Chapter 156: The Requirements Are a Bit Simple

Lu Chuan felt sorry for his mother-in-law and advised Fang Yuan, “We’re hardly ever home, so Mom must worry about us. In the future, whenever you come back, talk to Mom about both big and small things, just to put her mind at ease.”

Fang Yuan wasn’t lacking in smarts, but she usually used them to help others: “But what if I accidentally let something slip?”

Lu Chuan was straightforward: “Is there anything we’re afraid of Mom knowing?”

Fang Yuan replied, “There are still some things with Fifth Brother that aren’t really suitable for Mom to know.”

Lu Chuan laughed. The little secrets between his wife and Fifth Brother were useless in front of his mother-in-law: “Don’t worry, Mom’s a smart woman. You and Fifth Brother’s little tricks won’t work on her, so there’s no need to use them.”

Fang Yuan got a bit annoyed: “Are you looking down on us brothers?” She even pulled her hand away from Lu Chuan.

Lu Chuan teased her, “I’m actually envious of you and Fifth Brother, really. People with a lot of schemes don’t even have a partner.”

Fang Yuan was fooled by him and accidentally blurted out the truth: “That’s true. Honestly, if your brain wasn’t good at making money, I wouldn’t even want to hang out with you.”

If they weren’t married, Fang Yuan would definitely avoid Lu Chuan—she had so many little schemes, and he wasn’t one of them.

Lu Chuan didn’t know what expression to make: “So you really don’t think much of me? Besides my brains, can’t you at least look at my face?” He didn’t even dare hope she’d appreciate his inner qualities.

Fang Yuan looked at him with disdain, as if his looks were a negative: “Pretty boy. You don’t look reliable at all. Better not to look.”

If you think about it, does that mean if they’d met through a blind date, Fang Yuan wouldn’t have even considered him?

That realization was a bit hard to swallow.

Lu Chuan felt the room was getting hot, making him irritable: “Fang Yuan, I’m telling you, I don’t have a good temper. You can’t treat me like this. Be careful, I might get mad.”

Fang Yuan didn’t take it seriously. What’s the worst that could happen? He’s not going to fly to the moon: “Enough, I can’t even sleep now. Did you go out just now? Was it lively outside?”

Lu Chuan was easily led off topic: “It was alright. I thought about inviting some friends over to liven things up, but everyone’s struggling these days. We might as well just stay home and relax.”

Fang Yuan didn’t care how Lu Chuan arranged things: “Then let’s go to Mom’s place. It’s lively when the whole family sits and chats together.”

Then she added, “It’s fine to watch other people’s excitement, but don’t bring trouble home.”

Lu Chuan pulled Fang Yuan over, and the two of them lay quietly on the warm kang, chatting idly. This kind of peaceful scene never happened in the provincial capital—they were always busy with one thing or another.

Fang Yuan sighed contentedly, “No wonder people always long for a home.”

Lu Chuan nodded along. It seemed Fang Yuan was really enjoying herself. This was the warm, cozy home he’d worked so hard for.

Then he heard Fang Yuan say, “All that’s missing is a child.”

Lu Chuan almost laughed in exasperation. Couldn’t she let him be proud for just a moment? “Once we have a kid, do you think you’ll still be this relaxed?”

Fang Yuan replied, “Life’s like this—if you’re idle all day, wouldn’t you get bored?”

Lu Chuan thought to himself, I’m not bored.

Fang Yuan said, “Come on, get up. Go read a book if you’ve got nothing to do. I brought some back for you.”

Lu Chuan twitched his lips. The only reason he tried to better himself was because his wife couldn’t stand seeing him idle.

When they had nothing to do, the couple would even study with a dictionary together. Of course, Fang Yuan preferred reading joke books and the like.

Lu Xiaosan came to call them for dinner, and only then did Fang Yuan and Lu Chuan come out of the room.

Fang Yuan said, “Mom, since we’re only back for a short time, we haven’t been cooking at home. Sorry to trouble you and Dad.”

Lu’s mother replied, “What are you saying? Isn’t that how it should be? You’re only home for a few days a year—how could we let you cook?”

Lu Xiaosan chimed in, “Second Sister-in-law, I get to benefit too and improve my meals.”

So the whole family ate together, and it was lively with everyone around.

After dinner, Lu’s mother told Fang Yuan about giving Li Meng fifty yuan.

Fang Yuan was very understanding: “It’s your money, Mom and Dad. How you spend it is none of our business. You don’t have to tell us. But if she ever causes trouble, make sure to ask her to pay it back—don’t let her get away with it.”

Lu’s mother thought, if it were any other daughter-in-law, there’d be a fuss. Only Fang Yuan was so generous: “I’ll remember, I won’t let her take advantage.”

Lu’s father said, “After dinner, let Lu Chuan take you out for a walk. Even if you don’t live here, you’re still part of the village.”

Fang Yuan replied, “Okay, I’ll do whatever Dad says.”

Lu Xiaosan laughed, “Where could Second Brother take Second Sister-in-law? All these years, he’s been buried in his books and hardly visited anyone.”

Lu Chuan looked a bit embarrassed: “If I hadn’t gotten married, I’d still be a bookworm.” Between the lines, he was praising his wife.

Fang Yuan said, “It’s fine. Even if we visit someone, they can’t kick us out.”

Her generosity impressed the Lu family.

Fang Yuan looked up, a little apologetic: “It’s just that I might not get along with people very well.”

Lu Xiaosan and Lu Chuan both looked at her in surprise—they hadn’t expected Fang Yuan to be so self-aware.

Lu’s father and mother were surprised too, but reassured her, “Don’t worry, as long as you don’t suffer any losses, that’s enough.” Their expectations were simple.

Fang Yuan said, “Don’t worry about that. I can handle it.”

Lu Chuan turned his face away, looking toward the door, afraid he’d burst out laughing.

Lu Xiaosan said, “No way, Second Sister-in-law, don’t worry. Wherever you go, people will treat you like a guest of honor.”

He added, “Really, a lot of people know my second brother works in the provincial capital. There are plenty who want him to help them find work there.”

As soon as Fang Yuan heard that, she decided not to go out: “I don’t have that kind of ability. Forget it, let’s just stay home.”

Lu’s mother said, “You’re finally home—don’t just stay cooped up inside. If you want, I’ll take you out for a walk. If anyone asks for help, I’ll handle it.”

Lu Chuan said, “No need to worry, I’ll take care of it.”

Lu Chuan realized that his biggest rival for his wife’s attention at home was his own mother. Even spending time with his wife was something she wanted to do with him.

Then Lu’s mother realized she’d been wrong—she’d prepared so much for the kids, but they barely had time to eat at home. Her son and daughter-in-law were too busy to stay in.

That evening, someone came and invited Lu Chuan and Fang Yuan out. The couple was busy.

It was a worker from a neighboring village who’d worked in the provincial capital with Wu Hu.

The visitor was straightforward—without further ado, he dragged Fang Yuan out. Everyone was familiar with each other and knew that if Fang Yuan left, Lu Chuan would follow.

Lu’s mother was a bit frustrated—all her preparations had gone to waste.

The next day was New Year’s Eve. Lu Chuan and Fang Yuan went out with the group to the river and spent half the day there, bringing back several big fish.

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"**Chapter 157: Move Aside, Let Me Do It**

Old Lady Lu was overjoyed when she saw the fish. “Such a big fish! I don’t even know how to eat it. Our Fang Yuan is really something.”

She was even happier for her second son and daughter-in-law. To be invited over from so far away and treated so well—it showed that her second son and his wife were doing well out there.

Fang Yuan was having a great time too. “Mom, if you like it, next time they go, I’ll tag along again.”

Lu Chuan pulled Fang Yuan up onto the kang bed and helped her take off her shoes. “Enough, you’re not going again. Just look at how wild you played today. Do you even remember who I am? If I hadn’t kept an eye on you, you’d have both feet soaked in the river.”

Lu Chuan was busy chasing after Fang Yuan—his playful wife. This was the first time he realized just how mischievous she could be.

Lu Xiaosan watched his second brother’s smooth, practiced movements in surprise. When did he learn to take care of people like that?

He would never doubt his second brother’s feelings for his wife again. Just look at how naturally he did everything, not a trace of annoyance.

Old Man Lu simply dragged his wife outside. He couldn’t bear to watch what his second son was doing.

He also couldn’t stand seeing his wife fawning over their daughter-in-law. No matter how he looked at it, it didn’t seem right.

Outside, Old Lady Lu quickly fetched a basin of hot water and was about to head inside, but Old Man Lu stopped her.

Old Lady Lu said, “Why are you stopping me? Didn’t you see our second daughter-in-law fell into the river?”

Old Man Lu replied, “I saw. But isn’t our second son in there? Why are you fussing? You’re being silly.”

Old Lady Lu looked annoyed. “What does he know? Move aside, let me warm Fang Yuan’s feet.”

Old Man Lu blocked her from going in to make trouble. “Enough, our second son won’t let his wife freeze.”

Lu Xiaosan was impressed by his own mother too. It’s good to be nice to your daughter-in-law, but there’s a time and place. If you go in now, aren’t you just getting in my second brother’s way? “Mom, when I get married in the future, you really don’t need to treat us like this. Just keep your distance when you should.”

Old Lady Lu shot back, “You think I’ll care about you then?”

She grumbled at Old Man Lu, “Look, our second son hasn’t even come out to get hot water. I have to go.”

You really couldn’t stop a mother-in-law’s enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Lu Chuan was rubbing Fang Yuan’s feet to get her blood circulating—otherwise, she might really suffer from the cold.

But Fang Yuan wasn’t very cooperative; her soles were ticklish and she kept squirming.

Old Lady Lu came in with the water, giving her second son a look of disdain. “Let go, I’ll do it.”

Lu Chuan held onto Fang Yuan’s feet, dodging his mother’s outstretched hand. “Mom, really, there’s no need.”

Old Lady Lu was anxious. What if Fang Yuan caught a chill? “Why are you being polite with me? Your technique is no good.”

Lu Chuan almost lost his temper. “Mom, I’m not being polite. Really, it’s fine.”

Fang Yuan felt she was fine too. “Mom, it’s nothing. I’ve fallen in the river plenty of times. No need to fuss. My feet are already warm.”

Lu Xiaosan came in and dragged their mother out. Old Lady Lu was not happy about it.

Lu Chuan finally continued rubbing his wife’s feet until they were bright red and hot to the touch before letting go.

Fang Yuan was sweating, a bit annoyed at Lu Chuan for making such a fuss. “I’ve fallen in the water plenty of times and never had to go through all this.”

Lu Chuan said, “Don’t take it lightly. If you catch a cold in winter, you could get sick.”

Fang Yuan didn’t think much of it. “What sickness?” Then she remembered—the doctor said if she wanted a child, she had to take care of her health.

Thinking of this, she quickly stuck her feet into the washbasin, only to yelp, “Ow!” from the heat.

Lu Chuan quickly pulled her feet out. “What are you doing? Did you get burned?”

Fang Yuan caught her breath. “It’s a bit hot. No, I’m fine. I’ll go slower.”

Then she asked, “Does this count as catching a chill? The doctor said I can’t get cold, or it’ll delay having a baby.”

Lu Chuan got off the kang, felt the water in the basin, and was relieved it wasn’t too hot. “Come on, soak your feet properly.”

Fang Yuan said seriously, “I mean it, I’m really anxious to have a baby.”

Lu Chuan pursed his lips, unable to be angry with her. “I know, I know. Don’t worry, listen to me and you won’t catch cold. The doctor checked you, there’s nothing wrong. Let’s save up so our child won’t have to suffer.”

Fang Yuan said, “I was going to leave a hundred yuan for Mom, but if she gives it to Li Meng again, I’ll be so mad. I’m not giving it anymore.”

So even though she had accepted it cheerfully when Old Lady Lu gave money to Li Meng, deep down she was still uncomfortable about it.

She only said this when no one else was around. In the past, she might have said it right to their faces.

Lu Chuan said, “Then don’t give it. Don’t dwell on it. Mom won’t pick sides.”

Fang Yuan replied, “I’m not dwelling on it. It’s their money, they can give it to whoever they want. But if it’s my money, and they give it to them, I can’t stand it. Next time, let’s just buy things for the house.”

Lu Chuan agreed, “My wife’s right. Otherwise, Mom would never spend the money on herself.”

Fang Yuan nodded, feeling much better. “Enough, I can’t soak anymore. I’m sweating.”

Lu Chuan helped her dry her feet, sounding a bit sour. “You sure had fun. You ran so fast, I couldn’t even catch up.”

Fang Yuan laughed, “I grew up running around with my brother. I’ve seen this kind of thing plenty of times. You, all you know is studying. That’s not enough.”

Lu Chuan wasn’t too happy about that. “One day, I’ll take you with me.”

Fang Yuan burst out laughing. “Amateur! In winter, there aren’t many people fishing. It wouldn’t work.”

Lu Chuan realized he’d shown his inexperience. As a country boy, he hadn’t seen much of the world, and had even fewer chances to learn. Getting into college was all down to hard work.

He’d never had the chance to run wild outside like this. It felt like Fang Yuan’s childhood was full of color, while his was black and white.

Fang Yuan didn’t notice Lu Chuan’s mood, but she was loyal. “I’ll take you out to have fun more often from now on.”

That offhand remark instantly healed Lu Chuan’s heart.

Outside, Lu Xiaosan was talking to Old Man Lu. “I’ll never say my second brother doesn’t care about his wife again. From now on, I’ll hold my head high in front of the Fang family.”

Old Man Lu glanced at his third son. “What’s it got to do with you?”

Lu Xiaosan replied with relief, “Dad, you don’t know. Ever since their marriage, I’ve been worried that if Second Brother and his wife didn’t get along, I’d never be able to find a wife in the village or the township. I was even ready to go far away to find one.”

Old Man Lu smacked him on the head. “You think too far ahead.”

Old Lady Lu said, “You’re still so young and already thinking about wives? Have some ambition. Your second brother and his wife are doing just fine.”

She finished with a prayer, thanking the ancestors for their blessing. She’d never expected her second son and daughter-in-law to get along so well.

Lu Xiaosan said, “You didn’t see how my second brother was. Why didn’t we notice before that he could be so good to his wife?”

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