Su Mian resisted the urge to chase Old Grandma Bao out. In her previous life, Su Mian’s youngest uncle and her grandma had been persuaded by her and in the end, he had married her third aunt.
It was only after he married her that they realised this was not the case at all. When her uncle was not home, her third aunt did not even cook meals. She would only cook with her youngest uncle and would only wash her own clothes. As soon it was busy on the farm, her legs would hurt. When her uncle’s eyes hurt and he wanted to go and see the doctor, she would not let him.
“Third son, what do you think?” Grandma Su lit her pipe and smoked it twice. The tendrils of pale smoke curled around Old Grandma Bao’s hand-held fan.
People in this time liked to smoke old, dry tobacco. They would plant a few trees in their yard and it would be enough for a year’s worth of smoking. It was just that the smoke was very intense and most people did not dare to smoke it if they were unable to withstand it.
Her uncle had his own plans. He had good eyesight now and was not considered disabled anymore. Moreover, he was only 38 years old and was at the prime of his strength. It would not be a problem to do physical work for another 20 years.
He could not find a partner before but now that he could, of course he would want to find someone who’s age was closer to his and could give birth. Not only would he be able to rely on his children after they grew up, but he would also be able to do his duty as a father.
He had discussed with Su Jiang Hai last night. When his eyes were better, he would do carpentry with his elder brother. Su Jiang Hai had also agreed and after a few years, the two brothers were planning to open a factory in the county town.
“Mother, I think it would be better to keep looking.” Su Jiang Bo spoke implicitly, yet also showed where he stood on the matter.
Grandma Su nodded, “As it is your business, you should decide.” This morning, after she found out that her third son’s eyesight was recovering, Grandma Su became impatient. Now her son was normal and still not married yet. This woman with the surname Liu was unsuitable.
“Old Bao, you see, third son does not agree, so let’s forget about this matter.” Grandma Su spoke decisively.
Grandma Bao became anxious when she heard this. When she met up with Grandma Su today, she had felt that something was wrong, “You mustn’t, if you let go of this one, I’m afraid your third son will have to wait a few more years!” She was genuinely anxious for the third son.
“I know you are thinking of my third son, but now that his eyes have healed, it will be up to him to introduce someone who is healthy.”
“What? Your third son’s eyes are healed?” She had just thought that something was amiss when she saw her third son. It turned out that his eyes were healed. Then this one really was unsuitable.
“Yes, Doctor Li from the county hospital cured him.” Grandma Su said and knocked the smoking pipe against the edge of the brick bed and added more tobacco into the pot, “Third son is only 38 years old. As a mother, I cannot let him go without a next generation. In the future, introduce someone of a suitable age to him. If he has children, I will have face to see your brother Su when I die.”
Grandma Bao immediately responded, “Since your third son’s eyes are healed, it would be easier to find a partner. Sister Su, don’t worry, leave this to me.”
Grandma Bao left cheerfully and Su Mian was relieved. Thinking over it, she had been worried about nothing for a long time. Her youngest uncle was a normal person now and would not marry someone who was five years older and had a problem with her legs.
He Qin saw them out and when she came back, she began preparing lunch.
With Wei You Shan and Su Mian’s aunts helping out for the past two days, they finished planting her third uncle’s lands today. This also saved her third uncle from getting anxious and affecting the recovery of his eyes.
After lunch, Su Mian met up with Li Ya Jun and Wei Min. Their families were busy with plowing, so the three of them did not allow an adult to send them off.
On Sundays, there were fewer cars and more people. Most of the passengers in the cars were students going to school. Su Mian’s station was halfway and was far from any terminal stations. Several buses passed by and they were unable to board any of them. They watched the sky getting dark before they could finally get on a bus and stood the entire way, swaying to and fro. It was already past 5pm when the three of them arrived at school.
