Chapter 176: Don’t You Know?

“Will Director Zhou go back on his word? I’ve invited everyone I should,” Hu Meili said with a bitter face. “If this marriage falls through, it will ruin your reputation.”

“It’s okay if it doesn’t work out. But Mom, don’t worry, I’ll go ask Zhou’s family tomorrow morning.”

Lin Xiangdong knew he was reaching too high. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have repeatedly refused Zhou Kangmei’s advances.

When Director Zhou approached him about marriage, he agreed because he knew the Zhou family had something to ask for, and that made him feel at ease.

But now it seemed that the Zhou family’s request might not be fulfilled.

Seeing Lin Xiangdong like this, Hu Meili felt sorry for him, but still warned, “Having the child take the Zhou surname is already my biggest concession. There’s no way he’s going to be a son-in-law. If the Zhou family mentions that, I’ll turn my back on them immediately.”

It was fine for the child to take the mother’s surname, but if Lin Xiangdong became a son-in-law, he would have to live in the Zhou family’s house and be at their mercy.

Hu Meili had been a young wife herself, and knew that a son-in-law was no different from a new bride, always subject to grievance.

“The family has arranged a job for you, prepared a wedding house, and the dowry money is ready. I’ve done everything a mother can do. If you dare to be a son-in-law, I really won’t recognize you as my son.”

She couldn’t possibly disown her son, but Hu Meili’s words were harsh enough to deter Lin Xiangdong from wavering.

“Mom, what do you think I am? This marriage doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. It’s not like it affects me.” Lin Xiangdong had prepared himself for a long period of singleness. Zhou Kangmei was just an unexpected event.

But before Lin Xiangdong could go to the Zhou family, Director Zhou came to see Hu Meili himself.

Seeing Director Zhou, Hu Meili’s face twisted for a moment, but she quickly forced a smile and greeted him warmly.

“In-law, there’s something I want to discuss with you, but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to bring it up.”

Seeing Director Zhou’s attitude, Hu Meili knew what was coming, and her heart filled with anger. She immediately silenced him.

“If it’s not appropriate to bring it up, then don’t say it.”

After spending a lot of time with Lin Xiangnan, Hu Meili’s ability to retort had skyrocketed.

Director Zhou chuckled and explained, “The local authorities probably haven’t started promoting it yet, but the provincial leaders just issued an instruction. Now, a family can only have two children at most. If the first child is a son, they are not allowed to have a second child. Everyone will know about it soon.”

“What’s wrong with having two children? They’re just being idle, interfering even in couples’ childbearing matters.” Hu Meili muttered under her breath.

“It’s the experts’ suggestion, there’s nothing we can do about it.” Director Zhou said, “The policy is there, you can only have one son, otherwise your work will be affected. My point is, maybe we should discuss the son-in-law matter.”

“That’s not possible. I raised my son for your family. Who will take care of me when I’m old?”

“Isn’t there Xiangxi?”

Hu Meili shook her head firmly, “Our family is not the kind that can’t afford to marry a wife. If you want to find a son-in-law, go find families with more sons. We only have two sons, and I can’t bear to part with either of them.”

Everyone knew that a son-in-law was inferior, and Lin Xiangdong’s conditions weren’t bad, so he wouldn’t need to be a son-in-law.

The Zhou family was well-off and could easily find a son-in-law, but those men usually lacked skills and Zhou Kangmei wouldn’t be interested.

They couldn’t even earn enough to marry a wife, how could they catch Zhou Kangmei’s eye?

So, the matter reached a dead end.

Director Zhou sighed and turned to Lin Xiangdong, asking, “What do you young people think about this?”

“When we were discussing it before, I already took a step back. A person can’t keep retreating.” Lin Xiangdong was good-tempered, but even a good temper couldn’t make him want to be a son-in-law in the Zhou family.

He was the eldest son and had to take care of Hu Meili in her old age. He wouldn’t do that even if he died.

Lin Xiangdong’s refusal made the atmosphere awkward.

After a few seconds, Lin Xiangdong took the initiative to say, “The policy is there, no one can do anything about it. Kangmei and I haven’t gotten our marriage license yet, so there’s still room for maneuver. Maybe we should just call off the marriage.”

Director Zhou’s only requirement was a grandson, and since he couldn’t provide that, the partnership breaking down was normal.

Seeing Hu Meili and her son so resolute, Director Zhou also said, “Since you’ve said so, then the marriage is off. Our Zhou family doesn’t lack for men who want to be sons-in-law. It doesn’t have to be you.”

Although he was the one who made the unreasonable request, Director Zhou was still angry after being rejected. When he left, his face was not good.

After he left, Hu Meili secretly spat, “What’s so great about being a director? Can he bully people with his position? If he dares to give you any trouble, tell Mom, and I’ll go to the factory and scold him to death.”

Lin Xiangdong comforted her, “He won’t. After things turned out like this, the Zhou family will be too busy trying to save themselves.”

“There’s not even a fortune teller on the street now. Otherwise, I would definitely find a fortune teller to give you a good reading. Why is your marriage always so unlucky?” Hu Meili cheered up and comforted him, “But don’t worry, I will definitely find you a good one.”

“Mom, let’s talk about it in a couple of years.”

“Right. Let’s wait for the storm to pass.”

The marriage was off, and Hu Meili felt both joy and sorrow.

The sorrow was that her son’s already bad reputation was further tarnished. The joy was that Lin Xiangdong wouldn’t have to suffer any more.

Hu Meili knew the benefits of having a powerful in-law. Having a good father-in-law would mean her future grandchildren would live a comfortable life. But those grandchildren were just shadows, and she wouldn’t sacrifice her son for them.

Just when Hu Meili was still trying to come to terms with her emotions, Lin Xiangnan’s telegram arrived.

“I’m just stating facts, I don’t mean anything else. Big brother and Zhou Kangmei are a good match, but the reality is a bit harsh…To avoid affecting work, some pregnant female comrades in the factory have gone to the hospital…The problem of having children is stuck in the middle, big brother’s marriage seems difficult, it’s really not simple…Finally, I’ll be home on time for the wedding.”

Hu Meili held the telegram, speechless, and complained, “Your sister sends telegrams like they’re free, rambling on and on, never getting to the point. ‘Seems difficult’, ‘really not simple’, isn’t that obvious?”

“Big brother’s marriage is a big deal, even if second sister wants to say something, she has to lay the groundwork.” Lin Xiangxi understood.

Lin Xiangdong was family, so she had to be tactful, lest she affect their sibling relationship.

But when it came to outsiders, Lin Xiangnan was less polite.

When Luo Caixia came to ask about her pregnancy, Lin Xiangnan replied directly, “Raising a son doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll take care of you in your old age, but the unit will definitely give you a pension. Is a son more reliable or is the unit more reliable? Don’t you know?”