Hongji, holding a lunch box and carrying a pot of water, walked out of his house while eating, showing none of the opulence of a wealthy Old Master; he didn’t even ride in an ox cart, opting instead to walk.
Today, for work, he dressed in plain clothes, not resembling a wealthy Old Master in the slightest.
On the way to the factory, he walked and ate and even ran into some workers heading to work, chatting with them as they walked.
Occasionally, villagers passing by would greet him, and Hongji, with a smile, couldn’t hide his inner joy!
Some even whispered gossip:
"Hongji, you look so happy today! Could it be that your dad took a concubine, and soon you’ll also take one? You seem so thrilled!"
"It’s possible, you know. Men with money tend to be fickle. It’s our poverty, if I were rich, I’d take a concubine too."
No sooner had the man finished this sentence than his wife, who had overheard, twisted his ear:
"Say that again? After I’ve borne your children and slaved away, you’re thinking about other women now!"
"My dear, my dear, I was just speaking my mind. Like I’d ever have such a day! Besides, I’m so devoted!"
"Hmph, I dare you to try!"
The first man who spoke laughed and walked away when he saw his companion being scolded by his wife, thinking that for people like them, it was already quite something to fantasize about it, better just to go to work and earn money!
Ye Shiqi and her elder sisters were playing with their little brother, who was joyfully playing in a baby walker, delighted by the novelty of the toy.
Mrs. Li was the first to feed her son porridge, and now with the baby walker, she didn’t have to hold her son, which made her feel a lot more relaxed!
Ye Shiqi, growing impatient, had someone make her a cup of goat milk since she hadn’t eaten much for breakfast, and asked them to bring some snacks.
The other elder sisters also felt hungry, drinking milk and eating snacks just like Qing.
Mrs. Lai was awakened by the sound of the baby’s laughter and the family’s laughter.
These past couple of days, she had been preoccupied with her thoughts, especially since last night was the first time the Old Master hadn’t slept beside her; she had barely slept until dawn.
Despite not wanting to get out of bed, Mrs. Lai felt extremely hungry, the hunger unbearable.
Eventually, Mrs. Lai got out of bed, and while washing her face, she thought that today she might flaunt her authority in front of the temptress.
She opened the door and called for the little maid.
"Dress me up nicely!"
Mrs. Lai adorned herself with her finest jewelry, knowing that the temptress’s husband had given her three gold pieces, and she couldn’t let a concubine outdo her.
Unable to compete in youth or looks, she had to surpass in external appearance.
Ye Shiqi saw her grandmother enter, her plump body supported by the little maid, the weight obviously challenging for the small maid.
Observing that her grandmother had put on her finest clothing, wearing a bright red cotton dress and adorned with many pieces of jewelry without finding them too heavy.
She realized, just like yesterday, her grandmother was geared up for a house fight.
She couldn’t help but sigh internally; her grandmother might be a victim in this matter, originally deserving their sympathy and support.
Yet the actions of the grandmother had disheartened them; during the grandfather’s time, they merely watched with cold eyes as well.
Until yesterday, Ye Shiqi and the Young Uncle had been guarding against the Old Master and Grandmother switching places.
Later, having looked into it further, they found out something might have happened at the grandmother’s parental home.
The investigator had returned and told the Young Uncle that the Old Master had gone to have a meal at the grandmother’s parental home and then visited the home of the current concubine.
Whatever transpired in between, the Old Master undoubtedly played a role in it.
"Hmph, wasting time making toys for the little brat!"
Mrs. Lai, seeing the toy car made for her grandson, wasn’t in the mood to think about which relative she could gift the toy car to.
She was just thinking about showing off in front of the temptress soon.
When Mrs. Li saw the Mother-in-law, she ordered someone to start preparing breakfast, ignoring the Mother-in-law’s remarks.
What was a bit of snide remark to her? Hadn’t she heard worse?
As soon as Mrs. Lai spoke offensively, Ye Shiqi and her sisters ignored her.
"Hmph, not even knowing how to greet your elders."
Mrs. Lai’s voice of dissatisfaction was met with calls of ’Grandmother’ from Ye Shiqi and her sisters, void of any real respect.
It was clearly just a formality, and internally, Ye Shiqi remarked: "This beauty is very polite!"
Just as they were sitting down to breakfast, two people entered through the living room door.
"Hey, Elder Sister, why didn’t you call me for breakfast!"
On hearing such a coy voice, Ye Shiqi knew this person was too much. It was only the niece’s second day calling her aunt ’Elder Sister,’ even though they were from the same branch of the family!