper rooms. And to the left-hand side lived a family of three.

Zhao Guihua: "This is the richest family in our compound, the Zhou's. They are three, and the matriarch is Madam Zhou Li. She is also a widow, notoriously miserly. She has money but is forever grasping for more, known for her mean-spirited venomous nature, hating others if they have, laughing at them if they have not. Her son, Zhou Qun, is thirty-one this year and still childless. Uncertain whether it is an issue with him or his wife. Zhou Qun is no ordinary man; he's a seven-grade electrician at the factory with a monthly salary of ninety-two. His wife, Jiang Lu, works for the factory’s women's committee and earns thirty-seven a month. However, as she has not been able to provide the Zhou’s with a grandchild in her thirties, Madam Zhou Li scarcely tolerates her. Madam Zhou Li spends her days at home berating her daughter-in-law, but that’s not your business to meddle.”

Ming Mei made a zipping up gesture.

Zhao Guihua nodded approvingly. She must admit, the young bride is much smarter this time.

Laughing at her reminiscence, Zhao Guihua added that her memory of this time is still vivid.

Indeed, a decade or two later, few would disclose their income, but back then, everyone knew exactly who held what position and grade. Wages were crystal clear. Based on the type of job and rank, the salary was a given. Though she can't remember much about others, she remembers the richest family in their compound quite well.

She murmured softly, "My memory is still sharp."

Adding, "Never meddle in their family disputes. It's not worth it; Jiang Lu won't appreciate it, but will only blame you."

Ming Mei nodded more solemnly.

Zhuang Zhixi: "..................”

Didn't his mom also stand up for Jiang Lu once?

Zhao Guihua: "This next two rooms house a father and son, both bachelors. They are the Bais. Old Man Bai works at the factory, tending the boilers; he's a grizzled old bachelor. His son, Bai Fendou, also thirty-one this year, hasn't found a wife yet. They both show interest in widows. The father has his eyes on the old widow Madam Su while the son is taken by her daughter-in-law, the young widow Wang Xiangxiu. Bai Fendou works in the factory’s security department. Both earn a decent income, but they don’t have substantial savings….”

Ming Mei caught on immediately, "Spent on others,” casting a glance towards Madam Su’s house.

Zhao Guihua nodded with satisfaction. The young bride indeed understood quickly.

Zhuang Zhixi: "............................”

Fortunately, it was cold outside, so no one was in the courtyard. Thus they could stop by each house to make commentary. If they were inside, it would seem less ceremonial.

Zhao Guihua said: "The few households we often see around are in our front courtyard. Come, I'll take you around the back courtyard. There are five families living there. In the main room lives the family of Chef Li, which consists of Li Dashan, his wife Madam Li Wang, and their only daughter Li Fang. Their son-in-law, also Li Dashan's apprentice, is named Yang Lixin. Li Fang has two sons, Li Junjun and Li Weiwei, who despite their father-in-law being Yang, still carry the Li name. Even though Li Dashan's salary might not be considered high, as a chef, he knows how to make do. The family tends to get along well, Li Wang who is also referred to as Madam Wang, is in charge of our living compound. She collects water fees and sanitation fees monthly, and distributes notifications from the community. Any issues arising from the compound are also discussed and voted upon under her organization, and she's the matchmaker around our area, a lady with skills."

Ming Mei summarized: "A person who takes care of things."

Zhao Guihua smiled and nodded, and then began to introduce the other four families one by one. She made sure her daughter-in-law knew what the situation was like with each household as they needed to interact living within the same compound.

Ming Mei listened very seriously, almost as if she wished to jot down notes.

At this point, Zhuang Zhixi couldn’t help but sigh softly, “My mother, I never thought, you know so much.”

Zhao Guihua gave him a hum, raising her eyebrows, she said: “What don’t I know? Trying to hide from my discerning eyes, not possible!”

Zhuang Zhixi questioned in a defeated tone: “But why didn’t you inform us then?”

Zhao Guihua glared, retorting: "You never asked! Besides, we all live in the same place, can't you make observations yourself? If you've lived here for years and still don't know about all the families here, aren't you an idiot?"

Zhuang Zhixi: "......"

Ming Mei grinned at the retort delivered, clapping her hands in applause.

"Mum, you have to admit that not everyone is as perceptive as you. Look, not everyone has sharp and discerning 'golden eyes', many of us, are simply inadequate."

Zhuang Zhixi: "......"

His wife, she indeed was quite something.

Zhao Guihua didn't flaunt about the compliments, but the smile on her lips didn't hide her pleasure over the kind words. She said: "Come, let me show you around the lanes here. The courtyards here,they are generally occupied by mechanical factory workers. Outsiders can't live here; only the factory workers assigned here can..."

Ming Mei: "So, we are both neighbours and workmates."

Zhao Guihua nodded, remarked: "Nevertheless, we don't interact much with other courtyards, just familiarise yourself with our own compound."

Ming Mei replies complacently: "I understand."

The trio had just left their courtyard, they hadn't taken many steps when a clear bicycle bell rang out. An incoming bicycle called out abruptly: "Move, make way, make way..."