TL: Etude
Upon hearing these words, Lin Wanqiu immediately felt displeased, frowning as she spoke.
"Mom, Jianghai is trying to make you live more comfortably. Why are you blaming him?"
"Why can't I blame him?"
Xue Chunli was a bit defiant, "Is the money for renting this house brought by the wind? I bet it's mostly your contribution."
Lin Wanqiu really didn't know what to say anymore.
Her mother simply didn't believe Chen Jianghai had the ability to earn money. No matter how many good things she herself said, her mother wouldn't believe it.
"Forget it, Mom, I won't argue with you. Let's go home for dinner!"
Lin Wanqiu could only choose to compromise.
Seeing her daughter's sullen face, Xue Chunli said no more.
When the two returned home, they saw several people gathered around nearby, chatting and laughing.
Seeing Lin Wanqiu returning, the group hurriedly greeted her.
"Oh, Sister Wanqiu is back!"
"This must be the auntie! You're really fortunate to have such a son-in-law. He can make money outside and also cook at home!"
"Yes, indeed! Everyone says that Jianghai suddenly got wise overnight. With his ability, he will definitely make a fortune. You just wait to enjoy the good life!"
…
Everyone was very enthusiastic, which made Xue Chunli feel somewhat uncomfortable.
Lin Wanqiu hadn't expected to encounter such a scene here either and maintained a smile on her face, responding politely.
It should be noted that in the past, none of the neighbors were willing to interact with their family, for fear of being dragged into lending money to Chen Jianghai.
It was never like now, with a crowd gathered at the doorstep, speaking only words of praise.
On any ordinary day, apart from Qiu Jinfeng, there was nobody else who would receive such treatment.
Today, within this crowd, Qiu Jinfeng was indeed present.
She, who was usually sharp-tongued, was now surrounding Xue Chunli, praising both her and her husband.
At this moment, Lin Wanqiu finally understood why Chen Jianghai insisted on not taking her money that day.
The reason probably lies right here.
Realizing this belatedly, Lin Wanqiu's eyes filled with admiration as she watched Chen Jianghai busying himself in the kitchen.
This man always seemed to bring her surprises when she least expected it.
"Auntie, you must stay for a longer time on this visit!"
"That's right! Now that Jianghai is making money, both of you elders can live here comfortably for a long time. Jianghai, am I right?"
Qiu Jinfeng shouted into the house.
Soon, Chen Jianghai's voice came out, "Of course!"
The group found a reason to continue their praise, and the protagonist was none other than Chen Jianghai, busy in the kitchen.
Surrounded by everyone, Xue Chunli, who had never enjoyed such attention, could only nod continuously with a somewhat stiff smile.
This scene was pleasing to Lin Wanqiu's eyes and heart.
Because she felt that this would surely change her mother's opinion of Chen Jianghai.
At this moment, Xue Chunli also began to ponder secretly, could it be that Chen Jianghai really had turned over a new leaf?
Chen Jianghai was busy in the kitchen, while the neighbors kept Xue Chunli company outside, creating a very harmonious and pleasant atmosphere.
After the meal was ready, Chen Jianghai came out and said, "Haven't you all eaten yet? Why not join us for a meal?"
The neighbors waved their hands, "No need, no need, we've already prepared meals at home."
"Yeah, maybe next time!"
Under such circumstances, naturally, no one would be so clueless as to stay, so after exchanging greetings, everyone went back to their homes.
After the people left, Lin Jianguo set the bowls and chopsticks outside, and Chen Haijun naturally called out, "Dad, help me bring out a dish!"
Lin Jianguo quickly replied, "Alright, alright, coming right up."
Seeing her dad and Chen Jianghai getting along so well, a smile crept onto the corners of Lin Wanqiu's mouth.
The father had apparently come to accept Chen Jianghai.
But Xue Chunli was a bit displeased, her smile had vanished, and her brows furrowed once again.
How could Lin Jianguo be so easily bought over?
They had indeed come to see their daughter, but their primary goal was to assess Chen Jianghai, to determine whether he was truly worthy of their daughter's lifelong trust.
And here he was, chatting and laughing with Chen Jianghai, truly infuriating her!
"Mom, please sit here," Chen Jianghai said with a smile as he pulled up a stool.
Hearing Chen Jianghai's invitation, Lin Wanqiu quickly ushered her mother to take a seat.
Xue Chunli couldn't help but shoot Lin Jianguo a warning glare, full of cautionary intent.
Lin Jianguo could only look around feigning ignorance, as if he didn't understand Xue Chunli's warning.
When Xue Chunli saw the lavish spread of dishes on the table, she lost the will to deal with Lin Jianguo.
"How did you make so much food?" Xue Chunli asked, her brow creased with concern.
Lin Wanqiu explained, "Mom, Dad, Jianghai said that since you were coming over, we should treat you well. Moreover, this meal is to welcome and cleanse you from your journey, so naturally, it's more abundant."
Since Lin Jianguo fell ill, the Lin family's financial situation had become increasingly strained.
If it hadn't been for Lin Wanqing enduring the hard times and timely providing financial support, their family would not have been able to keep going.
Under these circumstances, Xue Chunli had been extremely frugal, sparing even meat from their diet.
Not long ago, their eldest daughter had given them some money, but Xue Chunli had other plans for this sum and was naturally reluctant to spend it.
Now, seeing a table full of chicken, duck, fish, and meat, the habitually thrifty Xue Chunli felt a twinge of pain.
Her reaction was surprisingly similar to Lin Jianguo's earlier.
"This is too much, girl. You don't make money easily, you should save some for a rainy day," Xue Chunli advised earnestly.
Hearing this, Lin Wanqiu felt a surge of emotion, "Mom, don't worry about me anymore, I'm really doing well, I'm not lying to you."
At that moment, Chen Jianghai came up with a large plate of braised pork, cheerfully announcing, "Everything's ready, let's eat."
Xue Chunli was about to nag but saw her daughter looking at her, her eyes pleading.
Seeing her daughter like this, Xue Chunli's heart softened, and she sighed inwardly, swallowing the words she was about to say.
Under the table, Lin Jianguo gave Xue Chunli a tug, throwing her a look.
After half a lifetime together, Xue Chunli understood Lin Jianguo's meaning.
Having come all this way, and with the daughter having prepared such a meal, it wasn't the time for temper.
Chen Jianghai, acting as if he had noticed nothing, took out a bottle of liquor from under the bed, "Dad, this is for you."
"Wow, it's Maotai!" Lin Jianguo exclaimed with a smile, quickly taking it.
He had a penchant for it; the last bottle he received, his wife wouldn't even let him taste, which was torturous.
"Give it here!" Xue Chunli said, putting down her chopsticks and reaching out.
Lin Jianguo was reluctant, clutching the bottle tightly to his chest, frowning, "What now?"
"Don't you know the state of your health? Drink less!"
Xue Chunli's reasoning was sound.
If she couldn't direct her frustration at Chen Jianghai, then scolding her own husband was definitely acceptable, wasn't it?
Lin Jianguo was at a loss.
Rarely did he have the chance for a good drink, and now he was being denied.
"Chunli, I can have one glass, right? I won't drink much."
Lin Jianguo could only plead hopefully.
Xue Chunli snatched the bottle with one hand, glaring as she barked, "No, you're not drinking. Eat!"
With that, Xue Chunli put the liquor behind her, leaving Lin Jianguo no opportunity to indulge.