"Mom, the last time you visited, Dad and Liu Yifeng treated you dismissively and you almost fell! This time, we need to prepare appropriate gifts! That way, they won't have anything to say. One or two hundred yuan isn't much. Besides, look at the clothes Liu Yifeng and Tongtong wear on TV..."
Before Liu Yanyan could finish, Jin Juan grabbed a feather duster and swung it at her. "You spendthrift! We're family! Bringing a gift is a courtesy, just to silence others. I'm his mother, why should I spend my own money? Of course, I'll just take whatever I can get!"
Chen Haidi, standing nearby, also chimed in, "Yes, Liu Yifeng is Mom's biological son. As a son, he should naturally be filial to his mother. Why bother with such expensive gifts?"
Hearing them, Liu Yanyan had nothing more to say. *Honestly, so short-sighted! No wonder they haven't achieved much.*
One day, Jin Juan's son-in-law, Chen Daodi, drove them to Liu Family Village. Jin Juan was dressed much more simply this time than on her previous visit. Chen Haidi's attire was similar to last time, a plain suit.
Not long after Chen Daodi's car passed the entrance of Liu Family Village, several elderly women sunning themselves by the roadside grew curious. The sun was bright that day, and Liu Yifeng's front door was not closed. Jin Juan and Chen Haidi could see the wide-open courtyard gate from afar.
Liu Yifeng knew Jin Juan and the others were coming to his home today, so he had already made arrangements. Worried that Jin Juan's visit might affect Tongtong, he sent Tongtong to Su Wanru's place, who was resting. He asked Su Wanru to look after Tongtong, and she readily agreed, not finding it troublesome at all.
Liu Yifeng maintained a cool, detached attitude towards Jin Juan, but it was nothing that could be faulted. Jin Juan sat with Liu Chunsheng, struggling to maintain a smile so tight it could trap flies. Liu Yanyan, observing her mother's expression, understood Jin Juan's intentions and sat by, watching her son, Lele.
Chen Haidi, despite his approachable appearance, revealed words that made Liu Yifeng and Liu Chunsheng realize he wasn't a good person. Liu Yifeng had initially considered giving his mother some financial support since she was his biological mother. However, given the current situation, he knew Jin Juan wouldn't be satisfied. He spoke, "Ms. Jin, I know why you've come today. But with the New Year approaching, I don't want things to turn unpleasant. I understand your past issues with Dad and how you abandoned me and your son, disliking our struggles. But now that our family is doing a little better, it's acceptable for you to visit. However, bringing your son-in-law and grandson today makes things difficult!"
Jin Juan's resilience was formidable, her skin as thick as the Great Wall. She maintained her smile and said, "Oh, my good son! Look, with our family's current situation, isn't it natural for an elder brother to help his sister and brother-in-law a little?"
Liu Chunsheng listened and glanced at the quiet Liu Yanyan and Lele. He thought Liu Yanyan wasn't living well and, as his daughter and grandson, they deserved some care. However, he knew that agreeing to Jin Juan's request would create significant trouble for their family now.
Upon hearing Jin Juan's shameless words, Liu Yifeng felt a chill and grew even more disgusted with her. He produced a pre-drafted support contract and said to Jin Juan, "Ms. Jin, I've consulted with lawyers. Legally and sentimentally, it's appropriate to support you. However, helping your daughter and son-in-law is impossible. They are adults with their own families, capable of self-sufficiency. And you, though older, appear healthy and can live for many more decades!"
Chen Daodi, fearing his previous plans would fall through, interrupted, "Brother, we're not here to ask for money. We just want to ask for a small favor, please don't put it so harshly!"
Hearing Chen Daodi's words, Liu Yifeng realized the fox had finally shown its tail. *So it's not about money! If not for money, it must be for something else.* He lowered his voice and said, "Since it's not about money, then tell me what it is."
Chen Daodi felt that Liu Yifeng truly deserved to have such a brilliant son, as his words were impeccable. "Alas, it's really not a big deal. We see how intelligent Tongtong is and wanted to ask for your guidance on how to raise our children like that. Also, could our Lele appear on television? Participate in that 'Most Brain' program?"
"This is a favor I cannot grant. Tongtong appearing on television was arranged by his teacher. Besides, Tongtong is only three years old, not a genius. You know how much of what's on TV is real?" Liu Yifeng, though pleased by Chen Daodi's praise, knew that revealing his son's extraordinary abilities would be detrimental to Tongtong and vehemently denied it.
Liu Yanyan, hearing Chen Haidi bring her son into it, twisted Chen Daodi's arm. "Husband, what are you saying? Tongtong is intelligent because my brother is intelligent to have such a good son! Besides, gifted children have unhappy childhoods. Do you want your son to become like that!"
"Yanyan! Stop pinching me, it hurts!" Chen Daodi pushed Yanyan's hand away and apologetically said to Liu Yifeng, "I'm sorry, Brother, for the embarrassment. Alas, Yanyan and I are usually like this."
Liu Yifeng, seeing Yanyan's expression and actions, felt increasingly, *Ah! Women are indeed terrifying. The cute little sister from childhood has also become like this. Well, thankfully, she didn't abandon her child like Jin Juan.*
Seeing his plans foiled, Chen Daodi returned to his original agenda. "Mom, we really miss you. What I said earlier was nonsense. Brother, you are so intelligent, and your family is doing better and better! Tongtong, born of you, must be as smart as you. How can postnatal training compare to innate genes?"
Liu Yifeng saw through Chen Daodi's fumbling. He understood their true intentions, likely wanting to have Jin Juan stay with them for extended visits.
Liu Chunsheng, seeing this, knew the situation couldn't be resolved easily. "Jin Juan! What are you here for today? Be direct, don't beat around the bush!"
Jin Juan, hearing Liu Chunsheng's words, dropped her chrysanthemum-like smile and revealed a haughty expression. "I gave birth to your son, and look, your son's son is so intelligent, and your family's life is getting better and better." She pointed at the vastly changed tables, chairs, and various appliances in Liu Chunsheng's home, continuing, "All these things at home must have cost a lot of money, right? Now that I've brought my daughter, whom I raised, back, isn't it natural for Liu Yifeng, as my son, to support me?! How much money can an old woman about to enter the grave cost you? I just want to live out my old age in peace. Why do you think so poorly of us!"