Envy was bearable, but when women became jealous, they turned into demons. Aside from their own parents, no one would be truly happy for your good fortune.
Today, Lin Wanwan wore a red plaid skirt bought from the city, paired with a white V-neck georgette blouse and white sandals. She looked nothing like a married woman who had given birth to two children.
The aunties who came to work gathered around to look at her. The skirt was a half-skirt with a large bow at the waist, incredibly stylish. They had never seen anything like it.
"So beautiful, like a movie star! Wanwan, you've finally made it. Little Sui is so capable and dotes on you so much. Your good life is just beginning."
"Exactly, now Little Sui is the most promising man in our village. Once a man settles down, he's incredible. Wanwan is also a good girl, enduring until he came to his senses, which wasn't easy."
Lin Wanwan smiled and remained silent, feeling very happy. Xie Sui was truly wonderful now, so wonderful it felt like a dream. Apart from his sharp tongue and his penchant for showing off, he was almost perfect.
Yang Yumei, Zhang Wenfeng's wife, couldn't hide her jealousy. Lin Wanwan was so lucky. Her husband suddenly came to his senses and made money like flowing water. In just half a year, he built a new house and opened a factory. Yesterday alone, he delivered three cartloads of goods home. He was building the best house in the entire village.
She sidled up to Lin Wanwan and asked, "Wanwan, that skirt must be expensive, right? How much did it cost?"
"It wasn't much. Many things in the city are actually cheaper than in the county town. It's just too tiring to go there, otherwise, I would have brought some back for everyone."
Yang Yumei pressed on, "Not much means how much? Next time you go to the city, I'll accompany you. We'll buy more. Don't just say nice things!"
The tone was starting to change. Lin Wanwan's smile faded. "Twelve yuan. If you want to buy one, go yourself. There's a bus from the county to the city. The city department store has several branches, and they all sell them."
"Fine, you think I wouldn't dare?"
Lin Wanwan was speechless. "I didn't say you wouldn't dare. Do whatever you want, I can't control you, can I?"
Yang Yumei sneered, "That's right, you can only swallow your anger. You should manage your own man better, don't be like in the past, being unclear with other women. You'd just hide at home and cry!"
Lin Wanwan's face changed. "Yang Yumei, what are you talking about? Why are you picking a fight with me when I haven't done anything to provoke you?"
The other aunties, enjoying the drama, chimed in, "That's right, Yang Yumei. Wanwan is our boss's wife now. You offend the boss's wife, and you don't want to work anymore?"
"If you're afraid, then don't. He earns so much, and yet he only gives us fifty cents a day. What's that enough for? The landlords back then exploited the people like this. I don't care for his measly few cents that he throws at us like beggars."
"I'm telling you, his family's income is hundreds of yuan a day, and he only gives us fifty cents? It's unbelievable that you think it's good. He's treating us like fools!"
Upon hearing this, the aunties' eyes lit up. "Really? Hundreds a day? He's definitely giving us too little. Wanwan, people should have a conscience. We're neighbors, you can't cheat us!"
"Exactly, we work hard all day for just fifty cents, that's not right. You should talk to Xie Sui and ask him to raise our wages."
"Yes, raise our wages! At least one yuan, right?"
"One yuan isn't enough either. Zhang Wenfeng gets two yuan a day. We should also demand two yuan, or we won't work!"