Chapter 57: A Quarrel

Li Xiangqin closed her notebook and glanced at the small alarm clock, only to realize it was already past six.

"I sent Lao Liu to queue up for some braised noodles; he should be back soon."

Before Lao Si could speak, Lao Wu, who had returned at some unknown time, suddenly popped her head out with a look of pleasant surprise.

"Is it that new shop across from the market? I passed by it and it smelled amazing; there was a huge line. I'll go out to meet Lao Liu."

With that, without waiting for Li Xiangqin to respond, she dashed out the door.

"Look at that—the moment she hears about food, she runs faster than a rabbit. A bunch of heartless rascals," Li Xiangqin huffed. She walked into the living room in her slippers, only to notice that Lao Si looked rather upset.

"What's wrong? Did you run into trouble at work?"

Lao Si shook her head and sat down beside her. After a moment of hesitation, she finally spoke.

"I saw Brother Sanjiang arguing with someone today."

"Arguing? A man or a woman?" Li Xiangqin's eyes lit up. She had watched that boy Sanjiang grow up; he was a smart kid. Why would he pick a fight so easily?

"A woman. They were on the curb across from the factory. I had just pushed my cart out when I saw them arguing heatedly by the roadside. I even saw the lady crying."

As she spoke, Lao Si scratched her head sheepishly.

"Brother Sanjiang has always taken good care of me. Every time we meet, he calls me 'sister' and asks his friends to look out for me. Since he's been so good to me, I should have stepped in to mediate, but I was a bit scared, so I didn't have the nerve to go over."

Seeing her daughter's self-reproachful expression, Li Xiangqin watched her quietly for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"You were right not to go over. Have you forgotten that Sanjiang is seeing someone? It was probably his girlfriend. Even if I don't know what they were arguing about, you can't interfere in the affairs of a young couple. Just pretend you didn't see anything."

That boy was as shrewd as a monkey; he wasn't the type to let himself be taken advantage of.

"What does the girl look like? Did you see her clearly?"

Lao Si froze and shook her head.

"I didn't feel right staring, so I just hurried back."

As she had cycled home, the more she thought about it, the more she felt she hadn't been a loyal enough friend.

"If you didn't see clearly, then forget it. You're not the type to meddle in others' business anyway."

Li Xiangqin knew her daughter's character well. "Don't worry, it's normal for couples to have disagreements. It's what they call the 'adjustment period' of a relationship. Once the issue is resolved, it's a big step toward marriage. If they can never resolve things, it proves their values are incompatible, and they should break up early. Otherwise, there will be no peace after marriage."

Li Xiangqin gave a light chuckle, taking the opportunity to lecture her daughter.

Lao Si nodded. She had never been in a relationship and didn't understand how couples were supposed to interact. Since her mother said not to worry, she felt relieved.

Half an hour later, Lao Liu finally returned carrying a pot, followed by an excited Lao Wu.

Three large bowls of braised noodles, plus a few extra ounces given as a bonus, totaled more than four bowls—nearly half the pot. The four of them polished it off, even drinking all the broth.

Lao Wu took it upon herself to do the washing up. Li Xiangqin gave her a glance, then walked out with her hands behind her back to stroll and aid her digestion.

Just as she reached the entrance of the residential compound, she saw Wang Erying chatting and laughing with several neighbors.

"Sister Erying, have you eaten yet?"

"Just finished. I came out for some fresh air." Wang Erying saw her approaching. "Want to walk toward the windbreak? It's a bit stuffy in our courtyard."

"Sure, let's walk together to digest. It'll help us sleep well tonight."

The small paths on both sides of the compound entrance were lined with plane trees. The north-south passage was very airy, making it quite cool in the mornings and evenings. After meals, many people would stroll along the sidewalks for exercise.

"When you retire, let's buy two fans and go to the park to join the old ladies in the fan dance. That's real exercise."

"Even when I retire, I doubt I'll have the time. Look at my two little ones—I don't know when I'll finally be able to hand them off."

Li Xiangqin shook her head and turned to Wang Erying. "You could go now."

"No, my grandson is still too small. My daughter-in-law's work schedule is very tight, so I have to lend her a hand."

"If you keep calculating like that, by the time this grandson is grown, the next one will be here, and Sanjiang will probably be getting married and having kids too. When will you ever get to dance?"

"That boy Sanjiang will probably need another two years. I told him to focus on his work; there's no rush for marriage," Wang Erying said with a smile when the topic of her son came up.

Hearing this, Li Xiangqin paused and looked at her.

"Sanjiang is already seeing someone. If the girl is in a hurry to marry and you keep stalling on this end, she might think we aren't sincere."

"I don't think so. I've already reminded Sanjiang to speak up if he has any thoughts and not to keep her in the dark. As long as things are talked out, there won't be misunderstandings. Besides, they are both young; it's never wrong to focus more on work. When the time is right, it won't be too late to discuss marriage."

Wang Erying waved her hand with a light laugh.

"You watched Sanjiang grow up too. Although he used to be a bit unruly, he's become very reliable since he started working. Among the children, he's the one with the sharpest mind. So, I want him to put more effort into his career. Even if he doesn't get a promotion, a small raise in salary would be good."

"That's true. But when my Lao Si came home from work today, she saw Sanjiang arguing with a girl across the street. I heard the girl was even crying. Lao Si is a timid girl; she didn't have the nerve to intervene and felt terrible about it all the way home. She said Brother Sanjiang is always so kind to her, and she felt guilty for not helping when she saw him arguing."

As Li Xiangqin spoke, she couldn't help but laugh.

"When couples argue, they just need to make up, go on a date, or see a movie. My silly Lao Si thought something major had happened."

Hearing the little bit of gossip from Li Xiangqin, Wang Erying froze for a moment, then slapped her thigh.

"I was wondering why that boy came home so early today—turns out he was arguing with someone... But you have to say, it's convenient when kids work in the same factory. At the slightest hint of something, we know about it immediately. Next time, tell Lao Si to keep an eye out, and I'll go back and ask Sanjiang if he was bullying that girl. We're men; we need to be broad-minded and not bicker with girls over trivial matters."

Li Xiangqin nodded with a smile. "I think you shouldn't bother. They'll probably make up in a couple of days. Young people these days value their personal freedom; we can't interfere."

After strolling for a couple of laps, the two returned to the compound together.

After washing up, Li Xiangqin went straight to bed to prepare for her early shift the next day.

By lunchtime, Wang Ailian brought good news.

The factory's batch of flawed fabric was being prepared for internal sale. It was three cents a foot, with a limit of ten feet per person. Anyone interested could sign up to purchase at the plaza by the factory gate.

"Sister, do you want some? Even though there are minor flaws, it won't affect use. It's perfect for making quilt linings or covers."

(End of Chapter)