Chapter 38: What Do You Mean?

"Wanqiu, don't be in such a hurry to leave! The village has hired a theater troupe for the next few days; there are plays every night. You should stay and watch one before you go!"

Lin Jianguo, having received instructions from Xue Chunli, chimed in with the same persuasion.

In the countryside, these troupes—often called "triangular troupes"—were similar to Peking Opera, though they typically performed in the local dialect, giving them a distinct regional flair.

Lin Wanqiu’s eyes lit up slightly at the mention of the plays. In this day and age, entertainment was scarce, and such opportunities were rare.

"Wanqiu, it’s not often that I get to come back. Why are you in such a rush to leave?" Lin Wanqing added.

Lin Wanqiu looked at Chen Jianghai, her face filled with hesitation, clearly caught in a dilemma. Chen Jianghai, understanding his wife’s heart, smiled gently. "Then let’s stay for two days. It’s not like there’s anything urgent at home anyway."

Upon hearing this, the look in Lin Wanqiu’s eyes as she gazed at Chen Jianghai was brimming with love. This man truly looked out for her. Although Chen Jianghai did not want to linger here, he was willing to compromise for the sake of the woman he loved.

Inside the room, Lin Wanqiu’s face was beaming, the sorrow she felt upon arriving now gone. She asked Chen Jianghai, "Jianghai, how do you know so much? You had Boss Jin and my sister completely stunned."

Earlier, her sister, Lin Wanqing, had told her that with Chen Jianghai’s level of insight, she would surely be in good hands following him.

Chen Jianghai laughed. "I haven't been working these past few years. Instead, I’ve been learning a trade, reading books, keeping up with newspapers, and listening to the radio. I’ve picked up quite a bit along the way."

"Really?" Lin Wanqiu blinked.

"Of course. While you were watching dramas at home, I was busy keeping up with the news," Chen Jianghai said with conviction.

Lin Wanqiu thought about it: it did seem to be the case.

...

Out in the courtyard, Xue Chunli still couldn't believe that Chen Jianghai had suddenly transformed into a different person. She grumbled, "Old Lin, what do you think is going on?"

Lin Jianguo frowned, looking puzzled. "What do you mean, 'what's going on'?"

"I'm talking about Chen Jianghai!" Xue Chunli snapped. "I’ve been talking to you for ages—don't you know what I’m saying?"

Lin Jianguo looked aggrieved and pulled a long face. "You haven't said anything yet!"

"Tell me, is he, Chen Jianghai, really capable now?" Xue Chunli asked again.

Lin Jianguo hurriedly replied, "I suppose so. Didn't you see how impressed Boss Jin and Wanqing were by him?"

"I just don't believe it!" Xue Chunli said unhappily. "A piece of trash that couldn't even be propped up—does he really have such skills?"

Lin Jianguo was left speechless by his wife’s tendency to question things just for the sake of it. He could only say, "Could the matchmaker, Mrs. Sun, and Boss Jin both be lying?"

"No way!" Xue Chunli stood up. "Didn't they say Chen Jianghai is great at repairing appliances? I have to put him to the test."

"How will you test him? It’s not like you know how to fix them yourself," Lin Jianguo remarked.

Xue Chunli flared up instantly. She glared at him, hands on her hips, and demanded angrily, "What do you mean by that? Are you trying to pick a fight with me?"

"No, no, that’s not what I meant," Lin Jianguo quickly explained.

Xue Chunli glared at him, threateningly asking, "Then what *do* you mean?"

"Well..." Lin Jianguo knew his wife was about to blow a fuse. He rolled his eyes and said, "Appliances are delicate things. Neither of us understands them. Even if Chen Jianghai were just spouting nonsense, we wouldn't know the difference!"

Hearing this explanation, Xue Chunli was momentarily stunned.

...

Lin Wanqing sat in her room, looking at the bedsheets and quilt, and couldn't help but shake her head. Before returning home, she had specifically wired a sum of money, hoping to improve her parents' living conditions.

But now it seemed they had no intention of using the money for that. It appeared that getting their daughter a divorce was the only thing they really wanted to do. They likely intended to use that money to return the dowry the Chen family had paid back to Chen Jianghai.

Lin Wanqing felt a sense of guilt toward her sister. If her parents really used the money for that, she wouldn't have any objections. But it appeared that this Chen Jianghai was not a simple man, and he cared deeply for her sister. If Wanqiu stayed with him, it wasn't a given that she would suffer.

Suddenly, Lin Wanqing recalled what Chen Jianghai had said, and her brow furrowed. After a moment of contemplation, she decided to make a phone call later to tip off her husband. Whether Chen Jianghai’s words were true or false, it never hurt to be prepared.

Just then, a series of exclamations came from outside.

"The Lin Jihua family bought a color TV!"

"That's right, everyone come and see!"

Hearing the shouting, Xue Chunli’s expression in the courtyard darkened. Back in the day, the Lin Jihua family was much like hers—impoverished, with nothing to their name. But look at them now; they had a color TV, while her own family didn't even have a black-and-white one! Truly, comparing people only leads to frustration.

In her foul mood, Xue Chunli had no interest in joining the excitement. Lin Jianguo wanted to go take a look, but seeing his wife’s face, he had to stay put.

The commotion outside was heard by Chen Jianghai and Lin Wanqiu in their room.

"What's going on out there?" Lin Wanqiu asked, looking out the window.

Chen Jianghai smiled. "It must be Boss Jin's color TV arriving."

At the mention of a color TV, a flash of envy crossed Lin Wanqiu’s eyes. "Sister Meifeng is truly blessed."

"Don't worry, in another month, I’ll outfit you with every appliance you need," Chen Jianghai said, holding his wife and speaking with sincerity.

Lin Wanqiu smiled, though she replied, "How much would that cost? Don't waste the money. It's better to save it."

Lin Wanqiu’s mindset had yet to shift; she still believed in earning money and saving it. Perhaps seeing the numbers in a savings book was the only way she felt secure. As for how to use it or where to invest, she had no concept.

The inflation rate wasn't high enough yet, or else that money would only depreciate in the bank. Chen Jianghai understood this, but Lin Wanqiu, lacking that exposure, did not.

Chen Jianghai smiled. "Buy early, enjoy early! Besides, it won't cost that much."

Lin Wanqiu insisted, "We already have a TV at home; there's no need to buy a color one."

"Don't worry, that's just for you to look at for now. Once I make more money, color TVs, refrigerators, washing machines—we'll have them all." Chen Jianghai gestured grandly, full of confidence.

He felt a deep sense of debt toward his wonderful wife. Therefore, no matter what he did for her, he felt it was only right.

Lin Wanqiu looked at the man before her, her eyes filled with sweetness.

Just then, a voice suddenly drifted in from outside.