Chapter 97: Chapter 97: Sis-in-law, Don’t Leave
Next, the children began to pay New Year’s greetings to their elders.
Gu Xiaocheng was the first to bow and greet Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei. As a college student, he was quite eloquent, "Happy New Year, Uncle and Aunt, wishing you a prosperous year with booming business."
He’s really got a way with words.
Gu Xiaoqing pursed her lips.
Such treatment was unheard of in previous years.
The outburst from Gu Ruhai last night must have made Gu Xiaocheng see things differently.
This college student isn’t the type to speak nicely easily.
Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei didn’t mind.
After all, he wasn’t their own child. How could they, as his uncle and aunt, react when he was slightly nice to them?
It was all about appearances anyway, not like they were feeding or clothing him. It was just a matter of courtesy.
They gave him a five-cent new year’s money.
Originally, Gu Ruhai intended to give one yuan, but Li Xuemei stopped him.
Gu Ruhai thought the children only got new year’s money once a year, so they should be treated equally. Even Zhang Zijie, an outsider, was given one yuan by Li Xuemei, let alone his own nephew.
It would logically be one yuan, of course.
But Li Xuemei wouldn’t allow it. She stubbornly took a five-cent note from another pocket.
Li Xuemei was no fool, though she was as honest as Gu Ruhai.
She thought more than him, not as straightforward.
Just looking at the Gu Family patriarch and matriarch’s demeanor, a child was only given one cent, but Li Xuemei knew that was for Gu Xiaoying, Gu Xiaoqing, and Gu Xiaojie. When it came to Gu Xiaocheng, Gu Xiaofeng, and Gu Xiaomin, it would likely be more.
In past years, others’ children received their red envelopes early. When it came to Gu Xiaoying, Gu Xiaoqing, and Gu Xiaojie, each got only two cents. Obviously, it wasn’t Mr. Gu who gave those; such disgraceful acts were left for Mrs. Gu to do.
You couldn’t dispute that, could you?
The old couple didn’t seem to have much spare money either, probably only giving fifty cents as new year’s money.
If the elders gave fifty cents and Gu Ruhai’s family gave more, it wouldn’t be seen as gratitude but as disrespect for the elders. Who gives more than the elders’ new year’s money?
Besides, Li Xuemei didn’t want to be remembered by the second and third siblings. If they gave more, it would be like openly telling others they had money to spare, come and take it.
So Li Xuemei, regardless of what Gu Ruhai thought, solidified the situation.
Gu Ruhai couldn’t say much.
He gave Gu Xiaofeng and Gu Xiaomin each fifty cents of new year’s money.
But these two didn’t give the auspicious words like Gu Xiaocheng, just said in a low voice, "Happy New Year,"
and that was it.
They didn’t even call out to him.
Particularly, Gu Xiaofeng occasionally cast a glare at Gu Ruhai, as if afraid others wouldn’t know he was still holding a grudge over being kicked by Gu Ruhe because of Gu Ruhai last night.
Gu Rushan and Gu Ruhe each gave Gu Xiaoying, Gu Xiaoqing, and Gu Xiaojie one cent.
Gu Ruhai originally had a grievance with Li Xuemei giving fifty cents to his brother’s children, but now, he said nothing and kept quiet.
They had seen him give fifty cents, and still handed out one cent. There wasn’t much to say.
Even if Mrs. Gu instigated it, one shouldn’t approach social interactions this way.
Suddenly, Gu Ruhai felt intense admiration for Li Xuemei. His wife indeed foresaw the outcome.
It’s better to be observant and less talkative.
Jiang Xiulan called out eagerly, "Big Brother and Sister-in-law, you’ve indeed earned a lot this year, handing out fifty cents just like that. It’s just that we only have one child."
That implied they felt wronged, saying it was too little.
Gu Ruhai couldn’t respond, his mind unable to keep up.
Li Xuemei remained silent, benefiting from the situation.
Xiao Xue was displeased, "Second Sister-in-law, what are you insinuating? Is there some limit on how many children a family should have? If you’re not happy, you could have another one. No one’s stopping you."
As if their two children were taking great advantage.
Jiang Xiulan pursed her lips, glanced sidelong at Xiao Xue, but dared not provoke her. Xiao Xue’s family held governmental power, and her own Gu Xiaocheng might need favors from there.
She was fuming inside.
With a quick eye roll, she said to Li Xuemei, "Big Sister-in-law, those meatballs and braised pork you brought yesterday were really delicious, and the oiled tofu too, but just a little wasn’t enough for everyone. The old folks didn’t even have two bites. Why don’t you bring some more today, Sister-in-law?"
Li Xuemei almost laughed.
They could really keep track of everything.
Gu Xiaoqing asked puzzled, "Second Aunt, my family of five didn’t have New Year’s Eve dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s yesterday, so how is it not enough? We didn’t eat there at all. I thought we’d have some today. Didn’t my mom say half was left yesterday?"
Jiang Xiulan, caught in her intention, awkwardly retorted, "Oh, this child, yes, you weren’t here yesterday, but this is a big family and so many people. Your grandparents don’t eat? Plus there are three kids. It’s just not enough; how could there be leftovers?"
Actually, Jiang Xiulan secretly took half the leftover meatballs and braised pork home yesterday.
So she was planning to coax some more out of Li Xuemei today.
Li Xuemei dusted off her clothes, "I brought everything from home yesterday. I thought the second and third families would bring something too, but only we did, so no one’s family is wealthy. The leftover should suffice for today’s meal."
Her words accused Jiang Xiulan and Xiao Xue of coming empty-handed.
All daughters-in-law, why should Li Xuemei and Gu Ruhai always play the fool?
In fact, Li Xuemei initially thought the children never had enough at Mr. Gu’s, so she brought some food, hoping to at least fill the children a bit. Who knew it would set a precedent where not even a bite was left for them yesterday.
If she had known, she would rather have fed the dogs than these ingrates.
So none are fools here.
Jiang Xiulan and Xiao Xue were dissatisfied; her remarks weren’t supposed to hold deeper scrutiny.
Mr. Gu saw the three daughters-in-law were about to start fighting and said sternly, "Alright, stop it. It’s New Year’s. Don’t be competitive. Eldest’s wife, no need to say more. I know you mean well. If anybody can contribute something, do so; if not, it’s fine. Your mother and I aren’t fighting over food."
Though it seemed like fair speaking to everyone, it was actually blaming Li Xuemei for stirring trouble.
With her father-in-law speaking, Li Xuemei naturally didn’t argue and kept silent.
Gu Ruhai looked around at the atmosphere; his two brothers didn’t speak, seeming to agree with the reasoning.
This meal could not be eaten.
Standing up, "Mom and Dad, we’re heading back."
He led his family to leave.
Jiang Xiulan panicked since if Li Xuemei left, who would cook?
At least yesterday, Li Xuemei helped her prepare the meals.
If she were alone today, Xiao Xue certainly wouldn’t step into the kitchen.
That left her to handle everything alone.
"Sister-in-law, don’t leave. Mom and Dad love your cooking."