"Hehe, that’s true. Xiaxia is amazing. In my opinion, girls should be capable so they won’t be bullied after marrying into their husband’s family."
Upon hearing this, Ms. Wang smiled, "Old Aunt-in-law, I used to worry that Xiaxia’s reputation for being too capable might not be well-received by her future in-laws. But now I’m not worried anymore. It’s better to be strong than to be oppressed like me my whole life."
Yang Chuxia felt quite helpless as her aunts and mother openly discussed her reputation and future in-laws in front of her. Couldn’t they be more considerate of her young age and sensitive to the subject?
Well, this was nonsense. She had thick skin and wouldn’t be bothered by these discussions. But on a more serious note, it was getting late, and everyone had taken their seats inside the room. So she said, "Mom, you guys should stop chatting and hurry up and serve the dishes for our uncles."
"Oh my, you’re right. I almost got sidetracked by Ms. Hua Junior and neglected the main event."
So Ms. Wang promptly placed the prepared dishes on the table and arranged them on the plates.
"Old Aunt-in-law, has the fish been cooked yet?" Ye Zi’an was a little embarrassed when Ms. Hua Junior made a scene earlier. If he hadn’t been living with the third branch of the family, things would have been different. He felt guilty, thinking Yang Chuxia’s insult was his fault. It was Yang Chuxia who noticed his discomfort and spoke to him, helping him recover.
Afterward, he kept busy carrying dishes and bowls, hoping to make up for his apology.
"Alright, alright, just be careful not to scald yourself." Seeing him about to carry the fish, Ms. Wang hurriedly gave him a cloth for wiping the bowl, "Here, wrap it with this so you don’t burn your hands."
When Ye Zi’an left with the fish, Ms. Wang turned to Land Officer’s wife and Old Aunt-in-law Gen, "Old aunt, sister-in-law, lets head inside. I’ve also set up a small table for us women and the children to eat in the room."
"Ah, that’s nice, not having to squeeze with these men around one table. We’re even in separate rooms now, let’s enjoy ourselves away from them." Old Aunt-in-law Gen said with a smile.
Once everyone was gathered in the inner room, the feasting and drinking began.
"Such a feast today! No wonder Ms. Hua Junior didn’t want to leave. We got fish, chicken, and even large crabs! And look at these potatoes with braised pork, you can’t even see the potatoes as it’s all meat. You two are so generous." Old Aunt-in-law Gen laughed as she saw the table set up in the inner room, identical to the one outside.
Land Officer’s wife chided Ms. Wang, "You really went all out with these dishes for a casual get-together. It must’ve cost a fortune."
"Old Aunt, it’s rare to invite you all for a meal once a year. It’s only proper to make it special." Ms. Wang said with a smile, handing chopsticks to everyone, "You know, I should thank my cousin-in-law and some of the elders for their help during the family separation. Without them, my life wouldn’t be as comfortable as it is now."
"Now that’s an outsider’s talk. What is the relationship between your cousin-in-law and your husband, Dachuan? Of course, they should help you out." Land Officer’s wife chided again. When she looked up, she saw Yang Chuxia and Ye Zi’an eating and talking outside, then nudged Ms. Wang, who looked and didn’t say anything.
When Ms. Wang went out to serve the rice, Land Officer’s wife followed, and seeing that Yang Chuxia and Ye Zi’an had already gone inside, she said, "About the family of Third, in my opinion, Brother An is quite good. If the two children really like each other, it might be best to settle things early."