Chapter 381: Scissors

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

However, the bicycle came just in time, and Jiang Chuan found himself no longer voicing any refusal. After all, there’s a saying, ‘A favor received binds one to return it,’ and since Jiang Chuan was not fond of Shen Mo’s attention towards his daughter, now he could hardly refuse to let Shen Mo stay for a meal.

Jiang Chuan was very knowledgeable about cars, from parts to models—he could talk endlessly on any topic related to automobiles. However, he knew very little about bicycles of this era, and so he didn’t realize that a lot of thought had gone into modifying this particular bike.

The frame was made from the best steel available at the time, extremely sturdy.

At that time, nearly every household’s pots and pans had been collected for steel-making, so much so that initially, Jiang Xia’s family had trouble even buying a pot—the bike’s frame was made from that steel. The tires and chain had also been reinforced and checked so they wouldn’t easily puncture or snap.

This bicycle was originally modified by Shen Mo’s father for Shen Mo to use for his daily commute from the military base to the county town after his enlistment. It was this same bicycle that Shen Mo was riding when Jiang Xia met him in the town.

But they hadn’t expected that the boy would scarcely stay home for a few days before announcing his intention to join the army on a deep mountain deployment. This didn’t just infuriate his parents; it led to a beating. Even his brother and sister-in-law’s persuasion was futile, and Ma Juan had caused a scene once, but that only made things worse.

Shen Mo’s parents knew him best and understood that no one could change his mind. In the end, they had to respect their son’s wishes and let him follow the troops.

After breakfast, Jiang Chuan had to go to work, naturally riding his new bicycle. Shen Mo also had matters to attend to at the commune, so they left together. However, the sight of Jiang Chuan leading Shen Mo away seemed increasingly odd from behind.

Finally noticing something amiss, Jiang Xia turned to Zhou Lan and asked, “Mom, don’t you think Dad has some objections about something?”

Zhou Lan waved her hand dismissively, smiling, “It’s normal for a father-in-law to grow less fond of a son-in-law the more he sees him.”

Jiang Gu didn’t understand and pursued the matter, “Mom, what son-in-law? Isn’t the only son-in-law Dad has my brother-in-law? What does this have to do with Shen Mo?”

Zhou Lan cast a glance at Jiang Xia, who paid no attention to the term, feeling frustrated by her obliviousness. She thought, ‘When will this girl ever become savvy?’ She decided to let Shen Mo gradually influence Jiang Xia.

Patting Jiang Gu’s little head, Zhou Lan said, “You’ll understand when you’re older. Come, let’s go back inside and I’ll braid your hair.”

At this point, Jiang Gu had no idea what was about to happen. She was just happy her mother finally had time to play with her and happily followed Zhou Lan into the house. However, just five minutes later, Jiang Gu’s screams could be heard from the room.

Jiang Gu stepped back in fear as she watched Zhou Lan approaching with scissors, smiling malevolently, “Mom, I’ve had these braids for a long time, can we not cut them?” She pleaded as tears began to roll down her cheeks.

She didn’t understand what was happening. Her mother had been happily talking about braiding her hair just moments ago. But as soon as they went inside and Zhou Lan picked up the comb, she had pulled Jiang Gu’s scalp painfully. Wincing in pain, Jiang Gu looked at her mother, who was also frowning back at her.

“My dear daughter, you’ve got lice in your hair.”

“What do you mean?” Jiang Gu, rubbing her sore scalp, looked at Zhou Lan in confusion.

Without another word, Zhou Lan advanced with the scissors, teasing her with a menacing expression, “It means, your hair needs to be cut!”

“No, I can’t!” Jiang Gu screamed in terror, clutching her hair, trying to run outside, but Zhou Lan was faster and blocked the door, preventing her escape. Jiang Gu’s fear escalated, trembling as if she had seen a ghost.

Hearing the commotion, Jiang Xia quickly came in, “What’s going on? Mom, why do you have scissors?”

Realizing she had scared Jiang Gu, Zhou Lan quickly put away the scissors and explained, “Jiang Gu has lice, I was just joking with her and scared her.”

Jiang Xia then understood what had happened and knew Jiang Gu was frightened of getting her hair cut. She approached Jiang Gu slowly, comforting her..