At this time, very few people traveled far from home, especially girls, as the world outside was an unknown realm that families could not help but worry about.
Shen Yixiang looked at how easily her parents agreed to Yang PeiMin’s request and felt that it was rash. She said to Shen Erniu, "Dad, have you forgotten about Third Sister’s situation? Although the factory allocated a house to them, it’s only a two-bedroom. Where’s there any extra room? Her in-laws and younger sister-in-law live there too, not to mention her three kids."
She did not want Yang PeiMin to go to the county, believing that this woman would become restless once she entered the city. While her brother was struggling for life outside, Yang PeiMin should have stayed at home, obediently keeping watch over their home, instead of acting like she wanted to shrug off her rural identity and fly away. She’s already married, so why still dream of attending a university? Shen Yixiang thought Yang PeiMin was being meddlesome and stirring up trouble for nothing.
Shen Erniu said, "It’s fine; let your sister find a suitable and secure room in their compound, that will do."
Shen Yixiang grew even more anxious when Shen Erniu thought of this possibility for Yang PeiMin. "Dad, we still need to discuss this with Third Sister and her husband. It’s their business to help us out, and I don’t know if their mother would agree."
Yang PeiMin glanced at her, raising an eyebrow, "Yixiang, you don’t need to worry about that. I don’t need Third Sister’s charity. If it’s convenient for her, she can just keep an eye out for me; I’ll take care of the rent and food myself."
Then, she turned to Shen Erniu, "Dad, I’ll bring some stuff over tomorrow, and I’ll also stop by the internship class."
Shen Yiyue immediately said, "Sister-in-law, I’ll go with you. It might be quite an effort to find their place, and tomorrow is a rest day anyway."
Shen Erniu nodded and settled the matter.
Shen Yixiang wanted to say more, but Shen Yiyue pulled her aside, whispering, "Just zip it for once, will you? Sister-in-law brought you a silk scarf when she came back."
Shen Yixiang snorted stubbornly, "It’s still using my brother’s money."
Shen Yiyue shook her head, "But our brother’s money is also hers. If she hadn’t picked it out, would you be able to fashionably drape it around your neck all day?"
Stumped, Shen Yixiang glared at her but said nothing more.
After Shen Yiyue had calmed down her sister, she helped Yang PeiMin clean up the dishes and then followed her into the room.
Knowing that Shen Yiyue had something to say from her demeanor, Yang PeiMin looked at her and asked, "What is it? What’s on your mind?"
Shen Yiyue sat down cheerfully in a chair next to her and said, "It’s nothing big. Aren’t we heading to the county tomorrow? To be honest, I haven’t visited the county much, and I don’t know how much it has changed. I heard you can buy anything there? I wonder if they have skirts like the one you got when you went to visit relatives?"
Yang PeiMin understood; the girl wanted to buy one too.
She looked at her inquisitively, teasing, "What’s going on? Is there an event at your school? Or are you attending a wedding...?"
Shen Yiyue interrupted her quickly, "No, none of that. I just think they look nice, and I want to buy one to wear. I know not many people here wear skirts out, but look, I have exams soon, and whether I get into university or start working after failing to get in, there’ll be opportunities to wear one, and outsiders won’t say a thing."
Yang PeiMin nodded; it was all just for vanity.
"Sister-in-law, how much did you pay when you bought it? I don’t usually have much to spend. I even saved up some New Year’s money, but I’m not sure if it’s enough."
After stating the amount, Yang PeiMin shook her head. Her skirt cost eight yuan, while Shen Yiyue only had a little over six yuan. The price difference between the two places was not significant, but she doubted it was enough.
Shen Yiyue felt somewhat discouraged. Even if she didn’t have enough, she was keen to find other solutions, "When the time comes, let’s see if there are any cheaper ones. If not, we can just buy the fabric and make it ourselves. We have a sewing machine at home, after all. That could save us quite a bit."
Yang PeiMin nodded in agreement, "Your mind works fast. Making it ourselves might not be as exquisite and smooth, but it saves money, and it’ll fit better."
With that said, Shen Yiyue became even more enthusiastic, and she kept Yang PeiMin talking about this topic for almost half an hour, "You’re making me want to join you for the remedial classes in the county."
Yang PeiMin knew it was just a wishful sigh because that was impossible. Not to mention the limited spots with Mr. Cheng for the cram school, her own school wouldn’t approve it either. The school cared about them, the students preparing for college entrance exams, so how could they just let them not return to their own school for review? seaʀᴄh thё NovelZone.fun website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
Shen Yiyue left Yang PeiMin’s room content.
Returning to her room, which she shared with Shen Yixiang, the room was spacious. Since the two of them were twins and had always stuck together, they were used to it. Even though they had plenty of rooms at home, they never parted.
So when Shen Yixiang saw her enter the room with a smile at the corner of her lips, she felt a slight pang of envy, "What did Yang PeiMin give you this time to make you so happy?"
Shen Yiyue gave her a look, "What do you mean ’Yang PeiMin’? Can’t you call her sister-in-law?" Usually, Shen Yixiang would call her that in private, and she had corrected her many times.
Shen Yixiang pouted, "Only because you flatter her so much does she let slip some things through her fingers for you."
Shen Yiyue ignored her complaints and began to organize the clothes she would wear the next day. She also got out her small military shoulder bag, which could probably hold quite a few things, perfect for when they went to the county to buy stuff.
Seeing her actions, Shen Yixiang knew what she was up to and asked, with a hint of jealousy, "Are you really going to the county with her tomorrow?"
While organizing, Shen Yiyue replied, "Yeah, didn’t we agree on that? I remember the last time I went to the county was for Dahua from my third sister’s family’s one-month celebration. Mom wasn’t feeling well then and couldn’t go, so I went with my second sister. Now, Dahua is already ten years old, I haven’t been to the county in ten years. I remember there was a department store with very stylish clerks, and when you walked in well-dressed, people looked up to you... Yixiang, how does this outfit look on me?"
Shen Yixiang glanced at the dark blue overcoat in her hand and said expressionlessly, "You look like an auntie in that."
Shen Yiyue glared at her, "Never mind, I can’t rely on you. I’ll ask my sister-in-law tomorrow. She has a good eye. The clothes she wears are so beautiful. Asking her is definitely the right choice."
Shen Yixiang kicked off her shoes and climbed onto the kang, "Of course, they are. Those are quality fabrics, all newly bought. No telling how much money my brother spent on them."
"Look at you, bringing that up again. It’s not all my brother’s money, you know; sister-in-law had a job before, too. Alright, Yixiang, why don’t you come with us? It’s been a long time since you visited your third sister’s house too."
The two were twins, how could Shen Yiyue not understand the dissatisfaction in her sister’s heart?
Shen Yixiang, lying down on the kang, paused for a moment and turned her face away, "Forget it, there will be other times.