Free Web NovelChapter 956: Chapter 929: Mutual Balance
"You all know your brother’s situation. Although he scored over 300, maybe the invigilator was feverish and shaky and gave some extra points, but it’s still a good thing for our family. As for whether to hold a graduation banquet, I’m a bit hesitant and want to discuss it with you. Qian’er and Fugui just got married, and if we have a graduation banquet, it feels like we’re indirectly collecting gift money. Having events too frequently isn’t very good..."
Qian’s mom has a lot of concerns. Other things can be handled together, but not the wedding. It’s the daughter’s and step-son’s major event, yet her son, this slacker, managed to perform beyond expectations and reached the third-tier school line. It’s too unexpected, not holding a banquet for him wouldn’t be right.
"We should still hold a banquet for the child, Dalong’s performance this time is indeed commendable," Mr. Liao said good-naturedly.
"Qian’er gets married, then Fugui marries, and now a banquet for Dalong, you think our family is a bit... like that?" It makes people think the family has too many events going on.
But Qian’s wedding date was set long ago. Yu’s family has a somewhat special status. This kind of big event must be studied and announced in advance. Yu Minglang’s job is also special, finding time to marry isn’t easy.
Although Fugui hasn’t been dating for long, these two kids are determined to rush into marriage. They’re materialists and atheists, but for this kind of thing, they’d rather believe in it, preferring to marry sooner than later.
Yet Dalong, this slacker, finally had a stroke of luck, and not holding a banquet wouldn’t suit the customs here. Even for a diploma, they set tables. Dalong’s third-tier score, though not as good as his brother Fugui and sister and brother-in-law, is still hard-earned. Qian’s mom is also troubled.
"All the events are coming together. That’s the custom here; I believe the relatives will understand," Mr. Liao has fewer concerns than Qian’s mom.
He won’t invite outsiders, just normal familial exchanges between direct relatives. If he openly hosted, there’d be too many people. Mr. Liao didn’t even go all out for his own son’s wedding, very frugal; Qian’s mom understands him.
"Ahem!" Dalong cleared his throat, determined to assert his presence. Finally, a chance to prove himself after being a useless son for so many years.
"Mom, actually, you don’t need to go through so much trouble, because I don’t plan to attend that school."
"You... what?!" Qian’s mom’s voice changed.
"What’s the point of attending a third-tier school? It’s costly, and the tuition is expensive. With my score, there aren’t many majors to choose from and poor career prospects... Ah! Mom, why did you hit me!" Dalong, simply wanting to assert his presence before family, hoped for his sister’s commanding presence. These words were pondered over for days.
Instead of the expected reaction, he received his mom’s sandal.
"Mom! Why did you hit me!" Dalong slid behind his brother-in-law, knowing his mom was mindful of his brother-in-law’s face, not even his sister’s words mattered.
"Mom, calm down, don’t hit him. He’s grown up." Yu Minglang intervened, stopping Qian’s mom from hitting Dalong.
"Minglang, get out of my way! Listen to what he’s saying! You little rascal, don’t hide behind your brother-in-law, come out! See if I won’t beat you to death!" Qian’s mom shouted at Dalong, and Mr. Liao quickly came to help her.
"Your blood pressure’s high, don’t get angry, let’s sit down and talk slowly."
"Oh, Liao! Life is unbearable!" Qian’s mom slapped her thigh, instantly transforming from an angry mother into a distressed woman, tears about to flow.
"Supporting two kids alone was so difficult; the difficulties mostly caused by this rascal. Qian’er has always been peace of mind, never worried me. Whether it’s studying or finding a partner, she never made me anxious. But look at this rascal! His sister studied abroad, he was picky at home, refusing to eat this or that. I stayed up late washing, cleaning, cooking for him. Finally, met Fugui, a great guy, patiently guiding him to college. But look, this rascal says he won’t go!"
Never give a menopausal woman an excuse to make trouble. Once started, it’s hard to stop. Qian’s mom began reminiscing, recalling the miserable past with tears and snot flowing. Dalong realized he stirred the hornet’s nest, quickly glancing at his older sister for help.
Qian anticipated this situation long ago, directing Xiaoqiang to cook, taking her mom into a room, closing the door for a private chat.
Mr. Liao joined Xiaoqiang preparing the meal, the men of the house hold low status, but no one minded. It was nice to have everyone gathered, organizing something together.
"Raising a daughter is good, she’s thoughtful," Mr. Liao said, watching Qian have a closed-door chat with Qian’s mom.
"Qian’er now is like your daughter, I’ll make sure she visits home often," Xiaoqiang, skilled at placating both mother-in-law and father-in-law, chatted away, cooking together.
"Qian’er, you shouldn’t have let Minglang stop me, your brother just needs a beating!" Qian’s mom is still angry at her unmotivated son.
Qian smiled.
"Actually, I think Dalong’s choice is right this time, you should be happy."
"What?"
Dalong waited anxiously outside, watching Yu Minglang and Mr. Liao busy in the kitchen, glancing at his mom and sister’s closed door. After a while, he felt upset and grabbed a game console to play.
As Xiaoqiang prepared the dishes, he glanced at his young brother-in-law, shaking his head.
No wonder the wife is so worried, this kid lacks foresight, needs some training, such a person is bound to face trouble.
"Qian’er, he doesn’t want to study! You say his decision is right this time, are you confused too? If you’re confused, what will I do?" Qian’s mom wept while complaining to her daughter.
Qian didn’t rush to answer. Instead, she opened her suitcase, taking out gifts for Qian’s mom and Mr. Liao.
"I brought you a set of skincare products, remember to use them regularly. And I got you a handbag, the color is quite stable, you can take it while socializing with my Uncle Liao. I also ordered a cheongsam for you to wear at my wedding. Although Uncle Liao doesn’t like drinking, occasional guests at home require a toast; Xiaoqiang got a few bottles of aged Moutai for him."
These are hard to come by; nobody is guaranteed them.
Qian treats her mom generously, likewise with her step-father. She doesn’t return often, but as long as Mr. Liao treats her mom well, these gifts are deserved.
"Why do you keep buying these things, it’s costly, last time’s still unused."
"You shouldn’t always use the same skincare; I notice your skin’s improvement recently, try this new one. I’ve renewed your beauty card, their service is good, just continue with them."
"Oh... do you think the heavens see your filialness, thus balancing with your brother so I won’t live too comfortably?"
