Jelly is what we mainly make at home now. Dried fruits are just a sideline, laying the foundation for winter sales. Xie Lan and her elder brother-in-law, Li Wenjun, were helping to load the truck. Xie Min looked crestfallen, and since no one was coaxing her, she helped out on her own, seeking a sense of belonging.
Lin Wanwan ignored her. People like that were bullies who preyed on the weak. If you stood firm, they would back down.
The village aunties started arriving for work one after another. Zhang Wenfeng's wife, Yang Yumei, with her ample posterior wiggling, was dressed especially alluringly. She wore a georgette shirt identical to Lin Wanwan's, and even her shoes were the same style.
Xie Sui glanced at her, his expressionless face turning away. He didn't say anything.
Yang Yumei, however, sidled up to seek attention. She struck up a conversation with Lin Wanwan, saying, "Wanwan, what are the new styles in the city? Next time you buy something, give me a heads-up. Your taste in shopping is better than mine."
Lin Wanwan smiled and replied, "Sure. I don't have much time to go shopping myself. Xie Sui buys everything for me. Wenfeng also goes into the city. If you want anything, have him bring it back for you."
Yang Yumei pouted, "Alas, my husband isn't as doting as Xie Sui. He's as stubborn as a mule; if you don't push him, he'll just go in circles."
Zhang Wenfeng's expression soured slightly. The aunties around them burst into laughter. Yang Yumei didn't seem to care. In the village now, which young woman or married woman wouldn't want a man like Xie Sui?
He was handsome, doted on his wife, could make money, and could even cook. One auntie had personally seen him washing dishes and clothes; he was truly an exemplary husband.
People just couldn't compare. Zhang Wenfeng had been quite good before, but as Xie Sui's business grew, he was no longer in the same league.
Xie Min, who couldn't sit still, shuffled over and squeezed between them. "Sister Zhang, it's not that I'm saying you can't learn to dress like our Wanwan. But people should have self-awareness. A good shirt, when you wear it, just loses its charm.
My Wanwan has a great figure; she'd look good even in a sack. Hurry up and get to work. Wanwan is the boss's wife, and your wages aren't enough to buy one shirt."
Lin Wanwan chuckled secretly. What could she say about this second sister of hers? They'd argue behind closed doors, but now she was defending her against others. She was a complete fighter, bickering with anyone she met, never tiring.
In fact, Xie Min was quite a contradiction. At home, she fought for equality and fair treatment. Outside, she was deeply loyal to her family and couldn't stand to see her own people being bullied. She had her own endearing side.
As soon as the truck was loaded, a few villagers wanted a ride to the county town. One of them, Zhao Yonggui, had several sacks of vegetables and grain, intending to sell them in the city. However, there was no space on the truck, and his goods wouldn't fit.
Zhao Yonggui said, "Xie Sui, unload a few of your goods. Mine won't fit."
Xie Sui's eyes widened. Had he lost his mind? Did he think he was that important?
Xie Min immediately chimed in, "Uncle Yonggui, why don't you take the tractor then? You're so capable, why don't you fly into the sky!"
"Hey, Xie Min, what kind of talk is that? My vegetables are fresh, and they can't be delayed. If they wilt, I won't be able to sell them, and the loss will be huge."
Xie Min laughed angrily, "What does your loss have to do with my brother? Did we take your money? Do we owe you a favor? After living so long, how could you say such a thing? It's good enough that we're not charging you for gas. Don't push your luck!"
Zhao Yonggui waved her away, "I'm not talking to you, you ignorant woman with long hair and short knowledge. I'm talking to Xie Sui."
"My second sister has already made it very clear. I'm sorry, but my goods are also very important. Not delivering them would mean a loss of several hundred yuan. Uncle Yonggui, if you compensate me for that money, then we can discuss it."
"You, you're a slippery one since you were little. Will you help me with this or not? I've already picked them from the field. You should have said earlier if you couldn't fit them."
Xie Min, with her fiery temper, couldn't help but retort, "You didn't ask in advance either. Is our family's truck supposed to serve you specifically!"
"You're a married woman now, why are you always meddling in your family's affairs? You're the most troublesome, a real drama queen. Don't think no one in the village heard you arguing loudly with your family yesterday. If you were my daughter, I'd have slapped you!"
Lin Wanwan saw that they were getting heated and quickly intervened, "Alright, stop arguing. It's getting late, and we need to go. Uncle Yonggui, if you want a ride, then remove some of your things. If you don't want to remove them, find another vehicle. Zhang Yongfeng's mule cart is idle at home; it's two yuan a trip, you can rent it for a day."
Zhao Yonggui was speechless. If he was willing to pay, he wouldn't be freeloading on Xie Sui's truck.
In the end, Zhao Yonggui only took the vegetables. The yellow flour grain he had intended to sell was not loaded. He got into the truck with a dark expression.
This commotion soured everyone's mood, leaving only the chugging sound of the tractor.
They dropped off the villagers at the supply and marketing cooperative before heading to the factory.
The vendors were processing invoices and picking up goods. Xu Siman hurried over to help. While he was away, Ye Feng had been busy. The two could look out for each other.
Just then, Gu Lei emerged from Lin Wanwan's office, where she specialized in making butter. Seeing them arrive, his expression turned somewhat unnatural. "You're late today. Was there something going on at home?"
"No, we just ran into someone unreasonable. You know, some people always mistake others' tolerance for weakness and think they can be bullied. What should one do when encountering such people?"
Gu Lei's eyes flickered. "Who bullied Brother Xie? We'll teach them a lesson for you."
"Alas, they're elders from the same village, how can we teach them a lesson? Kindness should be met with kindness. If some people can't be won over with kindness, they can only become enemies. I hope he behaves himself."
Gu Lei felt guilty. These words didn't sound right.
"I've cleaned your office for you and poured the tea. Sister-in-law, you should go rest for a while."
"Thank you. I can do this rough work myself."
The couple tacitly exchanged no words and entered the office together. Lin Wanwan closed the door, and Xie Sui went to check the hidden money. Fortunately, it was still there.
"Gu Lei seems suspicious. What is he trying to do?"
Lin Wanwan didn't drink the tea he had brewed. She wasn't used to others touching her things and boiled water again to wash the cup.
Xie Sui sneered, "If he's not trying to steal money, then he's after our secret recipe."
"Are you talking about the butter and condensed milk? Why would he want the secret recipe?"
Xie Sui said, "Someone must be trying to poach our business. Don't worry, I have a way to deal with them. However, those who betray me cannot be kept.
Alas, Director Gu is such a good person. I really don't want her to be sad."
If it weren't for Director Gu's sake, Xie Sui wouldn't have thought much of a conceited good-for-nothing like Gu Lei.
"Wanwan, you carry on. I'm going out for a bit."
"Okay, be careful. Don't get into a fight."
Xie Sui smiled, "Am I the type of person who likes to fight? I'm such a well-behaved and honest child. They bully me, and I'm forced to fight back. We believe in winning people over with virtue; no fighting. Don't worry, wife."