Xie Suile played dumb, suggesting that lacking money was a way to blend in with the masses. It was better to avoid trouble, and at least it prevented people from coming to borrow money, which had been a constant annoyance before the New Year.
Now, there was a valid excuse: he himself was in debt, so where would he get money to lend to others?
Speaking of borrowing, Xie Sui thought that after the New Year, he could take out more loans. The factory was developing rapidly and required substantial funds. This was something that needed to be handled properly.
Later, when people in the village learned that Xie Sui owed the bank over five million, they felt even more sympathetic towards Xie's elderly parents. Things went back to how they were before; there was no more jealousy, and they could continue to be good neighbors and villagers.
This was a story for another time. In the blink of an eye, it was the fourth day of the New Year, and married daughters were returning to their maternal homes to pay their respects. The village was bustling with activity once more.
His uncle's married cousin had also returned and came to visit Grandma Xie. Lin Wanwan warmly welcomed them.
Xie Chen's eldest sister, Xie Ying, who was only twenty-eight or twenty-nine but looked nearly forty, eyed Lin Wanwan's rosy cheeks and fashionable attire. Even Xie Lan and Xie Min had changed drastically, with the children looking better and better. Xie Ying felt a pang of envy.
Meanwhile, her own son, clutching candy and snacks from Xie Suile's house, was reluctant to let go, his mouth watering. There were so many delicious things at their cousin-grandpa's place.
Xie Ying felt even more uncomfortable and asked Lin Wanwan, "You've been in the countryside for so many years. Don't your family miss you? It must be tough. A woman without family, no one to visit during the New Year. But you've given birth to two good sons, and my uncle's family will surely treat you well. This is your home now, don't think too much about it."
Xie Sui's face darkened. She was bringing up a sore point. Xie Ying hadn't seemed so annoying before!
"Wanwan, let's go visit the village chief's house. The village chief's wife wanted to ask you something. Come with me."
Lin Wanwan said, "Okay, I almost forgot. Auntie mentioned it before, but I get so busy I forget everything."
"You work the hardest. You're the great contributor to our family. What would I do without you?"
Mother Xie also chimed in, "Exactly. Wanwan is educated and cultured. Xiao Sui makes money outside, and Wanwan manages the finances. With them working together, life will only get better. Grab some peanuts to eat on the way. I'll make you hand-pulled noodles for lunch. We've been eating meat for days, it's a bit greasy."
Lin Wanwan smiled, "Thank you, Mom. I was just craving noodles. We'll be back soon. Cousin, please sit."
Xie Ying forced a dry laugh, "You go ahead, I'm fine."
Her mother-in-law was so good to her. Lin Wanwan's earlier feelings of envy completely dissipated due to Xie Ying's words.
Xie Suile secretly watched her, relieved that she didn't seem unhappy.
Lin Wanwan then proactively explained, "I have many younger siblings at home. I'm the eldest. Below me is a twin sister, and two sets of twin brothers. We have a family tendency to have twins. As the eldest, I was the one sent to the countryside. I knew it would be a great pressure for my parents to raise so many children, and it was better not to burden them. It's been so many years, and I don't think about my family matters anymore. You all treat me so well, and I'm very happy."
Xie Suile felt both heartache and shock. His mother-in-law was truly prolific, having six children in three pregnancies. Four younger brothers-in-law, all of whom were likely of marriageable age. He could only imagine the burden.
"Since your parents don't treat you poorly, and now that we have money, we can help them out. Earning money is for everyone to live better. If your brothers treat you well, I'm not a stingy person. Spring is the off-season, and the factory isn't busy. I'll accompany you to your parents' house. It's my fault for not having paid respects to them properly when our child is already this old."
Lin Wanwan was deeply moved, "Thank you. Earning money isn't easy. My brothers are actually quite good and sensible, but my twin sister is very competitive and difficult to get along with. I was born half an hour before her, but I'm still the eldest. I've always done well in my studies. I had the opportunity to be assigned to a factory job, but my sister made a fuss, insisting I go to the countryside while she took the factory position. My parents were overwhelmed by her nagging, so I gave in. It was the last time I helped her as an elder sister."
Another sister-in-law like that? Xie Suile felt a pang of sympathy. "Oh, Wanwan, you are too good, too sensible, and too kind, which makes you easy to bully. If that sister-in-law still bullies you, I'll deal with her for you."
Lin Wanwan smiled, "That's unlikely. She's probably married by now. Everyone has their own life. If we can get along, we'll chat. If not, we'll just treat each other as distant relatives. How could she still bully me?"
Xie Suile stated, "We'll see. Regardless, no matter who it is, even your parents, I won't let them bully you."
Lin Wanwan replied with a smile, "Okay, I'll listen to you."
Their eyes met, filled with affection. If it weren't for the prying eyes of the villagers, Xie Suile would have kissed her.
"Get out! I don't have a son like you! All of you, get out!"
A tirade of scolding startled them. It was their next-door neighbor, Auntie Wang. Lin Wanwan curiously asked, "Auntie Wang is usually so good-tempered. Who made her so angry?"
"Didn't they say it was about her son? I wonder if it's the elder or the younger? Let's go listen."
Having nothing better to do, they eavesdropped. Xie Suile had done such things often in the past. He found the most convenient vantage point to observe the situation at the Wangs'.
It was the younger son, Wang Tiezhu, accompanied by a woman who looked somewhat familiar. Wang Tiezhu was an apprentice at a state-run restaurant. His elder brother supplied wild game to the restaurant, so the Wang family was among the wealthiest in the village. Auntie Wang always treated Xie Suile like her own son.
Wang Tiezhu was shoved out by Auntie Wang, who then slammed the door shut, leaving them outside. Auntie Wang's eyes were red with anger, showing how furious she was.
"Tie Zhu, what's going on? It's the New Year, and you're upsetting your mother like this. Quickly apologize. As a family, we should discuss things properly!"
Xie Suile stepped out to mediate. Auntie Wang grabbed his hand, sobbing mournfully.
"Xiao Sui, Auntie's life is so bitter! He went to town to learn culinary skills but ended up being seduced by someone. Auntie considers him no longer her son. I want them to get lost and never see them again. Even if I die, I don't want to see that pair of scoundrels."
Xie Suile was speechless. Why were they being called scoundrels? Auntie Wang rarely lost her temper like this.
"Tie Zhu, what's going on? Quickly apologize to your mother. Your mother only wants one son. You can remarry, but you can't be foolish."
Wang Tiezhu looked unhappy, but Auntie Wang rejoiced, "Yes, Xiao Sui is so sensible! You truly forgot your mother now that you have a wife. I would have been better off giving birth to an eggplant than to you."
Lin Wanwan couldn't help but chuckle. She glanced at the woman and exclaimed in surprise, "Aren't you a waitress at the state-run restaurant? What's your name again? I've forgotten. Are you going to marry Tie Zhu?"