Chapter 14

Sang Family
The third day after the wedding was the day for the newlyweds to return to the bride’s family home.
This tradition has existed since ancient times and has never been abolished, no matter the era.
Therefore, the Sang family was quite expectant. After all, their daughter had married into the Zhu family, one of the few households in the surrounding communes living exceptionally well.
Both sons and daughters-in-law had secure jobs, earning dozens of yuan a month. The amount they gave to Mother and father Zhu each month was enough to make the elderly women in the neighborhood green with envy.
Countless families wanted to form a marriage alliance with the Zhu family. If it weren’t for Zhu Chang’an’s intimidating temperament, matchmakers would have worn out the Zhu family’s doorstep, how could Sang Ran have gotten the chance?
Because of this, the Sang family was now the envy of the entire village.
Early in the morning, Sang Ran’s parents were already up.
The youngest and most lively member of the family, Sang’s little brother, had miraculously risen early and was obediently waiting at home. Even though there was no farm work to do that day, he hadn’t run off to play.
As the time drew near, the younger brother glanced at his mother and asked, “Mom, what do you think Second Sister will bring us?”
Sang Ran was the second daughter of her parents, but since she had two older cousins, she ranked third in the extended Sang family.
After a moment’s thought, Mother Sang replied, “Probably some pork, right? It’s been a while since we’ve had meat.” She nudged Father Sang and asked, “Do you think Zhang Cuixia might give our daughter some money? After all, before the wedding, she saved her precious son from those thugs with knives.”
Father Sang took a drag from his cigarette, squinting as he exhaled a cloud of smoke. “She probably will, but we had that big argument with Second Daughter before she left. I doubt she’ll bring back many good things.”
Mother Sang shook her head. “That can’t be. No matter how much we quarreled, we’re still family. Look at the Zhu family’s daughters-in-law, she’s the least capable one. If she doesn’t maintain good relations with her natal family, who will stand up for her if she gets bullied in the future?”
She was utterly unconvinced.
She knew her daughter’s timid nature all too well. Although Sang Ran had been acting out recently, wasn’t it only because she felt more confident now?
Once she entered the Zhu family, she would realize the truth: raised unable to carry heavy loads or do manual work, with only a junior high school education and no job, how could the Zhu family possibly value her?
In such situations, the natal family’s support was crucial. If a new daughter-in-law was mistreated by her in-laws, having a strong relationship with her own family meant she could bring them over to intimidate the in-laws, who would then think twice about bullying her.
Unfortunately, she didn’t know that the original Sang Ran had held the same hope. That was why she had said nothing when her natal family withheld all her betrothal gifts.
Yet what her family gave her in return was colder than the treatment from strangers.
At this moment, however, the Sang family agreed with the mother’s reasoning. The younger brother nodded and said, “Mom’s right. If Second Sister doesn’t try to please me, then if she gets bullied, we won’t lift a finger for her.”
“You silly child!” Mother Sang scolded her son lightly. “When you see Sang Ran later, don’t say things like that, understand?”
“Got it,” the younger brother replied lazily.
Although the older brother and sister didn’t speak, the eager anticipation in their eyes was unmistakable as they stared toward the courtyard gate.
Finally, amid the sound of firecrackers and the lively chatter of the crowd, the young couple everyone had been waiting for appeared.
The Sang family perked up and hurried over, hearts full of hope.

Zhu Chang’an was in high spirits.
These past two days have felt like a dream. So this is how wonderful marriage is, not only do I get to hold a sweet and soft wife, but she’s also wealthy!
Most importantly, she thinks just like I do!
Apart from disliking gambling and smoking, they were practically a perfect match!
When you have money, you should eat, drink, and treat yourself, what’s the point of saving?
So, the two of them hit it off right away and bought themselves a pile of food, daily necessities, and drinks. When Zhang Cuixia saw them returning from town with bags full of goods, she assumed they were for Sang Ran’s family and felt a pang of envy.
But noticing that they had very thoughtlessly forgotten to buy candies and meat, she couldn’t help but worry and went to buy these things for them.
Sang Ran and Zhu Chang’an listened obediently without interrupting to clarify that these weren’t for her family.
After all, if they had said so, Zhang Cuixia might have wasted money buying nicer things for them to take along.
On the third day of their marriage, the two carried large and small bags to the Sang family home. As they approached, they set off a firecracker to announce their arrival.
Then they scattered the prepared candies all around.
At times like these, everyone loved a lively atmosphere, so as soon as the candies were thrown, adults and children alike rushed to pick them up.
Zhu Chang’an was especially delighted: "There’s more, over here!"
"The young son-in-law is so generous, the Sang family is blessed!" someone with a quicker tongue shouted loudly.
The Sang family happened to come out just in time to hear this, and the corners of their mouths lifted into smiles.
Sang Ran didn’t join in the commotion, instead stepping aside with a cheerful smile. When Zhu Chang’an was praised, he immediately turned to look for Sang Ran. Their eyes met, and Zhu Chang’an, who could barely be called a youth, beamed with pride and joy, as if saying: See? Everyone says I’m great!
Once the excitement of the homecoming visit subsided, Sang Ran and Zhu Chang’an entered the Sang household.
Mother Sang couldn’t stop smiling when she saw the bundles in their hands: "Oh, you’re just here for the visit, why bring all this? Oh, there’s even meat! As if we’d let you go hungry at home?" As she spoke, she reached out to take the things from Zhu Chang’an’s hands.
Zhu Chang’an deftly sidestepped with his long legs and laughed, "Mom, I’ve got it. There’s more here for Grandpa and Uncle. Sang Ran, come over and take these."
Sang Ran hurried over: "Coming, don’t mix them up."
Mother Sang’s smile faltered slightly as she watched their interaction, sensing something subtly off.
The Sang family’s younger brother rushed over excitedly, full of anticipation: "Sis, what did you bring back for us?"
Sang Ran handed him a bag of pastries they had tried and disliked the most: "Here, these are for you."
The younger brother frowned at the pastries, feeling a huge letdown, this was nothing like what he had imagined!
He scowled and said, "Sis, is this all you brought?"
"What else?" Sang Ran asked, puzzled.
Some of the nosy middle-aged villagers who hadn’t left followed along to the Sang family, hoping to catch some drama. They hadn’t expected to witness such a scene. A woman who also had a daughter clicked her tongue twice and said in a lecturing tone:
"Sang Ran, this is your and your husband’s fault. Now that you’re married, you’ll be leaving your parents. On the day of returning home, you only brought so little? Even my daughter, whose family isn’t well-off, brought back two pieces of clothing."
"Exactly! I heard when Su Ya from the neighboring village returned home, she brought a whole pile of good stuff. The Zhu family’s situation isn’t bad, is it?"
Zhu Chang’an was about to speak when Sang Ran pulled him back. She curled her lips into a faint, insincere smile and said, "This candy, this meat, all these snacks, my mother-in-law bought them with her own money. What more do you want? Clothes? A single piece of clothing costs several yuan. Do I have money? I came to the Zhu family empty-handed, without a job. Where would I get the money to buy things?"
"But isn’t Zhu, " Sang’s younger brother started to say something but was nudged by the eldest brother. Reluctantly, he shut his mouth.
The joy on Mother Sang’s face vanished, replaced by an awkward stiffness. Her expression was almost contorted!
How dare Sang Ran bring back so little to her parents’ home?
Was she really holding a grudge over that dowry?
Mother Sang’s eyes reddened!
If Sang Ran knew what she was thinking, she would surely retort, it wasn’t about the dowry, but their attitude. Even a biological daughter would feel heartbroken, let alone her, a daughter who had joined the family later.
The two middle-aged women who had been rebuked were momentarily stunned. Realizing the implication of Sang Ran’s words, they forced awkward smiles and said, "Forget it, forget it. Even an honest official can’t settle family disputes. Let’s head back first."
The onlookers felt too uncomfortable to stay and gradually dispersed. As they left, however, they couldn’t help muttering, "I never thought that woman would be so heartless, sending her daughter off with nothing. No wonder she didn’t bring anything back."
Someone retorted, "That girl is foolish too. A married woman needs to rely on her parents’ family. Now that she’s offended them, who will help her if she gets bullied in the future?"
The rest of the Sang family wore strange expressions. Calmly, Sang Ran placed the items she had brought for the Sang family and ignored Mother Sang’s dark expression. "Mom, this is all I have. Make sure to cook more meat later. I don’t want to return to my parents’ home and not even get a full meal."
She turned and took Zhu Chang’an’s hand. "Let’s go visit Grandpa."
Zhu Chang’an glanced at Sang Ran with concern. He was somewhat thick-skinned in such matters, as long as appearances were maintained, it was fine. He hadn’t expected Sang Ran’s family to be dissatisfied and was afraid she would be upset. But when he looked at her, he noticed a clear smile at the corners of her eyes and brows, so he relaxed and said cheerfully, "Alright, let’s go see Grandpa!"
Of course, Sang Ran wasn’t upset, she had done it on purpose.
On the day the betrothal gifts were discussed with the Zhu family, she had already calculated that the original host hadn’t spent much of the Sang family’s money. Raised by Grandpa Sang since childhood, her true affection was for him.
So why bother currying favor where it wasn’t wanted?

Sang Ran took Zhu Chang’an and the gifts to Uncle Sang’s place.
She didn’t have enough money to build a house yet. The money from selling her jewelry was her future capital. Besides, if she gave too much to Uncle Sang, less than ten to twenty percent would end up with Grandpa Sang, it simply wasn’t worth it.
Better to save for now and focus on earning money quickly.
Sang Ran planned to discuss with Zhu Chang’an today after returning home. Having repaid the 100 yuan debt to Zhang Cuixia, she now had nearly two thousand yuan left. Using this money to purchase the latest clothing styles in Shenzhen and selling them locally was bound to be profitable.
The 1980s were a golden era where opportunities were everywhere, of course, she had to seize them!
Grandpa Sang had been doing well lately. After giving the items he had to his beloved granddaughter, he felt even more at ease. So when Sang Ran visited, he could even jog a few steps to greet her.
Sang Ran first checked the nutritional supplements and milk powder she had left with Grandpa Sang before she left, to see how much was left.
Seeing that only a small portion remained, she understood.
Noticing his granddaughter’s expression, Grandpa Sang said guiltily, "Hey, I’ve been drinking it every day!"
Sang Ran looked at him for a moment. Grandpa Sang rubbed his shaved head and avoided her gaze, making it clear to her. She didn’t press further but could only advise him repeatedly, "It’s not like we don’t have enough. You can share with Tiedan and the others, but you have to eat it yourself too. Otherwise, I’ll just take it back and ride my bike over every day to bring it to you."
Grandpa Sang quickly shook his head, "That won’t do. You’ll exhaust yourself."
"No choice, since my grandpa won’t listen," Sang Ran said with a pained expression, feigning grievance.
Unable to bear seeing his granddaughter like this, Grandpa Sang quickly gave in, "I’ll eat it, I promise!"
Only then did Sang Ran smile, linking her arm with his and saying softly, "You need to take good care of your health so I can bring you to live with me someday."
"Alright, alright." Grandpa Sang closed his eyes and imagined the future scene of taking care of his granddaughter’s children, feeling so content he could almost float.

Lunch was eaten in silence under the dark, sullen expressions of Sang Ran’s parents.
After the meal, the two of them left.
They had come by bicycle and didn’t leave it at the Sang house. Waving cheerfully, they departed happily.
Watching their carefree backs, Mother Sang clutched her chest, her face livid with anger, and spat bitterly, "Ungrateful wretch! Let’s see how capable she is. If she’s got the guts, she shouldn’t come back ever again or ask for any help from her family!"
The younger Sang brother, thinking about how Sang Ran had looked when she returned today, showing no signs of hardship after marriage, muttered unwillingly, "Maybe she really is doing well."
At least, it wasn’t what they had expected.
Even though he didn’t want to admit it, the younger Sang brother clearly knew that their expectations might not come true.
Mother Sang sneered, "Doing well? Just wait and see. Of course, everything seems fine right after marriage. Within a month, her husband will be freeloading all day, and she won’t be able to earn money herself. Let’s see if her sisters-in-law can tolerate her!"

One month later.
Suddenly, someone rushed up to Mother Sang, holding a beautiful new-style blouse, and said eagerly, "Fangzi, can you ask your daughter if she still has this outfit? My daughter’s classmate bought one, and now she insists on having it too, she’s crying and throwing tantrums at home if she doesn’t get it. Hurry and ask if she has any left in stock!"
Mother Sang looked bewildered. "What clothes?"
The woman exclaimed in surprise, "You still don’t know? Your daughter went down south and brought back a whole lot of things. These clothes are what she’s selling, ten yuan apiece! They’re pretty, but a bit pricey. How come she didn’t give you a couple of pieces?"
Hearing the price of ten yuan per item, Mother Sang’s expression instantly darkened. She gripped the woman’s arm tightly. "Say that again!!!"