Capítulo 450: 450
Actually, Yang Peiying’s hair hadn’t really changed much; they just trimmed the ends. Previously, Yang PeiMin had thought her forehead was too narrow and had let her grow her bangs long and then pin them up to expose her forehead, which made her look more spirited.
Now her bangs had grown very long, down to her shoulders, but the tips were uneven. Yang PeiMin had the hairstylist even it out and trim it a bit shorter.
Before, her hair had been somewhat yellow and dull, then she made her own herbal hair solution, which all the women in her family were using. Those who kept up with it for two or three months all had black, smooth, shiny hair.
Yang Peiying was one of those who persevered. When it came to Yang PeiMin’s advice, she always listened very intently, just like with skincare products; initially, she was quite happy to apply a single bottle, but gradually, Yang PeiMin had her use a whole set, from hands to face, very meticulously applying and washing off, which she found quite bothersome. Sometimes she would forget to use it, and sometimes she felt it was a waste to use it in her condition, but she persisted. Now, after nearly a year, looking back, the change was significant. Her skin had gone from dark, yellow, and rough to much smoother and whiter. As the saying goes, “A fair complexion hides three flaws”—while the change wasn’t very obvious to others, she was very aware of it.
Then, when Yang PeiMin taught her how to apply makeup, she naturally accepted it. Before, she had never dared to imagine or try it, thinking that such skills were for big shots, and even if she learned, she wouldn’t have the chance to wear makeup.
Now things were different. Her sister said that her business would grow bigger and she would need to attend some important events where makeup was required, otherwise, people might think she was rude.
She felt her sister was right; after all, her sister was college-educated.
Yang PeiMin had noted that Yang Peiying shouldn’t style her hair in two braids anymore but try a different style: parting her hair from the middle and binding it halfway at the back while letting the rest drape over her shoulders. This hairstyle was actually quite common in the eighties; it was just that Yang Peiying was not used to it.
When they returned home from shopping, Peijun was cleaning in the yard and looked up in surprise at the two of them, “Wow, where did these two beautiful young ladies come from!”
“What do you think? Pretty, isn’t it?” asked Yang PeiMin.
Peijun examined Yang Peiying a few times, “Cleaned up like this, you look quite attractive. Yingzi, you should keep this style.”
Yang PeiMin smiled and nodded, while Yang Peiying felt somewhat embarrassed.
Shen Yiguang had returned from work and, seeing them all in the yard, raised an eyebrow.
Yang PeiMin approached him, cheerfully saying, “Daddy Lele, you’re back! You’re a bit earlier than yesterday.”
Shen Yiguang smiled, waving something in his hand, “Traffic was good today. I passed through a village where they were slaughtering a sheep, so I brought one back. We’re having stewed mutton tonight.”
Everyone happily laughed, and Peijun hurriedly went to take the sheep, “We’ll have to figure out how to cook it in a bit.”
“Did you guys go out today?” Shen Yiguang asked, noticing the things Yang Peiying was carrying.
“I went for a walk with Yingzi and bought some stuff. Go wash your hands quickly— oh wait, there’s hot water running in the kitchen, go take a bath first, you must have a bit of a sheep smell on you since you were carrying it.”
As Peijun turned towards the kitchen, he laughed, “Minmin, your nose is better than a dog’s, picking up even the slightest scent.”
Yang PeiMin ignored him and excitedly went to the room to find clothes for Shen Yiguang.
Shen Yiguang, too, was immersed in happiness and did not hear what Yang Peijun had said.
Yang Peijun couldn’t help feeling somewhat dejected.
Yang Peiying, holding back laughter, ran into her own room.
That evening, Shen Yiguang talked to Yang PeiMin about Lu Haijun, “His training is almost over and he’ll return in the next couple of days. I’ll arrange a day off for him so he can come back to handle these matters.”
Yang PeiMin then brought up the recent happenings with the neighboring Lu family, “We can let Lu Haijun come over, but let his sister stay a few more days. Otherwise, it would be a pity to disrupt the play when it’s only halfway through.”
Shen Yiguang, looking at her like a cunning fox, couldn’t help but shake his head and laugh softly, agreeing with a quiet “okay.”
“Though the Lu family next door is entangled, we still need to be cautious and not take it lightly. I’ll talk to mother about it.”
Yang PeiMin nodded. Lu Hailing could only seek help from Chen Guizhi, as no one else wanted to deal with her.
However, Shen Yixiang was still dating Lu Haijun. After Zhu Hailing was rejected in front of the Yang sisters, she immediately turned to Shen Yixiang.
Shen Yixiang couldn’t avoid it, and seeing Lu Hailing crying so pitifully with tears and snot, one couldn’t help but feel compassion.
Qu Fang was now escalating her tactics, not just talking but also acting very aggressively. Whoever in the Lu family needed something done, she would rush to do it, offering them delicious food from heaven every day, meat buns today and small wontons tomorrow. When Lu Hailing was present, she firmly refused, but when Lu Hailing was away, Mrs. Lu couldn’t resist the temptation. Being naturally greedy, it felt like a great deal of pain not to take advantage of such an opportunity presented before her.
Well, now that they had accepted other people’s food, things became even more ambiguous.
When Lu Hailing returned to the courtyard, she heard everyone discussing this. They commented on how hypocritical her family was, verbally denying but accepting bribes behind everyone’s back.
She quickly ran back home and confronted Mrs. Lu.
Then Mrs. Lu actually said, “Hailing, I’ve observed that the Qu family is quite acceptable. They are much better than that Huang family in our village. Now they are city dwellers with a legitimate job. He’s also tall and robust. If we miss this opportunity, where could we find such a chance again?”
Lu Hailing widened her eyes, still somewhat in disbelief, “Mother, what are you talking about? How is Qu Fang good? Isn’t his family burdened with troubles? They rely on his single salary; following him would mean biting the bullet in hardship! Even if we were to marry a city-dweller, we shouldn’t choose someone like him!”
“It’s true their family burdens are a bit heavy, but those can be resolved. Once you stand on your own feet, send his two nephews to the orphanage, and that old guy bedridden at home won’t last many years either. Better days are still to come, and later, mother can also enjoy a good life in the city with you.”
Lu Hailing stamped her foot, “Mother, what are you really saying? Didn’t we agree before? How can Qu Fang compare to Shen…”