Mrs. Hu had been quite brazen about her demand and Chen Shi had found it embarrassing to refuse. However, he knew that Chen Ye was quite conscious of his reputation and, not wanting to admit it was because Mrs. Hu cried or stole that he gave in, claimed that his household was doing so well that they specifically gave gifts to the main house.
Mrs. Wang then narrated how Chen Shi fell into debt while working on the main house, and it was only a few months ago that he managed to clear his debts. The harsh financial situation could barely afford his family any meat to eat. Currently, they daren't return to the village, fearful of the backlash.
