Free Web NovelChapter 448: Chapter 447: Of Course I’ll Help If I Can
Over at the Zhang family’s home, dinner was also on the table.
Zhang Qian’s older brother and sister-in-law were there too.
Zhang Hongjie and Huang Ying hadn’t seen their daughter’s family in a long time, so they were especially happy to have them back for the New Year. Huang Ying had cooked a huge feast.
This was especially true for Zheng Lingrui. The last time they saw him, he was just a little kid, but now he was a tall young man of 1.7 meters. Huang Ying couldn’t stop doting on him.
Unfortunately, Zhang Yunlei hadn’t returned. Otherwise, the whole family would have been reunited. It wasn’t that Zhang Qian hadn’t invited him; he just chose not to come back.
Zhang Yunlei had moved out of Zhang Qian’s place at the end of last year and rented his own apartment. According to Xue Xingjun, he seemed to be seeing someone.
Zhang Yunlei hadn’t told Zhang Qian and the others about it, and Zhang Qian hadn’t pried. The boy was grown now, and there was only so much she, his aunt, could do.
Besides, it was just dating. If it ever got to the point of marriage, Zhang Qian would certainly help look things over.
Zhao Yunyun, on the other hand, kept pestering Zhang Qian for details about her son in Beijing City. How was his job? Why wasn’t he coming home for the New Year?
It was as if her son being in Beijing City meant Zhang Qian was fully responsible for him, but she seemed to forget that Zhang Yunlei was a grown man.
Zhang Yunlei had called home to say he wasn’t coming back, explaining that he didn’t want to travel back and forth. Zhao Yunyun knew this.
Having just arrived, Zhang Qian didn’t want to make things awkward, even though she couldn’t stand her sister-in-law. So for every question Zhao Yunyun asked, she gave a simple reply.
Finally, it was Zhang Hui who said to Zhao Yunyun, "Alright, if the boy didn’t come back, he must have his reasons. Stop asking."
Zhao Yunyun glared at Zhang Hui and said, "Is that something a father should say? Your son is all alone in Beijing City, spending the New Year by himself. How pitiful is that? Besides, what could possibly be so important?"
Zhang Hui said helplessly, "Didn’t Xiao Lei already tell you on the phone? And you agreed to it."
Zhao Yunyun retorted, "When did I agree? It’s not like I had a choice! I’m not in Beijing City, and the boy just said a few words and hung up."
"Exactly. We’re not there with him. Even if you ask Qianqian and find something out now, what can you do about it?"
Afraid the couple would start fighting, Huang Ying quickly interjected, "Alright, let’s just eat. The food’s getting cold."
Zhang Hongjie turned to the silent Xue Xingzhou. "I hear there have been a lot of layoffs in Beijing City too. Has it affected your and Qianqian’s jobs?"
Xue Xingzhou shook his head. "No."
He had even been promoted to captain.
Zhang Hui looked at them with envy.
At the beginning of this year, Zhao Yunyun had also been laid off. Only Zhang Hui was working to support the family, but his factory wasn’t doing well either and hadn’t paid wages in half a year.
The couple was so worried that they were starting to get white hairs. Their son was now of marrying age, and they didn’t have much in savings.
Zhao Yunyun had come back early this year precisely because she wanted to get some money from her father-in-law and mother-in-law.
Zhang Hongjie had retired the year before last, and Huang Ying didn’t work. They didn’t have much in savings, but they didn’t need to trouble their children either. At least Zhang Hongjie had his retirement pension.
Upon returning, Zhao Yunyun had tearfully complained about needing to find a wife for their grandson. As he was their only grandson, Zhang Hongjie and his wife doted on him, of course. Knowing their son’s family was in a difficult situation, they had agreed to give them some money.
Hearing this, Zhao Yunyun’s mind started churning again.
She asked Xue Xingzhou, "Brother-in-law, you two must earn quite a bit in a year."
Xue Xingzhou glanced at Zhao Yunyun and replied, "It’s alright."
Zhao Yunyun immediately sighed. "I’m so envious of you. It really pays to be a college graduate—you get good jobs. Not like us. I’ve been laid off, your big brother isn’t getting paid, and Xiao Lei is old enough to get married. I just don’t know what we’re going to do."
Xue Xingzhou said, "Layoffs are happening everywhere this year. If Big Brother’s salary doesn’t come through, maybe you could start a small business. You can make money that way too."
Zhao Yunyun quickly said, "That’s easier said than done. Not just anyone can run a small business. Zhang Hui and I don’t have any special skills. Besides, you need capital to start a business, and we don’t have any money." fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
So, in the end, she didn’t want to invest in a business and she didn’t have a job. There was nothing more to be said.
Zhao Yunyun turned to Zhang Qian. "Qianqian, you’re doing well, so I’ll just be blunt. Xiao Lei is the only grandson in the Zhang family. When it’s time for him to get married, you have to help out."
Zhang Hui also looked at Zhang Qian.
Zhang Qian nodded. "If Xiao Lei gets married, as his aunt, I’ll certainly help where I can."
Hearing this, Zhao Yunyun was stunned for a moment, then instantly overjoyed.
She said excitedly, "Qianqian, with you saying that, your sister-in-law can rest easy. Here, have some food, have some food."
As she spoke, she even picked up a piece of food with her chopsticks and put it on Zhang Qian’s plate.
Zhang Hui glanced at Zhang Qian several times in surprise. He had thought she would refuse, especially since his wife and his sister were constantly at odds.
After dinner, Zhao Yunyun didn’t even let Zhang Qian help, clearing the dishes and washing them all by herself.
Zhang Qian almost wanted to laugh.
After returning to their room, she said to Xue Xingzhou, "Finally, some peace and quiet. Money really is powerful. At least we won’t have to walk on eggshells around her for the next few days."
Xue Xingzhou laughed.
’I’m used to it.’
She really was used to it. Every time Zhao Yunyun saw them, she was always angling for something, her goal always being to gain some benefit, take advantage of them, or, like this time, ask for money outright.
Zhang Qian snorted softly. "I bet Mom has already given her what little money she had."
Zhang Qian knew her mother all too well. She was a soft touch, and her grandson was her greatest weakness. Nearly every time Zhao Yunyun asked her for money, she would give it.
"It’s perfectly normal. Your sister-in-law lost her job, and your big brother’s situation is what it is. With the way things are in general right now, they’re definitely not having an easy time. It’s only right to help them out a little. We’re all family, after all."
Besides, if we refused every time, it would probably get very ugly, and it would put your parents in a difficult position, caught in the middle.
Zhang Qian sighed. "You’re right. Blood is thicker than water. He’s my brother, after all. If they’re not doing well, it makes Mom and Dad miserable too. I heard from Xing Jun that Yun Lei is seeing someone. If he’s really getting married, I’ll help him out as his aunt. At least then I can say I’ve done my part."
Xue Xingzhou nodded. He had no objections. Zhang Yunlei had lived with them for several years, and he was actually a good kid. He didn’t have any major flaws and had never caused them any trouble. It was right to help if they could.
Meanwhile, Huang Ying was also discussing the matter with Zhang Hongjie.
"I didn’t expect Qianqian to actually agree. Look how happy Yunyun is."
Zhang Hongjie said, "Our daughter isn’t a cold-blooded person. Even before she was married, she let her get away with a lot. Now that Zhang Hui and his family are in trouble, of course she won’t just stand by and do nothing. But things aren’t easy for Qianqian and her husband in Beijing City, either. Not only is she busy with work, but Xingzhou’s job is dangerous. It’s not like their money grows on trees."
Huang Ying nodded. "You’re right."
Huang Ying also felt for her daughter. She lived so far away, and Huang Ying knew a little about her work at the newspaper—it was exhausting.
"In any case, at least we can have a peaceful New Year now."
Huang Ying was also afraid of Zhao Yunyun’s cold shoulder. She didn’t mind if it was directed at her, but with Xue Xingzhou present, it was always awkward.
