Chapter 26: Su Nuan’s confidence in picking up food comes from her own man

Everyone fell silent. After all, everyone present had benefited from Song Chunfeng’s financial support. He Xiaomei had even boasted about it, proudly mentioning that her brother-in-law sent all his monthly earnings back to the family.  She herself, after deducting expenses for social events, had saved 200-300 yuan over the past few years!

Su Nan felt a warmth spread through her heart.  She hadn’t expected Song Chunfeng to be so protective of her in front of his family. She wasn’t worried about being bullied outside anymore; Song Chunfeng would always defend her, just like he did now.  Su Nan softly invited Song Chunfeng to sit beside her. “Let’s eat,” she said, picking up her chopsticks and, under everyone’s gaze, placing a piece of stir-fried green pepper and pork into his bowl.

Her husband contributed so much to the family; what was wrong with her serving him first? Even if she ate the entire dish, no one could complain! Su Nan’s confidence came from her husband. Song Chunfeng smiled indulgently and ate the green pepper and pork Su Nan had served him. “My wife’s cooking is the best!” he said. The others thought, “We’re so full of dog food…”

After dinner, Su Nan stopped He Xiaomei from clearing the table and instructed Li Tiantian, “You wash the dishes.” “Big sister-in-law cooked dinner, it’s your turn to wash the dishes,” Li Tiantian retorted, “You didn’t cook either!” “But my husband gives money to the family!” “Did you contribute to the household expenses?” Li Tiantian’s open mouth snapped shut. She knew Su Nan would use this against her!  Reluctantly cleaning the table, she heard Su Nan ask, “I think only Li Tiantian hasn’t contributed to the household expenses, right?” He Xiaomei immediately added, “And Aunt Ye.”  The mother and daughter were like parasites, freeloading for years! “Does your family enjoy supporting idlers?” Su Nan exclaimed, seemingly forgetting she was one of them. “It’s *our* family,” He Xiaomei gently reminded her. Su Nan chuckled awkwardly, “No big deal.”

 “I have a suggestion. Since we all contribute to the household expenses, shouldn’t the household chores be done by those who don’t contribute? Except for Chunxiao, she’s family, and she doesn’t work, so she doesn’t need to contribute.” Li Tiantian immediately wanted to refuse. “Su Nan, you’re bullying me!” He Xiaomei, who had long disliked her, readily agreed, “I support Su Nan’s suggestion!” “We work hard from morning till night, why should we cook for you when we get home?” Li Tiantian, realizing she couldn’t win against so many people, turned to Song Tongzhou, “Uncle, they’re bullying me, wuwu…” Song Tongzhou’s expression darkened, his face turning grim. Su Nan was too much.

Not only did she cause chaos at home, she was now teaming up with his eldest daughter-in-law to stir up trouble?  A man’s unstable position leads to an unstable home! He slammed the table, making the chopsticks clatter to the floor. The room fell silent, the atmosphere tense. Everyone looked at each other. Song Tongzhou was pleased; his authority remained.  In a loud, strong voice, he declared, “Chunfeng, control your wife! If you can’t, don’t blame me for being unkind!” Li Tiantian watched Su Nan expectantly, but saw no fear on her face.

This woman was too calm, as if she were Song Tongzhou’s deceased mother; even if he was powerful, she was still his son’s wife! Song Chunxiao also glanced at Su Nan, surprised by her unwavering composure. Even she, his daughter, was afraid of her father’s anger.  Then Song Chunfeng spoke rapidly but clearly, “Dad, take care of your own affairs first!” His words had several meanings: First, he couldn’t even manage his own affairs, yet he wanted to manage his? Second, he had no right to control his wife.

 Third, he wasn’t afraid of him; his threats wouldn’t work. Song Tongzhou was furious, smashing anything within reach! Song Chunfeng’s words had struck a nerve, enraging him. He pointed at Song Chunfeng’s nose and yelled, “So you’re capable now? You’ve forgotten your father after getting married?” Song Chunfeng remained unfazed. “Xiaonuan is right. Those who don’t contribute to the household expenses should do the housework. Our Song family doesn’t support idlers!”

 “If you don’t like it, you can pay for their expenses. Xiaonuan and I will live in the military district and stop sending money home!”  He Xiaomei and Song Chuntian’s faces paled. They had stayed in the same household for years to receive Song Chunfeng’s support; now he was cutting them off?! Song Tongzhou regretted escalating the situation. His salary could support his daughter and mother-in-law, but maintaining their previous comfortable lifestyle would be difficult. However, he had no way out.

 He insisted, “Of course I can support them! But you still have to send money home! Supporting the family is your responsibility!” As long as he got the money, whether he used it to support Ye Hong and her daughter didn’t matter. Besides, which son didn’t support his family? The label of unfilial son would scare anyone to death! Unless Song Chunfeng didn’t want a promotion, he wouldn’t be so ruthless!

Song Chunfeng scoffed, “Xiaonuan and I will manage our expenses in the military. Why should we send money home?” Before Song Tongzhou could respond, he continued, “You didn’t contribute a penny to my wedding or the banquet, and now you’re asking me for money? Who gave you the nerve?” Song Chunfeng was deeply disappointed in his father and had no qualms about confronting him, leaving everyone speechless.

 Su Nan gave him an approving look. Having such a husband was enough! Song Tongzhou, speechless, rubbed his temples. This rebellious son was uncontrollable! He irritably said, “You married this woman, and you expect me to pay for your wedding? I said I didn’t approve of this marriage, but did you listen?

 She’s an illiterate country girl. I really don’t know what you see in her.” Su Nan felt slightly uncomfortable being called illiterate to her face. Fortunately, she wasn’t!  Looking back, she was glad she had finished high school after transmigrating; otherwise, she wouldn’t know how to slap this condescending man in the face!