Daily Life in the 70s-Chapter 7 - Speak Out

Yang Peimin was already a beauty-lover as Taotao, always taking a leave from school whenever she had pimples, and would only return when they fully disappeared. She loved to fuss over her exceptional looks, constantly worrying about sun protection, how to eliminate dark circles, and how to hydrate her skin faster. These skills, under her strong interest, were also researched thoroughly.

No girl does not cherish beauty. If she were asked to dress like Yang Peiying, she probably wouldn't have accepted it so quickly. From the looks of the children in the Yang family, it was clear that Yang Peimin was skilled at "choosing her reincarnation," as she resembled Zhang Minghua the most. Zhang Minghua, in her youth, was a renowned beauty across the towns and Yang Peimin also inherited Yang Dahai's straight nose, making her the prettiest among the siblings. Zhang Minghua's indulgence towards her likely had something to do with this resemblance, as Yang Peimin looked so much like her, almost as if she was her proudest creation.

The most unfortunate was Yang Peiying. She didn't resemble either of her parents. Instead, she looked like Yang Dahai's mother, her Grandma Yang, who was well-known for being capable when she was young. Back then, the elders of the Yang Family first considered her capability, strength, and decisiveness. Her looks or any sulky expressions didn't matter when considering her for marriage. Such a daughter-in-law was perfectly matched with Yang Peimin's grandfather, a poor but educated man who couldn't lift a shoulder nor compose a hand.

Moreover, it was unclear if it was because of Grandma Yang, but Zhang Minghua seemed slightly cold towards this daughter, who resembled her mother-in-law quite a lot, especially since she wasn't as sweet-talking or savvy as her elder daughter.

Thus, Yang Peimin couldn't bear it anymore. These precious items that the original host wouldn't let Yang Peiying even touch, she wanted to let Yang Peiying use. Though it wasn't for whitening, it was very moisturizing and retained warmth, which could still improve Yang Peiying's dry and sallow skin. It was better than nothing. After some time, she planned to see if she could make some easy skincare products herself.

However, Yang Peiying shook her head vigorously like a rattle-drum, "Sister, I don't, don't need this..."

Yang Peimin gathered she must have thought it was a joke.

Yang Peimin simply did as she did, briskly pulling her and applying it by hand.

Afterwards, Yang Peiying was still in shock, her limbs flustered, "Sister..."

"We are sisters, what I have, you should have too. We're all our parents' children. And about those things I did wrong in the past, I'm also apologizing for them here." Yang Peimin, reflecting on the original host's past behaviors, even felt embarrassed. The original host often bullied this honest sister, losing her temper if Yang Peiying was a bit slow in pouring a glass of water; not to mention deceiving her into spending her New Year's money on her own things, among other things.

Yang Peiying shook her head incessantly, clearly startled by Yang Peimin's unusual behavior.

Yang Peimin felt helpless; this was something that needed gradual improvement.

The two girls shared a room and quickly went to sleep after tidying up.

Zhang Minghua didn't return until the afternoon of the next day and looked rather glum.

Yang Peimin, hearing her return, happily left the room.

Yang Dahai and his wife were sitting on the kang, discussing.

Seeing her buoyant spirit, the displeasure on Zhang Minghua's face instantly vanished, and turning to Yang Dahai, who was peeling corn kernels on the kang, she smiled and said, "Minmin seems much better than yesterday."

Ease spread through Yang Dahai's eyes and, though still stern, he nodded, "At the Shen family's side, we've also put together a plan. Let's prepare and go over to express our thanks to them."

"Of course, of course, if it weren't for that child, Minmin would have... He's a huge benefactor to our family. We're running low on brown sugar and eggs at home, so I will go to the Cooperative Society to buy some. I'll also pick up some fabric. Such gifts still seem too light, don't they? What else should we add?"

"We could exchange some meat from Ershu's butchered pig."

Zhang Minghua nodded.

At that, Yang PeiMin became curious. Was it the benefactor who had saved her?

"Mom, who saved me that day?"

Zhang Minghua turned to her with a smile and explained, "It was a young man from the Shen family in Shangji Village. He happened to be passing by our village that day and saved you. He was also the one who took you to the clinic. Later, the doctor said that if he hadn't administered first aid, even the clinic wouldn't have been able to save you. Thankfully, that young man was there. Your dad and I have been discussing going to their house to express our gratitude."

"I should go too, right?" It was her lifesaver, after all, and she also wanted to personally thank him and tell him that she would repay him if the opportunity arose.

Zhang Minghua didn't agree, "You haven't fully recovered yet; there's no need for you to go."

"I'm fine, Mom."

"Listen to your mother, Minmin. It's not proper for a young lady to just visit a young man's home," Zhang Minghua said, bringing up another matter. She pulled Yang PeiMin aside and lowered her voice, "Minmin, there's something mom has been wanting to ask you. Did you fall into the river while going to meet Xu Min? What exactly happened between you two?"

As the wife of the team leader, Zhang Minghua couldn't possibly be unaware of the rumors about Yang PeiMin and Xu Min. Initially, she had noticed something amiss and had been meaning to question her elder daughter.

"Mom knows he lent you review materials, and since you both are educated, you could communicate well. Mom was thinking that if you got into a university, it would be a big deal for our Yang Family, so I didn't really interfere. But what is really going on between you two?"

Yang PeiMin felt somewhat embarrassed by the question. Although the person involved was the original host, it was time to clarify things with Zhang Minghua and seek advice. The original host's death was partly due to his reasons, and she was determined to avenge it.

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Thus, she recounted how she started getting close to Xu Min by borrowing books, then developed feelings, and finally fell into the river in anger upon hearing his true intentions.

"That's outrageous!" Zhang Minghua exclaimed angrily, smacking the kang. "That scoundrel Xu Min actually tried to deceive our girl, that ungrateful wretch! Luckily, our Minmin overheard his wicked intentions. Otherwise, it would have ruined our girl's life for good. Old man, we can't let this go!"

Yang Dahai's face darkened as well. He thought not only of Xu Min's unexecuted schemes but also realized that his niece might be somewhat implicated. Yet, considering it involved his own niece and seeing his still-outraged wife, he swallowed his words.

"We should keep this quiet for Minmin's reputation. Let's think through the details and rest assured, we will ease away Minmin's connection to these rumors."

Knowing her husband had a plan in mind, Zhang Minghua breathed a slight sigh of relief and then enveloped Yang PeiMin in a comforting hug, "Don't worry, Minmin."