CHAPTER 473: CHAPTER 473: ALL DRINKING THE NORTHWEST WIND

"Da Niu, Dad knows, knows that these years have been hard on you, the burden of the family all resting on you. It’s not easy for a girl, but Da Niu, if you were to get married, what about Xiao Ya and her two siblings? Without you bringing money home, our whole family would be destitute." Mr. Song spoke with difficulty, his words filled with loss. He knew all too well how hard his eldest daughter had worked, but as a father, he had to think more about the three younger children who weren’t grown yet. If he had to owe anyone, he’d rather be the bad guy as a father, better to owe one daughter than three younger ones. Though this thought might seem selfish, it made sense in a way, at least in terms of fewer numbers, Mr. Song felt it was only natural to focus more on the younger children.

"Father, don’t worry! I know our family’s situation well. Even if I really got married, I wouldn’t abandon you," Song Qian replied sadly, her voice carrying an indescribable sense of loss.

In reality, all she wanted was for her father to say some nice words, or to feel that he, as a father, genuinely cared for her. As long as Mr. Song was willing to say pleasing words, she would be very happy. That was all she wanted, and she knew her responsibilities well too. She couldn’t possibly abandon them, but Mr. Song bluntly tried to convince her to give up on the idea of marriage, which disheartened her.

"Da Niu ah! What is his character like? How long have you been together? Have you told him about our family’s situation and that you’ll need to support the family even after getting married? Did he say anything else about it?" Hearing Song Qian’s almost promising words, her father felt slightly relieved and then hesitantly asked.

He was a typical rural person, well aware of the basic mindset of rural people. If circumstances didn’t allow, bringing in a daughter-in-law who also had to support her family back home could be looked down on by the mother-in-law. Besides, even if circumstances allowed, over time, it might inevitably lead to certain thoughts. He feared his daughter would struggle being caught between her in-laws and her own family!

"He’s really nice. I discussed our family’s situation with him, and he understands me well. He’s willing to share some of the burdens with me." This was what made Song Qian treasure him so much. Initially, when she was with Song Yuanming, it was because she took the initiative. On the verge of graduating from college, still naïve, she courageously confessed to Song Yuanming with a do-or-die attitude. Even though it was a brave move, it was her first time being so bold. She was fully prepared to be rejected, but to her surprise, Song Yuanming accepted. Even now, she found it incredible and felt so fortunate to have taken that leap of courage. Otherwise, she might never have known what a wonderful man Song Yuanming was, the savior in her life, let alone have the chance to marry him and start a family together.

"Since that’s the case, Da Niu, find some time to bring him home! Let Dad have a look at him too." Mr. Song, gritting his teeth, spoke these words, though he himself wasn’t fully confident. But seeing that his elder daughter seemed determined to get married, if he kept obstructing, it would seem too uncompassionate.

"Father, thank you." Song Qian said gratefully, her voice even choked up a bit.

Actually, making this phone call, all she had hoped for was for Mr. Song to say those words. Heaven knows how much courage it had taken her. Hearing them now, she was unconsciously a little excited, tears unstoppable. A sense of her dreams approaching reality welled up inside her.

"Da Niu ah!" Song Qian’s happiness was too apparent, and Mr. Song could feel it. The tone of his speech carried a note of emotion: "It’s Dad’s failure, making things hard for you. You take care of yourself. No other issues, let’s leave it here for now! Dad will be waiting at home for you to bring your partner back."

"Okay, I will discuss it with him. We will visit home whenever we find time. You take good care of yourselves at home too. If you’re running out of money, just tell me, don’t always skimp, the necessary expenses can’t be spared." Song Qian wiped the tears that had slipped down her cheeks with her hand, then ended the call, standing by the phone, tears streaming down.

...

After meeting Song Yuanming’s partner, Xu Xiuxiu reported the latest developments to Mrs. Song back in their hometown. Mrs. Song was very satisfied. Over the phone, she eagerly asked a bunch of questions: "Xiuxiu, what do you think about that girl? Is her temper good? Is she a reliable child?" Xu Xiuxiu had always had a good eye for people. Mrs. Song felt somewhat reassured despite not meeting the girl herself, trusting in Xu Xiuxiu’s judgment.

"She’s very nice, and quite polite. I think you would like her, Mom." Xu Xiuxiu casually expressed her thoughts. She indeed felt that Song Qian, the girl, had it tough. After all, it was especially hard for a girl to support a family and still be so responsible. In later times, this would be considered a tremendously challenging task!

"Really, that’s great! All I hope for is that all you kids are well. Yuanyao’s life is stable now, and Yuanming is not so young anymore. I really feared Yuanming would find someone like Wang Qinghua who could make trouble, causing your dad and me to suffer. I was thinking, if you find someone like that, it’d make me quite happy! If push comes to shove, you can help keep an eye out; surely nothing can go wrong." Mrs. Song was increasingly satisfied with Xu Xiuxiu. Especially as Father Song had spent quite a lot of money these past few years, Xu Xiuxiu had never complained. She sent money and supplements every month on time, always reminding them to take good care of their health. Mrs. Song felt fortunate to have found such a considerate daughter-in-law—it truly wasn’t easy!

These days, there were quite a few formidable mothers-in-law, and similarly, many sharp-tongued daughters-in-law.

"Rest assured, Mom. Our Yuanming has always been very sensible. He said it long ago, no matter what kind of wife he finds, he can make do, the key is that you two shouldn’t have to suffer or feel aggrieved. He’s put his words out there, surely it’s all for you two! So, you can be at ease; he actually has it all figured out!" Xu Xiuxiu spoke with a cheerful smile, feeling genuinely that Song Yuanming was a very judicious person.

Perhaps due to Wang Qinghua’s influence before, everyone had certain psychological shadows. Not to mention Song Yuanming, who had suffered Wang Qinghua’s grudges, even Xu Xiuxiu felt that finding a good-natured sister-in-law was indeed very challenging. To find a non-contentious one was akin to a moon landing! So, she really had to choose wisely: with the Song family not being split, the sisters-in-law occasionally interacting also hoped for some semblance of happiness.