Mu Wan was momentarily speechless, her throat constricted with emotion.
Just then, there came a knock on the door from outside. It was the assistant beside Factory Director Chen.
He stood at the door, humble and polite. "Comrades, good day. Factory Director Chen said that the factory will soon hold a get - together party. With the theme of 'Civil - Military Co - construction', it is specially designed to console the veterans and demobilized soldiers. Currently, the party lacks a host, and the broadcasting room will be in charge of the arrangement."
Li Chuchu was taken aback. "When will it be?"
The assistant replied methodically, "It will be at the end of this month. If you have suitable candidates around, you can invite them to participate. There are currently job vacancies in our factory, and we welcome veterans to join."
After delivering the notice, he left. Li Chuchu fell into a brief silence after hearing this.
Mu Wan was a bit absent - minded. Due to Yu Xiuyuan, she had completely disillusioned with veterans. "Why are they suddenly holding a get - together at this time? Anyway, whoever wants to be the host can do it. I'm not in the mood right now, and it's not suitable for you to step forward either."
Originally, she thought Li Chuchu would agree with her, but unexpectedly, Li Chuchu suddenly laughed.
Looking at the strange smile on her face, Mu Wan felt a shiver run down her spine. Could it be that Chuchu just seemed calm, but was actually driven crazy by this incident?
"No, this is a great opportunity," Li Chuchu said.
Mu Wan was completely bewildered.
However, no matter how much she asked Chuchu, the latter remained silent.
"Has the Yu family come to see your parents?"
She remembered that Yu Xiuyuan's parents were not easy to talk to. Otherwise, they wouldn't have allowed their son to waste a good girl's youth. Before Mu Wan entered the Yu family, they could still put on a show, but after she did, they completely changed their attitude.
Although Yu's father seemed to be a laid - back person, he was actually a strong - willed male chauvinist who turned a blind eye to his son's domestic violence. Yu's mother doted on her son to an excessive degree and even abetted his bad behavior.
If they heard that their precious son was bullied in the restaurant, they would surely lose their temper.
Mu Wan frowned slightly. She had been worrying about this matter these days. "Yes, they have. Their attitude is not very good. They insist that our family give them an explanation. My mother is at home counting things and plans to return all the things they gave over the years."
Li Chuchu nodded. "Then you can tell them this news as well. Isn't he just back from the army and busy looking for a job? "
Mu Wan stared at Li Chuchu in disbelief, her voice suddenly rising several tones. "Chuchu! You don't want me to use this opportunity to curry favor with him, do you? I will never do such a thing!"
If it had been before, there might have been a possibility.
But now, she and Yu Xiuyuan were like enemies. These days, Yu Xiuyuan had tried every means to ask her out, but she ignored him all. She just wanted to return the things to him and be done with him once and for all.
Let him enter the same factory as her? It was simply a pipe dream!
Li Chuchu must be crazy to say such a thing.
Li Chuchu packed up her things and said calmly, "Who said it's currying favor? Let's wait and see what happens later. Now, we need to find a way to get him on stage."
"What's the difference? Giving him a chance to be on stage is just letting him show off in Lianhua Iron and Steel Factory and then smoothly get a job there, isn't it?"
"Of course not. Yu Xiuyuan and the influence he has caused are like a cesspool. Hiding it will only make it stink more. Since we can't solve it privately, we should solve it publicly. So this get - together is a good opportunity to expose his actions."
Li Chuchu explained concisely.
Mu Wan listened, half - understanding.
Although she didn't fully understand, it seemed quite powerful.
Then she thought again. Li Chuchu would never be the one to suffer losses. Maybe she had been waiting to pull off something big these days.
Thinking of this, Mu Wan felt relieved. She readily agreed, "Okay, I'll do whatever you say! I'll tell them when I see them next time!"
Li Chuchu slung her bag over her shoulder and prepared to leave work.
But before going home, she had to find someone, Chen Junsheng.
This kid had been too idle these days. It was time to give him something to do.
...
Mu Wan followed her mother carrying things to the Yu family. They returned all the gifts that could be returned intact, and for the things that couldn't be returned, they calculated the value and put the money in an envelope.
Mu's mother was very meticulous.
She was determined to handle this matter perfectly.
The Yu family lived in the military compound, and the neighbors were all military families.
Mu's mother finally found the compound. Just as she walked to the door of the compound, she happened to hear Yu's mother's loud voice:
"Don't even mention it. It's embarrassing to talk about! Over the years, we've given them quite a few things. At least three or five hundred yuan worth! But their eyes are on top of their heads. They simply look down on our small family. When your family is looking for a daughter - in - law, you must be discerning. Don't find someone who looks down on others."
Mu's mother's face immediately darkened.
It was obvious who she was talking about.
Originally, she had planned to talk to them nicely, but unexpectedly, they had been bad - mouthing their family behind their backs.
Wasn't this ruining Mu Wan's reputation even before she entered the Yu family?
Fortunately, the relationship had broken off.
If they had really gotten married, Mu Wan would have suffered a lot from this evil mother - in - law.
Mu's mother stepped over the threshold, smiling. "What a coincidence, Sister - in - law Yu. You're chatting with the neighbors in the yard?"
Mu Wan followed her mother closely.
Yu's mother obviously didn't expect to be caught bad - mouthing someone just when the person showed up. There was a look of uneasiness on her face, but seeing the smiling face of her in - law - to - be, she thought the latter might not have heard. She could only force a laugh. "Yes, come in and sit down. Why did you come all the way here?"
Mu's mother raised the corner of her mouth slightly, maintaining the aura of a noble lady. "I won't go in. I'm here today to talk to you about the marriage of our two children. You've given so many things over the years. Since the marriage can't happen, I'm returning the things intact. This is the ledger, and those are the things you gave with the intention of the marriage over the years. In total, it's 133 yuan and 60 cents. Please check if there's any problem."
As soon as this figure came out, Yu's mother felt a bit embarrassed.
Feeling the curious looks of the neighbors around, she quickly tried to smooth things over.
"Sister Mu, what are you doing? Once the things are given to you, they're yours. It's cold outside. Let's go inside and talk." She wanted to pull the mother and daughter inside so as not to lose face outside.
Mu's mother didn't indulge her. She calmly pushed Yu's mother's hand away from her woolen coat. Her gentle tone carried an undeniable firmness. "Well, this is not right. Even if we can't be in - laws, our two families are still old friends. You know my husband's character. He can't sleep if he takes something from others for free. So I came here to return them to you quickly. Please check first. Otherwise, I'll have come for nothing today."
These words not only refuted what Yu's mother had said about their family looking down on small families but also proved in front of everyone that her family didn't take advantage of others.