Chapter 417: Chapter 417

Sun Chan said, "Where there are people, there’s gossip. My elder sister knows I’m not good at arguing. I’m too lazy to bother with those unpleasant words they say; I just pretend I didn’t hear them."

"Yeah, even if they get the upper hand verbally, what, can they earn more money? These people, they just can’t stand seeing someone else doing better! Once they see you have money, living well, they start picking apart things."

"Exactly, that’s typical of small-minded people. Especially that Sister-in-law Wang, so irritating, always nosing around. I think she’s just eager to find something scandalous to spread around." Sun Chan remarked.

When Gu Junming finished his shower, he overheard her talking and couldn’t help but smile. Marriage changes things; now everyone loves to chat about these everyday family matters.

They ate dinner late, and after a full day of activity, Sun Chan was exhausted. She washed up and went directly to bed. Gu Junming had wanted to talk to his wife for a bit, but there was no time, so he just hugged her, patted her back, and went to sleep along with her.

Early the next morning, Wang Shufen took the earliest bus back home. She was hurrying to sell fruit; arriving late would disrupt a lot of things.

When Sun Chan woke up, the room was quiet; she checked her watch—it was already past eight. She exclaimed and quickly jumped out of bed; it’s so late! Has Gu Junming left?

As soon as she reached the kitchen, she saw a note on the small table. It was left by Gu Junming; I’m heading to the military unit. I made some noodles; just heat them to eat. Wait for me to come back tonight.

Sun Chan smiled. Sure enough, she found noodles in the pot, just plain boiled noodles with a spoonful of homemade meat sauce on top, still warm. She took it out, ready to eat.

Sun Chan was thinking about finishing some drawings, hoping to send them over to Han Dong soon.

Then someone knocked on the door. Sun Chan called out, "Who is it?"

Sun Chan slightly frowned. This voice sounded like Zhuang Lin, who had come over for dinner last night. She’s from the suburbs, her husband is an officer, they live on the top floor. Last night, she jabbed at Sun Chan a few times, saying that every family counts pennies to live, but only Sun Chan dared to spend. Buying so many things to treat everyone, it was enough to cover their monthly living expenses. Doesn’t know how to save.

Sun Chan was very upset at the time; here I am warmly entertaining you, and you still speak so bitterly.

Why is this woman coming over so early in the morning?

Sun Chan went to open the door; Zhuang Lin walked right in boldly. She’s in her thirties, wearing a white blouse and black skirt, a bit stocky, talking loudly. They rank by the men’s age, so although she’s younger, Zhuang Lin still calls Sun Chan "sis."

Sun Chan said, "Do you need something?"

"Why do you say that? Can’t I come over if there’s nothing? Sis, haven’t you eaten?" She craned her neck to look, "Noodles, huh? Real simple meal."

Sun Chan smiled, "I got up late, just having a quick bite."

Zhuang Lin laughed, "Tired, huh? Newly married, after all." This comment was enough to make one blush, as if they had done something personal.

Sun Chan said, "Last night we were tidying things up. Sit down if you want, sister-in-law. I’m planning to go into town soon. I’m in a hurry, better eat quickly." She didn’t bother with formalities, sat down, and ate heartily.

Zhuang Lin laughed, "Actually, I came to ask you for help. You’re the only one who can help me!"

"Whatever it is, just say it. We live in the same neighborhood; how can I not help you?" Sun Chan said while eating noodles, smiling.

"Actually, I’m thinking of setting up a small shop here." Zhuang Lin fiddled with her shirt while smiling, "You see, it’s a bit far from town here. When people want to buy something, they have to take the bus. I want to open a shop, stock up on oil, salt, sauces, noodles—save people from going all the way there. Plus, I can make some money for groceries." The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the 𝚗𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚕·𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚎·𝚗𝚎𝚝

Sun Chan laughed, "That’s a good idea. It’s also helping everyone out."

"Exactly!" Zhuang Lin said, a bit uneasily, "However, I don’t really have any money either. My husband’s salary, feeding the kids, plus we’ve got a younger sibling at school back home, every month have to send over some money, it’s really tough. I see you don’t seem to have a shortage. Could you lend me some?"

From the moment she mentioned opening a shop, Sun Chan realized her intent, but she didn’t expose her and only asked now, "How much do you need?"

"Two thousand!" Zhuang Lin said with a bright smile, "It’s the first time I’m asking you, give me some credit, will you? I can write you an IOU and pay you back later."

Sun Chan laughed; this woman really knows how to ask—two thousand all at once! A small shop needs that much? Not sure what she’s scheming, and even if a shop opens, it wouldn’t make much profit. Her husband’s monthly salary is just a couple hundred; how many years to pay back two thousand?

We’re not even close, on what grounds should I give you so much money?

Sun Chan ate her noodles and laughed, "We all live in the same courtyard, no need for an IOU! Just too bad we don’t have that kind of money on hand."

Zhuang Lin’s smile stiffened slightly.

Sun Chan continued, "We just got married, all this shine was given by my grandpa and mom. Truthfully, we have nothing inside. Sister-in-law, if you’re really desperate, I’ll wait until Gu Junming comes back, see how much he can spare. I’m young, home matters are decided by Gu Junming, have to talk to him first about anything."

Zhuang Lin laughed, "No need to be modest, we all saw at dinner last night, he dotes on you!"

Sun Chan ate her noodles and laughed, "That’s just for show in front of everyone, giving me face. Actually, he’s quite a patriarchal, thrifty person. As for Gu Junming’s situation, you all know, not just the two elders in the Gu family, but also two folks in the countryside need support. Though I’m working in a garment factory, still have to go to school. No way I have that much money! Sister-in-law, you sure hold me in high regard, but two thousand is too much; I’m scared to death. I’ve never seen two thousand in my life."

Zhuang Lin laughed along, "I’m just out of options, thinking a small shop might earn something. But borrowing money is too hard. The wealthy don’t like to lend and are very sly, those with bad intentions abound, the genuine ones don’t have any money, really nowhere to reason."

Sun Chan pretended not to understand her insinuation and smiled lightly, "I wanted to mention to you, opening a small shop costs that much? What kind is it? In our village, a small shop with cigarettes, alcohol, snacks, and tea doesn’t go beyond five hundred for a decent setup. You plan to open a wholesale store for two thousand?"