Chapter 9: I Won’t Interfere

Driver Liu was hesitant. “But Madam, the Fourth Young Mistress said she’s going back to her parents’ home.”

He Xinran then noticed Jiang Xianli standing nearby and, grabbing her hand with a smile, said, “Fourth Sister-in-law, you can go home however you like, but I need the car today to attend a gathering with friends I grew up with. I must show them that I’m living the best and richest life now!”

Before Jiang Xianli could respond, He Xinran had already gotten into the car.

“Driver, drive.”

He Xinran didn’t forget to roll down the window to wave at Jiang Xianli, “Goodbye.”

Watching the car drive away, Jiang Xianli sighed.

Forget it; she didn’t want to carry so many things to the Jiang family anyway.

From the gifts she had brought, she picked out two bottles of wine, bought two fish and two pounds of pork belly from the market, and then rode her bicycle to the Jiang family home.

Jiang Xianli didn’t expect that when she entered the house, Jiang Xianhui and Wu Jianting were already there.

Wu Jianting was sitting on a stool with his sleeves rolled up, showing a long blood mark on his arm, while Jiang Xianhui was tenderly applying medicine to him.

“Second sister, you’re back,” her brother Jiang Xianyang hurriedly greeted her. Hearing the commotion, everyone else came out of the house.

“Oh, Lili’s back! It’s only been a short time since you married, and your mother already misses you,” Zhao Xiumei said, pulling Jiang Xianli’s arm and looking outside. “Where’s Jingcheng? Why did you come by bicycle? Didn’t you come by car?”

“Xie Jingcheng had something to do and couldn’t come. I don’t drive, so how else would I get here?”

The distance from the Xie family estate to here was at least seven or eight miles.

Zhao Xiumei’s smile faded as she looked at the items hanging from the bicycle. Her expression instantly changed.

“The Xie family is a wealthy household. For a daughter-in-law’s return visit, they only let you bring these things?”

Jiang Xianli was somewhat displeased. “I prepared these myself; it has nothing to do with the Xie family.”

“Well, you should have bought more. Your brother is getting married soon, and his wife will also need to visit her parents. If you bring more things, she can take them back to her parents’ house, which will save money and show that our family is generous.”

Jiang Xianli glanced at her. “Don’t even think about it in the future. The fact that I married into the Xie family and you received over six thousand in betrothal gifts is already the biggest compromise. If you have any more excessive ideas, I won’t come back ever again.”

Saying this, she turned to leave.

Zhao Xiumei quickly grabbed her hand. “Why are you angry? I know you’re feeling wronged; it’s all my fault. I apologize. Sit down and rest for a while. I’ll make you your favorite braised fish for lunch.”

Even though she was frustrated with Jiang Xianli’s stubborn attitude, she still had to appease her.

If her other daughters had spoken to her like this, she would have slapped them directly.

But Jiang Xianli had always been stubborn and wouldn’t respond to gentle persuasion. She meant what she said.

Though Zhao Xiumei was a common woman, she was also shrewd.

Even though Jiang Xianli didn’t support her family, she had married into a wealthy family, and maintaining a good relationship with her and the Xie family could bring some benefits.

If she fell out with Jiang Xianli, she might not even get to enjoy this little bit of advantage.

After all, she was her own mother, and Jiang Xianli didn’t want to make things too awkward.

As long as she didn’t harm her, she wouldn’t truly cut off ties with the Jiang family.

“Second sister, heh… please sit.”

Jiang Xianhui eagerly moved a chair for Jiang Xianli. “I’m sorry for what I said yesterday.”

Jiang Xianli snorted and sat down without saying a word.

She knew very well that her sister probably wished she could eat her alive right now. But Jiang Xianhui was still pretending to be nice, probably hoping to borrow some money from her to help Wu Jianting.

Of course, Jiang Xianhui, being reborn, might also be looking for investment opportunities, wanting some funds for a business venture.

But no matter what, she wouldn’t give her a single cent.

Seeing Jiang Xianli’s grim expression, Zhao Xiumei immediately smiled and said, “Lili, you don’t know, but if it weren’t for Jianting, you wouldn’t have a mother today. I almost got hit by a car this morning, but Jianting protected me. I’m safe, but Jianting’s arm was injured.

Sigh! Thinking back, I used to be biased against Jianting. Now that he’s married to your sister, he’s like a son to me. The palm and the back of the hand are both flesh; I can’t just watch them starve on the streets.

Anyway, we have two empty rooms at home. I thought of renting them to them for 20 yuan a month. What do you think?”

She was suggesting that Jiang Xianhui and Wu Jianting move in.

One reason was that she felt sorry for her younger daughter.

Another reason was that with Jiang Xianli married and no one left to help at home, Wu Jianting’s strength could be useful, and she could make some extra money.

Such a good deal—why not take it?

Jiang Xianli didn’t want to get involved in their petty issues. The three of them together had 800 heartaches.

“The house is yours. How you decide to handle it is up to you. I won’t interfere.”

“Good, good! I knew it, Lili is the most filial child. You’re all flesh from my body, and I love each of you the same. I hope everyone can live well. Now that our family is together again, I’m truly happy. Lili, you and Jianting rest for a while. Xianhui, Yangyang, help me out in the kitchen. Let’s go make lunch.”

“Alright, Mom!”

Jiang Xianhui and Jiang Xianyang followed Zhao Xiumei into the kitchen.

Wu Jianting looked at Jiang Xianli and, with a feigned emotional tone, asked, “Lili, is Xie Jingcheng not good to you?”