Help others? It's better to help yourself - Chapter 32

Recently, there had been a heavy snowfall, and the cold wind was biting. Shen He helped Xu Jing’an put on a red woolen scarf, and as he leaned down, he could smell the floral scent of the snowflake cream she used.

As soon as the weather turned cold, Xu Jing’an started using snowflake cream. The cream was fragrant and white, capable of moisturizing the skin, and when applied, it would instantly disappear like snowflakes, hence the name “snowflake cream.”

Shen’s mother watched the sweet couple leave the house, thinking that they needed to quickly discuss and set a wedding date to get things done.

Through the matchmaker, “Sister Zhao,” both families communicated and decided on January 15, 1968, the 16th day of the twelfth lunar month, as the wedding date.

Originally, Shen He wanted to apply for housing at his workplace, but Xu Jing’an stopped him. Housing was so tight at that time; she had a place, and Shen He’s family had a house too, so it was better to stay low-key and not draw attention.

Besides, if they lived apart, who would cook and take care of the children?

Xu Jing’an calculated the time and wrote a letter to her parents, then patiently waited for her mother to arrive.

From what she had read, when it came to the bride price, her mother would definitely come, even if it meant a three-day train journey!

Why was it certain that her mother would come? Because with more people involved, expenses would add up! Moreover, given her mother’s determination, there was no doubt she would negotiate vigorously, even if it meant putting Xu Jing’an through some discomfort!

Xu Jing’an already had her dowry stored away, which she could take out once her mother left.

On the other hand, Shen He was the busiest. He came over frequently to discuss with Xu Jing’an about what the house should look like, what kind of furniture they liked, and so on. Every day, countless trivial matters gave Shen He excuses to see Xu Jing’an.

Colleagues at work only teased Xu Jing’an a little. Each time, she would hold her breath, turning her face red.

On January 10th, Xu Jing’an finally waited until her mother, who had rearranged her schedule, hurried over. If she delayed, the girl would be married off, and it wouldn’t be easy to negotiate later.

Upon receiving the news, Xu Jing’an specifically went to the station to pick up her mother. As soon as they reached the alley, the neighbors began to greet them in small groups.

“Is Xiao Xu’s mother here?”

“Yes, she’s here!”

“Hello, daughter, you’ve found a good son-in-law.”

“Of course, it’s thanks to her boss’s recommendation. Otherwise, how would young people know anything!”

“When Xiao Xu came here, I thought she was quite a nice girl.”

“Well, that’s your kind words. We also owe it to the support of our neighbors.”

…

Xu’s mother chatted happily all the way until they entered the courtyard and closed the door, at which point her expression changed immediately.

She looked around Xu Jing’an’s house, assessing it inside and out. “So this is what you bought with your own money without giving a penny to your family since you started working?” Xu’s mother plopped down on the bed.

Xu Jing’an nodded, “Yes, otherwise I wouldn’t have a place to live.”

“No dormitory?”

“There’s only one bed left, and someone else has taken it already.” Xu Jing’an poured a glass of water for her mother. “And besides, as an outsider, can I really afford to make a fuss?”

“Can’t you rent a place?”

“Where can you find a good place to rent? There are two options, but they’re cramped. A whole family squished together; even if they free up a room, we’re all in the same courtyard.”

“Let’s not even talk about it. Just during meal times, the kids from their family stand over here looking at you with those big eyes. Are you going to give them food? If not, they’ll cry and shout! It’s a hassle every day.” Xu Jing’an leaned closer to her mother.

“Plus, what if there’s a conflict? Wouldn’t that whole family come at me as a group? So, I borrowed money to buy a house. It’s small, but it’s enough for me to live in.”

Xu’s mother looked at Xu Jing’an. “You’re not foolish, my third child. Alright, I won’t say more. I’ll meet with your in-laws.”

“Meeting is fine; they’re all waiting for you. Just let me know how much betrothal gift you plan to ask for so I can be prepared.”

“I can see you’re not planning to sell this house.”

Xu Jing’an nodded. “That’s right. My family is far away, so I have to leave myself a backup plan.”

“Okay, I thought you were the only honest one in the family. It seems you’re also one of the old Xu family’s kin.” Xu’s mother chuckled.

“This house will be your dowry. You’ve seen your older siblings get married, so I won’t ask for more than 300 yuan. I don’t need the ticket since it doesn’t apply to both places.”

Xu Jing’an calculated and found it was just the amount she needed to send home since she started working.

The next day, the in-laws met. Xu’s mother was all smiles, and the Shen family was also warm and welcoming; both families were friendly and harmonious.

Regarding the betrothal gift of 300 yuan, Xu’s parents didn’t say much. Shen He, remaining modest about his contributions, stated that as long as the marriage went smoothly, money was negotiable. He had washed enough bedsheets, and he was willing to wash more after marriage.

Xu’s mother had booked the train for the next day. That evening, she had her first conversation with Xu Jing’an since her birth. Regarding how to get along with her mother-in-law after marriage, Xu’s mother shared her own experiences over the years and conclusions drawn from what she had learned from others.

Xu Jing’an didn’t say much in response. She opened a drawer and took out clam oil, applying it slowly to her mother’s rough hands. While gently rubbing her mother’s hands, she occasionally nodded in agreement.

Clam oil, commonly known as “clam shell oil,” is also calledtile shell oil, shell oil, or twisted oil. It gets its name from the shells of clams used for packaging. In winter, it’s common for hands and feet to become cold, with skin cracking and frostbite. Applying a bit of clamshell oil can be quite effective.

As Xu’s mother felt Xu Jing’an’s touch and looked at the young woman who had grown up before her eyes, her cold heart began to soften.