Stepmother

More Letters

While one family enjoyed a cozy moment, across the North Border, things weren't as comforting. Jinhai's precious jam had run out, leaving him feeling a bit lost. But amidst the chill, a glimmer of hope emerged as he eagerly waited in line with his fellow soldiers. When his name was finally called, he rushed forward with anticipation, surprising those around him with his excitement.

As he walked back to his tent others couldn't help but be envious. His package was truly a little big this time and even felt a little heavy, but he did not care and hurriedly went to his tent and opened up the letter. 

Hello Jinhai,

I thank you for your kind regards. Things have been going well for me on my end how about for you? I am going to be selling another product which I also included in this package. I also have good news. Your sister is now divorced and is now living with me, she just gave birth to a healthy baby girl. She also sent you a letter. Qiqi and Xiao Xi say they miss you, and that you should take care of your health. Xiao Yan says as punishment for being gone for so long you have to bring tanghulu for him when you come back. And Xiao Yu's wishes are at the bottom. I am also asking you to take care of your health and be careful. I hope you come back to us soon.

Sincerely, Sun Baohai

The letter was as long as last time but it was more heartwarming. At the end of the letter bad handwriting could be seen as he made out the words, he teared up. His two cute daughters wrote that they loved him while his precious ger son wrote Tanghulu. It seemed like he was very adamant about getting his tanghulu, Jinhai thought as he chuckled. As looked further he could see a small food print and the rest were handprints. The handprints were those of Qiqi, Xiao Xi, and Xiao Yan which had their names written next to them while the footprint had a small sentence, 'Hi daddy this is Xiao Yu, I am growing up,'

He couldn't help but read over and over again as he silently held back tears. He had not seen his kids in over a year and their mother had abandoned them leaving them to suffer in the hands of his so-called family. He couldn't even close his eyes at night remembering the precious kids he left behind, but now they could even write, and the normally shy and introverted Xiao Yan even expressed his wishes clearly. Only he knew the amount of relief and happiness he felt at this moment. Knowing that his kids were safe and well taken care of. 

It took him a while before he stopped crying and moved on to his sister's letter.

Gege,

I was a mess before. Blaming you, pushing you away. But really, I was just scared. Scared of losing you, of facing the world alone. We did everything together, from eating to crying. You were always there to comfort me, to tell me it's going to be okay, to protect me. But now that you're gone, who will fill that void? Who will wipe away my tears and hold me close when the world feels like it's crumbling around me? 

So I started resented you, Gege. I resented you for leaving me behind, for choosing money over me. I resented you for not understanding how much I needed you, how much I depended on you. And so, I convinced myself that if I hated you, just a little bit, then maybe, just maybe, the pain of your absence wouldn't cut so deep, or if the news of your death came I wouldn't lose my mind.

But it didn't work, Gege. The hate ate away at me like an illness, consuming me from the inside out. Every time I pushed you away when you came to me, every harsh word I spoke when you tried to help me, it felt like I was tearing myself apart. But I couldn't stop, couldn't let myself feel the true extent of the pain, the loneliness that threatened to engulf me, or that had already engulfed me.

Now that emptiness is all I have left. It's like a gaping hole in my chest, a constant reminder of everything I've lost. And I don't know if I'll ever be able to fill it again. I'm sorry, Gege. Sorry for not seeing the sacrifices you made for me, for us. Sorry for not appreciating every moment we had together until it was gone.

So I hope you come back safe and sound so I can have the opportunity to make it up to you,

Sincerly, Yingtai

As Jinghai held the letter from his sister in his trembling hands, a mix of relief and sadness washed over him. Seeing her handwriting on the envelope filled him with hope, but also reminded him of the pain they had both endured. For so long, he had worried that their bond was broken beyond repair. But here she was, reaching out to him, and he couldn't help but feel grateful.

Reading her words brought tears to Jinghai's eyes. He could feel the pain and fear she had experienced, laid bare on the pages before him. He couldn't blame her for pushing him away. Her suffering was something he wouldn't wish on anyone. He was just happy that his sister was willing to open up to him.

When Le Ke walked in and saw his friend crying he was worried and immediately came next to him and asked him, "What happened? why are you crying?" 

Hearing his worried voice Zhang Jinhai raised his head to explain, "I got something from my children, and Yingtai also wrote me,"

"Yingtai?" Hearing that name, Le Ke froze for a moment. His expression changed from casual to thoughtful, and his eyes showed a mix of sadness and longing. It was like mentioning his sister brought back a flood of memories. Seeing the longing in his eyes, Jinhai knew he was not over his sister at all.

"Yes, she successfully divorced that bastard and is now living with my wife. In the letter, she also told me to greet you." Jinhai said casually.

Without any politeness, Le Ke snatched the letter out of Jinhai's hand while complaining, "She asked about me and you're only telling me this now?"

Seeing his panicked and blushed face, Zhang Jinhai couldn't help but shake his head with a hint of helplessness. It's been ten years yet he was still so in love with his sister. 

"My wife sent some stuff. It seems like he sent more than before," Jinhai said before opening the package. When he opened the package the first thing he saw was a letter.

Jinhai, Yingtai told me the ins and outs of the army, so I made sure to put some things that you could use for food. I don't know if your superior is nice, so I made sure to put in an extra jar of jam so you could give it to him. In total, there are four jars of jam, two made of strawberries, and two made of peaches. The red oil is chili oil and can be used for dipping or condiment. The things that are wrapped with extra cloth are dehydrated noodles. All you have to do is boil them with spice and then with the chili oil if you'd like. The thin red strips are pork jerky you can eat them like that or can also add them to other food when you're making them. I also put some osmanthus cakes there and also some rock sugar since I heard you have a sweet tooth. Please take care of yourself.

In the army, whatever your family could send over was encouraged. Though the border had gotten better, the war had just barely ended, so the funds for the army were low, and could barely feed them. That is why when people got food or clothes from their family they were so happy. But most of the normal soldiers were from poor or common backgrounds, so all they could really get was at most some salt and soy sauce or some clothes if they could afford it.

He didn't just send him the basics; he also included many thoughtful extras in his care package. It was evident that he had put a lot of thought and effort into choosing each item, showing that he truly cared about his well-being and comfort. As he unpacked the contents, he felt grateful to have such a considerate and loving partner.

"Tonight they're are giving us some porridge and buns, we'll eat it with what my wife bought," Jinhai said as he secured the stuff his wife sent under a thick kilt.

"Yes!" Le Ke had no objections. 

That night the two had a hearty meal and for the first time in a while slept with a full stomach. After eating he brought a jar of jam for his superior like his wife said. He was just a commoner, and his getting this much stuff may cause unnecessary problems, giving some to his superior was considered giving him face. 

His superior might be a bit domineering but he was level-headed and smart. He knew that Jinhai was one of his good soldiers, and that's why he promoted him. Jinhai was not a petty one and giving him something like this during these times just solidified his opinion of him.

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