The next morning, Kang He and Fan Jing returned to the mountains together.
This time, they stayed in the mountains for over ten days.
During this period, Kang He made two trips to the city to sell konjac tofu, and also prepared over four pounds of bracken starch and eight pounds of kudzu starch.
Selling the konjac tofu earned him a hundred coins, and the starch fetched three hundred eighty coins, totaling four hundred eighty coins in earnings.
They spent thirty coins on food and daily necessities.
Including the hundred or so coins they had left from before, plus the money from the previous trip selling mountain goods, they now had over eight hundred coins on hand.
Kang He initially felt he had saved a decent amount of money, but upon calculating, he realized he owed Fan Jing five guan, or five thousand copper coins.
In comparison, eight hundred coins didn’t seem like much.
With this in mind, it was no wonder Fan Jing and his family lived frugally—how else could they save up so many coins?
Fan Jing stayed in the mountains for five or six days, and his arm was no longer in pain when moved.
However, at Kang He’s urging, he didn’t rush to hunt immediately.
Instead, he was able to handle other tasks more comfortably.
He set up a few new traps and, together with Kang He, wove some baskets, managing to catch a black goat.
Goats were easy to sell, but unfortunately, the mountain goat fell into a trap at night and was already dead by the time they found it the next day.
By the time they got it to the city, the price was lower than for a live one.
Though it sold for less, goat meat was inherently expensive, and they still managed to get over one guan for it.
Even without catching other live animals, this goat alone ensured the ten days in the mountains weren’t wasted.
Fan Jing was in good spirits and, on the day they sold the goat, bought Kang He a new spatula and a slotted spoon.
The old spatula in the wooden cabin, used by the old hunter, was worn, chipped, and blackened from years of use.
They didn’t even have a slotted spoon before, and Kang He always complained about the difficulty of scooping things while making pancakes, so Fan Jing bought one as well.
That day, it rained, and having run out of dry rations, they brought a few bundles of firewood down the mountain.
The wet, slippery rain made the dry firewood absorb water, growing heavier with each step.
By the time they reached Fan’s house, they were soaked with rain and sweat.
They placed the firewood under the eaves outside the kitchen, then went inside to grab a dry cloth to wipe their faces.
Hearing the commotion, Chen Shi came out from the house.
She was alone at home that day; Xiangxiu, the girl, had returned from the county, and she and Zhenzhen had gone to the main family’s house to play.
Fan’s father was off drinking somewhere, busy in the fields on clear days but free to go out when it rained.
In the winter month, farm work wasn’t as demanding, so while Chen Shi might grumble about Fan’s father, she didn’t stop him from visiting others.
Seeing Fan Jing and Kang He arrive, she was overjoyed.
“Da Jing, Da Jing, come with Sanlang to the west room and see the new room we’ve prepared for you both. Isn’t it cozy?” she said excitedly.
Their hair still damp, they were ushered by Chen Shi to the west side room where Kang He had stayed briefly before.
They were stunned by the transformation.
The room, previously cluttered with plows, rakes, wood, and dusty baskets, had been completely cleaned out.
The clutter was gone, the window frames scrubbed spotless and fitted with new paper.
A wide pinewood bed had been added, with a plain-patterned wardrobe at the foot of the bed against the wall.
Near the window was a small kang table, and beside it, a dressing table.
All the furnishings were brand new.
Even Fan Jing, who had lived in the Fan household for over twenty years, found the room unfamiliar.
He frowned.
“Where did all this stuff come from?”
“Your father did something useful for once. You know Wang Xiantian, the carpenter he loves drinking with? Your father gave him some timber, and Wang used leftover scraps to make this big bed and dressing table. The materials aren’t great, but the craftsmanship is decent, and the bed looks proper. The bed and dressing table only cost three strings of cash.”
“The table was sent by your third aunt, along with five pounds of cotton. I took it to the shop to have a new quilt made.”
The wardrobe, made of elm wood, was the real pride.
“Guess who sent it?”
Without waiting for Fan Jing to answer, Chen Shi said smugly, “It was from your eldest uncle’s family. It’s worth a lot. Your aunt originally planned to keep it for your cousin’s wedding, but since you’re getting married first, they brought it over for you.”
“She was willing to part with it?” Fan Jing asked, brows furrowed.
Chen Shi grinned.
“Whether she was willing or not, it’s here now.”
Previously, Zhang Jingui had mocked Chen Shi for not hosting a proper banquet for Fan Jing, implying she was a biased stepmother who didn’t care about Fan Shoulin’s reputation. Chen Shi, annoyed, had been plotting to make Zhang eat her words.
That day, at the village head, the Li family was slaughtering a pig and invited both women to help cook.
Chen Shi seized the chance.
Zhang’s son had been praised by his teacher, and Xiangxiu was valued by her employer, so Zhang was basking in compliments, speaking more boldly than usual.
Chen Shi played the humble card, saying the family was tight on funds for the wedding and needed support.
In front of everyone, she asked Zhang to lend her money.
Zhang, reluctant to part with cash, claimed she’d just paid for her son’s tuition and Xiangxiu hadn’t sent money home yet.
Chen Shi, expecting this, graciously said she understood everyone’s struggles and that Zhang surely wasn’t the type to boast about her wealth while being stingy with family.
She suggested Zhang could help by picking out something nice instead.
Having bragged in front of everyone, Zhang couldn’t back down without losing face.
So, to save face, she promised to send a fine wardrobe for her nephew’s wedding.
Chen Shi thanked her profusely and, in front of everyone, praised her generosity, inviting them to come see the wardrobe Zhang would send.
Zhang Jingui, hearing people praise her generosity, couldn’t retract her promise without looking bad, so she grudgingly sent the wardrobe.
Chen Shi was thrilled with the new room and couldn’t wait to show it off to the boys, certain they’d be delighted.
“Zhenzhen and Qiaozhen scrubbed every corner with boiling water. After airing it out, there’s not a hint of mustiness.”
Kang He looked around, his expression softening.
The room was not only much larger than Fan Jing’s old one but also brighter and sunnier, unlike the dim old room.
He said to Chen Shi, “The family went to so much trouble to make this room so nice.”
Chen Shi beamed at Kang He’s words, hoping for a satisfied word from Fan Jing.
But when she turned, she saw him frowning, looking displeased.
“What’s wrong? Is something not done well?” Chen Shi’s joyful expression faded as she noticed Fan Jing’s sour look.
“Too much trouble,” Fan Jing said, his face not just displeased but almost angry.
With that, he strode out of the room.
“Hey?!” Chen Shi, watching him storm off to his old room, was baffled, unsure what she’d done to upset him.
Kang He’s brow also furrowed. Before Chen Shi could get upset, he quickly reassured her, “He didn’t catch much in the mountains this time, so he’s probably not in a good mood.”
“Mother, Father, and the younger sisters put so much effort into this. I think it’s great. Even if Big Brother doesn’t say it, I’m sure he feels it’s well done, even more than I do.”
Hearing Kang He’s words, Chen Shi felt her efforts weren’t entirely wasted, which eased her mind slightly.
But what should’ve been a happy occasion was soured by Fan Jing’s attitude, and she couldn’t help but grumble to Kang He, “He says it’s trouble, but we didn’t ask him to lift a finger.”
Kang He stayed silent.
Chen Shi paused, thinking perhaps, as Kang He said, Fan Jing was upset about not earning much in the mountains and felt burdened by the family’s efforts.
She softened, saying, “Big Brother’s just stubborn. Sanlang, you’ll need to be patient living with him.”
“I understand. He’s got other things on his mind. It’s not that he thinks the new room is bad or isn’t happy about it.”
Chen Shi felt Kang He was being polite, but she was relieved he wasn’t upset.
Kang He said to Chen Shi, “I’ll go check on him.”
“Alright.”
Kang He went to Fan Jing’s room, where the door was open.
Fan Jing sat on a stool by the window, quickly tending to his bow and arrows.
Kang He stood at the doorway, noticing Fan Jing saw him but didn’t invite him in.
He said, “Can I come in?”
Fan Jing didn’t respond, continuing to fiddle with his bowstring.
Kang He entered anyway, sensing why Fan Jing was upset.
The whole family had gone to great lengths for him, and everyone had high expectations for this marriage.
It was supposed to be a joyful occasion, but only Fan Jing knew he, the groom, was restless.
By his nature, he wouldn’t tell the family he planned to leave soon, nor would he ask them not to fuss over the wedding.
This misunderstanding bred resentment.
Kang He hadn’t expected the family to do so much.
Parents’ hearts were in the right place, thinking of Fan Jing, but it wasn’t entirely as he wished.
Kang He, more than anyone, understood Fan Jing’s struggles and frustrations.
He felt guilty for causing Fan Jing this worry but didn’t know how to comfort him.
He pulled out a small paper packet the size of a thumb, squatted down, unwrapped it, and handed it to Fan Jing.
Seeing the sugar frosting, Fan Jing’s brow twitched, and he glanced at Kang He.
He thought this guy called him “brother” in the mountains but was now treating him like a child to coax.
Fan Jing was troubled.
The family’s elaborate wedding preparations went beyond his intentions.
If it were simpler, Kang He’s departure wouldn’t be so complicated.
But the family wanted a grand, face-saving event, making it widely known that the Fan family had a son-in-law.
The prouder they were now, the angrier they’d be later.
Fan Jing knew the family meant well, wanting him to be happy, which is why they prepared so earnestly.
But he couldn’t explain Kang He’s situation to them.
Given his father and Chen Shi’s nature, they’d surely refuse to let Kang He leave and might even hide his contract.
What could’ve been an amicable parting might turn messy.
He didn’t resent Kang He.
Kang He was only forced into this marriage by his family’s circumstances, not by his own choice.
Seeing Kang He go out of his way to cheer him up, Fan Jing took the sugar frosting and popped it into his mouth.
“Fan Jing,” Kang He suddenly called to the man sitting before him.
Looking into Fan Jing’s eyes, Kang He’s mind went blank, and he spoke from the heart.
“Maybe… could we try?”
“Try what?”
Kang He’s throat tightened.
“Try… try living as real husband and wife.”
When Fan Jing risked his arm to save him from falling into a cliff cave, Kang He’s heart was filled with complex emotions—perhaps gratitude for being saved.
The night Sun Dasheng mistook him for Fan Jing and Kang He beat the lecherous man, it might’ve been anger and disgust toward such people.
But the day he saw Fan Jing talking with the Qin family’s young man, the overwhelming jealousy and worry forced Kang He to face his feelings.
His care and concern for Fan Jing had long surpassed guilt for Fan Jing’s injury due to him.
Guilt was just the easiest excuse to justify caring for Fan Jing, a way to dodge questions about why he cared so much.
Now, realizing his true feelings and seeing the Fan family’s efforts, Kang He couldn’t comfort Fan Jing directly, so he spoke up, seizing this chance to fight for himself.
“If you’re willing, could we try to be real husband and wife?” Kang He realized what he’d said, his mind clearing, and his voice weakened.
He felt uncertain.
Penniless and dependent, this wasn’t the ideal time to confess.
Even if others spoke ill of Fan Jing, Kang He knew they just didn’t understand him.
Anyone who spent time with him would come to feel as Kang He did.
The Qin family’s young man was proof.
Though their betrothal didn’t work out due to family reasons, he undeniably developed feelings for Fan Jing after getting close.
Anyone who spent time with Fan Jing would like him.
Kang He wasn’t the only choice.
Originally, Kang He planned to save enough money and confess his feelings when Fan Jing returned his contract, showing he wasn’t useless and could provide.
That might move Fan Jing to keep him.
Now, he was just a poor man with barely one guan to his name.
But today, not wanting Fan Jing to be caught in a dilemma, Kang He had no other words to ease him except his honest feelings.
“Try being real husband and wife…” Fan Jing murmured, stunned as if hearing something unbelievable.
For a moment, he seemed lost, trying to grasp Kang He’s true meaning.
Then, his brows furrowed.
Unaware of Kang He’s insecurities, Fan Jing wasn’t good at reading others’ minds.
He only felt Kang He’s words were too self-sacrificing.
He knew Kang He wasn’t selfish.
Today’s events and his attitude might have deepened Kang He’s guilt.
Out of guilt, a man like Kang He could set aside pride to care for him in the mountains like a nursemaid.
Now, perhaps out of guilt, he might force himself to abandon his plans to leave and live as a couple with a stubborn, unromantic man.
Fan Jing couldn’t ruin someone’s future.
He stood abruptly, his face cold.
“You don’t need to worry about family matters. I’ll explain things to them myself.”
“You don’t need to feel burdened. If it weren’t you, they’d do the same for anyone else—not just for you, but for their own pride.”
“If you can’t stand this, I’ll get your contract later, and you can leave the Fan family. Pay me back when you have the money.”
Fan Jing spoke at length, unlike his usual silence.
Each word chilled Kang He further.
He’d expected rejection, but not that Fan Jing would offer to return his contract.
His mouth tasted bitter.
“I didn’t say this because of what your father and Chen Shi did, or because I feel guilty.”
“It’s because of you, Fan Jing. Because of who you are.”
“You’re a good man, and I like you. I want to be with you. I know your flaws and shortcomings, but I accept and welcome them all.”
“You can reject me—that’s your right. But don’t doubt my sincerity. I’m not driven by what you think…”
Kang He poured out his heart, then silently left.
Outside, the rain continued, and the mid-winter air felt cold even at the foot of the mountain.
Everything was damp, mirroring Kang He’s muddled emotions.
He wiped rainwater dripping from his hair, his mind in chaos, unsure what to do or where to go.
Perhaps he shouldn’t have spoken his heart now.
If he’d stayed silent, they might’ve kept their usual harmony.
Now, with everything out in the open, pretending ignorance was impossible.
Inside, Fan Jing’s face was heavy, still reeling from Kang He’s words.
Love was a messy thing. With Fan Jing’s straightforward nature, if things weren’t spelled out, he might never have thought it through.
The Qin boy who’d been betrothed to him clearly had feelings but was too shy to say so directly, so Fan Jing treated him as just an acquaintance.
Now, Kang He had laid it all bare, and even someone as dense as Fan Jing understood.
But knowing didn’t mean he knew what to do.
People rarely spoke to him, let alone a man saying such things.
Words like wanting to be together and liking him—Fan Jing had last heard from Sun Dasheng’s foul mouth.
Though both said similar things, Fan Jing felt differently.
Sun’s words were vile and malicious, repulsive.
But Kang He’s… after a moment, Fan Jing’s ears reddened belatedly.
His reaction felt strange, his heart unusually chaotic, like a calm lake disturbed by a boulder.
He couldn’t name these emotions.
When faced with something he didn’t want to confront or resolve, Fan Jing’s frustration grew.
He kicked off his shoes and lay on the bed.
Normally, closing his eyes would let him sleep, and things would be better upon waking.
But this time, no matter how he tried to clear his mind, he couldn’t, and lying there only made him more restless.
“How’s that? Still not happy?” Chen Shi had started a fire in the kitchen to cook, noticing Kang He standing alone under the eaves, staring into the courtyard, lost in thought.
She went to call him.
“It’s fine,” Kang He said stiffly.
“I’ll cook. What ingredients do we have?”
“No good vegetables today. I’ll pick some winter greens from the field for soup, and we can stew some smoked meat with radish. Will that do?”
Chen Shi was delighted Kang He asked about cooking.
In most households, women or younger men handled the kitchen, while men sat in the main room drinking and waiting for food.
Few men asked about cooking.
Even the good-natured ones only helped with the fire.
Usually, Chen Shi decided the menu alone, but with Kang He’s tasty cooking, she sought his opinion.
Kang He nodded, though his mind wasn’t on cooking.
He just wanted something to do to distract himself and not let the Fan family notice any tension between him and Fan Jing.
They entered the kitchen, Kang He’s hair still damp, so he thought to heat water for a bath.
Just then, Qiaozhen came running in, shouting, “Mother, Mother!”
Chen Shi poked her head out the kitchen window.
“What’s up?”
“Are Big Brother and Brother-in-law back?”
“They’re back. The firewood’s still under the eaves.”
Hearing they were back, Qiaozhen ran in joyfully, seeing Kang He by the stove and sweetly calling out to him.
“Uncle Wu passed by Uncle’s house and said he saw Big Brother and Brother-in-law coming down the mountain together.”
“Sister Xiangxiu said she’s never met Brother-in-law. Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle all want to see him. Since Xiangxiu’s back today, it’s lively, and they invited us all to Uncle’s for dinner.”
Qiaozhen had come to relay the message; Zhenzhen was already at the main house helping with the fire.
“Sister Xiangxiu brought a pig’s foot, and Uncle told Aunt to clean it for stew tonight,” Qiaozhen said, drooling at the thought of meat, not caring whether it was at home or a relative’s, just happy for something savory.
“Got it. It’s rare for your aunt to be so generous, inviting relatives for meat. Let’s all go. Your father’s probably drunk somewhere, so go help pick vegetables and tell your grandparents Big Brother and Brother-in-law just came down the mountain, got wet, and need to clean up and bathe. We’ll come later.”
Qiaozhen, seeing Chen Shi agree, happily ran back to the main house.
“You’ve been here nearly a month but always up in the mountains, working hard. The main family—your grandparents, uncle, and aunt—haven’t met you yet and keep mentioning it,” Chen Shi said to Kang He. “Since you’re here today, you should meet them. They’re family, after all.”
Kang He agreed meeting relatives was proper, but he wasn’t sure he’d be welcomed.
Hesitant to agree without considering Fan Jing’s feelings, he asked, “Will Da Jing go?”
Chen Shi laughed.
“Visiting relatives and you’re shy? Need Da Jing to accompany you?”
“But it’s good to have him along. He’s not afraid of his parents or relatives. If anyone upsets him, he’ll smash bowls and chopsticks.”
Kang He forced a smile at Chen Shi’s words.
“The water’s hot. Take a bath. I’ll tell Da Jing.”
Kang He nodded.
Chen Shi went to find Fan Jing, while Kang He grabbed clean clothes and water to bathe in the washroom.
After finishing, he saw Fan Jing standing under the eaves.
Their eyes met, and Kang He slowly set down the empty bucket.
Softly, he asked, “Can I go?”
Fan Jing didn’t speak, just nodded slightly, then went to fetch water to bathe.
Kang He stared at his back, as if trying to bore a hole through it.
While he was cleaning up, Chen Shi was rummaging through the kitchen cabinets, annoyed about what to bring to the main house.
Kang He came over.
“Mother, how about this bag of kudzu starch for Grandpa and Grandma?”
Elders with weak teeth could eat kudzu starch mixed with hot water, good for their health and easy to digest.
Though Kang He knew he might not truly become family, he was thoughtful, knowing not to visit elders empty-handed.
With no prior preparation, he offered the starch he’d brought from the mountains.
“So clean and white! Where’d you get such fine starch?” Chen Shi was thrilled.
“Made it in the mountains.”
“You’re so skilled, making such fine starch. This quality could fetch plenty of coins in the city,” Chen Shi said, delighted but reluctant to keep it.
Visiting without gifts would give others something to talk about.
Besides the starch, they packed a large carp and two turtles—generous for a casual family meal in the countryside.
The three headed to the main house.
Chen Shi chatted nonstop, leaving Kang He no room to dwell on Fan Jing.
Fan Jing, as usual, stayed silent, lost in his thoughts.
The main house, the old Fan family home, wasn’t far—a quarter-hour walk—but Kang He found it agonizing.
The main house was larger than Fan Shoulin’s, with a tiled roof instead of thatch, repaired over the years.
When the two brothers married, they’d lived together harmoniously for a couple of years.
But when their wives had children, Fan Shoushan’s wife bore a son, while Fan Shoulin’s only had a son, Fan Jing, and was injured during childbirth, unable to have more children for years.
The grandparents, already favoring Zhang Jingui, made Fan Jing’s mother do most of the work.
Seeing she couldn’t bear more sons soon, they treated her worse.
Fan Jing’s mother, Lingniang, was gentle, and Fan Shoulin was ineffectual, unable to stand up to his parents or suggest splitting the family.
Their family of three suffered in silence.
Only Fan Jing, stubborn from childhood, fought his cousin.
Despite the grandparents’ bias, he never let his cousin get the upper hand.
At six, he knocked out two of his cousin’s teeth and nearly did worse.
Zhang Jingui wailed, and the grandparents were heartbroken.
After a night of arguing, the village elder mediated, and the family split.
When Chen Sanfang married in years later, the families were already separate.
Though she still faced the grandparents’ bias, it was better than living together.
Unlike Lingniang, Chen was feisty and cunning, suffering less.
Still, Fan Shoulin lacked skills or charm, unlike Fan Shoushan, a trumpeter at weddings and funerals.
Though a low trade, it earned money in tough times, even sending his son to study.
No matter how capable Chen Shi was, Fan Shoulin’s family couldn’t compare to the main house, leaving her at a disadvantage.
They arrived at the old Fan family home.
“Auntie’s here!”
A girl in a pink cotton jacket opened the gate, about sixteen or seventeen, with big eyes, a small mouth, and stylish hair adorned with silk flowers, looking lively.
“Haven’t seen Xiangxiu in a while. You’re getting prettier, a proper young lady now,” Chen Shi said.
Xiangxiu smiled.
“Auntie’s teasing me.”
A voice came from the kitchen.
“Rare guest, showing up so late. Any later, and the food would be on the table.”
Chen Shi retorted, “Everyone knows how capable you are, Sister-in-law. You could whip up a feast in no time.”
Fearing an argument, Xiangxiu changed the subject, looking at the unfamiliar man with Fan Jing.
“Big Brother Da Jing, I haven’t been home in a while and don’t recognize this person. Won’t you introduce us so I know what to call him?”
“Kang He,” Fan Jing said flatly.
Xiangxiu, knowing Fan Jing’s temperament, teased, “I’ll call him Kang He too? Isn’t that rude?”
Kang He, not expecting much from Fan Jing and worried he’d reveal the truth, quickly stepped in.
“Xiangxiu, little sister.”
Xiangxiu laughed, glanced at Fan Jing, and crisply called Kang He “Brother-in-law.”
They went inside, and Kang He, introduced by Chen Shi, greeted Uncle Fan Shoushan and Aunt Zhang Jingui, then went to see Grandpa and Grandma Fan.
The elderly couple, hearing the commotion, stayed seated on the kang without coming out.
“Father, Mother, I’ve brought Kang Sanlang to say hello,” Chen Shi said.
Grandma Fan’s eyes weren’t good, barely opening them, and didn’t acknowledge Chen Shi.
Grandpa Fan gave a lukewarm “Mm” after a pause.
Both wore stern, authoritative expressions.
“Which one’s Kang He? Come forward, let us see what you look like, what kind of man you are.”
Unafraid, Kang He stepped forward, respectfully greeting them and presenting his gift.
“You brought something?” Grandma Fan, despite her poor eyesight, was quick to spot good things.
Seeing Kang He offer a large bag of fine white kudzu starch, at least half a pound, her droopy eyelids lifted slightly.
Kang He delivered a rehearsed speech smoothly.
“I should’ve come to see Grandpa and Grandma earlier, but I was busy in the mountains. I came in a hurry and didn’t prepare anything fancy, just some starch from the mountains. I hope you won’t mind. When it’s too cold to go up the mountain, I’ll buy some soft treats in the city to honor you.”
A bag of such starch could fetch twenty coins in the city, enough for a slab of good pork—no one could complain.
Grandpa and Grandma felt Kang He was thoughtful, knowing old folks needed soft, digestible food.
They’d never met Kang He, only hearing from Zhang Jingui that he was a dull boy.
They had low expectations, thinking anyone willing to join Fan Jing couldn’t be much.
The Qin boy had been handsome and talented but looked down on the Fans, unlikely to join them.
Seeing Kang He now—tall, handsome, and considerate—they thought he was nothing like Zhang’s description.
Holding the starch, the elders dropped their haughty demeanor.
“Family should meet sooner or later. Mountain work is important; missing the season would be a pity.”
“With your understanding, unlike other families, you’re such caring elders,” Kang He said.
“Listen to Sanlang’s sweet talk,” Grandma Fan said, delighted.
She pulled Kang He to sit by the warm kang.
“It’s tough work following Da Jing up the mountain. It’s cold up there—can you handle it?”
“I’m sturdy and don’t feel the cold. Winter’s chilly, so you two take care of yourselves.”
“We stay indoors in winter, with a fire under the kang. These old bones don’t feel the cold.”
Zhang Jingui, expecting the elders to scold the new son-in-law, was annoyed to see them warm up to him.
She left the room in a huff.
Chen Shi, seeing the usually biased elders charmed by Kang He, was thrilled.
“Sanlang’s so thoughtful. He brought a big carp from the mountains and didn’t even want to cook it. Today, he brought it for the family to eat, plus two turtles to make soup for Father and Mother’s health.”
“Sanlang can make soup?”
“Just simple dishes for home, not fancy,” Kang He said, catching Chen Shi’s intent to show him off but playing along to save her face.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll prepare a turtle soup for you to try, to make up for not visiting sooner.”
“What a filial boy!”
Kang He went to prepare the turtle, and Xiangxiu, curious, didn’t expect her brother-in-law to cook.
The whole family gathered to watch, just like at the other house.
Fan Shoulin returned from drinking elsewhere, finding the house empty and guessing everyone was at the main house.
Fan Jing opened the gate, as the family was in the kitchen watching Kang He cook.
Chen Shi’s proud voice occasionally carried out.
“Sanlang’s cooking?” Fan Shoulin asked Fan Jing.
“Mm,” Fan Jing replied.
Fan Shoulin hurried to the kitchen, and soon, his boastful voice joined the aroma of food wafting out.
Fan Jing didn’t join the bustle.
Leaning by the door, he glanced at Kang He, methodically preparing food while chatting with the family.
He thought Kang He was truly likable.
Chen Shi’s worry about the main family troubling him was unnecessary.
He looked away.
Was Kang He, as he said, truly fond of him?
That night, though meant to be just turtle soup for Grandpa and Grandma, Kang He cooked most of the meal.
The main house had a well-stocked kitchen with plenty of seasonings.
He made pig’s trotter, turtle soup, and sour carp, with two vegetable dishes: cold radish and stir-fried cabbage.
Zhang Jingui felt overshadowed but had to admit Kang He’s cooking was good.
Before serving, she set aside two bowls of meat for her son, Fan Xingye, still at school.
Grandpa and Grandma, doting on their grandson, even saved him a bowl of turtle soup.
At dinner, everyone ate heartily.
With good food, the Fan brothers drank.
Kang He sat beside the elders, serving them food more than eating himself.
Fan Jing, typically silent, ate quietly, drinking with his uncle and father.
For some reason, he drank heavily, downing three or four bowls.
Only when Kang He placed food in his bowl, their eyes meeting, did he stop.
Leaving the main house, it was fully dark.
Grandpa and Grandma, fond of Kang He, gave him two pounds of cotton to take home.
Fan Shoulin and Chen Shi were elated.
Zhenzhen and Qiaozhen were happy too, each getting a colored silk flower from Xiangxiu.
After they left, Zhang Jingui, who’d lost the spotlight, complained to her husband, “They act like they got a gold ingot with this son-in-law. Second Brother and Chen Sanfang were so smug today, chattering like boiling water, unlike their usual timid selves.”
Fan Shoushan, a bit drunk, said, “Second Brother’s family has little. Now they’ve finally got a proper man—how could they not be happy?”
“They can be happy, but Father and Mother are so soft, swayed by Sanlang’s sweet talk and a bag of starch, acting like we never bring good things. A bowl of turtle soup won them over, but they don’t dote on Xiangxiu like that, even though she brings cakes every time.”
Xiangxiu, washing dishes, overheard her mother’s complaints.
She stayed silent, thinking her grandparents only favored her father, uncle, and cousin.
Her brother never brought them good food or gifts, yet they adored him like a treasure.
Now, a charming and capable brother-in-law won them over—how could they not love him?
Fan Shoushan, feeling a bit sidelined, thought it was good the Fan family gained a decent man.
“If you’re upset, say so quietly. Don’t let Father and Mother hear.”
Zhang huffed but said no more.
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