To please others? It's better to please yourself.

When Xu Jing'an got home, she took advantage of the fact that no one was around to arrange the bed, boxes, cabinets, etc. in the space, spread out the quilts and mattresses, and put away the things she would use frequently and the things she would not use often.

It is said that home is where the heart is, and for Xu Jing'an, space is her spiritual home.

Lying in bed, I closed my eyes and soon fell asleep.

The following year was 1965.

Soon it was time for Xu Jingping's wedding.

That day, Xu Jingping wore a new outfit and carried a newly bought basin containing two new towels and a new set of clothes. Friends, relatives, neighbors, and colleagues around her offered their blessings, and children ran around laughing and playing.

The bundle containing old clothes and old bedding was also taken away. Amidst the commotion, Xu Jingping was escorted out of the house.

On her way to her husband's house, Xu Jingping wanted to turn back several times. She kept feeling that she had left something at her parents' house, but she also knew in her heart that her parents' things were no longer relevant to her.

Cheers echoed around her from time to time. Xu Jingping clutched the only 10 yuan in her pocket and headed towards her future battlefield with a belly full of resentment and pride.

As soon as Xu Jingping stepped out, Xu Jing'an felt the space shake. She knew she had guessed correctly: as long as she changed the way she was portrayed in the book, she would receive a reward. Simply put, it meant living a good life!

That evening, Xu Jing'an couldn't wait to enter the space. The size of the space hadn't changed, except that a 10-square-meter bathroom had been partitioned off in the middle.

It not only has basic facilities such as toilets, showers, bathtubs, washbasins, and washing machines, but also toilet paper, sanitary napkins, towels, bath towels, and toiletries.

Turn on the tap, and warm water flows out immediately. So what are you waiting for?

After taking a two-hour shower, Xu Jing'an felt much more relaxed.

I lay in bed and let out a comfortable sigh.

Xu Jianping wasn't there, so taking advantage of the fact that she was alone in the room, she went into her spatial dimension, took out the fabric she had bought, and used a sewing machine to make several outfits. Everything was new, inside and out, but unfortunately, she couldn't wear them out right now.

Xu Jing'an took out the new cotton-padded coat she had bought and put it on. Then she put on her old overcoat and trousers. Only then did she feel warm in the winter.

……

Before Xu Jianguo got married, the house was cleaned up, the furniture was arranged, and the new bed was covered with a newly made mattress and sheets.

The fourth brother, Xu Jianshe, stared at these things, then looked at the eldest brother's smug face, and huffed angrily.

Xu Jing'an also officially started sleeping in the living room.

The night before her eldest son's wedding, Xu Jing'an went into her parents' room.

"Third son, what's wrong?" Xu's parents were quite surprised. After all, Xu Jing'an was practically invisible at home, doing most of the work and saying very little.

"Dad, Mom, my older brother is getting married soon. But after the wedding, it's not really appropriate for me, as his younger sister, to help with the laundry."

From bed sheets and blankets to underwear and socks, everything in the Xu family was the responsibility of Xu Jing'an.

Xu's mother then realized what was happening: "Yes, yes, yes, I was just too busy to think straight."

Thinking about the gossip and whispers that would ensue when people came and went, Xu's mother was stunned.

Xu's father chimed in, "When the eldest son gets married, he's settling down and starting a family. It's not appropriate for you, as a daughter, to interfere in their affairs."

"Okay, Mom and Dad, you should get some rest too." Xu Jing'an's steps were much lighter after she came out. How could she not be happy that she didn't have to wash several people's clothes?

On the day of Xu Jianguo's wedding, Xu Jing'an's social media profile was upgraded again.

This time, a 30-square-meter kitchen was partitioned off from the remaining 90 square meters.

The cabinets inside were gleaming, and there were storage cabinets, a gas stove, pots and pans of various sizes and uses, several cutting boards of different sizes, and several knives. A steamer, refrigerator, dishwasher... everything you need for daily life was here.

A dining table with four chairs—that's true freedom when it comes to eating!

The day after Duoduo married into the family, she was woken up early by Xu's mother.

"Eldest daughter-in-law, you two can't just stay at home and do nothing. You two should wash your own clothes."

Having just gotten married yesterday, Duoduo looked shy and bashful.

Before she could speak, Xu Jianguo, rubbing his eyes, chimed in, "Mom, the water's so cold in winter! Doesn't the third son wash the clothes?"

"I can't have my wife and then the third son can't work anymore, can I?"

As usual, Duoduo hesitated to speak, looking at her husband.

Xu's mother looked at her eldest son and daughter-in-law: "Sure, why not?"

"If you're not ashamed, let the neighbors see how your sister-in-law washes her brother and sister-in-law's underwear!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Jianguo fell silent. Not to mention many other things.

The water room is tiny, with only a few taps. There's no way to avoid people!

Anyone who cares about their reputation and face wouldn't dare to do this!

Xu Duo tugged at Xu Jianguo. "Mom, don't be angry. Jianguo just hasn't quite come to his senses yet."

"If you don't mind, I'll wash your and Dad's clothes. It's only right for a daughter-in-law to be filial to her parents-in-law."

Her brother-in-law was grown up, and as his sister-in-law, she wanted to avoid any appearance of impropriety. Therefore, she never mentioned Xu Jianshe. As for Xu Jing'an, there was absolutely no need to mention her!

Xu's mother twitched her lips and said, "No need for sweet words. You'll be in charge of all the cooking and cleaning at home."

She dared to make Duoduo do the laundry one minute, and then rumors would spread that she was mistreating her daughter-in-law the next.

"Now that you're awake, don't just stand there. Nobody's idle!" After saying that, Xu's mother turned and went back into the house.

After a brief exchange between Xu's mother and Xu Duoduo, Xu Jing'an, who was sleeping in the living room, woke up early. However, she showed no intention of going into the kitchen to help.

Why should I help her? She's not being a jerk!

Moreover, this is a battle between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, and anyone who gets involved will become cannon fodder.

I lay on the bed with my eyes closed, pretending to be asleep.

Duoduo got dressed and quickly prepared breakfast.

Xu Jing'an also ate a ready-made meal for the first time.

……

June 66

A year has passed in the blink of an eye.

After Duoduo married into the Xu family, she began a fierce battle with Xu's mother, the head of the family.

Xu Jianguo was controlled by Duoduo, whose actions and words were like a soft knife—every time they drew blood. Xu's mother, the mother-in-law, used her power to oppress people—force could overcome any method.

Xu Jianguo was always at a loss for what to do when he saw his mother and wife arguing. When pushed to the limit, he would put his hands on his head, squat down, and sigh.

Every time the fourth son, Xu Jianshe, saw this, he would sneer at the eldest son. Afterwards, he would comfort his mother, acting like a caring youngest son. Now, it's clear that Xu's parents' hearts are gradually shifting towards their youngest son.

Despite the family environment, Xu Jing'an felt that life had been easier than before this past year, since the housework was now shared.

She now understood why there were so many troublemaking sisters-in-law. After all, as long as the main conflict was always at the forefront, other problems could be ignored.