The Daily Life of a Stepmother in the 1980s
o0o
Zhang Shufen was somewhat stunned by Xu Tao's resolute attitude. Xu Tao had always given her the impression of being good-tempered and polite to everyone. The last time she came to Xu Tao to discuss changing Qiu Tianyong's job, Xu Tao had persuaded her a few words and then agreed.
She had always thought that Xu Tao was as soft as a white bun, with a very gentle temperament.
She never expected Xu Tao to shake her head and completely refuse to negotiate.
"Sister-in-law, how could you..."
Zhang Shufen opened her mouth, wanting to say, how could you be so unfeeling, but facing Xu Tao's seemingly amused gaze, her reddened eyes and tears had no effect.
"Weiguo, sister-in-law, we're disturbing you tonight. It's getting late, we'll head back first. Come over to our place sometime when you're free, and we'll have a meal and some drinks together"
Qiu Tianyong stood up and spoke first to Zhao Weiguo.
He also noticed Xu Tao's attitude. The reason he was willing to come with Zhang Shufen was partly to try his luck, thinking that Xu Tao had a good temper and was easy to talk to. If Xu Tao agreed, and Zhao Weiguo, being his comrade, might also agree, there might still be room for negotiation.
He knew his thoughts were quite selfish, but driving a truck was indeed more tiring than driving a taxi. However, Xu Tao's refusal and Zhao Weiguo's silence made it clear that returning to Taoyuan Company to drive a taxi was impossible.
Understanding the attitude of Zhao Weiguo and his wife, Qiu Tianyong was also tactful, not planning to say more, lest he ruin the long-standing camaraderie between him and Zhao Weiguo.
"Alright, I'll see you off, Brother Yong"
Zhao Weiguo nodded and responded.
"..."
Zhang Shufen choked up, her usual tactics failing her.
Qiu Tianyong's eyes dimmed further, then he picked up his son Qiu Zhenghao and said to Zhang Shufen.
"Let's go home, Xiao Hao is already sleepy."
"Sister-in-law, I'm not well-educated, my brain is slow and stupid, could you not hold it against me and let my old Qiu drive a taxi at your company?"
Zhang Shufen pleaded unwillingly with Xu Tao.
"No"
"..."
"Sister-in-law, whether it's driving a truck or a taxi, it's a job to support the family, not child's play. Zhao Weiguo and I have been quite lenient with you two. If it were Zhao Weiguo's own brother standing here, he probably wouldn't have the right to be so picky."
"Driving a truck is actually a good job, I hope you can cherish it. There are plenty of people out there working from dawn to dusk for a few dozen yuan a month. If you really don't like this job and want to seek better opportunities, that's fine too. There are plenty of people willing to take over the truck driving job."
Xu Tao had thought for a long time before saying these words. Zhang Shufen was clearly someone who would take an inch if given a mile. Such people, if given too much face, would not know their limits.
Besides, isn't driving a truck a good job? It's good enough, it's just that Zhang Shufen is not satisfied. She didn't expect Taoyuan Taxi Company to actually make money, and more than driving a truck. If driving a taxi didn't make money, would she want to switch back? She wouldn't.
"Sister-in-law..."
Zhang Shufen wanted to say more.
But Qiu Tianyong, holding his son, bowed his head in shame: "Enough, shut up, let's go home."
Zhang Shufen didn't care about face, being a woman it didn't matter, but Qiu Tianyong couldn't afford to lose face. He loudly stopped Zhang Shufen from continuing.
"Xiao Xu, Xiao Zhao, are you home? My old Liu has fallen..."
Suddenly, the voice of the landlady from next door, Chu Yunying, sounded, her voice raised, sounding somewhat at a loss.
"Auntie, we're home. Don't worry, we're coming over"
Xu Tao also raised her voice in response, her gaze turning to Zhao Weiguo.
Hearing Chu Yunying's words, Zhao Weiguo immediately stepped out of the yard and ran towards the landlady's house next door.
Seeing Zhao Weiguo go over, Xu Tao then turned to Qiu Tianyong's family: "Brother Yong, sister-in-law, we have some matters to attend to, so we won't keep you."
"No need, no need, we'll head back now"
Qiu Tianyong hurriedly pulled Zhang Shufen to leave.
To be honest, Qiu Tianyong felt quite ashamed after hearing Xu Tao's words. As a grown man, he hadn't thought things through clearly on these matters.
Zhang Shufen struggled a bit, seemingly unwilling to give up just like that, but Qiu Tianyong's expression was particularly stern, and Zhang Shufen was eventually pulled away, albeit reluctantly.
Xu Tao was also concerned about the situation next door and, remembering that Zhao Linan was still in the house, went back to check on the child.
Zhao Linan was lying obediently in bed, not yet asleep, his little eyes rolling as he looked at the ceiling. Seeing Xu Tao enter, the child immediately smiled.
"Mom."
"Why aren't you asleep yet?"
Xu Tao walked over and asked.
"Not sleepy"
Xu Tao didn't press further: "Grandpa Liu next door has fallen, mom needs to go check on him. Since you're not asleep, do you want to go see Grandpa Liu?"
"Xiao Nan wants to go"
Zhao Linan nodded repeatedly upon hearing it was Grandpa Liu.
Chu Yunying and Liu Tun were both cultured people, usually not very warm or close to the children in the alley, but they both liked Zhao Linan quite a bit. Liu Tun had even taught Zhao Linan to recite ancient poems, and Zhao Linan would occasionally run over to play with the elderly couple.
"Alright"
Xu Tao didn't stop him, grabbing clothes to dress Zhao Linan. She carried him out of the yard to next door, just in time to see Zhao Weiguo carrying Liu Tun out.
"Grandpa Liu"
Zhao Linan, wrapped in a thick coat by Xu Tao, called out softly in concern upon seeing Grandpa Liu being carried by his dad.
"Hey, Xiao Nan, grandpa's fine, don't be scared"
Liu Tun, still wearing his glasses, had a pale face from the fall. Hearing Zhao Linan's call, the old man immediately forced a smile to comfort the child.
"Is everything okay?" Xu Tao also asked.
"Should be fine, the ground was slippery, he fell and might have fractured his left leg. I'm taking him to the hospital to check"
Zhao Weiguo had already made a preliminary assessment of Liu Tun's injury. Due to the hardships of those years, the couple's health and condition were worse than others.
But fortunately, they weren't at the age of the elderly yet, and their reactions were still quick. Chu Yunying noticed immediately after the fall.
"Alright, take care on the way"
Xu Tao nodded, initially thinking of going to the hospital together, but considering Zhao Linan, she dismissed the thought.
Zhao Weiguo carried Liu Tun, Chu Yunying held a flashlight to light the way, and the three hurried off to the hospital.
"Mom, let's go"
Zhao Linan, clinging to Xu Tao's neck, also wanted to go.
"Not going, it's dark, you should sleep,"
Xu Tao shook her head, carrying Zhao Linan as she closed the door to the landlady's house and returned home.
"Mom, Xiao Nan wants to go"
Zhao Linan's voice was full of disappointment.
"It's dark outside, mom's scared, let's not go, okay?"
Xu Tao, hearing Zhao Linan's small voice, comforted the child.
If she had known the little one wanted to go, she would have gone to the hospital earlier. She felt that taking the little one along would just add to the chaos.
"Okay" Zhao Linan reluctantly nodded.
Xu Tao comforted the child, helped him undress and lie down in bed, Zhao Linan snuggled warmly against Xu Tao.
Zhao Linan pouted: "Mom, Grandpa Liu is nice."
"Mom knows"
Chu Yunying and Liu Tun were usually cold and distant to many, but they were quite fond of Zhao Linan, especially Liu Tun, who at forty-seven, looked at Zhao Linan with a gaze as if he were his own child.
"Good, go to sleep, when you wake up Grandpa Liu will be fine and back home"
Xu Tao patted the child's head and kissed his forehead.
"Really?"
"Really"
Zhao Linan immediately closed his eyes obediently, Xu Tao began to tell a story softly. Recently busy and the weather cold, Xu Tao hadn't told Zhao Linan many stories, the child had been putting himself to sleep. Now, with Xu Tao holding him and softly telling a story, the child gradually fell asleep.
Xu Tao herself was also very tired. She had locked the yard door when she returned, knowing Zhao Weiguo wouldn't be back early from taking Uncle Liu to the hospital, so she settled down to sleep with Zhao Linan.
When Xu Tao woke up, it was already light, and looking at her watch, she found it was six in the morning.
Xu Tao stretched, pondering whether to get up, when Zhao Weiguo pushed the door open, having not slept all night, a bit of stubble visible on his chin.
"Back? How's Uncle Liu?"
"Just a fractured left leg that needs some time to heal, nothing else serious"
"That's good, are you going to the company today?"
Zhao Weiguo shook his head: "No."
"Alright, then go sleep for a while, I'll laze in bed a bit longer and then get up to make breakfast" Xu Tao feeling sorry for him having stayed up all night again.
"Sleep with me"
Zhao Weiguo walked over, glanced at Zhao Linan sleeping like a little pig, and leaned down to kiss Xu Tao.
"Don't mess around"
Xu Tao used both hands to stop Zhao Weiguo's advance, her palms feeling the stubble on his chin, prickly and a bit ticklish.
"You'll wake Xiao Nan."
"I'll carry you over"
"No," Xu Tao protested coquettishly: "It's warm here, I don't want to move."
Zhao Weiguo was silent for a moment, looked at Xu Tao, knowing she was afraid of the cold, the man turned and walked to the other side, picking up the sleeping Zhao Linan from the bed.
"What are you doing?"
Xu Tao looked at the man in surprise.
Zhao Weiguo looked at Xu Tao without speaking, carried Zhao Linan to the next room, and placed the little pig Zhao Linan on the bed. In his sleep, Zhao Linan was mercilessly moved by his dad from a warm bed to a chilly one.
"Hmm, dad...?"
Zhao Linan opened his eyes groggily and called out.
"It's okay, be good, go back to sleep,"
Zhao Weiguo tucked Zhao Linan in and patted his back.
Zhao Linan drowsily nuzzled his pillow, unaware of anything amiss, and obediently closed his eyes, falling back into a deep sleep.
After moving Zhao Linan to the next room, Zhao Weiguo returned, took off his clothes, and lay down on the bed, naturally pulling Xu Tao into his arms.
"Zhao Weiguo, you really are something!"
Xu Tao felt a bit sorry for the child, who had been ruthlessly moved to another bed in his sleep, but she couldn't help feeling a sweet warmth in her heart.
Perhaps it was because Zhao Weiguo, after some thought, chose to move Zhao Linan, which made her feel somewhat happy.
"You said you didn't want to change beds"
Zhao Weiguo kissed Xu Tao's forehead and replied.
"So you moved Xiao Nan? Couldn't you just sleep by yourself?"
Xu Tao couldn't help but complain; the little one had unknowingly sacrificed too much for his father.
"No, I want to sleep holding you," Zhao Weiguo had felt the bond between the landlord and his wife while taking Liu Tun to the hospital last night. The first thing he did upon returning was to check on Xu Tao.
She was the woman who would accompany him for the rest of his life, until death.
"You really aren't afraid that Xiao Nan will pull your oxygen tube in the future!" Xu Tao laughed at Zhao Weiguo's words, recalling a popular internet joke, and leaning against Zhao Weiguo's chest, she felt that he might very well face such a grim scenario in the future.
Doctor: We can still save him.
Filial son Zhao Linan: No need, just pull the oxygen tube!
Pfft, just thinking about the scene made her laugh.
"Alright, sleep with me for a while," Zhao Weiguo held Xu Tao tightly.
Xu Tao didn't protest, turning over in his arms to nestle her head into Zhao Weiguo's shoulder, then closed her eyes to sleep.
She thought she wouldn't be able to sleep, but she fell asleep soon after leaning against Zhao Weiguo. When she woke up, she found Zhao Linan standing by the bed in his pajamas, looking aggrieved.
"Mom, Dad!"
Zhao Linan was not very happy; the child had woken up to find himself in a different room and walked into his room only to see his parents sleeping in his bed.
For some reason, the young three-year-old Zhao Linan felt a strong malice from his parents.
"Shh"
Zhao Weiguo tried to hush, but Xu Tao had already woken up.
"Mom"
Zhao Linan called out plaintively.
Xu Tao's heart melted at the little one's call: "What's wrong, baby? Come here, let mom hug you."
"Mom, you're bad, you took my bed"
Zhao Linan grumbled, pouting as Xu Tao pulled him into the middle of the bed, turning his little bottom towards Zhao Weiguo.
"Blame your dad for this," Xu Tao said without a hint of guilt, betraying Zhao Weiguo.
"Yeah, bad dad"
Zhao Linan hugged Xu Tao, clearly dissatisfied with Zhao Weiguo behind him.
Xu Tao smiled, looking over at Zhao Weiguo.
"Huh"
Zhao Weiguo propped his head up with one hand, looking at the mother and son hugging, and let out a big sigh.
Because Uncle Liu had a fracture, Zhao Weiguo had been busy at the hospital all night. After Zhao Linan woke up, Xu Tao didn't go back to sleep, instead getting up to help the child wash and dress.
Zhao Weiguo lay down to continue sleeping, while Xu Tao took Zhao Linan to have breakfast and went out shopping. She had recently bought a lot of socks, clothes, scarves—basically small items that could be given as gifts and weren't expensive.
Three days flew by, and after Zhao Weiguo and Xu Tao arranged everything at Taoyuan Company, Xu Tao found time to mail the manuscript of her novel "Thirty-Six Strategies of Love" to Haicheng Publishing House.
Then, the family of three packed their luggage and set off to return to their hometown in Wenzhou for the New Year.
As the holiday approached, Xu Tao couldn't help but look forward to it.
In her previous life, Xu Tao had never experienced being away from home, nor had she deeply felt the taste of the Spring Festival travel rush, nor the joy of a family reunion after a year or more apart.
Moreover, Wenzhou had a particularly festive atmosphere during the New Year, and the original host's memories were also fond of the New Year, with the fun of setting off firecrackers and the occasional snowfall in Wenzhou, which was both fun and interesting.
Although the New Year is mostly a happy time for children, adults often worry because the holiday requires spending money and preparing New Year goods.
But the excitement of slaughtering the New Year pig and seeing the children who have been busy outside return home to reunite, the whole family happily eating together, feels particularly warm. The Zhao family takes the New Year very seriously.
"I actually haven't told my family about my discharge from the army"
Zhao Weiguo said while driving, feeling a bit unsettled at the thought of his father's reaction when he found out he was no longer a soldier and had been discharged.
"You haven't told them?"
Xu Tao raised her eyebrows in surprise at Zhao Weiguo.
Zhao Weiguo had always seemed very reliable to Xu Tao, and she never expected that he would hide the fact of his discharge for over half a year. That was quite something.
Zhao Weiguo was silent for a while.
"I didn't dare to tell."
"When I went to the army, it was because my father pulled a lot of strings to get me a spot. That year, only three people from Fenghuang County were recruited. He had never asked for favors in his life, except when he went out of his way to get me a spot in the army."
"My father has always had high hopes for me. I haven't figured out how to tell him about my discharge. Writing a letter wouldn't explain it clearly, and I'm afraid he'll be disappointed. I want to tell him in person when I get home, let him hit me or scold me if he wants."
Zhao Weiguo had been alone in Yangcheng for many years. As the eldest son in the family, he was used to reporting only the good news and not the bad. He didn't want to disappoint his father, who had gone out of his way for him, with just a letter from thousands of miles away.
So when Xu Tao mentioned starting a taxi company, Zhao Weiguo had an element of gambling in it. He thought that if he really started a taxi company, he would at least have some dignity when facing his father back home, and not just feel guilty. At least, he wouldn't be returning home with nothing to show for himself.
Even though his discharge was due to various unavoidable factors, Zhao Weiguo still felt that he had let down the man's expectations.
"This is the first time I know that Zhao Weiguo also has people and things he's afraid of" Xu Tao secretly found it amusing.
Accustomed to the sense of security Zhao Weiguo provided, it was now surprising to learn that he also had people he revered.
But considering what Zhao Weiguo had just said, Xu Tao guessed that joining the army was not just his own affair. Zhao's father had placed too many hopes on him, and now suddenly having to tell the old man that he had been discharged was indeed difficult to explain.
No wonder the letters from the Zhao family had always been so bland; it was because he had kept it hidden.
"When we get home, if I get hit, don't intervene" Zhao Weiguo instructed Xu Tao again.
"Okay"
"Dad, Grandpa doesn't hit people"
Zhao Linan, sitting in the back seat with Xu Tao, defended upon hearing Zhao Weiguo's words.
Zhao Linan knew that they were going back to their hometown for the New Year and would get to see Grandma, Uncle, Grandpa, Aunt, and all the relatives and friends.
"How do you know Grandpa doesn't hit people?"
Xu Tao hugged Zhao Linan and asked.
"Grandpa always looks like this" Zhao Linan made a frowning face, adorably mimicking "but Grandpa doesn't hit people, he's good to Xiao Nan."
Zhao Weiguo's father, Zhao Haizhu, was a simple farmer with little education but was a traditional Wenzhou man, strict with his children, adhering to the principle that strict discipline breeds filial piety, and would discipline them if they were naughty.
But among the Zhao family's children, only Zhao Weiguo and his sister Zhao Weiju had been beaten; the others had not.
And no matter how strict Zhao Haizhu was, he would soften when it came to his grandson Zhao Linan, after all, there's a special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
"Xiao Nan is so great, will you still recognize Grandpa and Grandma when you see them tomorrow?"
Xu Tao smiled and adjusted the child's little hat.
Knowing that Wenzhou would be cold, Xu Tao bought a hat for the little one before they set off.
"Can."
"So great."
Xu Tao praised the child and kissed his face: "We'll be in the car for the next two days, will Xiao Nan be unhappy?"
Zhao Linan shook his head again: "Happy with mom."
"Ah, how come my son's mouth is so sweet?"
Xu Tao hugged Zhao Linan and played with him happily. Zhao Weiguo, driving the car, felt the heaviness in his heart lighten because of the conversation between the mother and son behind him.
In life, there are many paths to choose from. Zhao Weiguo himself regrets not being a soldier, but it's not necessarily bad. At least, Zhao Weiguo also likes his current life situation, which is comfortable and makes him feel satisfied.
Setting off from Yangcheng, Zhao Weiguo drove, stopped, and rested along the way, driving for many hours.
Zhao Weiguo had several months of transportation experience. Before leaving Yangcheng, he bought a national map. Looking at the complex simplified map to drive, he would rest when tired.
Thus, they traveled all the way from Yangcheng back to their hometown in Wenzhou, passing many places and seeing many sights not usually seen.
"Mom, beautiful."
The evening sunset was very beautiful. After a day's journey, Zhao Linan occasionally slept and occasionally woke up to eat some cream biscuits Xu Tao had prepared in advance.
Now the little one was very spirited. After sitting in the car all day, Xu Tao was somewhat listless, but he was in high spirits.
"Hmm, really beautiful."
Xu Tao followed Zhao Linan's little hand to look at the distant sunset.
Xu Tao had always thought that the world in her childhood memories, apart from being poor, seemed better in every way than later. She thought it was because of the beautification of memory.
But actually, it's not. The sky is really blue now, there are many stars, the air is good, and the food is delicious.
"Xiao Nan, happy?"
"Hmm."
Xu Tao smiled and touched the child's head, looking at Zhao Weiguo who was driving
"Are we going to find a place to rest tonight?"
"In about half an hour, we'll reach Ludao. We'll find a hostel there to rest." Zhao Weiguo also looked at the sunset and stated his plan.
If he were alone, he would definitely make do in the car overnight, but with Xu Tao and Zhao Linan, he had to find a better hostel to rest.
"Okay." Xu Tao nodded.
After sitting in the car all day, she occasionally helped drive for two hours, but most of the time Zhao Weiguo drove alone. Zhao Weiguo was also very tired. She and Zhao Linan were also tired from sitting in the car all day. The only one in the family of three who was still in good spirits was Zhao Linan, the little rascal.
Now Ludao is not as prosperous as it would later become, and there are not many hostel options, but there are many high and low grades. A better hostel, with a separate room and bathroom, costs four or five yuan a night. Of course, there are also cheaper ones, one yuan, eight mao can stay overnight.
Xu Tao is not short of money, so naturally, she asked Zhao Weiguo to find a relatively high-end and comfortable hostel to stay overnight.
"Mom, it's so cold!"
Early in the morning when it was still dark, they left Yangcheng and headed north to go home. After more than ten hours of driving, from the not-so-cold place of Yangcheng, it became colder and colder along the way.
On the road, they would open the window for ventilation, but after it got cold, Zhao Linan would burrow into Xu Tao's arms. Now, as soon as they got out of the car, the child directly hugged Xu Tao's leg.
Xu Tao bent down to pick up the child, and the two of them shivered together.
Zhao Weiguo parked the car, took some personal luggage, and saw Xu Tao and Zhao Linan hugging and gasping from the cold:
"Why not go into the hostel to avoid the wind first?"
Ludao is actually not that cold, but because it's by the sea, the winter wind is very strong, making people feel cold.
"Wasn't it thinking of waiting for you together?" Xu Tao's tone was somewhat dissatisfied
Actually, Xu Tao just didn't have the experience of staying in a hostel, which is different from later big hotels, so she didn't go in. Without Zhao Weiguo, she felt somewhat lacking in confidence.
Zhao Weiguo pursed his lips and smiled, reaching out to pull Xu Tao into the hostel.
"Please show your ID cards and marriage certificate!"
The front desk staff asked Zhao Weiguo with a serious expression, while looking at Xu Tao and Zhao Linan.
"Here."
Zhao Weiguo handed over their ID cards and marriage certificate.
After verifying the ID cards and marriage certificate, and paying for one day, the hostel staff arranged a small room for them.
"This room is really small."
Xu Tao, holding Zhao Linan, followed Zhao Weiguo into the room, looked around, and found the room particularly simpel and shabby.
"This is already considered good."
Zhao Weiguo spoke, having stayed in hostels during his long-distance driving, this hostel's conditions were definitely considered good.
There are plenty of hostels where a room is shared by more than a dozen strangers, so having a small room is indeed quite good.
"I'll go get hot water."
Zhao Weiguo put down the luggage, picked up the basin they had prepared, and went downstairs to fetch hot water.
Even though the hostel they stayed in was not low-grade, the provided conditions were very limited. The room only had a bed, a small stool, and a bathroom. There was nothing in the bathroom, towels, toothbrushes, basins, all these things had to be brought by themselves. Even hot water had to be fetched from the hostel's hot water room on the first floor.
"Okay."
Xu Tao nodded, and after watching Zhao Weiguo go out, she casually closed the hostel's door.
"Mom, I'm hungry."
Zhao Linan was placed on the hostel's bed by Xu Tao, and now he was softly calling out hungry.
"Good, wait for dad to come back with hot water, we'll wipe our faces and then go eat, okay?" Xu Tao discussed with Zhao Linan.
"Or should Xiao Nan eat some biscuits?"
Zhao Linan shook his head, his little mouth slightly pouting.
"Don't want to eat biscuits."
o0o