Chapter 88: A Contradictory Personality

Yet despite all she had done, back at her mother’s home, she always seemed to offend her sister-in-law with her blunt words. Tang Xin never understood why her elder sister-in-law was so difficult. Perhaps it was because, after several years of marriage without a child, Li Xihua felt guilty and had always been meek and submissive in her husband’s family. Even when mistreated, she dared not fight back, swallowing her grievances in silence. Tang Xin couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. She wanted to help her sister-in-law, but since the woman never spoke of her hardships at home, and was not present, Tang Xin didn’t even know where to begin.

“How does it feel?” Li Sheng’s words brought Tang Xin back to herself. She glanced down at her feet. Black, round-toed leather shoes paired with white cotton socks—undoubtedly the most fashionable and up-to-date style of the era. Tang Xin suddenly understood why, after buying her leather shoes last time, Li Sheng insisted on taking her to the supply and marketing cooperative again. These were the latest and most popular shoes, and Li Sheng wanted to give his wife the very best.

Though this man was not one for sweet words, his subtle actions quietly moved her heart. Tang Xin's ankles were slender and her feet narrow; this style of shoe suited her perfectly. The girls watching nearby were all wearing cloth shoes. Their gazes toward Tang Xin brimmed with envy and jealousy. After all, this was the newest style, and the price was out of reach for most. Even the leather shoes that ordinary girls could afford paled in comparison. That a man would be so generous to his wife naturally sparked resentment among the other young women.

Li Sheng was pleased as well. He took Tang Xin’s old cloth shoes in hand, paid the bill with both money and coupons, and prepared to leave. Tang Xin had noticed the price—it was no small sum—but since they had decided to buy them, she didn’t feel too bad. Still, she insisted on buying something for Li Sheng too; after all, the trip was originally meant to buy him a New Year’s gift.

This time, Li Sheng did not refuse. Every time they drove together, Wang Dongliang would boast endlessly about what his wife had done for him. It was infuriating. Now, Li Sheng had a wife too. Even if she wasn’t deft with her hands, she would buy him things. What other man enjoyed such good fortune?

A coat and a pair of leather shoes—these were Tang Xin’s New Year’s gifts to Li Sheng, nearly exhausting all her savings and coupons. Yet she felt no regret. Out with the old, in with the new—she was more than willing to buy things for her Sheng. Her warehouse on the farm was filling up with supplies; aside from the spiritual spring water she was saving, which she suspected might one day save a life, everything else was meant for daily use. Though she only received a few drops each time, they added up over time. She had tried a few drops herself and found it remarkably effective for brightening her complexion. As for other effects, she didn’t know yet, but she planned to keep it. The rest she could use or eat, and since the crops on the farm were always growing, she could replenish supplies endlessly. It was a perfect source of goods—once she found the right channels, she would never worry about making money.

Aside from her outings with Li Sheng, Tang Xin had also visited the commune and county town on her own a few times, just to get familiar with the environment. She hadn’t yet experienced the famous black market of these times, but she knew she could earn money there. According to her instincts, she should also buy clothes for other family members, but she knew how thrifty her parents-in-law were. Since she had already given them fabric to make new garments, it made no difference.

With the two of them having bought nearly all they needed, it was time to purchase New Year supplies. They already had some local specialties at home, but Li Sheng bought two jin of biscuits, two jin of cake, and two jin of assorted candies. These were considered premium gifts for visiting relatives, along with fruit, eggs, and white flour. Add fish and meat, and they would have a bountiful New Year’s feast. Tang Xin noticed that her mother-in-law was a shrewd manager of the household, keeping everything running smoothly bit by bit. But outside the home, Li Sheng was more extravagant, especially when it came to her. Was this the famed masculinity, wanting to maintain dignity and face before his wife?

Truth be told, Tang Xin liked it. Coming from a well-off time and never having tasted hardship, she was used to spending freely. After all, she could always think of ways to earn more. On this rare trip to the county town, Tang Xin did not take anything from her farm warehouse to replenish the household stores. She guessed that Li Sheng was not as easy to deceive as Li Kai. She would have a hard time explaining things if she tried.

In front of Mrs. Fang, she could say nothing, but Li Sheng was her husband. She didn’t want to lie to him, but the truth was hard to reveal. She figured she’d wait for another opportunity—she would definitely bring out some supplies eventually, if only to make the family’s New Year a little happier.

When Li Sheng’s purchases had filled the large woven bag he’d brought, and he still seemed intent on buying more, Tang Xin quickly stopped him. “It’s enough, there’s no need to buy more.”

Li Sheng looked down at her and said softly, “It’s all right. Spending money on my wife is only proper.”

Tang Xin’s ears turned red at once. She couldn’t help but ask, “Who taught you to say that?” Though they had only known each other for less than half a year, she knew this wasn’t something Li Sheng would say on his own.

Li Sheng flushed a little, though his dark skin made it hard to tell. After a pause, he admitted, slightly bashful, “Chen Liguo has seen a lot of movies.”

“Oh,” Tang Xin understood. No wonder Chen Liguo would later become a skilled businessman—he was also a master at sweet-talking women. Tang Xin almost wanted to tease Li Sheng not to pick up bad habits, but seeing this honest man looking so embarrassed, she kindly let it go.

It was getting late. The two of them gathered their things, ready to catch the bus home. Li Sheng split the pastries and candies into two portions, telling his wife, “This half is for you; I’ll give the rest to Mother.”

Tang Xin hugged her share and giggled. This was the difference between being a wife and being a younger sibling—her portion alone was more than what the others got together. Not that she was selfish; she would certainly share these treats with the children. But her husband’s actions warmed her heart, showing he truly valued her.

Seeing his wife standing there grinning foolishly, Li Sheng gathered all the parcels into one hand, freeing the other to take her small hand in his.

“Come on, let’s go home.”