Chapter Eighty-Nine: Lin Sangqian's Arrangement

After selling out the fried chicken for the day, Lin Sangqian closed the shop, bought two pounds of pork, picked up two fish, wrapped some fried chicken and chips in oil paper, and headed back to Shuangji Village with Lin Wenyen.

They ran into several villagers along the way, all greeting them warmly.

“Hey, Lin family’s boy, Sangqian girl, you’re back?”

“Yes, I’m going to visit Aunt Wu,” Lin Sangqian replied with a smile.

After a few casual exchanges, Lin Sangqian and Lin Wenyen continued onward. The villagers watched Lin Wenyen carrying pork and fish, and one couldn’t help but remark, “The third branch of the Lin family used to barely afford a meal, but now they can eat pork and fish?”

“Yeah, I don’t know what happened. How did their lives suddenly turn around? They even moved to town!”

“Could it be something supernatural?”

“Don’t talk nonsense! Nothing that outrageous could happen!”

“Hey, do you think these siblings brought pork and fish back for someone? Their grandmother?”

“No way! That old woman never treated them well. If they gave her pork and fish, it’d be wasted.”

“True enough. Let’s go, it’s none of our business.”

Lin Sangqian and Lin Wenyen went straight to Aunt Wu’s house.

Wu Kuan was out in the yard chopping wood. Seeing them, his surprise nearly made him drop the axe.

“Sangqian, Wenyen! What brings you here? When did you come back to the village?”

“We just came to see you,” Lin Sangqian smiled. “Is Aunt Wu at home?”

“She is!” Wu Kuan grinned broadly, clearly pleased, then called into the house, “Mother! Look who’s here!”

“What’s going on? Who’s here?”

Aunt Wu was wiping down the cupboard. Hearing Wu Kuan, she paused to wipe her hands and came out.

“Oh my! Sangqian, Wenyen!” Aunt Wu’s face lit up with joy as she hurried over and took Lin Sangqian’s hand.

“Aunt Wu, how have you been lately?” Lin Sangqian asked with genuine concern.

“Very well, indeed! Oh, you shouldn’t have brought anything. Is that... pork? And fish?” Aunt Wu was astonished, unable to hide her delight, though a bit embarrassed to accept such gifts, as they were rare treats.

“Come, sit inside!”

Aunt Wu pulled Lin Sangqian into the house, while Lin Wenyen and Wu Kuan, who hadn’t seen each other for a while, stayed in the yard to chat.

“Sangqian, you’ve been living in town for over a month now, haven’t you? How’s it going?” Aunt Wu asked.

“It’s good. I even opened a shop. If you have time, come visit the town—I’ll treat you to a meal.”

“To be honest, I was planning to visit you soon, and now you’re back! Why not stay for dinner tonight?”

“No, Aunt Wu. We have to head back before it gets dark.”

“No problem! Wu Kuan can escort you home later.”

Lin Sangqian blinked, then said, “Aunt Wu, actually, besides visiting you, I came to ask a favor. The pork and fish are my thanks.”

Truthfully, even without a favor to ask, she would have brought gifts. But she knew Aunt Wu wanted them, though she’d feel awkward accepting. This way, Aunt Wu could accept with ease.

As expected, Aunt Wu replied, “What is it? Just tell me!”

“It’s like this—I recently bought a plot of land in town.”

“Oh?” Aunt Wu was surprised. “Is there any good land in town? If you wanted to buy, wouldn’t the village be better?”

“That’s not important.” Lin Sangqian smiled. “What I want is for you to casually mention this, as if by accident, in front of my aunt and the others.”

Aunt Wu took a moment to grasp her meaning.

“Why? You know they’ve been jealous ever since you moved to town, plotting to cause trouble. If they learn you bought land, won’t they try to snatch it?”

“I know. That’s exactly why I want them to know.” Lin Sangqian smiled mysteriously.

Aunt Wu was thoroughly confused. “What’s this all about?”

“Aunt Wu, don’t worry. I have my own plan.”

“All right, then.” Aunt Wu nodded. “You’ve grown up and become so decisive. Thinking back on how you used to be, it really makes my heart ache.”

Thinking of the original Sangqian, Lin Sangqian’s gaze dimmed for a moment.

She gave Aunt Wu the address of the plot.

“If they ask where it is, just tell them.”

“Okay, I’ll do as you say.”

Lin Sangqian lingered a while longer at Aunt Wu’s house, gently refusing the invitation to stay for dinner, then called Lin Wenyen to leave.

They said goodbye to Wu Kuan and left the Wu family.

Wu Kuan stood in the yard, watching their retreating backs.

“You silly boy, what are you staring at? Come help me—tonight we’re having a feast! When your father comes home, he’ll be thrilled.”

Wu Kuan came to himself, hiding the disappointment in his eyes. “Got it, Mother.”

Lin Sangqian then delivered chips and chicken legs to Uncle Qin’s family, chatted with Qin Qiudie for a while, and finally left the village with Lin Wenyen, heading back to town.

...

In Lai Ruyu’s home, she and her husband sat eating with Lin Shuimei.

Lin Shuimei held her rice bowl listlessly, staring at the bland food on the plate, her appetite fading even more.

Her brother feasted in town every day, while they suffered at home—how unfair!

“Who are you making that face for?” Lai Ruyu snapped, her voice sharp with anger. “If you don’t want to eat, then leave! Useless thing, just seeing you irritates me.”

Lin Shuimei’s face turned pale, but she didn’t dare retort.

“What’s with you today? Why are you so angry?” Lin Shengrong asked, puzzled, popping a peanut in his mouth.

“Hmph, how could I not be angry?” Lai Ruyu slammed her chopsticks down. “That wretched Sangqian came back to the village today, did you know?”

At the mention of Sangqian’s name, Lin Shuimei shuddered.

“When was this?” Lin Shengrong was clearly clueless.

“This afternoon! I heard all about it—she brought pork and fish, guess where she went?”

“Pork and fish? Where did she go?” Lin Shengrong asked quickly. “Did she visit Mother? Gave it to the second branch?”

“Nonsense! If she had, I’d let it go, but she went to the Wu family! All those good things, given to outsiders!” Lai Ruyu fumed. “We’re her real relatives, but now that she’s doing well, she doesn’t think of us, instead benefits strangers!”

Lin Shengrong felt a surge of anger as he listened, gulping down a big mouthful of liquor.

“Dear, we need to think of something. The third branch lives in town now, surely life is comfortable. Shouldn’t we try to get some share of their good fortune?”