Daily Life in the 70s-Chapter 156: Stealing

Shen Yiguang came back quickly and had fixed her a meal ahead of time, but said, "You go ahead and eat. I need to make a trip to see the Political Commissar." He seemed in a hurry.

"Is it because of what just happened?"

Shen Yiguang stroked her hair, comforting her, "No, it’s something in the military."

Yang PeiMin stuffed a steamed bun she had bought in the city into his mouth, one he liked, "Who knows how long you’ll be, eat something to fill up your stomach."

She handed him the rest, instructing him, "Eat as you go."

Shen Yiguang’s eyes smiled, he took it from her, kissed her forehead, and then left.

She did not end up cooking the sugar water because it was time to eat.

Fried eggs and cabbage tofu, she was eating when knocking sounded from the door. Normally, she didn’t like to leave the door open, with people coming and going in the hallway, anyone could easily see inside; there was no privacy, so she had shut the door while eating.

She opened the door and saw it was a Red Army wife. Before she could ask what it was about, the Red Army wife, who spoke rapidly and straightforwardly, spilled it out, "Old Mrs. Cui dumped your hot water; see if it’s less than before, my youngest son saw her, came back mimicking her. Did she ask your permission?"

Yang PeiMin shook her head, went to check by lifting the pot lid, and indeed, only about half was left. The Red Army wife moved closer, "It is less, ah, I tell you her grandson just robs people’s stuff like a bandit, turns out she’s a bandit herself. No, we should confront her. It’s not like but others’ coal is blown in by the wind?"

Yang PeiMin held her back, whispered, "Sister, I think she won’t admit it. We didn’t catch her in the act, and considering your son is only four, she might bite back. Let’s try to talk about it here first and see how that goes... Later, like this..."

The Red Army wife nodded, then began to enact the scenario loudly, "Sister-in-law, can I borrow some hot water? My naughty boy spilled a whole kettle on the floor, and the coal went out; I can only turn to you."

"Sure, go fetch some."

"Wait, there is no water? Did you forget to fill it up?"

"I did fill it, I have a good memory, weird."

"Could someone have scooped it away?"

"Sister, we shouldn’t make wild accusations. If the Political Commissar finds out there’s a thief around here, it would be serious. Not just getting arrested, but it could affect her husband’s military career too, and that’s him done for. I think no one would dare do such a thing?"

"Hard to say, some people think they’re being sneaky, and no one will spot them. But think about it, it’s not just their family here; anyone could look out their window in this corridor, or people above and below could notice something. When we go down to wash clothes tomorrow, we might just ask around, someone might have seen something."

"That’s reasonable, we’ll ask around tomorrow. If there’s nothing, fine, but if there is, we can’t let someone of such poor character stay in our military region."

"Alright, it’s decided then."

The Red Army wife eyed Gao Hong’s window, signaling to Yang PeiMin, the curtain moving dramatically.

She mouthed, "It’s done."

Yang PeiMin smiled, nodded, and pulled her into her dormitory, then said, "Thanks, sister, you came across really convincingly."

The Red Army wife gave her a sly glance, modestly saying, "Still, sister-in-law, you are the one with the plans; I think that old lady will be restless soon."

Yang PeiMin grabbed a handful of candy she bought from the town for her, "Here, give these to Da Wu and Xiao Wu, it’s nothing special, don’t push it away."

Red Army wife exclaimed twice, "That’s too much. Just taking two is enough; how could I take so many from you?"

Yang PeiMin didn’t enjoy eating sweets herself, but people of that era did, both adults and children alike. It was only because sweets were expensive and not filling that they hesitated to buy them, and they would only relent and purchase some during the New Year to satisfy cravings. Therefore, she also bought some to keep at home.

She wrapped some in a handkerchief for her, "Don’t be shy, I’ve just arrived, and sister has helped me a lot. I really see you as a friend. Go ahead, take them."

The Red Army wife then smiled with relief and reluctantly accepted them, even scolding her lightly, "You’ve just gotten married; don’t be too extravagant. Once you have children, the expenses will be even greater."

"Don’t worry, sister. A few sweets won’t be a problem."

"Okay, then I’ll go back first. I see that old madam coming back. I better leave before she sees me here and dares not come over."

Yang PeiMin nodded.

The Red Army wife was right; no sooner had she left than someone else came knocking, but it turned out to be Gao Hong.

Yang PeiMin greeted her placidly, smiling, "Is there something you need, sister?"

Gao Hong stood by the door, her head lowered, repeatedly appearing as if she wanted to say something but then hesitating.

Yang PeiMin invited her to sit down and brought out some peanuts, "I brought these from home, sister, come have a taste."

Gao Hong quickly waved her hands, "No need, no need, I... I’ve already eaten dinner, not hungry..."

She came over and sat down but kept her head lowered.

Only then did Yang PeiMin see that one side of her cheek was obviously swollen, and there seemed to be bruises under her bangs. She involuntarily gasped—had the person been too ruthless when hitting her? There’s a saying, ’Don’t hit the face.’ How massive must the grievance be, for a daughter-in-law to show her face in public like this? Did it bring honor to her son? She had understood Old Mrs. Cui’s thinking, but when it came down to it, she was still weak.

Gao Hong bit her lip and said softly, "I came to apologize to my younger sister-in-law..."

Seeing that Yang PeiMin did not ask why, Gao Hong looked up at Yang PeiMin again, who appeared to be waiting to hear more, then promptly lowered her head again, adding, "It’s like this, my niece wanted some sweet soup, and we didn’t have hot water at home. So, I scooped some from your pot. I’m sorry... She was making a fuss, and I was too flustered and forgot to tell you, also forgot to scoop the water back... I’m really sorry, could you perhaps scoop a kettle of hot water from my place tomorrow..."

As she spoke, she seemed too embarrassed to keep sitting and quickly stood up, looking very anxious...

Yang PeiMin felt her compassion welling up again. This feeling of taking the blame for her mother-in-law, and right after being beaten by her, was confusing. Perhaps, after all, this was also their family’s way of interaction.

Her expression feigned realization, "So it was you who scooped it."

Gao Hong repeated apologies.

Yang PeiMin nodded, "Next time just let me know, sister. We’re neighbors; it’s not really a big deal."

Gao Hong nodded eagerly, "Yes, yes, I definitely will next time. It’s all my fault..."

"You should also tell the children not to chase each other in the corridor. It’s no joke if they get scalded." Their two children were also quite mischievous, and it was a heads-up for her as well.

Gao Hong kept agreeing.

Seeing her like this, Yang PeiMin didn’t know what else to say. She walked her to the door, "I know you’re busy at home, sister, so I won’t keep you."