The eldest of the He family’s eldest branch, He Xudong, is eleven years old this year. He’s about to start fifth grade, and naturally, he can read the words clearly. He shouted excitedly, "Aunt, are you going to Jing University?"
Xinyan nodded at him with a gentle smile. "Yes."
Upon hearing his eldest grandson’s words, Mr. He’s eyes lit up. "Jing University? That Jing University, the best university?"
Xinyan replied, "Yes."
Sister He clutched her heart. "Oh my, Jinxuan, why didn’t you give us a heads up earlier? We thought your partner just got into school in the capital; but this is amazing, truly impressive."
Gao Yumei, standing by, didn’t expect Third’s partner to be so capable. However, she dismissively said, "Even if she got into Jing University, so what? Jinxuan still has to support her education, and what happens after she graduates is uncertain."
Mr. He tossed a sharp glance her way. "Nobody mistakes you for a mute even if you don’t speak."
He Jinxuan looked coldly at Second Sister-in-law He, about to speak, when the fifth son, He Yuejin, rushed inside. "Third Brother, I heard someone from your mechanical factory became the provincial science champion?"
He Jinxuan nodded. "Who told you that?"
He Yuejin gestured animatedly. "Everyone outside is talking about it. It’s even featured in today’s newspaper..."
Before he could finish speaking, he spotted Han Xinyan standing in the room, then pointed at her. "You, you, you..."
Excitedly, he unfolded the newspaper in his hand to show everyone, and they finally saw Xinyan’s photo on the pages.
Sister He gasped, eyes wide as she looked at Xinyan. "Are you the provincial science champion Yuejin was talking about?"
Xinyan nodded confidently, turning to Second Sister-in-law He. "Second Sister-in-law He, shouldn’t you apologize for what you said earlier?"
Second Sister-in-law Gao Yumei looked extremely displeased now. "I didn’t know about it, just spoke off the cuff. It’s not like you’re losing anything."
He Jinxuan chimed in coldly, "Those words of yours weren’t just random talk; that’s slander. So does that mean I can also spit out nonsense about you and Second Brother?
Besides, Xinyan won 750 yuan in a provincial math competition last time, not to mention the prize for being the provincial science champion. She has more than enough money for herself. Isn’t your remark laughable?"
Second Sister-in-law was originally feeling guilty, but when her younger brother-in-law publicly put her on the spot, she snapped, "It’s just a statement; what’s so funny about it?"
He Jinxuan didn’t back down. "Don’t use your own dirty thoughts to speculate on others."
He Jinxuan was furious, especially since yesterday’s issue with Second Brother was still unsettled. Now, Second Sister-in-law is jumping in eagerly; truly a pair, equally detestable.
Standing at the doorway, Jian Country realized his wife was taking out her anger on Third’s partner because of yesterday’s incident, trying to stir trouble opportunistically. But this isn’t the right moment.
He quickly stepped in with a smile, "Your Second Sister-in-law hasn’t had much education; she speaks her mind bluntly. Please don’t hold it against her."
Xinyan wasn’t having any of it. She glanced at Mr. He. "It’s my first day visiting your home, and you’re all trying to show me authority?"
This comment implicated the entire He family.
He Yuejin was the first to speak up. "Third Sister-in-law, that’s not fair. Since finding out Third Brother was bringing someone home, my parents and Big Brother and Sister have been busy preparing. Who knows what got into Second Sister-in-law, but it’s definitely not our intention to intimidate you."
Mother He held Xinyan’s hand. "Miss, please don’t be upset. We are sincerely delighted Jinxuan brought someone home. Rest assured, the brothers have already divided the family, so we won’t meddle anymore."
Mr. He now glared at his second son. "Second, take your wife back to your courtyard. The family is divided, and old Third’s affairs need not concern you two anymore."