Starting a new chapter in life

Chapter 111 Xiaobao: He Jinan

Jingyan stared in surprise: "Grandma used to be so wealthy, so when her quality of life declined, did Grandma find it hard to adjust?"

Grandma smiled and replied, "It's not a big deal to downgrade materially. As long as your spiritual world is rich, you can live a refined life even in hard times. Many times, you can't get a sense of security just by material things. Spiritual satisfaction is more likely to make you happy."

Jingyan, do you know why I like you so much? After all, your sister-in-law married into the family before you did. Even though I've spent most of these years in a sanatorium, I know her much better than you do.

Jingyan shook her head, indicating she didn't know. "I like you because I feel a vibrant life force in you. You're bold but not reckless, and every decision you make is one you believe you can back up for yourself."

You had the courage and audacity to marry my Zhijun and even followed him to the Great Northern Wilderness. People who didn't know you might think you were someone who prioritized love above all else. But when your parents came back and talked to me about this, they mentioned that before they went to Liaoning Province, you didn't even know Zhijun very well. It was Zhijun who fell in love with you first.

So at that time I was thinking, this girl has guts, but if you didn't like Zhijun enough, why would you dare to make such a choice? And what gave you the confidence to take such a gamble?

Jing Yan was a little nervous and was about to explain when He Zhijun tugged at her hand and shook his head to interrupt her.

Grandma continued, "Later, after Zhijun started contacting the family more frequently, he mentioned that you had found a way to get meat rations without paying. You would also go to the market every month to sell braised meat. Although you only worked one day a month, your monthly income was no less than that of an ordinary worker."

I knew back then that you could support yourself, which is why you dared to gamble with Zhijun. You have enough courage, which is similar to your grandfather. That's what made me like you the first time.

Later, when you came back, Zhijun was always busy with household chores, big and small. But you always started things, and he just followed your lead. I know that even without him, you could handle these things just as well.

Moreover, throughout this entire delivery, you never once thought of relying on Zhijun. You are independent at heart, and financially, you can't hold yourself back. This is the kind of woman I admire most.

Compared to you, your sister-in-law is far less independent, which is why I favor you. I'm giving you these things not to show off our family's wealth, but to let you know that even without parents or relatives by your side, you still have the love of family and you are not alone.

Jingyan's eyes welled up with tears. She had always been the most unruly and mischievous child in her family. Even after she married in her previous life, she insisted on doing everything herself. Her husband was ambitious but unrealistic; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he didn't pamper her enough.

Back then, when he earned money, he would buy her face cream, rabbit fur coats, and even arranged for household appliances like the TV, washing machine, and fan. If he had been more reliable, things wouldn't have turned out that way later on.

Even though his mother favored boys over girls and refused to take care of him during his postpartum period because she disliked that he had given birth to a daughter, he, being a chauvinist, patiently took care of him for a long time. None of this can be considered a bad thing on his part.

However, the mundane details of daily life were too trivial. After the reform and opening up, he was envious of others making money. He only saw their outward success and ignored their private efforts. He only thought about making big money and looked down on the small money made by doing small business. He was ambitious but lacked vision. In the end, his family was no longer a family and he was no longer a husband.

She ultimately died young. Reborn, she reflected on her shortcomings in her previous marriage and tried to improve them. She realized that she was strong-willed and had a fiery temper. Now, she tried to show her dependence on Zhijun. Just when she thought she was doing enough, her grandmother saw through her true nature. So, this is what independence is?

“Grandma, this personality of mine isn’t good. Being too assertive makes men feel like they don’t need me…” Jingyan said with a slightly nasal tone.

He Zhijun pulled her close, interrupting her before she could say anything: "I don't think you have a bad temper. You take good care of the family, allowing me to focus on my work and studies without having to worry about things at home. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had so much time to concentrate on my studies and get into this university."

And now I can give my all at school because you give me peace of mind. People from different places have different personalities. The men where you are tend to be a bit chauvinistic and like to be relied upon by women. But I like you—you're a little woman by my side, but you can be the head of the household when you're not with me.

My heart isn't that fragile. I cherish you. Although at first I only wanted to marry you because you're good-looking, now I like you even more because of your personality and abilities. So, what about you? Do you like me?

Jingyan looked at him and nodded seriously: "I like you, and I'm so glad I didn't miss you back then."

Grandma watched as the young couple opened up to each other, their affection for each other seeming even stronger than before. She smiled with satisfaction. The three of them walked and talked, and soon they arrived home.

When they arrived home, they found that the house was still quite lively. He Jiaoxu and his wife, He Zhicheng's family, Yuan Xiaoling and her husband had also arrived, and there was also Grandma Lin carrying her child. The group exchanged glances and quickly went inside.

"Sister Yuan, what brings you all here?" Yuan Xiaoling was sitting next to Cui Hongru, teasing Xiaobao with her finger. Hearing her voice, she quickly looked up and withdrew her finger somewhat embarrassed.

"I figured you'd almost finished your postpartum period, so the dietary restrictions weren't as strict as during that time. We got some cured meat at home and brought you a piece. But why did you go out so soon after your postpartum period? It's still quite cold outside."

Jingyan smiled and nodded: "I just finished my postpartum confinement yesterday. I just wanted to get some fresh air since I've been cooped up at home for so long. With Grandma and Zhijun with me, I won't get cold."

Grandma went directly to greet Old Mrs. Lin, and He Zhijun naturally greeted his family. The already lively house became even noisier.

Jingyan touched Xiaobao with her finger and, seeing that the child seemed to want to eat, took Xiaobao from Cui Hongru's hands: "Mom, let me feed him first, you can hold him later."

Cui Hongru handed the child to her: "Okay, go on, you've been gone for a while, don't let the child cry from hunger."

Jingyan carried the baby into the house. After feeding the baby and burping him, she was about to change his diaper when He Zhijun came in. "I can change the diaper. I'll go out and bring the baby that Grandma Lin brought in later. You don't need to go back and forth."

Jingyan put the child down and watched him skillfully change the diaper. She smiled and said, "Look how skilled you are. If we have a little girl in the future, you can take care of her too."

He Zhijun looked up in surprise upon hearing this: "You're planning to have another one?"

Jingyan raised her eyebrows: "Yes, let's have another one, preferably a daughter. It would be so nice to have a son and a daughter. When the children grow up, they can keep each other company. Otherwise, he will be too lonely. If we get old and something happens, he won't even have anyone to talk to. That would be too pitiful."

He Zhijun said somewhat sullenly, "But from the time you were pregnant until you gave birth, I was by your side too little. You suffered all by yourself. If you have another one, I won't be able to help you, and I feel uncomfortable about it."

Jing Yan smiled and moved closer to him, kissing him on the neck: "I took care of him a lot when he was little. But when he was three or four, you were the main person in charge of his early education and later his academic tutoring. I don't have a high level of education, so I'm not good at helping him with his homework."

He Zhijun was a little embarrassed by her kiss. Regardless of their private relationship, it was rare for her to kiss him like that while they were talking. He was still a little unaccustomed to it. Hearing Jing Yan's words, he quickly nodded: "Don't worry, I will tutor our child's studies from now on. I am patient and you don't need to worry about it."

Seeing him fasten the baby's pants, Jingyan smiled and nodded: "You take the baby to Mom and bring the other baby in. My breasts are still a bit engorged."

He Zhijun happily carried the child out of the house, and a little while later brought the little girl back in. Watching her feed the baby, he could feel her deep maternal love. Only then did he seriously consider how long the interval should be between his second child and his first.

After Xiaonan finished eating, Grandma Lin took the child and left. Yuan Xiaoling and her husband left shortly after, leaving only their own family members. He Zhijun looked at his parents and said, "Mom and Dad, my baby is a month old now. Have you thought of a name for him? How about I have the right to name him?"

He Jiaoxu glared at him: "Your grandfather named you two brothers, so it's my turn to name your child. Don't even think about competing with me, you little brat." After saying that, he took out a piece of paper from his pocket, unfolded it, and there were twenty or thirty names on the paper.

He Jiaoxu said with a proud look: "I've been writing down whatever I can think of that has a good meaning during this time. I didn't expect to accumulate so many. You two can choose one. Don't throw away the rest. Keep them for the next child to choose from."

He Zhijun took the paper, glanced at it, and said with some helplessness, "Dad, you're trying to monopolize the right to name the children. These names include both boys' and girls' names. You've been preparing these since Jingyan got pregnant, haven't you? It's kind of you to wait until now to bring them over."

Grandma found it amusing too. She reached out and grabbed the name list, glanced at it, and nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, they're all pretty good. Zhijun, you and your husband can choose one yourselves." Then she handed the list back to Jingyan.

The couple huddled together, choosing a name. He Zhijun pointed to one and said, "How about this one, Yan Li? He Yan Li, meaning peace and tranquility, and politeness?"

Jing Yan nodded: "Yes, it's good, it sounds nice, and the meaning is good too. It's just that when the child is in elementary school, it will take a long time to write the name because there are so many strokes."

He Zhijun pursed his lips. "Then let's choose again."

Jing Yan looked at it and pointed to a name: "This one, Jin An, He Jin An, it sounds good and has few strokes, but I don't know what it means?"

He Zhijun immediately shook his head and said, "It comes from Li Bai's 'The Road to Shu is Hard': 'The road to Shu is hard, the road to Shu is hard, there are many forks in the road, where am I now?' This is good, let's choose this one."

Jingyan looked at the rest of the family, and everyone nodded with smiles. Grandma made the decision with one sentence: "Okay, let's go with this. He Jin'an, An'an, as long as he's safe and sound."

He Jiaoxu continued, "Mom, the day after tomorrow is New Year's Day, the Gregorian calendar year. How about I take you to get a dress made tomorrow? I found out recently that the son of the master who used to make your cheongsams has graduated and now occasionally takes custom orders from home. Let's go see him tomorrow and have a Tang suit made for you."

Grandma looked at the cotton Tang suit she was wearing and shook her head: "I don't want a Tang suit for winter. If I'm going to make one, I'll make a cheongsam. But a cheongsam looks best in spring and autumn. The temperature isn't good now, so it's unnecessary."

Cui Hongru smiled and said, "Mom, then we'll go over there to pick out some fabric tomorrow and order a cheongsam for you. If we add embroidery, it won't be finished in a month or two. We can always have you wear it in the spring."

Grandma thought about it and agreed. She took Jingyan's hand and said to Zhou Jie, "Let's go take a look together tomorrow. You two sisters-in-law can also get your measurements taken. Then the four of us can each order a set. When spring comes, we can all wear them out together. That will be truly eye-catching and beautiful."

Jingyan looked down at her waist and shook her head: "Grandma, I'll pass. My figure hasn't recovered yet after giving birth. You can take me when I'm fully recovered. Anyway, it's all in Haishi, so it's convenient. My sister-in-law and Mom can do it. If it's ready by the New Year, we can take it with us when we go there. That would be convenient too."

Upon hearing this, Grandma walked around Jingyan and nodded with some disappointment: "Indeed, your waist and abdomen are loose. It will take some time for your belly to tighten up again. Okay, let's do it first. Once you've recovered, Grandma will take you to buy a couple more pieces. But you can come along tomorrow too, it would be good to see the craftsmanship."

Jingyan was naturally willing to do so. The cheongsams she had seen before were all in pictures of women wearing them on calendars, and later on television. The women wearing them were so elegant and beautiful. Now that she had the opportunity to see them in person, she was naturally eager to broaden her horizons.

After lunch, He Jiaoxu took out two mahjong sets from the trunk of the jeep. "We've got nothing to do this afternoon, let's play two games."

Sister Wang waved her hands repeatedly, "I won't play, I'm not very good at it."

He Jiaoxu laughed and said, "Besides An'an, there are exactly eight of us. If you don't join, it will be hard to play when we're one short. How about this, you, Jingyan, Xiaojie, and Ru'er form one table, and my mom joins us. We won't be playing for money. Do you have peanuts in their shells at home? We can each get a certain amount of peanuts, and we can win peanuts, okay?"

Jingyan was initially nervous, but upon hearing that they wouldn't be playing for money, she immediately agreed. It was a rare opportunity for everyone to get together, and she didn't want to be the one to spoil the fun.