Chapter 113: The Give and Take of Human Relationships

Old Lady Lu nodded. “That’s true. She’s someone who knows how to live a good life. I really like this daughter-in-law of mine.”

Lu Chuan said, “The eldest is no good, so don’t get upset about it.”

Old Lady Lu thought to herself, If you brothers weren’t like this, I wouldn’t be upset. All the trouble the eldest causes is just petty stuff. It’s this second son—he never makes a fuss about small things.

Back then, I knew this marriage wasn’t quite right. Who could say there wouldn’t be friction between the brothers, or that the second would be wronged, or that the marriage wouldn’t go smoothly?

But I never expected that Fang Yuan would get along so well with the second, so well that the second actually cares about these things.

I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not, but at least the second cares about Fang Yuan now. If things go well, their marriage will be just fine.

Meanwhile, the father and son were cleaning the pig’s head, the atmosphere growing warmer. Outside in the yard, the children were making a racket.

Lu Xiaosan was delighted. “Our family’s never been this lively before. We even get to eat pig’s head for the holidays!”

Old Man Lu said, “That’s thanks to your second sister-in-law’s father, who left it for us.”

Then he added, “It’s the holidays. I was thinking the whole family could have a meal together, but how am I supposed to bring this up with your second sister-in-law?”

Lu Xiaosan replied, “What’s there to bring up? Even without what the eldest did, just look at the relationship between my second sister-in-law and my two brothers. Do you really think the second doesn’t mind at all?”

That’s why, as Lu Chuan says, the third is the sharpest, and the eldest is just no good.

Old Man Lu was just as blunt as his wife. “What’s the problem? What would your second brother mind?”

Lu Xiaosan looked at his father, at a loss for words. If he said too much, it’d seem like he was stirring up trouble. “Anyway, just leave it alone. Don’t get involved. If the three of us brothers can stick together, that’s good enough. Don’t expect anything more.”

Lu Xiaosan helped his second brother and sister-in-law handle things. “It’s not just my second brother—even I can’t stand what the eldest does. If he acted like a real brother at all, he wouldn’t have ignored us when we were building the house, let alone make snide remarks.”

Lu Xiaosan continued, “If he had even a bit of conscience, he wouldn’t just stand by while that shameless woman used her pregnancy to manipulate my mom. We’re all sons—how can he just watch? If my wife ever acted like that and I just let her, you should slap me.”

He made his case cleverly, and Old Man Lu thought, Just how much has my wife suffered, for the youngest to be so worked up? In any case, his heart was set—he wasn’t going to invite the eldest and his wife over for dinner.

Let the eldest reflect on his actions. Seeing his father’s expression, Lu Xiaosan knew his work was done and withdrew.

He thought, If I weren’t here to mediate, my second sister-in-law wouldn’t give Dad any face. The eldest and his wife would never get into my second brother’s house.

Old Lady Lu came back and discussed things with Fang Yuan. “Fang Yuan, let me tell you something. When we built the house, the neighbors all helped us out.”

Fang Yuan said, “Mom, I’m not home much, so you handle the social obligations. I don’t mind giving these things away. You arrange it as you see fit.”

Old Lady Lu happily divided up a big pig’s head and four pig’s feet, and had Lu Xiaosan and Lu Chuan deliver them to the families who had helped them out—a dish for the holiday.

That’s how favors work these days. Every family has to build a house at some point, and everyone gets through it like this.

Lu Xiaosan, ever the troublemaker, muttered to Old Man Lu, “If the eldest saw this, he’d definitely say that as the oldest, he should be the one handling these social calls.”

Old Man Lu saw through his youngest’s mischief. “You just can’t keep your mouth shut, can you? Don’t think I don’t know you’re up to no good.”

Lu Xiaosan ran off, and Old Man Lu thought, Why should the eldest handle the second’s social obligations? Everyone knows the pig’s head and offal were a gift from Fang Yuan’s father—it’s the second’s favor to return.

Old Lady Lu wanted everyone to know that when the second built his house, everyone helped, and the second and his wife are grateful and remember it.

Don’t underestimate these rural exchanges—they’re a real art.

When the family sat down to eat, Lu Xiaosan was the happiest. “Second brother, second sister-in-law, you’re not home much. If anything comes up at home, just tell me what to do. I’ve benefited so much—I’d feel guilty if I didn’t help out.”

Fang Yuan replied cheerfully, “With Mom at home and you looking after things, we feel at ease. There’s nothing to feel guilty about. Just don’t let Mom get bullied by them.”

Lu Xiaosan hadn’t expected his second sister-in-law to rely on him so much. “Don’t worry, second sister-in-law. I can handle it.”

Old Lady Lu said, “I don’t need you to do anything. Just don’t act clever. I’m not upset—I’m willing to let her make a fuss, all for the sake of my grandson. When you all have kids, as long as I can help, I’ll do the same.”

Then she added, “Fang Yuan, don’t get upset with me over this, and don’t get upset with yourself for my sake—it’s not worth it.”

Fang Yuan thought, If you’re willing to go over and wait on her, who can stop you? The saying ‘You can’t throw away a stinky butt’ is true. “As long as you feel comfortable, that’s what matters.”

Old Lady Lu said, “Exactly. The eldest’s wife is pregnant—if I did nothing, I’d feel bad for the child.”

Lu Xiaosan thought, Mom really dares to say anything, not afraid of making second sister-in-law angry.

Lu Chuan just looked on calmly, not commenting. After all, they’re all their parents’ children—how could their parents just ignore Lu Feng?

Privately, he squeezed Fang Yuan’s hand, wanting to say, We’re the real couple here—I’ll always listen to you. My mom may be two-faced, but I’m not.

Unfortunately, Fang Yuan didn’t catch the look in Lu Chuan’s eyes. She just gave him a piece of pig’s brain. “Eat up, it’s good for you.”

Lu Chuan quietly let go and ate. This woman really doesn’t get romance.

The meal went smoothly, as long as no one mentioned the eldest’s family.

The main topic at the table was what Lu Chuan was like at school, though it wasn’t Fang Yuan who asked.

Whenever Lu Chuan answered, he always spoke to Fang Yuan, but she honestly didn’t seem too interested. Old Man Lu’s cooking was excellent—the pig’s feet were especially tender and flavorful.

Old Lady Lu still asked about things outside the home. “You didn’t cause your daughter-in-law any trouble, did you?”

Old Man Lu replied, “Of course not. I don’t have much to do, just keep an eye on the house and our things. But the in-law’s nephew gave me a bit too much money—I feel uneasy about it.”

Fang Yuan said, “If he gave it to you, just take it. My fifth brother never does a losing deal—if he gave that much, it’s worth it.”

Lu Chuan thought, She barely said a word when they were talking about me earlier—makes me feel a bit neglected.

Father and son chatted about the construction site, giving the women some insight. When Fang Yuan talked about Fifth Tiger, she had plenty of complaints.

Old Man Lu laughed heartily. After spending so much time with his daughter-in-law and her siblings lately, he really understood their personalities—what you see is what you get.

That evening, Old Lady Lu put some boiled peanuts, roasted sweet potatoes, and the mooncakes Lu Chuan had bought into Fang Yuan’s room before going to bed.

114."

"Chapter 114: Embarrassed All the Way to My Mother-in-Law’s House

Ever since the family started building the new house, Lu Xiaosan had been keeping an eye on things over there. This kid was really something—steady and dependable in everything he did.

He was also avoiding Lu Laoda and his wife a bit; those two were always making snide, sarcastic remarks, and Lu Xiaosan really couldn’t stand it.

With the new house next door as a comparison, Lu Chuan’s place looked even older, shabbier, and smaller—practically like a shack. “Mom, why did you make so much food? We can’t possibly finish it.”

Fang Yuan replied, “If we can’t finish, I’ll take some to my mom’s place tomorrow so they can have a taste. Our mom’s cooking is better than my mom’s.”

Lu Chuan had been away for a month, and since coming back, he still hadn’t had a chance to be alone with Fang Yuan. He wanted to talk more with her, but it felt like they’d grown distant. “How are things at the construction site?”

Fang Yuan said, “Didn’t you and Wu Hu already talk about that? We just talked about it at dinner, too.”

Lu Chuan was still thinking about Fang Yuan. “Yeah, but what about you? What have you been up to? Why didn’t you go to the provincial capital?”

The words “to see me” were right on the tip of Lu Chuan’s tongue, but he couldn’t bring himself to say them.

Fang Yuan replied, “The tools we bought are great. We use them every day and nothing’s broken.”

So what was she supposed to go to the provincial capital for? Lu Chuan couldn’t exactly blame her for things being too good. He wanted to ask, Don’t you miss me?

But he figured Fang Yuan probably wouldn’t say anything that would make him feel better anyway, so he just dropped it.

What could he do? His wife was just too practical.

The full moon on the fifteenth was meant to be admired. Lu Chuan said, “The weather’s nice tonight. Let’s go sit in the yard for a bit.”

Fang Yuan’s expression darkened, and she looked at Lu Chuan with a stormy gaze.

Lu Chuan was much better at reading faces than Fang Yuan, so he asked carefully, “What’s wrong? You don’t want to go? Are you not feeling well?”

Fang Yuan suddenly blurted out, “Do you have some kind of problem with our marriage?”

Lu Chuan was so startled he started waving his hands, protesting his innocence. “Don’t accuse me! I’ve been totally well-behaved while I was away. I tell everyone I’m a married man!”

He thought to himself, I haven’t even complained about you, and now you’re turning it around on me? He seriously suspected his wife was hiding something.

Fang Yuan said, “What you say to other people doesn’t matter.” What matters is what you actually do.

Then Fang Yuan hit him with the big question: “Let me ask you, why won’t you have a child with me?”

Lu Chuan’s eyes went wide and he even took two steps back. To say something so bold and direct under the beautiful full moon—did Fang Yuan really think he was a pushover?

Lu Chuan stammered, “I—I’m innocent! I’ve always listened to you. I told you about it, didn’t I? Don’t you believe me?” No one else knew, but Fang Yuan herself should be clear about this.

It was just that, on a technical level, the two of them hadn’t reached an agreement. Fang Yuan insisted that the “technique” wasn’t up to standard. It really wasn’t his fault.

Fang Yuan was silent for a while, then finally said, “I believe you.”

Lu Chuan’s lips trembled a bit. He had a bad feeling. “So, what do you mean? Why do you believe me now?”

Fang Yuan dropped another bombshell: “I asked my mom.”

Lu Chuan forgot all about trembling. He immediately threw off the covers and buried his head under them—he was too embarrassed to face anyone. How could Fang Yuan do this? I told you and you didn’t believe me, but you just went and asked someone else? How was he supposed to face people after this?

All that talk about growing distant after a month apart was nonsense—they were instantly back to being familiar as ever. Same recipe, same ingredients.

This woman didn’t just mess with her own dad and her mother-in-law—she messed with her own husband, too.

Fang Yuan tugged at the blanket. “Get up. What’s that supposed to mean? Hiding won’t help. Explain yourself.”

Lu Chuan kept his head under the covers and mumbled, “I’m not getting up. This is so embarrassing. You don’t trust me, and you go asking around? How could you ask your mom about something like this?”

Fang Yuan said, “If I didn’t ask, how would I know you were telling the truth? How do I know you’re not just messing with me? If I can’t ask my mom, who am I supposed to ask?”

Of course, there was no one appropriate to ask. Lu Chuan said, “You just don’t trust me. You said you’d listen to me, but you’re just saying that to make me feel better. Leave me alone. Just let me rot.”

She had indeed said she’d listen to Lu Chuan, but she hadn’t expected him to be so clever about this, either. She felt a little guilty. “That won’t do. Who’s going to have a baby with me, then?”

Lu Chuan sat up, pointing at Fang Yuan. “You—you woman!” How could she talk about this so casually under the beautiful full moon?

If Fang Yuan hadn’t stopped him, Lu Chuan would have run out of the house right then. He really couldn’t take it anymore.

Fang Yuan said, “Why are you running? I’m asking you: have you never thought about having a child with me? Are you planning to find another woman out there and never come back to the village?”

That was way too rational a question for Fang Yuan to come up with, and Lu Chuan’s mind stopped wandering. “What are you getting at?”

Fang Yuan refused to answer and just pressed on, “I’m asking you!”

Lu Chuan said, “Everyone who goes off to study doesn’t want to come back, of course. But marriage is something you can’t run from.”

For Fang Yuan, it wasn’t about whether you could run or not—she was firm: “Exactly. Otherwise, you might as well not bother with school. Just stay home.” As tough as ever.

But Lu Chuan was happy—he liked Fang Yuan’s domineering ways. Even if she didn’t trust him, she’d come around eventually.

If you had someone who was always wishy-washy and suspicious, how could you live like that?

Lu Chuan said, “I wouldn’t dare. All our money is in your hands. What’s there not to trust?”

Fang Yuan nodded, then said, “Still, I can’t help worrying. I can tell—you’ve managed to earn this much now, you’ll be able to earn even more in the future.”

Lu Chuan smiled. “Thanks for having such faith in me.”

Fang Yuan circled back to the main issue: “So what about the baby?” She was stubborn—if the question wasn’t answered, she’d keep pressing.

Lu Chuan tried to focus only on the question itself. “Of course I want to have a child with you. But a child can’t be without a father, right?”

What he really meant was: he wanted to persuade his wife to go to the provincial capital with him. When they had a child, the three of them could be together—how happy would that be?

Fang Yuan suddenly said, “So what, are you planning to die or something?”

Lu Chuan was completely caught off guard. “What are you talking about?”

Fang Yuan said, “Otherwise, how would the child not have a father?” Her logic wasn’t wrong.

Lu Chuan got a bit anxious, trying to steer things back to a romantic mood. “I mean, if you stay here and I’m in the provincial capital, it’s like the child doesn’t have a father.”

Fang Yuan just looked at him, unimpressed. “Why are you making such a fuss?”

Lu Chuan knew that whenever he tried to take a roundabout approach with Fang Yuan, he’d always end up the one getting frustrated. If you couldn’t be straightforward, you’d drive yourself crazy.

So he decided to be direct. “Why don’t you come to the provincial capital with me? We’ll rent a place, and when you have the baby, I can help out.”

Fang Yuan replied, “Do you even know yourself? If I have a baby, do you really think you’d be more useful than the two moms at home?”

It was the honest truth, but it still stung—especially for Lu Chuan. Couldn’t she just say yes to coming to the provincial capital?

Lu Chuan’s face darkened and he gritted his teeth. “Fang Yuan, you can have the baby yourself.”

He turned over and went to sleep. Did she think he didn’t have a temper? Who was he doing all this for, anyway?

Thank you all for reading.

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(End of Chapter 114)"

"Chapter 115: Another One Fell Into the Trap