Chapter 1082: Chapter 1082: Big Cousin Sister, What Do You Mean by This?
“Yes, I’m Danli, Auntie Liu, happy new year.”
“Danli, it’s been so many years since I’ve seen you. The last time you came back, I happened to be taking care of my grandson at my son’s place. I only found out you’d been here when I returned.”
“Auntie Liu, thank you for still keeping me in mind.”
“I got along so well with your mother. It’s only natural for me to think of you. Come in quickly. Your sister-in-law doesn’t know what’s what. Don’t take whatever she says to heart, especially since you don’t come back often.”
“I understand, Auntie. I’ll go inside now.”
“Go on, go on. Seeing that you’re fine puts my mind at ease.”
Just then, an untimely voice intruded, “Oh, look who it is. After all this time in the Capital, you didn’t think to visit your parents’ home first. You’re right at the doorstep, yet here you are, chit-chatting with someone unrelated.”
“What do you mean by that, sister-in-law? Are you saying I shouldn’t come back?”
“I didn’t say that. You can’t have kids, and instead of getting along with your parents’ family, what if something unhappy happens with your in-laws? Who else but your own family would you turn to, if not those unrelated people?”
“Depend on you? Zhang Weifang, you sure have the nerve, flapping your tongue in this wind. I bet when the time comes, you’ll be all too eager to scheme against me.”
“What is that supposed to mean? How have we schemed against you?”
“You know exactly what you’ve done, better than I do. Since you’re so unwelcoming, I’d rather not set foot in your house.”
Turning to Auntie Liu, “Auntie Liu, let me walk you back.”
“Alas, alright, come on, come to my place for a while, and sit inside.”
Several families live in this courtyard. She couldn’t just leave like that; after all, stepping into this courtyard meant she’d come back. Her sister-in-law, with her high and mighty attitude, always acted as though Danli should come begging to them for something, with her nose in the air.
Today, she intended to give her a taste of her own medicine.
Gu Kairong never did care much for Wang Danli’s younger uncle-in-law’s family, finding them too calculating and manipulative. So, without a word, she quietly followed her spouse into the courtyard.
Watching her husband’s sister and her husband join the Liu family matriarch in the courtyard, Zhang Weifang was infuriated, “Big sister, what do you mean by this?”
Wang Danli completely ignored her and continued straight to the back, to Auntie Liu’s smaller courtyard.
Seething, Zhang Weifang shouted at her younger son Wang Lihe, “What are you standing around for? Go outside and call your father and brother back here.”
Once inside the Liu family’s home, Wang Danli sheepishly said, “Auntie Liu, I’m afraid this might cause you trouble.”
Auntie Liu patted her hand, “They wouldn’t dare do anything to me. My children do make me proud, a bit of a deterrent for them.”
Getting up to pour water for them, Auntie Liu said, “It’s tough on you. Your brother has gotten worse over the years, not holding down a decent job, flitting in and out like fishing on the odd day and drying nets the next. Your nephew Lihu has recently found a partner and the family is worried about wedding home expenses. Just so you’re aware.”
“Thank you, Auntie, for telling me all of this.”
“Thank me for what? Over the years, I haven’t been able to do much to help you. I always feel like I’ve let your mother down. We used to be in and out of each other’s homes all the time, yet she left us so early.”
“Auntie, Kai Rong has been very good to me. I’m truly happy now.”
Auntie Liu looked at Gu Kairong, “Danli is a good one. Treat her well.”
Gu Kairong smiled and nodded, “I will. Don’t worry.”
As they were talking, someone entered, “Big sister, you’re back. Why not go home?”
Wang Danli looked coldly at the younger brother who had bullied her since childhood, her eyes full of distance, “Why I haven’t gone home? Perhaps you should ask your wife that question. There’s no need to play pretend with me. I’m not buying it.”
Turning to Auntie Liu, “Auntie Liu, I have other matters, so I’ll be leaving now. Take care of yourself, and I’ll visit when I can.”
As she stood up and prepared to leave with Gu Kairong, Auntie Liu held onto her and whispered a reminder, “Take your things.”
Not wanting to cause Auntie Liu any trouble, Wang Danli opened the box of canned goods, took out half to leave behind, and also left two packs of pastries, “Auntie Liu, this is a little something from me. Please don’t refuse it.”