Chapter 12: You Are Definitely Better Than Your Older Sister
"Auntie, I came to see if there's anything I can help with around the house." Jiang Ting paid no particular attention to Lin Hongxia's attitude.
Mothers-in-law often put on airs, especially those from the city.
Before Lin Hongxia could say anything, a girl with braided hair came out from inside.
Jiang Ting hurriedly stepped forward to make small talk, "Are you Xiangyun? Do you need to wash clothes? Here, give it to me."
Fu Xiangyun was stunned for a moment but, after receiving a glance from Lin Hongxia, she handed the basin over.
Jiang Ting, not noticing the mockery in Lin Hongxia's eyes, worked exceptionally hard at drawing water and washing clothes in the yard.
Fu Xiangyun stood next to Lin Hongxia and muttered, "So late at night, she came over just to wash our clothes? What's her problem?"
Lin Hongxia sneered, "Country folks are like that, eager to secure a good match in the city. But she's still better than her seductive elder sister."
Jiang Ting's enthusiasm not only failed to gain Lin Hongxia's approval but also deepened her disdain.
Fu Xiangyun whispered, "Will she be staying at our place tonight?"
The wedding banquet in the village was to be held the next day, making this situation seem rather inappropriate.
Lin Hongxia replied with a cold smile, "If she's willing to stay, let her."
Soon after, a voice came from next door, "Hongxia, is this your relative?"
The northern part of the large courtyard had four rooms, occupied by the Fu and Sun families.
The person who spoke was Sun Zailiang's mother.
Lin Hongxia smiled, "No, this is Xiangyang's fiancée."
Upon hearing this, Sun's mother suddenly understood, and though she disapproved of Jiang Ting's behavior, she couldn't stop praising her.
"She's really capable. You'll be able to live a comfortable life in the future."
Although Lin Hongxia was not internally satisfied with Jiang Ting, she secretly believed her son deserved someone better.
But since the marriage had been arranged, she had to go along with it. "Yes, once Xiangyang marries and brings his wife home, I'll have much less to worry about."
Hearing Lin Hongxia's words, Jiang Ting worked even harder to prove her worth.
Sun's mother inwardly sneered, "What a naive girl."
Once you're married into the family, there will be plenty of work for you.
"I heard your daughter-in-law is one of twin sisters? Perhaps they will bring you a pair of dragon-phoenix twins in the future."
Jiang Ting felt quite proud of herself. In her previous life, she had three children, and her second pregnancy was indeed a set of twins.
Unlike Jiang Yu, who was like a hen that couldn't lay eggs, yet Fu Xiangyang cherished her so much.
Lin Hongxia's smile froze for a moment, and she nodded perfunctorily.
"Let's hope so."
The west house had originally belonged to the Zhang family, but after both father and son passed away, only Xu Lihua and her daughter-in-law Lin Rui were left, both widows.
The only one surnamed Zhang was the youngest son of that family, Zhang Jiahua, who was still in high school.
Xu Lihua, who had sharp ears, asked upon hearing about the twins, "Elder Lin, is your daughter-in-law the older sister?"
Lin Hongxia shook her head. "Elder Xu, Jiang Ting is the younger one."
Xu Lihua's eyes flickered slightly. "Is the older sister not married yet?"
Jiang Ting replied with a smile, "Auntie, my older sister isn't married yet."
Xu Lihua seemed puzzled. "Then shouldn't it be your older sister's turn to go on a blind date?"
Jiang Ting's expression turned unhappy. "There's no fixed order in blind dates. Fu Xiangyang favored me. What could I do about it?"
Xu Lihua raised an eyebrow. "If Fu Xiangyang favors you, it must be because you're better than your sister."
Lin Hongxia's expression improved slightly. "In a blind date, you pick the best. If Jiang Ting weren't good, Fu Xiangyang wouldn't have chosen her. He's not blind, after all." That's why Fu Xiangyang chose her.
When looking for a daughter-in-law, I don't want someone who needs to be treated like a pampered ancestor.
Soon, Fu Xiangyang returned.
Everyone joined in the teasing, "Xiangyang, your bride-to-be is here!"
Initially, Fu Xiangyang thought Jiang Ting was quite nice, but after seeing someone more beautiful the day before, he now found Jiang Ting rather ordinary.
When they met again, he showed no signs of excitement; his attitude was somewhat indifferent. "Why are you here?"
Jiang Ting looked at him, at a loss, a sense of crisis welling up inside her. "I came to see if there's anything I can help with at home."
Lin Hongxia instructed, "Jiang Ting, after you finish the laundry, prepare dinner."
Jiang Ting took this as an invitation to stay for a meal, meaning she wouldn't be going back tonight.
In an effort to impress Fu Xiangyang, she prepared a meal of four dishes and one soup to show how capable and virtuous she was.
But Fu Xiangyang remained cool and distant.
The Fu family occupied two north rooms, which they later divided into three small rooms, making the space rather cramped.
Fu Xiangyang had his own room, his parents had theirs, and previously, his sister and younger brother shared another room.
After his sister married, his younger brother got his own room.
Fu Xiangyun was somewhat reluctant and was about to suggest that Jiang Ting share a room with her for the night.
But Jiang Ting, being rather bold, spoke up first, "I can sleep in Xiangyang's room."
At this, Lin Hongxia's expression darkened.
Not married yet, and she couldn't even wait a few more days?
"It's up to you. If you're willing, then so be it."
Jiang Ting was focused on pleasing Fu Xiangyang; how could she refuse?
By the evening, she was finally able to lie in the same bed with Fu Xiangyang, anticipating a wonderful life ahead.
But the man beside her was completely calm.
Jiang Ting bit her lip, wondering why he was so unresponsive. She was an unmarried and pure young woman who was quite beautiful, after all.
Seeing that Fu Xiangyang wasn't making a move, Jiang Ting, unwilling to give up, took the initiative and reached out to him.
Having been married before, she knew the male body well.
Soon, Fu Xiangyang's breathing grew heavy, and he rolled over and pinned her beneath him.
Jiang Ting felt satisfied with his response, but when they truly came together...
Is it really that small?
Jiang Ting frowned, wondering if this was normal. It was possible her previous husband had been larger.
But to protect his pride, she had to pretend to enjoy it.
Then she realized another issue...
Less than two minutes later, Fu Xiangyang stopped, panting heavily as he lay on top of her.
Jiang Ting bit her lip, thinking each man must be different.
Initially, she thought that once her objective was fulfilled, the night would end.
Once he had consummated, Fu Xiangyang wouldn't be able to deny it.
Who would have thought that Fu Xiangyang would get up again and say, "Jiang Ting, feeling good, huh? Let's do it one more time."
That night, Jiang Ting felt her body wasn't particularly tired, but her throat suffered quite a bit.
What she didn't realize was that this was a crowded courtyard, not the countryside, where sound insulation was poor.
Except for the southern room, which was separated into an independent small yard with better privacy, any noise from other houses could be heard by everyone.
Especially by the Fu family.
Fu Xiangyun blushed all night, embarrassed by Jiang Ting's moans of pleasure.
Lin Hongxia spat, "Shameless slut!"
Fu Aiguo, Fu Xiangyang's father, felt extremely awkward, as if he were deliberately eavesdropping on his son and daughter-in-law.
"Stop talking, go to sleep."
He pulled the quilt over his head, at least blocking out some of the noise, though it was unbearably hot.
What they didn't know was that the next morning, everyone was discussing Jiang Ting and Fu Xiangyang's affair, along with their own awkward moments.