"I... I..." Er La Niang didn't dare raise her voice at her brothers and their wives. "I really don't have any money."
After she spoke, Er La Niang gave Zhang Erlai a pleading look. The meaning was obvious: she had no money, but she hoped Zhang Erlai would come up with some to smooth things over for her.
Watching from outside the fence, Su Qing couldn't help but frown, a wave of sympathy for Zhang Erlai washing over her. She hadn't interacted with him much, but from their few encounters, she could tell he was a good person with sound principles, and he was pleasant to be around.
But to be stuck with such an unreliable mother.
Zhang Erlai could hardly miss his mother's meaning. He felt a fire ignite in his gut. "Mother," he said irritably, "don't look at me like that. I don't have any money. And even if I did, that's no reason to give it to robbers."
Er La Niang's older sister-in-law was instantly offended. "Er Lai, what's that supposed to mean? Who are you calling robbers?"
