Chapter 7: Wu Xiuxiu, who understands the big picture

In the fenced courtyard, there are two small houses, each surrounded by walls made of rammed earth, with roofs constructed of wood and thatch, forming thatched cottages

Guo Ye was also in a state of confusion; how could Wu Xiuxiu not know what he was thinking? However, seeing the demeanor of his father and mother, it would indeed be unreasonable not to share a room with Wu Xiuxiu tonight. How would he manage to get through this long night?

Perhaps due to the fatigue from the bumps along the road, Wu Xiuxiu, who was sitting upright and attentively conversing with Elder Guo, suddenly covered her mouth and yawned

The aroma of the dishes in the room overwhelmed the fragrance of the rice that had just wafted from the stove, gurgling... Guo Ye inhaled the refreshing scent, feeling truly hungry

However, he does not blame her; after all, the two of them are merely in a sham marriage without any feelings. It is entirely reasonable for Wu Xiuxiu to be wary of him.

Guo Ye, Guo Laohan, and Wu Xiuxiu were chatting casually in the room, while Guo Xiaoman accompanied her mother, Guo Liushi, outside to the stove to start preparing dinner

Guo Ye awkwardly smiled; the events of the wedding night, including the unintentional mishap in the carriage today, have left Wu Xiuxiu with the impression of a lecherous man.

Guo Ye, at a loss for words, could only say to Wu Xiuxiu: "Thank you for today; I owe you a favor."

As soon as these words were spoken, not only did Wu Xiuxiu's face show panic and her body break out in a chill, but even Guo Ye nearly lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Guo Ye's younger sister, Guo Xiaoman, nimbly ran up to Wu Xiuxiu, showing no fear of strangers, and exclaimed to Wu Xiuxiu: "Sister-in-law, my father is not lying; he has already discussed the matter of building a new house with the village carpenter. Next year, when you and my brother return home, you will definitely be able to live in the new house."

He knew that his daughter-in-law might be tired, so he directly said: "It's getting late, you two can sleep in Xiaoman's room tonight, while that girl Xiaoman will sleep with me and her mother"

Originally, I wanted to feign the excitement that comes from a long-awaited reunion and the joy of encountering books again

Wu Xiuxiu had no time to think carefully, instructing Chunxiang not to forget to move the gifts brought from the Wu family into the thatched cottage, and then she embraced Guo Xiaoman's frail little shoulders as they entered the cottage

Successful individuals do not wait for opportunities; rather, they excel at seizing them

After the old man went out, only Guo Ye and Wu Xiuxiu remained in the room

Observing the various plates of different colors and sizes, Guo Ye secretly speculated that Guo Lao Han had just gone out to borrow some serving dishes from the neighboring households.

Wu Xiuxiu glanced at the table full of dishes, revealing a satisfied smile, and softly praised, "This is already quite a lot; the cooking skills of my parents-in-law are truly excellent"

What?

Thus, addressing my parents and younger sister, I said: "Father, Mother, you may call me whatever Xiuxiu wishes. Although I have married into the Wu family, my father-in-law has always regarded me as half a son and has never treated me with any favoritism or neglect."

Guo Liushi followed behind Guo Laohan in a very straightforward manner, echoing that it was not permissible

For a moment, there was silence in the room, and the atmosphere became even more strange and awkward

Upon entering the room, the entire space contained only a dining table and a large bed, with just a few sparse round stools.

Little Guo Xiaoman gently shook her head and dodged, saying in a crisp voice: "Sister-in-law, please do not touch me, my clothes are dirty, do not soil your hands."

Guo Ye, who suffered the loss of his parents in a previous life, did not showcase the exceptional talents he had displayed in school after entering the workplace. Instead, he developed a complacent attitude, resulting in a lackluster existence at the grassroots level of the organization.

Guo Ye was startled awake and entered the room

Old Guo Han stepped forward and gave a gentle push to the dazed Guo Ye, reminding him

The father, dressed in coarse linen, stooped with a body full of laughter, his face marked with deep wrinkles, as if carved by knife and axe; the mother, wearing a patched front-opening jacket, looked helplessly at the young lady of the Wu family, her heart filled with longing and affection as she glanced at Guo Ye.

Then, he hurriedly helped Guo Liushi to tidy up and wash the dishes.

Upon seeing the two thatched cottages, not only was Guo Ye astonished, but even Wu Xiuxiu and the maid Chunxiang were utterly surprised, as they had not expected the Guo family to be in such dire straits.

At first, Wu Xiuxiu and Guo Ye were both sitting on the edge of the bed. After a while, Wu Xiuxiu stood up somewhat uncomfortably and walked over to the dining table, where she found a round stool to sit down.

Could it be that Guo Ye is returning a favor for the actions he just took, offering a peach in return for a plum?

This may be the only real estate that the Guo family can present.

Guo Ye's thoughts instantly flew back to his previous life. Back then, he also came from a rural background. His parents worked tirelessly to support his education. It was only after graduating from university and finding a job that he thought he could earn money to support his family and repay his parents' kindness. However, his parents passed away one after another due to old age and frailty.

Wu Xiuxiu was completely taken aback by Old Guo Han's words, thinking to herself, how can this be possible

Then he pointed with his finger at the large and small packages of gifts on the dining table, which included fruits, pastries, smoked duck, cured meat, and silk fabrics

In this day and age, which family in the countryside would prepare so many bowls, dishes, and plates

Guo Ye looked at his parents and younger sister, listening to the scenes from earlier, his heart filled with an indescribable sorrow akin to the cawing of a crow, constantly reminding himself that he must strive to succeed and stand out

Upon hearing the term "son-in-law," Guo Ye let out a self-deprecating smile and then said, "You know I am not referring to that."

Guo Ye finally witnessed what it means to be destitute, what it means to have nothing but bare walls.

After the return banquet finally concluded, Guo Liushi stood up to clear the dishes and empty plates. Wu Xiuxiu intended to get up and help with the cleanup, but the considerate Guo Xiaoman pressed her down, saying that her sister-in-law was a distinguished guest and that such menial tasks could be handled by Xiaoman.

Dinner is ready, dinner is ready, brothers and sisters-in-law, tonight's dinner is truly sumptuous. Since I was born, I have never seen our family prepare so many dishes.

The upcoming meal will be truly delightful, with one person helping to serve the dishes and another assisting with the rice. At a glance, it resembles a classic scene of a benevolent father, a filial son, and a virtuous daughter-in-law.

Guo Ye could not help but feel a deep sense of despair upon witnessing the grim scene of his parents and younger sister in this world. He clenched his fists tightly, silently swearing an oath that, for their sake and for the sake of his sister, he could no longer continue living a life of mere existence, waiting for death.

After all, they are the in-laws, the son and daughter-in-law, and the younger sister-in-law; they are all part of the same family

Old Guo continued to rub his hands vigorously, shaking his head repeatedly as he pondered how it could be done, or rather, how it could not be done

Just as Guo Yegang was about to speak, a burst of jubilant shouts from Guo Xiaoman suddenly interrupted, finally relieving Wu Xiuxiu from her predicament

There are chickens and ducks, fish and meat, as well as some game from the mountains, all served in more than ten full plates on the table

Then she said to Old Guo and Guo Liushi: "Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, please do not call me 'Miss' anymore. I am the daughter-in-law of the Guo family, so you can just call me Xiuxiu, as my father also calls me that."

Child, why are you standing there in a daze? Hurry and lead Miss Guo into the house

Wu Xiuxiu gently stroked Guo Xiaoman's head while casting a glance at Guo Ye, who had just entered the room. How could she not know how her father regarded Guo Ye? In the eyes of Wu's father and daughter, Guo Ye was at most just a facade; they never truly considered him as a son.

After a while, the inquisitive Guo Lohan, who was asking Wu Xiuxiu various questions inside the house, was mysteriously called outside by Guo Xiaoman and Guo Liushi. Guo Ye was unaware of what his father had gone out to do.

Old Guo Han, seeing the astonished expressions of Wu Xiuxiu and others, awkwardly rubbed his hands and chuckled, saying: "Well, Miss Wu, please do not take offense. The betrothal gifts from the Wu family were quite generous, and we were thinking of renovating the house next year. This time, we truly have put Miss Wu in a difficult position."

This is the first opportunity for Guo Ye to be alone with Wu Xiuxiu since that night in the Wu family’s bridal chamber.

Wu Xiuxiu felt a pang in her heart upon hearing this. Ignoring Guo Xiaoman's attempts to evade her, she directly pulled her closer and gently touched her hair, which was full of grass ash and wood shavings, softly saying: "It's not dirty, Xiaoman is clean. Let's go back inside and see what gifts Sister-in-law has brought for you."

Father, Mother, and younger sister, please give me some time. I, Guo Ye, am determined to ensure that you live a prosperous and comfortable life

After speaking, she lifted the curtain at the entrance, and Guo Xiaoman assisted Guo Liushi and Guo Laohan as they continuously brought in plate after plate of dishes.

On the side, Guo Xiaoman was jumping up and down, exclaiming: "What about me? I have helped too."

Although Old Han, referred to as "Old Han," may seem simple-minded, he is, in fact, quite perceptive and astute.

In the small fenced yard, there is a frail little girl wearing a garment covered in stains, holding an axe, gazing at the pile of firewood scattered across the yard, which she must have chopped today

The tree wishes to be still, but the wind does not cease; the child wishes to care for their parents, but the parents do not wait

Guo Xiaoman, upon hearing Wu Xiuxiu's praise, displayed a joyful expression and, holding a bowl in one hand, swiftly darted out of the house with a nimble movement.

Fearing that the person across, Guo Ye, might notice, I kept my head down.

Perhaps it was the compassion of the King of Hell for Guo Ye's filial piety that allowed his soul to attach to a new body, granting him another opportunity to be a son

In an instant, the aroma of the rice wafted into the room, making Guo Ye's fingers itch with desire; this fragrance of rice was unmatched even by the lavish fish and meat of the Wu family

Despite how much Chunxiang makes a fuss in the Wu household and how she gains Wu Xiuxiu's trust, her identity remains that of a maid

Wu Xiuxiu certainly understood that Guo Ye was referring to her attitude towards the Guo family this time. However, she did not take it to heart and casually replied, "Your parents are quite nice. I don't need you to thank me for being good to them. Besides, regarding the matter with Liu Amang last time, if it weren't for you stepping in to drive him away, it might have taken quite a bit of effort to resolve."

Then he instructed Guo Ye, saying: "Young man, there is hot water boiling on the stove. Turn around and bring a basin to your wife so she can soak her feet. It gets chilly in the deep mountains and old villages at midnight, soaking her feet will be comfortable and help her sleep well"

In an instant, the atmosphere in the room became somewhat awkward

Seeing the young couple so surprised, Old Guo, feeling puzzled, quickly explained: "I know that the young ladies from wealthy families are particular about cleanliness, so there is no need to worry. The quilts and bedding in Xiaoman's room are all newly purchased by me, just recently bought. Hurry and go now"

Therefore, tonight, the impoverished Wu family is hosting the return visit of Guo Ye and Wu Xiuxiu, but she is not qualified to come in and dine

Wu Xiuxiu brought two bowls, one for vegetables and one for rice, and then handed them to Guo Xiaoman, instructing: "Sister-in-law knows that Xiaoman is capable, so please take these two bowls of food to Sister Chunxiang outside and let her have a good meal"

Wu Xiuxiu listened to Guo Xiaoman's words and not only grew fond of this clever girl but also reached out to pat her head

After speaking, he held onto Old Guo Han with his left hand and grasped Guo Liushi's arm with his right hand, and walked straight towards the thatched cottage

He knows that Wu Xiuxiu's various performances today have already given him enough face, and although the other party may not be sincere, mostly acting out of perfunctory reasons, he feels an inexplicable gratitude in his heart

Everything visible brought tears to Guo Ye's eyes, and his nose involuntarily felt a pang of bitterness

Guo Ye desperately suppressed the sour and bitter tears that threatened to spill over, silently shouting in his heart, is this really my parents, my little sister

Wu Xiuxiu slightly parted her pink lips, a hint of surprise crossing her face, but her expression quickly returned to neutrality as she shook her head and said, "You are welcome. In name, you are the son-in-law invited by the Wu family, so it is only natural for me to accompany you home to visit your family."

When Liu Amang is mentioned, Wu Xiuxiu might recall her deceit in persuading Guo Ye to marry into the Wu family, and she feels quite unprincipled, unable to help but lower her face, a slight blush rising.

Old Guo shot a glance at his son, then called out to Wu Xiuxiu, saying: "Miss, oh no, Xiuxiu, it's time to eat, though there isn't much food, I hope the hospitality is not lacking"