Rebirth in Famine: She Thrives by Lucky Space

The child started crying loudly as soon as they entered the room, and couldn’t be comforted no matter what.

”In-laws, I’m here, why don’t you take the child back to your home? The child is too young and unwell; we should prioritize the child’s wellbeing.”

Tian Shulan wiped her tears and handed the child to Meng Xiu Fen.

”Yes, Xiu Fen, you should go home. Shuling is already gone; we can’t let anything happen to the child.”

Meng Xiu Fen looked at her young granddaughter, who was pale from crying, knowing she couldn’t continue like this, so she carried the child, with tears on her face, outside.

Strangely, the child’s cries softened once outside the room, and by the time they got into the car, she was only sobbing quietly.

Kong Mengjie was called out of her class, hearing that her second sister-in-law had died, and she froze for a moment.

”Dad, how did my second sister-in-law die?”

”Your second brother and his father-in-law went to the city for a meeting early yesterday. By the time he returned, your second sister-in-law had already died.”

”Dad, I’ll take leave and go there now.”

”How can you go in your condition? I’m just here to inform you. Where’s Huang Hongwei? Let him go.”

”Dad, he’s gone to the Provincial City Textile Factory for training; it’s been several days.” Kong Mengjie said, torn. She personally didn’t mind, but her second sister-in-law’s family might not want her, a pregnant woman, to go.

”Alright, I understand, I’ll go back and tell your second brother.” Kong Zhongyou rushed away.

”Dad, wait, here’s ten yuan. Help me pay respects.”

Kong Zhongyou took the money and left. Kong Mengjie returned to the workshop, feeling hazy and distracted. Her second brother’s words from a few days ago were still echoing in her ears. She quickly shook her head; it couldn’t be, it absolutely couldn’t be her second brother.

Kong Zhongyou found Gan Jiancheng, ”In-laws, my daughter is pregnant, and my son-in-law has been studying in the Provincial City for several days now. Do you have any traditions regarding this? Should she come over?”

”In-laws, there’s no need. It’s not good for either of them.”

”Alright, this is Kong Mengjie’s gift money. Is our accounting arranged?”

”Yes, everything is arranged. In-laws, please go home and make arrangements. After all, Shuling needs to be buried in your ancestral grave.”

Kong Zhongyou nodded, ”Alright, I’ll go find someone. What about the coffin?”

”I’ll handle that.”

”In-laws, should I come with a car to pick her up?”

”No need. I’ve already arranged for a truck.”

Kong Zhongyou rode away on his bicycle.

Kong Demin sat silently on the kang, with his head down, not saying a word. Everyone could see his grief.

Because the deceased was young and considering Gan Jiancheng’s status, the funeral couldn’t be overly elaborate, yet many people came with gifts. Some had old connections, some were mutual acquaintances, and others were from work. They brought dual gifts, one for Gan Jiancheng and one for Kong Demin.

Many of Meng Xiu Fen’s colleagues also came. However, it concluded in just a day, without hiring any musicians, only playing mourning music.

In the afternoon, the truck ferried the family back to the village.

Kong Zhongyou had already found someone to dig a grave. He also hired musicians, as per his son’s instructions when he left.

In the evening, the burial was completed. Meng Xiu Fen stayed behind with the child. She didn’t leave with the truck, and the sedan had arrived as well.

Tian Shulan sat on the kang with her. ”In-laws, my condolences.”

”In-laws, what do you think will happen to Yu Jing in the future?”

”Mom, I’m not getting married, at least not in the next few years. I’ll try to stay close to Shuling.” Kong Demin vowed suddenly.

”Alright, I’m sorry for the trouble, Demin. I just don’t want our Yu Jing to suffer in the future.

In-laws, I’ll take the child back. You focus on the field work.”

”In-laws, don’t you have work?”

”I’ll take a break first. It feels like Shuling took away all my spirit.”

After dinner, Kong Demin drove, and the family left.

”Demin, you and Yu Jing should stay at home.” Meng Shufen spoke.

”Yes, stay at home, so Yu Jing can be well cared for.” Gan Jiancheng agreed.

”Alright, I don’t want to worry about your health; just as long as it’s not troublesome for you.” Kong Demin said, with a hoarse voice.

”What are you talking about? We’re family. Even though Shuling has passed, you’re still like our son.” Meng Xiu Fen said.

Once home, Kong Demin automatically lit the stove and started a fire. Watching his movements, the Gan Family was quite satisfied.

That night, Kong Demin lay in bed, finally having the energy to process what had happened.

Indeed, he didn’t pay much attention to Gan Shuling that morning, but she was alive then. It had nothing to do with him; it was her health that failed.

Now he must appease the Gan Family. While he initially thought this was something for years later, now he realized he wasn’t yet self-sufficient, but it’s actually not bad, having someone taking care of food and clothing, with someone watching over the child.

Getting up the next day, Kong Demin held Yu Jing. The child obediently sat in her father’s arms. She’s already two years old, still a small little bundle.

”Demin, put her down, let’s have breakfast.”

”I’ll feed her.”

”Don’t spoil her, let her eat by herself.” Although Meng Xiu Fen said this, she felt quite satisfied inside.

Time moved on to Gan Shuling’s fifth anniversary.

Huang Hongwei returned half a month ago, learning about the second aunt’s passing, still sighing about it. Mainly because she was too young. She was the same age as Mengjie and just passed away like that.

Everyone returned to the village. They diligently organized the event.

The Gan Family was quite satisfied with the Kong Family’s arrangements.

It’s now May, and considering Kong Demin’s youth and vigor, he thought moving away might not be convenient here, but he didn’t bring it up.

Ever since Gan Shuling passed, he’s clearly felt Gan Jiancheng’s caution towards him. Thus, he couldn’t leave.

Yu Jing’s health seemed much better and was enrolled in kindergarten.

One night, the family sat together for dinner, Kong Demin was sweating profusely from eating; it was too hot.

”Demin, I’m going to the province for a meeting. It’ll probably take a month back and forth. Take care of the house.”

”I understand, Dad, don’t worry.” This old man won’t inform him about such crucial matters anymore.

”Yes, I’m reassured by you.”

After two days, seeing off Gan Jiancheng, Kong Demin felt relieved.

Only the three of them were left at home. That night was Yu Jing’s birthday; the family prepared several dishes to celebrate.

Meng Xiu Fen was a smart woman. She understood her husband’s tactics. They discussed it and decided that while Gan Jiancheng kept an eye on Kong Demin outside, she’d treat him well at home, making it easier to keep hold of him.

”Demin, I’ll get you a bottle of wine. With dishes this good, you should drink a bit.”

Kong Demin smiled and said casually, ”Mom, I’ll skip it. It’s too hot, and drinking alone isn’t enjoyable.”

”It’s alright, the food is good tonight, have a drink.”