Qi Taiguo arranged for his cousin Deng Weiqiu to work as a helper in the armyâs cafeteria. The monthly salary is also several dozen yuan. After experiencing previous hardships and difficulties, she no longer refuses. She plans to start working after attending Xiao Qiâs full moon banquet.
However, her aunt said, "Being a helper means washing and chopping, itâs tiring. Your second brother works hard in the kitchen, and youâre in the cafeteria too. I see your cousin helps your cousin-in-law manage the shop and itâs more relaxed!"
Liu Wenjing was beside her feeding her son, listening to these words, but said nothing.
Deng Weiqiu replied, "Mom, my cousin-in-law doesnât have an extra shop for me to manage. Things are quite good now; the army provides meals and a salary. My cousin said, even though itâs in the cafeteria, itâs not too tiring, just preparing three meals a day."
Itâs rare for them to be willing to help, and she really doesnât dare to be choosy anymore. This is better than taking a mere ten yuan at home and working from early till late."
Also, the army might be good, maybe she can find someone suitable for her too!
Her aunt sighed, "After all, kinship varies, forget it. Now that youâre in the army, there are many boys around, pay attention to see if thereâs anyone you fancy. Youâre not young anymore, donât delay any longer!"
Deng Weiqiu glanced at Liu Wenjing, who had her head lowered, a trace of resentment flashed in her eyes. If it werenât for what she and her second brother did, would she have delayed until now?
Nevertheless, she didnât say anything, lest she annoy her and make her leave, she really doesnât want to take care of her mom alone again.
"I know!" Deng Weiqiu said.
Liu Wenjing listened and sighed inwardly.
When Deng Weixia returned, she said to him, "Itâs a shame I have to take care of two kids, otherwise I would rather go out to work and earn some household money to help out." Itâs better than facing the mother-in-lawâs constant gloomy face at home.
Deng Weixia looked at her cautiously, "Mom gave you a hard time again?"
Liu Wenjingâs mouth twitched slightly, forcing a smile.
Deng Weixia said, "Itâs hard for you, with momâs legs like that, otherwise she could help take care of the two kids. When their brothers grow up and donât need care, you can go out and work then!"
Liu Wenjing nodded.
Deng Weixia held her hand and said, "Life is tough now, but donât worry, it will get better. Iâm learning to cook now, once Iâm proficient, maybe I can take on the stir-frying bit; when we have money and ability, maybe we can open a small restaurant."
Liu Wenjing quickly said, "Donât think like that, our cousin and cousin-in-law rarely consider us and even found you a job, how can you start your own business once youâre proficient!" Isnât that ungrateful?
Deng Weixia smiled and said, "Donât worry, Iâm not planning on burning bridges, just giving you reassurance. Once Iâm skilled, whether I work for someone or start my own thing, both are possibilities. Moreover, opening a small restaurant takes a lot of money, itâs not that easy. First, let me hone my skills!"
Liu Wenjing breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "Thatâs good, future matters will be discussed later, for now just continue slowly!"
Deng Weixia embraced her, "Youâre having a hard time!" Then asked, "Do you regret it?"
Liu Wenjing felt a shiver in her heart, saying she had no regrets was actually a lie, especially under the current psychological pressure, facing the mother-in-law and sister-in-lawâs attitudes, just like Cheng Su said back then, even if she left the kids behind, it would be easier than now.
But what use is regret? It was done with impulse, and they just have to look ahead!
"I regret it." Liu Wenjing looked at him, seeing the hurt in his eyes, said, "We should have convinced mom first back then, shouldnât have made you leave home."
"Iâm not afraid, weâre together and thatâs all that matters, things will get better later!" Deng Weixia held her tightly.
Liu Wenjing said nothing; indeed, it will surely get better later!