Reborn in the 1980s: I became a stepmother in the 1980s Ⅱ

Part 223 Can't her brother do it?

Let's put aside the matter with Uncle Lin for now, since it really doesn't concern everyone. However, the villagers who previously had some complaints about Second Uncle Lin's family have completely changed their tune. Instead of mocking them, they're now going out of their way to ingratiate themselves, fearing they might not be able to buy meat from the Zhou family in the future.

People coming to pay their New Year's greetings have nearly worn down the threshold of the Lin household. Who doesn't enjoy a lively atmosphere? Besides, there aren't any major grudges between them, so Aunt Lin doesn't say much. Si Nian is especially surrounded by a crowd, with all the aunties looking at her with starry eyes.

Everyone knows that Zhou Yue deeply values Si Nian. It's said he not only bought her a car but also does her laundry. Which man in ten miles or eight villages would wash his wife's clothes? Not to mention the notoriously difficult-to-please Director Zhou, whose mere glare can scare small children. Si Nian has become the benchmark for women in all the nearby villages.

After this news spread, the men in every household faced cold stares from their wives. They were criticized for not earning as much as Director Zhou and for not even being able to do laundry. The village men found themselves in a difficult position, unable to voice their complaints. Of course, those with better attitudes recognized the value of helping their wives. This made everyone realize that men could do these tasks; they just hadn't been properly trained before.

Liu Mei also showed up. Although she and Second Uncle Lin's family had a rocky relationship—having previously told Lin Sisi that Director Zhou, who had a divorce and three kids, was hard to get along with—unexpectedly, this situation worked out well. Even though Lin Sisi didn't end up marrying him, Si Nian, with her beauty, did. Now, Director Zhou dotes on her and generously spends money on her, reportedly buying whatever she wants. Everyone in the nearby villages is envious. As a result, Liu Mei, who had a questionable reputation, suddenly found herself vindicated. Lately, many people have approached her for matchmaking. She had a good relationship with Wang Cui and even introduced city folks to her daughter. The dowry might be a bit low, but at least the suitors come from clean backgrounds.

Little did she know that Wang Cui had caused her trouble. Fuming, she returned home only to hear that Wang Tao had offended the Zhou family, while many people were visiting the Lin family. She worried that the Lin family might decide not to sell pork to them because of her good relationship with Wang Cui. Liu Mei shivered at the thought; she needed to build a good relationship with Aunt Lin.

Carrying fruits and eggs, she went to visit, but found Si Nian surrounded by people, making it impossible to get in. Spotting Aunt Lin nearby, she forced a smile that looked rather ridiculous. "Aunt Er, you're so busy! I'm here to help."

This statement shocked not only Aunt Lin but also everyone else in the yard, who stared at Liu Mei in disbelief. In the village, everyone knew about the poor relationship between Liu Mei and Aunt Lin—what was going on? Aunt Lin looked at Liu Mei with suspicion, wondering what she was up to.

Initially, they had opposed the idea of matchmaking for Lin Sisi, especially since she had not passed the entrance exam but was still a high school graduate, making her quite desirable. They wouldn't have considered her becoming a stepmother otherwise. It was only because Lin Sisi agreed that they reluctantly accepted the marriage.

Then a series of unfortunate events unfolded for the Lin family. Fortunately, Zhou Yue wasn't as fearsome as rumored; he turned out to be a decent person, which was a relief. However, Si Nian still held no fondness for Liu Mei, who remained oblivious to the tension. Liu Mei, being thick-skinned as a matchmaker, showed no embarrassment at all.

She pretended to wipe away tears, saying, "Aunt Er, I've wronged you before by always calling you an outsider." She continued, "My intentions weren't bad when I tried to matchmake for your Sisi. It inadvertently led to you finding your daughter, Nian Nian. I shouldn't have listened to your sister-in-law and caused you trouble. Can we let bygones be bygones? Will you forgive me?"

She stepped forward, grabbing Aunt Lin's hand with a look of feigned remorse. The onlookers were astonished; the village's most shameless person was actually apologizing. Aunt Lin twitched her lips; despite her dislike for Liu Mei, she believed in not striking those who offered smiles. Unsure of what to say, she finally replied, "Well, if you're saying that, I suppose we can put those past grievances aside."

Though Liu Mei wasn't easy to deal with, Aunt Lin also wasn't one to back down, and she hadn't really suffered any indignities.

She never expected the other party to lower themselves like that, and she was quite taken aback. Upon hearing Aunt Lin's words, Liu Mei immediately wiped her tears, saying, "Wuwu, you're such a good sister! I was wrong in the past; I'm really sorry. From now on, you'll be my good sister!"

Aunt Lin was at a loss for words, thinking this woman was getting carried away. "Alright, alright, let's just forget about it."

Liu Mei, wiping her mouth where a mole sat, thought about her close relationship with Wang Cui, who had caused her trouble, and how easily Aunt Lin had forgiven her. Her eyes turned red, overwhelmed by emotion. "You're so wonderful! You have such a kind heart and a broad mind. No wonder everyone says you're a good person; you're truly a gem, my dear sister!"

Aunt Lin's name was originally Zhang Miao, but very few called her that. Goosebumps prickled her skin. Not just her, but everyone in the yard shuddered at Liu Mei's over-the-top flattery. Aunt Lin couldn't take it anymore and quickly made an excuse to step out and buy something.

Who would have thought that Liu Mei wouldn't give up? Although her legs weren't in good shape, she couldn't catch up to Aunt Lin and ended up waving her hands at the door, calling out, "Miao Miao, since my legs aren't good, I won't come with you. Don't worry; I'll take care of everyone inside. Come back early!"

After saying that, she sighed, "How can this girl be so nice?" The crowd behind her exchanged incredulous looks; this old woman was utterly shameless. They huddled around Si Nian, saying, "Before, Liu Mei had a terrible relationship with your mom, and they couldn't stand each other. Liu Mei is actually your aunt's friend."

"They're definitely being nice to your mom now out of fear of offending Director Zhou, worried that your family won't do business with her in the future," someone added.

Si Nian couldn't help but chuckle. "Apologizing in front of so many people? That takes some guts." Many of these people had been part of the recent uproar. Although they came to visit, not a single one of them had said "sorry." That day's events were never mentioned at all.

After being surrounded for a while and feeling annoyed by all the questions, Si Nian quickly made an excuse to help in the kitchen. She saw Zhou Sui Sui, who was bustling around, and felt a bit bad. "Sister-in-law, you should take a break."

In the middle of winter, Zhou Sui Sui was sweating profusely. After hearing that Si Nian had bought those bath and hair care products, she noticed that her skin had actually improved over the months; it was no longer cracked and looked quite moisturized. Her hair was much smoother too.

At that moment, Zhou Sui Sui's cheeks were flushed with a healthy, vibrant glow, making her look quite beautiful. Si Nian thought to herself, her brother was truly lucky. With a sister-in-law like this, if it weren't for being from the same village and her lack of knowledge about dressing up before, her earnest and awkward brother wouldn't stand a chance.

"It's fine, little aunt, I'm not tired," Zhou Sui Sui replied, a bit shy.

Si Nian moved closer to help and asked, "Sister-in-law, how long have you been married to my brother?"

Zhou Sui Sui blushed and said, "It's been almost two years."

Si Nian was taken aback. "Two years?"

In this era, people generally didn't have a strong awareness of contraception, unlike her and Zhou Yue. It was unusual that they hadn't had any children yet. Did that mean her brother might have issues?