1980s: Remarrying the Neighbor

Dongmai’s husband was in poor health, but she didn’t understand this and always thought life was just fine as it was. Next door, the demobilized soldier Shen Lie was getting married, but before the wedding banquet even ended, his new bride was already clamoring for a divorce. A crowd pushed Dongmai forward, saying she should help persuade the bride. The new bride said, “He’s fierce, harsh, never talks, and dirt poor!” Dongmai steeled herself and said, “Shen Lie served with distinction in the army, he’s seen the world. Once reforms come, if he manages things well, life will surely get better.” Who knew the bride would snap back, “Then why don’t you marry him? If you want to, you marry him...