Chapter 152: Watch Your Step When You Walk

Lu Xiaosan and Lu Chuan exchanged a glance—of course they didn’t dare, no need to say it out loud. The answer was already silently agreed upon between the two brothers.

Lu Xiaosan thought to himself, No matter how high you climb, you’re still the same old Lu Lao’er who’s afraid of his wife, nothing to brag about. “Why don’t you go check out your own house? Anyway, no one at home will remember you for a while.”

Lu Chuan picked up his bag and headed to the courtyard next door—otherwise, no one would pay him any attention. If Xiaosan hadn’t spoken up, everyone would probably just feel sorry for him.

The house was tidy, the kang (heated bed) was warm, and the walls were decorated with big red double happiness characters. The bedding on the kang was newly made, with bright red covers.

Lu Chuan felt a little embarrassed—he guessed it was the wedding bedding their mother had made for them when they got married. The only old thing in the room was a pair of cabinets, part of Fang Yuan’s dowry.

There was a big mirror in the room now, making it bright and cheerful.

In the west room was a wooden bed that their father had built himself, with clean bedding all neatly arranged.

After one look around, Lu Chuan could tell that the house and yard had been carefully looked after. His parents had put in a lot of effort and hadn’t neglected Fang Yuan in the slightest.

Lu Xiaosan said, “Mom and Dad made me some bedding for when I get married, made a set for you, and a set for Lu Laoda too. But Lu Laoda didn’t appreciate it.”

Lu Chuan wandered around his own yard, feeling pretty good. When he heard Lu Laoda mentioned, he just tossed out three words: “Don’t mention him.”

Fine, then we won’t mention him.

He opened the back door. The backyard was piled high with firewood, all chopped by their father after the freeze set in, when he wasn’t out working.

In the front yard, several hens were pecking at their feed. You’d never guess this yard had been unoccupied.

Lu Chuan said, “Mom and Dad really put in a lot of effort. Xiaosan, it’s all thanks to you being home.”

Lu Xiaosan replied, “We’re brothers, no need to be polite. If it weren’t for you and Second Sister-in-law, I wouldn’t have been able to build this house in a few years.”

Then he probed a little, “About the old house—I suggested tearing it down, but Mom and Dad wouldn’t let me. They said they want to keep it for their retirement.”

Lu Chuan answered tactfully, “Then just do as they wish. No matter who we live with, if you can’t get along, it’s better to have your own space.”

Lu Xiaosan said, “Then we’ll wait until we have more money and help Mom and Dad renovate the old house.”

Lu Chuan nodded. “That’s a good idea.”

Lu Xiaosan understood—no matter how things were outside, the house at home was still Lu Chuan’s. There were no other plans.

The brothers both knew what the other meant. It was better to be clear than to leave things unsaid. That way, they’d get along well in the future.

When they had more money, they’d help their parents fix up a courtyard so everyone could live comfortably. Sounds good. Smart people understand each other without needing to say much.

Lu Chuan put away the things he’d brought back, then he and Lu Xiaosan went to see their parents.

Over at their parents’ place, their mother was already chatting with Fang Yuan about the year’s harvest—going over every little thing with her daughter-in-law.

She even explained in detail which hens weren’t laying well.

Finally, she said with a bit of pride, “I never expected that in just half a year, we’d have six new rooms, and your dad and I even managed to save some money. That’s the thing—you can’t be afraid to spend, just afraid you can’t earn.”

Fang Yuan agreed, “Being able to save money is a good thing. It’s because Dad works hard and Mom is good at managing the household.”

Lu’s mother was flattered, but she admired her daughter-in-law even more: “It’s all thanks to your good fortune, bringing luck to our family. I really appreciate it.”

Fang Yuan had learned to be modest over the past six months, and she spoke honestly: “Not at all, it’s Dad’s hard work and Mom’s good management. Xiaosan’s capable too, keeping everything together.”

Lu Xiaosan said, “How come Second Sister-in-law sounds different from when she first got married?”

Lu Lao’er (Lu Chuan) felt proud—after all, look whose wife she is now. But then again, that could be misunderstood, so he didn’t say anything.

Their mother was truly happy, being praised for her household management: “I never imagined we’d live like this. Those other women might ignore me, but they’re jealous inside. I walk around with my head held high these days.”

Their father couldn’t listen anymore and quickly interrupted: “You’d better keep your head down and watch your step, or you’ll strain your neck.”

Fang Yuan nodded, “It’s good to be proud, but health comes first. Dad’s right—keep your head down and watch where you’re going. It’s safer.”

Lu’s mother agreed, “Fang Yuan’s right, I’ll listen to you.”

Their father fell silent, feeling like he didn’t matter at all. This wife of his, honestly…

Lu Chuan couldn’t get a word in, just listened as the conversation wandered off.

Fang Yuan said, “Oh, Mom, we bought a house in the provincial capital.”

Lu’s mother was stunned: “What?” She was truly shocked.

Their father was so surprised he dropped his pipe on the kang. He looked at Lu Lao’er to confirm he’d heard right.

Lu Xiaosan exclaimed, “Wow, a house in the provincial capital!”

Fang Yuan explained, “Lu Chuan will be studying there for several years. After university, he probably won’t find suitable work in the village, so we bought a house in the city.”

Lu’s mother thought, A house in the provincial capital? That must have cost a fortune. Building the new house in the village already used up a lot of money, and Lao’er probably doesn’t have much left. She gritted her teeth and said, “It’s fine, at least you’re establishing your own household. How much are you short? Your dad and I still have over eighty saved up—take it.”

This daughter-in-law was great in every way, just a bit too keen on setting up house. Lu’s mother hadn’t even enjoyed her days with her head held high for long. No wonder her daughter-in-law told her to watch her step.

Their father said, “Everyone does this when starting out. It’s no shame to owe a little when you’re building a life.”

Fang Yuan replied modestly, “We didn’t owe too much, and we don’t need Dad’s money. We’re just not flush right now, so we didn’t buy much to bring back.”

Lu’s mother said, “Don’t be a stranger. Your dad has money—no need to owe outsiders.”

Lu Xiaosan chimed in, “Second Sister-in-law, having a house in the provincial capital is amazing. Owing a little isn’t a big deal. I’ve been working with Fourth Brother these past couple of months and saved up a hundred—take it.”

Fang Yuan focused on the money from Fourth Brother: “You worked with him for two months and only got a hundred?”

Lu Xiaosan scratched his head, “Fourth Brother looked after me. It’s not a small amount. I only did light work, running errands and such.”

Fang Yuan said, “Not a small amount? My fourth brother is so stingy. Don’t be too honest—keep your eyes open. Learn to take a loss first, then make money. Think of it as paying for experience.”

Lu Chuan added, “Listen to your sister-in-law, she’s right.” Fourth Brother really hadn’t paid much.

But Lu Xiaosan was still focused on the money: “So how much do you still owe?”

Lu Chuan kept quiet—he didn’t really know what the right amount was. He’d have to listen to his wife.

Fang Yuan wasn’t hiding anything—she really didn’t have much money: “Anyway, your hundred won’t cover it. Save it for your own wedding.”

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