After lunch, the two brothers Su Jiang Tao and Su Jiang Hai decided to go home. Su Jiang Tao was the chief of the village and couldn’t stay out for too long.
It’s spring, after farming, Su Jiang Hai’s furniture business was at its peak again. The family of Wei Zhen Ming’s wife was very satisfied with the furniture he made for him last time. When they returned, the women in their village who were getting married this year wanted the same western style furniture for their wedding.
The women in this time did not marry far from home, mostly to a nearby village. Hence, everyone in the surrounding villages knew that there was a Su family in Apricot Village that made western style furniture for weddings. Su Jiang Hai became very busy recently. Even though he had accepted five apprentices, they still needed his guidance.
Initially Su Jin Long seemed to be set on being a carpenter. He always helped out during his winter holidays, but he had changed after starting school and was putting more focus on his studies.
Su Jiang Hai would have thought that his son wanted to take the high school entrance exam if he didn’t know his son well enough.
Su Jin Long had grown up in a few months, he stopped mingling with Su Jin Biao and the bunch of bad boys. He spent his time practicing boxing and now admired Wei Zhen Hui and We Feng greatly.
Su Mian was glad to hear this from Su Jiang Hai. Su Jin Long had realized that it’s good to be a soldier, and would work hard for it. This would mean he would cut ties with Su Jin Biao.
“Dad, take care of your body, do only as much as you can for the business, since our situation is better now, don’t over-exert yourself. When I get into university I won’t need money from the family anymore, I can also earn some money now, so leave it to me to pay for Xiao Long’s expenses in the future. You and mom can enjoy retirement.” Su Mian was worried about Su Jiang Hai’s health since he was already 58 years old.
“What are you saying! I am still fit to work. Your uncle and I were just thinking about opening a new furniture shop in the county!” Su Jiang Hai was annoyed at his daughter’s comments. She was basically saying that he’s old and wanted him to retire early.
Third Uncle laughed, “Xiao Mian, Elder Brother cannot stand doing nothing, let him do it. When my eyes recover completely I will help him so he won’t be exhausted.”
Su Mian was relieved if her Third Uncle could help out. However, she felt like her Third Uncle had changed, he talked and joked around more, did the cure for his eyes have such a big effect?
Second Aunt laughed and pulled Su Mian to the side, “Xiao Mian, don’t you know that your Third Uncle is engaged, you’re going to have a Third Aunt soon.”
That was quick, Su Mian had only just returned from home! “Then I have to congratulate Third Uncle.”
Third Uncle felt awkward and gave Su Mian’s aunt a look, “Second Sister, you babble too much.” Then he turned to Su Mian and said, “We just met and were satisfied with each other but we haven’t decided on anything yet.”
Su Mian looked at her uncle’s increasingly red face, “I think it won’t be too long. There will be someone to take care of you soon.”
Second Aunt was smarter this time, she whispered, “Your uncle was satisfied the moment he saw her. She is 33 years old, divorced with no children. Her ex-husband cheated on her and she was strong enough to ask for a divorce. After that she had seen a few potential matches and insisted on finding someone who is honest and reliable. Who would have thought that she was so satisfied with your uncle.”
“I heard from your grandma that she is fair, has a round face, a good physique and was good at work. She knew at first glance that she could bear a son,” Third Aunt covered her mouth and giggled, thinking that her Third Brother did not hear her.
