TL: Etude
Lin Jianguo felt a twinge of panic. Shrinking his neck, and under the compelling gaze of Xue Chunli, he reluctantly frowned and said:
"Jianghai has been idle these past few years, not working or earning a penny. The money he has been using is all earned by the second girl from her job. He dreams of doing business to make a fortune, but it's all just wishful thinking because he is aiming too high with little skill."
But he was talking about the Chen Jianghai of the past, the Chen Jianghai of now had long changed.
However, except for Lin Wanqiu, probably no one at the scene would believe it.
After hearing Lin Jianguo's words, Lin Wanqing's brow furrowed.
It seemed that her parents were completely dissatisfied with this brother-in-law!
Lin Wanqing glanced at Chen Jianghai and found that his expression had not changed in the slightest, as if what the family was discussing had nothing to do with him.
Seeing Chen Jianghai in this state only increased Lin Wanqing's curiosity.
Could someone with such a demeanor truly be as worthless as their parents described?
Xue Chunli continued indignantly, "Just look at his behavior; it's become the talk of our village. They say I've raised such a good daughter only to see her married to a lazy man, and that she's ruined her life!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Wanqiu's eyes instantly reddened, and tears fell down her beautiful cheeks.
She had seen all the changes in Chen Jianghai these days, and the family's accusations made her feel wronged on his behalf.
Chen Jianghai quickly said to Lin Wanqiu, "Wanqiu, don't cry! It's okay!"
"They…"
Before Lin Wanqiu could finish, Chen Jianghai interrupted her.
"Alright! Wanqiu, say no more. Mom and Dad just want you to be happy; they mean no harm."
"Mom, let's eat first. We can talk about other things later." Seeing her sister's state, Lin Wanqing preemptively ended the topic while giving Chen Jianghai an approving look.
Regardless of the situation, this man had great tolerance.
Even if it was an act in front of her, at least it showed he was deep and cunning.
Such a character was definitely not the worthless good-for-nothing her parents made him out to be.
Xue Chunli wanted to continue, but Lin Wanqing stopped her with a look.
Seeing Lin Wanqiu's condition, Xue Chunli could only sigh in resignation.
"Let's eat! Let's eat!"
Xue Chunli finally dropped the subject, and the family was able to eat at last.
The atmosphere during the meal was oppressive; after all, the earlier topic had dampened everyone's spirits.
After the meal, Lin Jianguo stood up to leave but was promptly called back by Xue Chunli.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Lin Jianguo shrank back, responding in a stutter, "I was going to... check out the village entrance."
"What's there to see?"
Xue Chunli exploded, "Is there anything more important than your daughter's lifetime happiness?"
Hearing Xue Chunli's words, Lin Jianguo dared not say another word and sat down obediently.
Lin Wanqing stood up, "Mom, let me have a chat with... him."
After speaking, Lin Wanqing looked at Chen Jianghai.
Chen Jianghai understood that if he didn't gain Lin Wanqing's approval today, the divorce matter would indeed be tricky.
"Okay."
Chen Jianghai stood up and calmly asked, "Where shall we talk?"
Lin Wanqing glanced at Chen Jianghai, who showed not a hint of unease.
Xue Chunli couldn't help but interject, "Daughter, he..."
"Don't worry, Mom."
Lin Wanqing raised her hand and declared, "I have a clear idea of what to do. If he doesn't meet my expectations, even if you don't agree to their divorce, I will make sure they get one."
Lin Wanqing's words were decisive, leaving no room for negotiation.
Xue Chunli, knowing her daughter to be a thoughtful person and seeing the confidence she exhibited now, nodded her head in agreement.
Hearing her sister speak in such a manner, Lin Wanqiu looked at Chen Jianghai with a face full of concern.
She was well aware of her sister's sternness.
"Come with me."
After saying this, Lin Wanqing walked outside.
Chen Jianghai patted Lin Wanqiu's hand, gave her a reassuring glance, and followed.
Once in the courtyard, Lin Wanqing sized up Chen Jianghai, then said, "Including this time, we have only met twice."
Chen Jianghai nodded, remembering the last time they met was at his wedding to Lin Wanqiu.
At that time, Lin Wanqing had made a special trip from out of town to attend her sister's wedding, only to leave in haste afterward.
Chen Jianghai remembered clearly that back then, Lin Wanqing was at most a somewhat insightful farm girl, not possessing the commanding aura she had now.
As for how this powerful presence came to be, Chen Jianghai had some vague knowledge.
In his previous life, he had heard rumors that Lin Wanqing had attached herself to a wealthy man.
However, it wasn't until Chen Jianghai had left Linghai and encountered Lin Wanqing outside that he learned what had transpired with this woman.
Lin Wanqing was beautiful and very skilled in her dealings, starting with catering.
By chance, she caught the eye of a local bigwig with considerable influence, who began pursuing her.
Lin Wanqing usually kept such people at arm's length, but persistent wooing by the man convinced her to date him for a while.
As for the man, he operated in the gray areas of the local scene, owning numerous bars and KTVs.
The capable and experienced demeanor that Lin Wanqing now had was forged in those places.
Seeing Chen Jianghai not speaking, Lin Wanqing said, "We are very thankful to your family for my father's illness."
"Just speak your mind!" Chen Jianghai did not want to beat around the bush.
Lin Wanqing was slightly taken aback; she had intended to lead Chen Jianghai into her pace of conversation, but his directness broke her plan.
"Alright then."
Lin Wanqing decided to be straightforward, "I will return the bride price double, you divorce my sister."
Chen Jianghai was stunned; he did not expect Lin Wanqing to make such a request.
Just now inside, her stance seemed very supportive of Lin Wanqiu, always speaking on her behalf.
But now...
"That's impossible." Chen Jianghai refused directly.
Lin Wanqing's eyebrows furrowed slightly, she asked in a deep voice, "Is it too little money?"
"It's not about the money." Chen Jianghai shook his head.
"What exactly do you want for you to agree to leave my sister?" Lin Wanqing pressed.
"And I would like to ask, what would it take for you to support your sister and me staying together?" Chen Jianghai countered.
Lin Wanqing was clearly taken aback.
She had not anticipated Chen Jianghai posing such a question.
"Do you really want to be with my sister?" Lin Wanqing asked.
Chen Jianghai smiled faintly and said very earnestly, "She is my wife; of course, I intend to spend my life with her, to love her, cherish her, protect her, and not let her suffer any hardship."
Lin Wanqing looked at Chen Jianghai, seemingly trying to find traces of insincerity on his face.
But after a long time, Chen Jianghai's expression was serene; when facing Lin Wanqiu, his gaze did not waver.
"Then you need to prove that you truly have the ability to give my sister a happy life."
Lin Wanqing spoke slowly.