Forget about Zhang Cuiping, since when did Sister-in-law Jiang become so familiar with Lin Wan?
"Sister-in-law, youâre usually just lounging at home, why not come along with the army?" Sun Yu suppressed her inner jealousy, maintaining a smile as she asked.
"Thereâs still a shop at home to take care of. S City isnât far from here, I come over on Saturdays and Sundays." Thatâs not much different from following the army.
"Isnât the shop your familyâs? Youâre married now, itâs not good to be too invested in your familyâs business. Your brother and sister-in-law wonât mind. Itâs better to come here and have Captain Han use his connections to find you a formal job. Running your own business always makes you seem inferior." Sun Yuâs words made the listeners uncomfortable. Sun Yu was meddling too much and obviously looked down on others.
Looking down on others yet inviting them over as guests, truly there are all kinds of people.
"My Han Yi has a stubborn nature, he dislikes relying on connections. Even his wife canât, besides, I think itâs nice to run a small business. Itâs flexible work, money earned through hard work, and I donât feel inferior. In this new society, the country supports self-sufficiency. Every day there are long lines at the Industrial and Commercial Bureau to apply for individual businesses. More and more people will be running their own businesses." Lin Wan hadnât wanted to come, but for the sake of Han Yi and Yang Weiâs relationship, she didnât want to make things too awkward.
But that doesnât mean she would allow others to bully her.
"I heard the sister-in-law is teaching in S City, have you become a regular yet?"
Lin Wanâs words hit Sun Yuâs sore spot, and Lin Wan watched Sun Yu closely. She could clearly see the momentary awkwardness on Sun Yuâs face.
"Iâve only been there a little over a month, itâll take two years to become a regular." Sun Yu still had a smile on her face, fearing Lin Wan and the two sisters-in-law would look down on her, she quickly explained, "The schoolâs benefits are good, and itâs never short of eggs and pastries during holidays."
How many holidays can there be in a year, the people here arenât fools. "Itâll take two years to become a regular, the salary isnât much before that, right?" Lin Wan seemed to say casually.
"Itâs alright, enough to eat." Sun Yuâs smile was now barely hanging on.
Every time people in the courtyard heard she was a teacher, they couldnât help but envy her for having a stable job, hoping to maintain good relations and get her help with their childrenâs studies.
No one had ever directly asked her whether she was officially employed or how much she earned per month.
"Itâs like this these days, every household is tight." Jiang Ailian chimed in at this point.
To Sun Yuâs ears, it sounded like a rescue, and her face immediately lit up with a smile, flattering with a "Exactly."
But what Jiang Ailian said next nearly knocked the smile off Sun Yuâs face, "Every household isnât wealthy, their pay in the military is limited, most wives in our courtyard donât have a salary. Everyone lives on the menâs pay. Itâs not easy, sister-in-law, itâs better not to gamble. We canât afford it. We know youâre being kind, providing some fun for everyone. Playing like today is fine."
"Sister-in-law, I turned good intentions into bad deeds. Iâll be more careful in the future."
Sister-in-law Jiang had some influence in the community courtyard, with Captain Shenâs position there, and she was considered senior in the courtyard.
No one usually dares to contradict her words.
"Exactly, when someone has a little money, who doesnât think of eating better, dressing better? If I have money, Iâm reluctant to use it for anything else. Yang Lianâs salary was low to begin with, and youâve just started working, with your house recently being renovated and new furniture bought. Must have spent quite a lot. Better to save a bit for the future, now it seems fine. But when you have kids, there will be many expenses." Sister-in-law Zhangâs words made Sun Yuâs face completely red.