Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Jiao exchanged a knowing smile, indeed, trouble was brewing.
Zhang Guoqing, after years of interacting with the Zhou Family, could say he'd completely figured them out.
Who was Zhang Guoqing? A man with no background who still managed to be a top student on scholarship every year. During college, he was the student council president as well as the external relations director. Upon graduation, he immediately joined a Fortune 300 company and within two short years became a manager—a true talent.
He could understand their intentions just with a single glance.
Mrs. Zhou began recounting how she raised her two daughters back in the day, emphasizing her struggles and how she scrimped and saved to cultivate accomplished daughters.
Hearing this, Zhou Jiao couldn't hold back her laughter and awkwardly waved her hand when everyone looked her way, "Mom, go on. Today is your birthday, you're the most important, say whatever you want."
The nearby relatives and friends felt embarrassed to listen any further. The happenings within the Zhou Family were known to all, yet everyone tactfully kept silent.
For a moment, apart from the still clueless children who continued eating and drinking, everyone else put down their chopsticks. This dinner was halfway through, yet it became a complaint session, not something that showed consideration for the guests. Originally, everyone was happy to gather and chat, and now it was starting again.
Mrs. Zhou was interrupted by Zhou Jiao, and, just about to reach over to hit her, noticed the younger son-in-law closely watching her actions, she hurriedly withdrew her hand and patted her own thigh instead.
Mr. Zhou quickly tried to smooth things over, "Everyone, eat, don't put down your chopsticks. As parents, we naturally worry about our children, they're our own flesh and blood, wanting to treat them all equally is impossible. But my youngest son, still requires help from his two brothers-in-law. Otherwise, we wouldn't be at ease when we're gone.
What does it mean to be kin, true siblings, there's no one closer than you in this world. You two as sisters have capabilities, Dad knows this, and believes our daughters are not inferior to our son. But your little brother, will still rely on you in the future."
Zhou Jiao just wanted to retort. If it weren't for the number of people watching, afraid of embarrassing her father. Just wanted to ask him if she wasn't currently supporting them? If he truly wanted to treat them equally, why even take from her house as well? Look at her father, truly a character, both helpless and bitter, yet praised high, those unaware of the truth would likely blame them as daughters for not understanding parental concerns.
Zhang Guoqing noticed Zhou Jiao's face turning in anger, quickly held her hand and patted it soothingly. His wife was pregnant, anger wouldn't do. Harboring resentment towards the Zhou family too, each time he tried easing relations between them, only for them to become too demanding. Meanwhile, not paying much attention to what Mrs. Zhou was saying next.
Mrs. Zhou continued from where Mr. Zhou left off, "Yes, when you were little you both said your brother would be your support. Now seeing the sibling bonding gives us peace. Recently, I went to the city to look at houses.
Oh, truly wonderful. Unfortunately, your father and I are old, without the ability. Then I thought, both of you sisters are in the city, it'd be good for your brother to live near you for easier care. Isn't calling him for help in times of need better than reaching out to others? Your brother currently hasn't a job, it'd be easier finding one in the city, with household registration there, better education for the children. Surely, you wouldn't refuse to help with this, would you?"
For a while, aside from the eldest sister, her husband, and Zhou Jiao's couple remaining silent, others started whispering. Meanwhile, Zhou Jiao's little brother and sister-in-law continued to eat without any expression. They probably assumed the sisters' contribution was only natural. Why wasn't there talk of writing an IOU?
Again, the old topic of buying a house was raised, in front of relatives and guests, mentioning a shortfall of 300,000. The outcome was obvious, seeing this becoming dissuaded would not work, witnessing Zhou family's youngest couple making no mention of repayment plans. Relatives have borrowing and repaying customs, a couple should take a stance, pretending not to notice and indulging in good food, why would others care to offend for them.
Taking the opportunity, guests excused themselves and left. Well, the Zhou family would have news again tomorrow, entertaining folks in the countryside with nothing better to do.
The two sons-in-law buried in conversation, neither continued the topic, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Zhou feeling awkward. Mr. Zhou and the others knew this meant they didn't want to agree. Mrs. Zhou wore a stern face, even the sister-in-law didn't tidy up, returning to her room with a sullen expression.
Zhou Jiao seeing this let out a laugh, face too big, who indulged you?
Zhou Jiao and her elder sister Zhou Hui hastily packed their things, dragging their husbands away. Staying longer would mean cleaning the aftermath, leaving no time to go home today. Already spending money and effort, what's the point?
Zhou Hui whispered in Zhou Jiao's ear, "Second sister, you better not give any more money. Xiao Juan's family said we sisters should buy a house for our little brother. Look at us, we live in small houses, who doesn't know if they had money they'd buy directly!
Dad and Mom's house just got finished, now wanting to move to the city, why don't they ascend to heaven? Anyway, I can't subsidize my maternal family anymore, my mother-in-law already disapproves. You should also be cautious, don't let parents' affairs affect marital harmony. Buying a house? Who doesn't want that? I also want to save up and move to a city myself."
Zhang Guoqing noticed his wife's expression change since getting in the car. Knowing she always felt low for days after dealing with her family, it's better to minimize visits, preferably avoid going altogether. Affection isn't bought with money. Simply cherishing each other as husband and wife suffices, unnecessary to seek discomfort.
Sometimes Zhang Guoqing thought to himself, being an orphan like him saves worry and trouble. Visiting the Welfare Institute as scheduled to see the children, supporting their education feels fulfilling. Sometimes unreasonable family and biased parents leave people even more helpless, blood ties indeed can't be severed just like that.
No matter how angry his wife is now, the required filial duties should still be upheld. But house purchasing proposals end here, thinking of the current home given by Mrs. Zhang, well, who is Zhang Guoqing?
He hasn't transferred the property yet, planning on awaiting their new house purchase, then transferring this home under Mrs. Zhang's name to the Welfare Institute for those children's security. But he doesn't worry about himself, after the new year, if transferred he hopes to become the branch manager, with annual income plus previous savings completely capable of buying a new home. Not to mention their college savings as a couple, raising a child bears no pressure.