Chapter 416: Chapter 416

Wang Shufen pondered for a moment: "I think we should go buy some minced meat to make dumplings, that’ll cover the main dish, and then making side dishes will be easier. Otherwise, if we’re just having steamed buns or noodles, the side dishes need to be more abundant. Also, buy some dried tofu for a cold dish, it should be quite good. Oh, and get a couple of canned fruits." Back then, canned food wasn’t something eaten regularly, it was mostly seen as a gift. Having some cans when hosting guests was a gesture of respect.

Sun Chan quickly nodded, and it was decided. The two of them took the groceries and went back to the army courtyard, cooking together.

They took out the celery they bought earlier, and Sun Chan also chopped some chives, preparing to make two types of dumpling fillings.

While she was making the dumpling fillings, Wang Shufen was rolling out the dumpling wrappers; "How are you finding it here? Are you feeling a bit awkward?"

Sun Chan smiled and said, "It’s fine, I don’t really go out much anyway."

"Your personality is good, you don’t like to fuss over things, but when it’s time to toughen up, you have to. Don’t let others bully you easily. If someone asks to borrow money, absolutely don’t lend it."

"I know," Sun Chan smiled and said.

Wang Shufen looked into the room: "Lock your and Gu Junming’s bedroom later, don’t let anyone in. Some of these army wives might bring their kids and rummaging through things wouldn’t be good."

Sun Chan readily agreed, knowing there were several special nightgowns from Yang Zhen in the bedside table drawers, it would be awkward if discovered. She quickly locked the door. Then, thinking more, she also locked the study, as there were many clothes and manuscripts that could be messed up by kids, but she took out some magazines to show to people.

By the afternoon, the meal was ready, with celery and meat, chive and egg dumplings, and a bountiful spread on the table, with chicken, fish, and canned food, all looking and smelling delicious.

Gu Junming came in first with a few colleagues, and they all praised in unison, "Smells great!"

Sun Chan smiled and said, "It’s all homemade food, wash your hands and get ready to eat!"

"Thank you, sister-in-law!"

"Sister-in-law, it’s really kind of you to go through so much trouble!"

Everyone admired the warm and nicely decorated home, saying it was just like in the shows, much better looking than their own places.

Everything not only had complete furniture and appliances, but the balcony also had many flowers blooming beautifully, this surely was the way to live.

Then there was some bustling noise outside, as the army wives with their children came in. Although Gu Junming had invited only seven or eight colleagues, their wives and children, a whole crowd came in, filling the room.

These women chatted noisily, almost turning the roof over with their enthusiasm, eagerly pulling Sun Chan and talking about everything.

Sun Chan wasn’t much of a talker, just smiled, while Wang Shufen mostly helped to chat along.

Some people touched the sofa, clicking their tongues in admiration, others checked out the TV and opened the fridge to inspect inside, feeling envious. Wondering how much all of this cost! It’s not something an average family could bear.

Liu Gang and Ai Mei didn’t come, saying Ai Mei wasn’t feeling well after falling down from upstairs, so Liu Gang took her to see the doctor.

Actually, Liu Gang was feeling upset and didn’t want to see Gu Junming, everyone was aware of the situation without saying it.

Liu Gang had been jumping around for quite some time, trying hard for this promotion opportunity, but it was apparent to everyone. Disregarding the value of soldiers’ lives was too much, and the way he treated his wife made everyone keep a respectful distance, so no one brought him up intentionally.

Yan Kai and Liao Dongyuan didn’t come either, both living too far from Gu Junming now, making it inconvenient, but since they got along well, meeting up another time would be just as good.

In no time, Sun Chan saw some kids banging on the doors trying to rush into the study and bedroom, the doors were rattling, fortunately, they were locked in advance.

Sun Chan laughed and said, "This room is quite messy, won’t let you see it this time. Have some persimmons, I bought some."

The women, out of curiosity wanting to see inside, found they couldn’t enter and could only glare at their kids, "Stop making a fuss, behave yourself!"

Sun Chan and Wang Shufen both let out a sigh of relief. Some women, however, thought Sun Chan was stingy, wondering what couldn’t be seen.

The meal was lively, going from the afternoon until past nine in the evening, with all the food on the table eaten up, and hundreds of dumplings gone, along with over ten bottles of beer and two bottles of spirits. Sun Chan admired the guests’ capacities for food.

On their way back, people were discussing Sun Chan and Gu Junming: "The young wife is quite good at cooking, isn’t she?"

"Indeed, and she’s quite good-looking too."

One woman laughed, "I saw how Gu Junming would glance at his wife from time to time, it made me embarrassed to watch, so sweet. Their relationship is really good."

Another woman said sourly, "They truly have the life, both of them earning, and elders to help out, not like at our place where the elders in the countryside sometimes ask for money, we’re struggling to make ends meet, and no one to care."

"Enough already! Your family, at least, everyone is healthy. My old man is sick in bed, asking for money every day, it’s stressful. Those dishes today must have cost at least a hundred! Probably a whole month’s wage, they must be rich! Looks just like the city folks in the magazines."

"Comparing really is maddening. She’s really lucky, getting to be a daughter in the Yang family." ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✶𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮✶𝓷𝓮𝓽

With feelings of envy, jealousy, and resentment, everyone went home with their own thoughts.

Sun Chan finally managed to send everyone off, massaged her own waist, feeling utterly exhausted.

Wang Shufen said, "You should rest well, I’ll take care of the dishes."

"Sis, you’re not going anywhere tonight, I’ll tidy up the small room next to us for you."

"Okay," Wang Shufen smiled, gathering up all the dishes.

Sun Chan wanted to wash the dishes but was stopped by Gu Junming: "You’ve worked hard today, I’ll do it instead."

"No need. You drank too much, go have a bath, since I’m just using detergent, it’ll be done soon." Sun Chan pushed Gu Junming toward the bathroom and washed dishes with Wang Shufen.

Wang Shufen laughed and said, "Few people were constantly jabbing at you today. They’re just typical of being envious of others, don’t pay any attention to what they say." A few women kept asking about her life in the countryside, asking if she had any friends there, just wanting to see if she had really married up. Some also inquired about her work at the garment factory in the city, asking if she could get them jobs there, all of which Sun Chan declined.

They aren’t skilled workers either, and wouldn’t be able to do much. Besides, these women, already in their thirties, seem quite accustomed to comfort, and may not withstand the hardship.

Introducing them only leads to complaints if they can’t stick it out.

"These women, unwilling to work hard themselves, just make snide remarks at you."

"I didn’t even pick up on their sarcasm; honestly, I don’t care." Sun Chan smiled and said.

"That’s good. Not all army wives have good standards, so be careful in the future."