"Wife, they’re our guests." Grandpa put down his broom and went to pour them some water.

"And you are...?" Granny Yu asked, looking at the two unfamiliar elderly people in the courtyard. She quickly guessed their identities. "You must be Director Jie’s parents, right?"

Granny Yu was almost sixty, only a dozen or so years younger than them.

"Are you neighbors?" Granny asked, her expression softening considerably. Her eldest son was the director of the mechanical factory, and she was used to throwing her weight around. Back at the factory, all the neighbors were unfailingly respectful to her.

’This is my daughter-in-law’s courtyard. For my son’s sake, I need to get along with the neighbors.’ 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

’Even though this courtyard is big, I’ll get bored staying cooped up here all day. I should go out and meet some neighbors, so I’ll have someone to chat with when I go for a walk.’

"We aren’t neighbors. We’re from the cotton mill," Granny Yu said with a smile.

"The cotton mill?" Hearing this, Granny, ever the pragmatist, instantly lost interest in them. ’Why should I bother with people from the cotton mill? It’s not like I’m bored to tears.’

"Here, have some tea." Grandpa, on the other hand, was very welcoming. He brewed two cups of tea, brought them out, and handed one to each woman. "Drink up, drink up."

"Thank you, Brother." Granny Yu was thirsty. She took the cup Grandpa offered, had a sip, and was full of praise. "What fine tea! Just as you’d expect from Director Jie’s family. It’s delicious! You’re too kind, Brother, serving us such good tea. We’re truly flattered."

"If you like it, drink up. I’ll pour you another when you’re done," Grandpa said with a friendly grin.

Granny had been on the verge of scolding Grandpa. ’They aren’t even our neighbors. Why waste good tea on them? A cup of boiled water would’ve been enough.’ But when she heard Granny Yu mention "Director Jie’s family," she puffed out her chest, filled with pride. "Naturally. Everyone has seen what my eldest son is capable of."

"Exactly! Director Jie is incredibly capable," Granny Yu gushed. "You raised such a wonderful son, Sister. You’re so fortunate!"

Granny was on cloud nine, her eyes crinkling into a smile. Everyone loves to be flattered, and she was no exception.

"Granny Yu," Qin Mei spoke up, looking at the woman standing behind her. "And this is...?"

Granny Yu placed her enamel cup on the stone table and walked over to Qin Mei. "Fourth Wife of Jing, no need for you to make a trip today. I’ve brought someone here to see you."

"Her?" Qin Mei raised an eyebrow, sizing up the woman. No matter how she looked at her, the woman didn’t seem to be in her postpartum period. "She doesn’t look like she’s given birth."

"It’s not about lactation. She..." Granny Yu leaned in and whispered into Qin Mei’s ear. "She’s been married for years without being able to conceive. I brought her here to see if you could help."

Qin Mei rubbed her forehead and reminded her wearily, "Granny Yu, I help with lactation, I don’t treat infertility."

"Just give it a try," Granny Yu pleaded, looking at Qin Mei with begging eyes. She was utterly convinced that Qin Mei could cure these kinds of difficult illnesses.

Qin Mei considered it. ’Granny Yu already brought her all this way; I can’t just send them away with nothing.’

With Grandpa and Granny still in the courtyard, Qin Mei invited the two women inside. Qin Mei took a chair while the woman sat on a stool. Granny Yu, too restless to sit down, stood beside Qin Mei and watched her take the woman’s pulse.

The moment Qin Mei finished, Granny Yu asked anxiously, "How is it? Can you treat her?"

Qin Mei looked at Granny Yu, her expression saying more than words could.

"It can’t be treated?" Granny Yu asked.

Qin Mei remained silent, instead giving Granny Yu a pointed look, indicating that the other woman should leave the room. Granny Yu understood. Once the woman was gone, Qin Mei leaned in and whispered in Granny Yu’s ear.

Granny Yu’s expression changed dramatically as she listened, a look of shocked disbelief on her face. "Really? Is that true?"

"It is," Qin Mei confirmed with a firm nod.

A complex series of emotions flickered across Granny Yu’s face—sympathy, frustration. "How am I supposed to tell her?"

Qin Mei said nothing. ’I’ve told Granny Yu,’ she thought. ’It’s not my business anymore.’