Chapter 1327: Chapter 1328: The Young Widow of the Courtyard 55 The three members of Zhang Yu’s family returned with abundant harvests once again, and the neighbors seeing the bags on her bicycle handlebar no longer made any remarks. No matter what tone they used, no matter how they tried to calculate against Zhang Yu and her sons, the latter just ignored them. Seeing Zhang Yu with two more rabbits in the courtyard, Auntie Wang angrily returned to the front yard. Upon seeing his mother return, Wang Jianshe asked, “Did Zhang Yu have another good haul today?” “Yeah, she caught two big fish and two rabbits.” Upon hearing about Zhang Yu’s gains, Wang Jianshe sighed lightly, “I just don’t understand her luck.” “We thought that she’d have a hard time after losing her man, that her days would just keep getting worse.” “But her life is flourishing.” Comparing the family life they had when Zhao Jun was alive to the current days of Zhang Yu with her sons. No matter if he was happy about it or not, even as a man, Wang Jianshe couldn’t help but be envious and jealous. These past few days, Auntie Wang has been thinking about something but didn’t know how to bring it up, fearing it would cause a stir just by mentioning it. But seeing Zhang Yu’s weekly harvests, Auntie Wang couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy. Now that her daughter-in-law is here, “Feng Li, I’ve been thinking these days. Zhang Yu’s skills are so high—if Jianshe could follow and learn rabbit hunting from her, what do you think?” Feng Li was utterly shocked, never expecting Old Lady Wang to actually think this way. Her first response was definitely disagreement. “Mom, what are you thinking? How could you have such an idea?” Never mind that Zhang Yu is a widow; even if she weren’t, Feng Li would never agree to let Wang Jianshe trail behind Zhang Yu. Seeing Feng Li’s obvious displeasure, Auntie Wang pursed her lips. She felt her daughter-in-law was just too shortsighted. As his biological mother, wouldn’t she worry about Zhang Yu being a jinx to her son, “It’s just following to learn, don’t you want to eat meat?” Auntie Wang grumbled; didn’t Feng Li want to eat meat? Wrong, she very much wanted meat, but buying pork was not easy. But you can’t sell out your own husband just for some meat. Auntie Wang thought about this, after seeing Zhang Yu skillfully handling the rabbits in the courtyard, believing that following Zhang Yu to learn might be worthwhile. For even if there isn’t a promotion, just living simply, would the income really be less? At any moment, having food in hand solves all worries. “Zhang Yu, are you talking about an apprentice?” Zhao Lin couldn’t help but ask, he was studying hard at home, waiting to pass the test and enter the machinery factory. He was somewhat worried, although Zhao Gui said everything was set, just needing a good score to make it in. Zhao Lin, holed up at home for a while, really wanted to go out and play, but he was afraid of any complications if he passed. With little time to spare, even wanting to go out and play, he could only hope for the exam to come quickly so he could go out. Such a good chance now, Zhao Lin felt he couldn’t miss it. Missing it once meant the next opportunity might not be as good. Even if he got into the machinery factory, he’d be a temporary worker only, with not much pay and few coupons, just a modest living. Apprentice? Zhang Yu looked at the people around, knowing that once she opened this door, many would eye her. “I haven’t thought about it. It’s really reliant on luck.” Zhang Yu couldn’t guide them. For example, someone who never hunted didn’t know how to find a rabbit hole? Zhao Hong wouldn’t think that much, Zhao Lei might consider it a bit, but to them, she was their biological mother who wouldn’t trick them. But Zhao Lin and the others, being adults, thought more deeply—Zhang Yu truly didn’t wish to stir trouble. “I’ve never caught rabbits before.” “More importantly, I’m busy too.” Zhang Yu paused, “Who wouldn’t conceal their own skills somewhat.” When hearing this, everyone felt uncomfortable; they weren’t used to the strong Zhang Yu, thinking she should be more weak. Oh no, Zhang Yu realized she had spoken too strongly, not matching her established persona. “Haven’t I supported you guys enough already?” Zhang Yu shrugged, “Forget it, I’m just a widow with limited income, relying on the river and mountain to get some meat for my family.” “You’re different; your family has many workers with tech skills, earning several times more than me.” “Steady income, no need to watch my small potatoes.” Zhang Yu pretends to act pitiful. For more chapters visit NoveI★Fire.net Thinking about it, their mother-son trio was indeed very pitiful, no need to pretend. “But we want meat too, and meat supply is scarce.” Well, they admitted Zhang Yu’s words were true, their income was indeed good. But even with money in these times of scarcity, it truly was hard to buy things. “Can we trade?” Auntie Wang, recalling Zhang Yu not refuting her earlier, knew trading was possible. “What do you propose to trade?” Zhang Yu accepted trades. Trading with outsiders made no sense if she couldn’t trade with nearby neighbors. “I can offer flawed cloth.” Auntie Wang remembered the flawed cloth at home, procured internally by Feng Li. Fabric is precious, thinking of the kids’ patched clothes, everyone needed a new suit annually. But cloth coupons were in high demand, Zhang Yu didn’t understand why supplies were tight despite the textile factories. “Sure.” Zhang Yu didn’t care where Auntie Wang’s cloth came from, as long as it was legitimate. “You want it?” Zhang Yu mentioned the rabbits were already marinated; they could trade next time if needed. Upon hearing the rabbit meat was marinated, Auntie Wang hastily agreed, “No problem, no problem.” Everyone in the courtyard knew Zhang Yu was an excellent cook, her dishes simply tasted better even with the same ingredients. After bargaining, a rabbit exchanged for 12 feet of flawed cloth. Zhang Yu was pleased—though losing a rabbit, she obtained a large piece of cloth. “I’ve decided, we’ll make underwear.” Exterior clothes would stay patched, avoiding unwanted attention.