Volume One, Chapter Five: A Sneer

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At the mention of this, Second Uncle curled his lip disdainfully.
“I would never be as dull-witted as Old Yi!”
“Sooner or later, I’m going to teach him a lesson. A mere brat, daring to be so arrogant.”

At Third Uncle’s home, his face was grave.
“Su Jianshe carries the aura of a formidable hero!”

Third Aunt, tidying the house, asked curiously, “What’s so great about Su Jianshe? If he hadn’t called the patrol, the gossip in the courtyard would have drowned him. That child has it rough—his mother just passed, and already someone’s eyeing his little sister…”

Upon hearing this, Third Uncle showed slight displeasure. “What do you know? Have you heard of Cao Cao? The great warlord from ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms.’ Look at Su Jianshe—how much he resembles Cao Cao! First summoning the patrol, then getting Jia Xudong, his fiercest enemy, hospitalized—this isn’t something an ordinary person can pull off.”

Though Third Uncle was stingy, he maintained the aloofness of a scholar. He bore Su Jianshe no ill will but was instead intrigued. “Did Su Jianshe sober up from his drinking, perhaps?”

For a time, the house buzzed with whispers.

Late into the night, only Su Jianshe’s home was awake, simmering porridge. Worried his sister might wake hungry, he fried a small pot of preserved pork, hoping to nourish her. As he stirred the meat, he pondered, “I need to find a way to earn more money. I don’t mind hardship, but I can’t let my sister suffer alongside me.”

While Su Jianshe contemplated ways to make money, the savory aroma of frying meat wafted through the courtyard.

Someone was cooking meat! Was it Su Jianshe?

First Uncle, Yi Zhonghai, swallowed hard. He hadn’t expected Su Jianshe to cook meat upon returning home. The enticing smell made his own growling stomach protest.

His wife noticed and said, “Let’s fry some preserved pork tomorrow; you haven’t had meat in a long while.”

“Fine, fine. Things haven’t been going well lately. Might as well have a drink with it,” Yi Zhonghai quickly agreed.

At Second Uncle’s home, Liu Haizhong’s third son was sound asleep, only to be abruptly awakened by the aroma of frying meat.

The scent lingered, wiping away all drowsiness from Liu Guangfu. He rose to inhale deeply, his throat tightening.

“Smells great—frying preserved pork in the middle of the night, what an extravagance!” Liu Guangzhong rubbed his belly in complaint, unhappy about his father’s share.

“We’re both grown, yet Dad’s still stingy with food, always talking about filial piety… Look at others enjoying preserved pork at this hour… Oh well, sleep, it’s harder to rest when you’re hungry.”

Yet, with the meat’s fragrance lingering, who could truly sleep?

At the Jia household, brightly lit, Qin Huairu had just settled Jia Xudong.

Because Jia Xudong’s lower body was numb and soiled, Jia Zhang refused to touch him, only berating Qin Huairu from the side.

When Jia Xudong heard this, his face flushed red as he angrily scolded Qin Huairu, “No more involvement with Shazhu! Otherwise, you can leave and go back to your countryside!”

Nearby, Banggeng sniffed the air as if detecting something delicious.

“So fragrant, it’s preserved pork! Grandma, I want to eat!”

Banggeng’s words startled the household, and Jia Zhang, drawn by the smell, was tempted.

Even Jia Xudong momentarily forgot his anger toward Qin Huairu and urgently said,

“Qin Huairu, go see whose house is frying preserved pork and bring some back! I’m weak and just discharged from the hospital; I need nourishment, and so does Banggeng.”

Begging for meat? Qin Huairu’s eyes glistened with tears.

At this moment, if one were to lift her pant leg, several fresh red and bruised marks would be revealed—wounds inflicted by Jia Zhang and Jia Xudong themselves.

Enduring the pain, Qin Huairu gave a slight nod, quickly finding a clean porcelain bowl, following the scent to search.

Jia Zhang sat at the table, waiting for Qin Huairu’s return, stroking Banggeng’s head and speaking venomously, “Banggeng, grow up fast and exact revenge on our enemies, especially Su Jianshe. If he had just listened and compensated Shazhu, we’d already be enjoying a feast. Now, all we can do is smell others’ preserved pork. When the meat comes back, don’t let your mother have any—eat more yourself to grow strong.”

Banggeng clenched his chopsticks fiercely and nodded, “Don’t worry, Grandma. I will take revenge.”

Jia Zhang inhaled the aroma, swallowing hard as she stroked Banggeng, “Old Jia, look at our eldest grandson—he’s got promise. When he grows a bit more, he’ll bring honor to the family! None who offend us Jia clan will escape!”

...

“Bang bang bang...”

Su Jianshe was just about to pack the preserved pork and porridge to visit his sister at the hospital when there was a sudden knock on the door.

“Who is it?”

Su Jianshe, curious, opened the door.

Qin Huairu stood outside, lifting the porcelain bowl slightly as she brushed her hair aside and smiled, “Jianshe, it’s me, Sister Qin!”

Looking at Qin Huairu and the bowl she held, Su Jianshe was puzzled by her intentions.

“I won’t accept that name. The one who called you ‘Sister Qin’ before is already behind bars.”

“Besides, if I call you that again, Jia Xudong on that bed might just have a stroke.”

Su Jianshe said with sarcasm.

He was no foolish lover like Shazhu.

Qin Huairu, embarrassed, brushed her hair again but persisted, “Shazhu and I are innocent—you’ve got the wrong idea. Xudong didn’t have a stroke; he just fainted from anger, and he’s much better now!”

“But Xudong is bedridden; if he gets upset again, his condition will worsen. The doctor said we need to nourish him, but you know my family is barely holding on, all on me.”

She looked at Su Jianshe, eyes moist.

Then, fearing he wouldn’t share any preserved pork, her voice trembled with tears.

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“Jianshe, please help Sister Qin. The kids are noisy, and Xudong needs nourishment. Please give me some preserved pork!”

Seeing Qin Huairu like this, Su Jianshe sneered.

“What does that have to do with me?”

“I’m no fool like Shazhu. Your family’s poverty isn’t my problem, nor did I cause it! Look at your mother-in-law, fat and bloated, then look at your calloused hands and pale face— you know where the problem lies!”

But Qin Huairu ignored all that, her face full of pleading.

If she couldn’t bring back some meat, what torment awaited her?

“Jianshe, please, just this once. I’ll repay you someday!”

Repay?

More likely, revenge!

If Shazhu heard this, he’d beat his chest in agreement and hand over the family’s last savings.

But Su Jianshe was neither Shazhu nor a sentimental fool.

“Fine, two yuan, and I’ll share some fried preserved pork with you. Clear prices, no cheating—if you want it, pay up!”

With that, Su Jianshe slammed the door shut.

Qin Huairu filled Su Jianshe’s heart with contempt; he had no intention of playing along.

As for beauty? Mere trifles!

“If I can sow discord among those scoundrels in the Jia family, all the better—one less troublemaker is a blessing.”

The cold wind outside was biting.

Qin Huairu shivered, standing before Su Jianshe’s door. She raised her hand to knock but then let it fall weakly.

Holding the empty bowl, she turned away, dejected.

Upon her return, Jia Zhang’s face was greedy as she reached to snatch the bowl. Seeing it empty, she roared in fury,

“Where’s the meat?”

“Qin Huairu, you useless woman! The child wants meat, and you can’t even get any? What good are you?”

Even Jia Xudong on the sickbed cursed,

“How can you get vegetables from Shazhu’s house but not a bit of preserved pork from Su Jianshe’s? And you say you’re not involved with Shazhu?”

Qin Huairu’s eyes shimmered with tears, recalling Su Jianshe’s words.

This mother-in-law was lazy and difficult as ever.

“If it weren’t for her, maybe things would be calmer at home.”

Qin Huairu thought quietly but dared not show it, instead blaming Su Jianshe,

“Mom, Xudong, this isn’t entirely my fault. Things are hard at home, and I told Su Jianshe. But he’s greedy, demanding two yuan just to give some preserved pork.”

“Two yuan! Why doesn’t Su Jianshe just rob someone? That money could buy a lot of meat!”

Jia Zhang exploded in rage. Her shout roused many neighbors awakened by the smell of pork, who switched on their lights to see.

Jia Zhang paid no mind, continuing her curses,

“Su Jianshe is a bastard. If not for him, Xudong wouldn’t have fainted!”

“I was kind enough not to ask him for money, and he dares to charge two yuan for a little preserved pork!”

Her fat face twitched with rage, her expression grotesque.

“If he hadn’t cooked the pork so late, my grandson wouldn’t be craving it! Is there no law? I’ll demand justice! That brat won’t dare refuse!”

With that, Jia Zhang snatched the bowl from Qin Huairu, ignoring neighbors’ lights, and stormed to Su Jianshe’s door, pounding fiercely.

“Su Jianshe, open up! Open this door!”

“If you don’t, I’ll break it down!”

Inside,

Su Jianshe had just finished preparing his sister’s clothes and was about to head to the hospital when the urgent knocking resumed, furrowing his brow.

“What’s that old hag Jia Zhang doing here now?”

He frowned, filled with disgust.

As the door cracked open, Jia Zhang tried to barge in.

Quick as a flash, Su Jianshe pushed her back outside, unwilling to let the old woman sully his home.

“Su Jianshe, you ungrateful whelp! If not for you, my Xudong wouldn’t have fainted! If not for your late-night pork cooking, my grandson wouldn’t be craving it! It’s all your fault!”

“But you charge two yuan for what you gave him? Why don’t you just rob him? Knowing our poor state, you still kick us when we’re down. I treated you well before!”

Unable to enter, Jia Zhang stood in the yard, throwing a tantrum and shouting curses.

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“Su Jianshe, I’m telling you, if you don’t give me that preserved pork today, I’ll keep yelling till I’m hoarse. Let’s see who tires first!”

The mouthwatering aroma of pork filled the air; Jia Zhang’s mouth watered as she steeled herself to claim the meat.

Her outburst caused half-asleep neighbors to frown, silently cursing her shamelessness.

Yet, no one stepped forward to defend Su Jianshe.

Facing the unreasonable Jia Zhang, a fire ignited in Su Jianshe’s heart.

He had been away from home long, unsure of his sister’s safety, and yet this wicked woman stirred trouble now.

As for giving Jia Zhang the meat?

Su Jianshe never considered it.

Even if his sister refused to eat it, he’d feed it to dogs rather than let that family have it!

“Jia Zhang, you blame me for your son’s fainting? Shouldn’t you look inward? If you hadn’t had Qin Huairu pester Shazhu daily, none of this would have happened.”

Hearing the commotion outside, Jia Xudong impatiently shouted at Qin Huairu,

“What are you standing there for? Help me into the wheelchair! If anything happens to Mom, I won’t forgive you!”

Having just been pushed outside by Qin Huairu, Jia Xudong overheard Su Jianshe’s words.

Suddenly, the haunting shadow of betrayal he tried to forget engulfed him again.

Jia Zhang cursed loudly,

“Nonsense! Shazhu pitied our poverty and gave food willingly. You’re heartless and ungrateful!”

Su Jianshe, instead of anger, smiled strangely,

“So you knew Shazhu and Qin Huairu were close but hid it from your son… Were you hoping Shazhu would support you in old age?”

At that moment, neighbors began emerging to watch the spectacle.

When Xu Damou and others arrived, a crowd had already gathered.

Sharp-eyed Xu Damou asked a neighbor,

“With such a commotion, I only see Second Uncle—where’s First Uncle?”

“Seems he just stepped out, maybe looking for Shazhu about this matter. It’s been a while,” the neighbor replied, yawning.

Jia Xudong, just pushed outside by Qin Huairu, had intended to help his mother scold Su Jianshe but froze suddenly.

He realized the situation was exactly as Su Jianshe said!

Dizzy and overwhelmed, his head felt heavy, barely able to lift.

“Xudong! Xudong!!!”

Qin Huairu wanted to argue but turned to see her husband faint again in the wheelchair.

Chaos erupted at the Jia home as neighbors were called to rush Jia Xudong to the hospital.

“First Uncle’s not back yet, and Su Jianshe’s already sent Jia Xudong to the hospital again?”

Some were surprised, others sneered.

“Jia Xudong is bedridden already; this fuss might kill him. Maybe Shazhu and Qin Huairu really are a pair!”

“Su Jianshe is ruthless. Jia Xudong didn’t even do anything to him!”

“He used to drink heavily, now he’s a villain. The courtyard’s never peaceful with him.”

“Right, Shazhu and the old lady are such good people. He sends someone to the patrol station over trivial matters—what’s that about?”

“Enough, they’re all neighbors. Let’s say less.”

Second Uncle suddenly appeared, clearing his throat twice to interrupt the crowd.

“Break it up, break it up. We have work tomorrow!”

Seeing Second Uncle, the crowd dispersed, returning indoors.

Su Jianshe ignored him, taking his preparations straight to the hospital.

“That Su Jianshe is too arrogant! So what if he knows a few patrolmen? Everyone does!”

Second Uncle frowned, cursing.

Xu Damou nodded beside him.

“Exactly. You’re the elder, and he doesn’t even greet you. What kind of behavior is that?”

Hearing this, Second Uncle snorted coldly, glaring at the departing Su Jianshe before turning back inside.

“I’ll see how long this grasshopper can still jump after autumn!”

With Second Uncle gone, Xu Damou’s face lit up with triumph.

“Su Jianshe, oh Su Jianshe, you kept your sister too well guarded for me to touch! Thanks to Shazhu this time, once this is over, I’ll take good care of your sister and find the right moment—won’t she be an easy catch then!”