Lin Lishan glanced at him sideways, "I’m not stupid. Besides, I never had anything—those are all Jiao Jiao’s dowry. We’re out of money too, still waiting for my mom to return my savings. Anyway, you’re back, just like before, you’re the steward. I’ve seen through it. Before, they took advantage of your absence and didn’t openly scheme against me, plus my dad was around. This time you’re back, my younger sister sourly said that it’s a pity for Jiao Jiao’s courtyard to be empty. I just ignored her. She secretly urged my mom to intervene. I told my mom to ask them to speak to you or Jiao Jiao. Do they really think I’m naive? They don’t dare to approach you. This belongs to Jiao Jiao, it’s hers. If you hadn’t come back, they’d probably have moved in first."
Zhou Jiao saw her getting angrier and quickly comforted, "Mom, don’t be upset, remember that for over the years, my aunt has always sent parcels to me. You should appreciate her kindness. Besides, getting envious and jealous is only natural, so just listen and don’t take it to heart.
We should also be considerate of her; my uncle isn’t like my dad, they’re siblings, and she’s not doing as well as you, so it’s natural that she might feel a bit unfair. It’s okay to speak out, just worry about them secretly causing trouble. As long as it’s not a matter of your principles, just let it go in one ear and out the other.
Take the courtyard, for example, though she bought one too, moving in would make it difficult to get her to leave later. This involves principle and stance problems. If you agree, then our other aunts might ask to borrow a house too, and you’d turn into foes if you refuse.
So, you did the right thing this time, sticking to your principles and stance. Even if those cousins get married without a house, they won’t plot against you. Knowing it’s impossible, why should we push for it? I’ll try my best to sort these things out during this visit to Beijing, to avoid awkwardness with relatives later.
You just ignore those who are jealous or envious. Whenever you get angry, just remind yourself that you’re so excellent and happy that others are jealous! How lucky am I? Forgive those foolish humans!" After speaking, Zhou Jiao laughed herself onto the kang.
Zhou Xiaozheng started listening attentively to his daughter, and in the end, she became more carefree. He affectionately watched her laughing with bright spirits. His Jiao Jiao often lets her childish side show in front of them. It’s good, as long as she doesn’t have any mental knots. It’s essential to maintain decorum in front of others, masking emotions, while in front of them, she is as innocent as a child. His daughter is quite adept in human affairs, unlike Zhao Yuanyuan’s childishness, which is not hers.
Lin Lishan laughed and hugged her, soothing, "Alright, then mom will forgive those silly humans. Lucky for you, mom met dad, and had you." New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹✶𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲✶𝗻𝗲𝘁
Zhou Xiaozheng cheerfully watched his wife and daughter laughing together. He had a wise daughter with a gentle heart, adept at managing interpersonal relationships. If ordinary girls heard their courtyard being eyed, they’d likely jump in anger.
She wouldn’t give up her pride for money. In her eyes, wealth is merely external; the only important thing is family safety. Her father-in-law has excellent judgment; his praise didn’t exaggerate. His daughter is like a fairy tale sprite: beautiful, pure.
From outside came the shouts of Mr. Zhang’s voice, "Ah Zheng, are you inside?"
Interrupted by Zhang’s loud voice, Zhou Xiaozheng hurriedly went out, "Brother, why are you here? I was just thinking of visiting you with Shanshan. It’s been so many years, and you haven’t aged a bit. Sister-in-law, we’re family now. You must make dumplings for me, your famous sauerkraut filling."
Mother Zhang laughed loudly, "I’ve already prepared them for you. Sister said you’d return after dinner. Now you’re back, I’ll go cook."
Zhou Xiaozheng quickly pulled her back, "Wait a moment. Sister-in-law, I plan to visit the Old Sir and his wife with Shanshan first. We visited them at noon, they’re likely waiting for my update."
Zhang Dayou waved, signaling Mother Zhang to wait, saying, "Go visit the old folks first, return quickly. I’ll wait for you to drink, your sister-in-law has made the dumplings ready for your return. Go soon and hurry back, should Xiao Wu come along?"
"No need, just the two of us to see them, we’ll return after a short visit. You know Old Sir dislikes my presence. Brother, invite Brother Zhang and Third Brother for drinks, we’ll be back soon."
Upon hearing this, Lin Lishan quickly retrieved fabric and pastries from the luggage. She hadn’t visited the Zhou Family elders last time, so she prepared early this time, waiting for her husband to go back home together. She really wasn’t keen to see Old Sir Zhou, but he’s her husband’s biological father. Preparing the gifts, she kept reminding herself that it’s for the kind, gentle old lady.
Zhang Dayou didn’t delay their visit, quickly shouting, "Xiao Wu, go get the kerosene lamp for your father-in-law to light the way; it’s better than a flashlight. Also, bring out the military coat, it’s cold at night so wear more to avoid freezing."
Zhang Guoqing carried the kerosene lamp, escorting them to the bridge, where they stopped him. Watching their departing backs, recalling Old Sir Zhou’s abnormal behavior during the day, he sighed softly.