Chapter 75 The Unreasonable Lin Fugui

While the stew simmered, Lin Yuexi started to pan-fry the steak. She heated a skillet, poured in a little olive oil, and waited for the oil to heat up before adding the steak. She pan-fried it over medium-low heat until both sides were golden brown. She carefully timed the frying process based on the thickness of the steak and the children’s taste preferences, ensuring that the steak was tender and juicy inside. Once the steak was cooked, she removed it from the pan and placed it on a plate to rest for a while, allowing the juices to redistribute. Then, she cut it into small pieces, making it easier for the children to eat.

By this time, the perch in the steamer was almost cooked. Lin Yuexi took out the steamed perch, poured out the liquid from the plate, placed fresh scallions and ginger on top, drizzled some steamed fish soy sauce, and then poured hot oil over it. A “sizzle” sound filled the air, instantly releasing the fish’s freshness and the fragrance of the seasonings. Finally, Lin Yuexi used a blender to puree the corn kernels, poured them into a pot, added milk, a little salt and sugar, and simmered until thickened. The corn chowder was ready.

Lin Yuexi brought out the braised pork knuckle, steamed perch, pan-fried steak, tomato and potato eggplant stew, and corn chowder from the kitchen in her space and placed them on the dining table.

Just at that moment, Lin Yuexi’s father, Lin Fugui, arrived at the door. Lin Yuexi knew that her stepmother, Li Sanru, must have heard about her prosperous life and had sent Lin Fugui to ask for something.

Lin Yuexi glanced at Lin Fugui and said first, “The children and I are hungry. We’ll talk about anything else after we eat…”

Lin Fugui had never expected that after so long without seeing his daughter, Lin Yuexi would say something like that. He was momentarily stunned and speechless.

Lin Yuexi, Lu Ziyan, and Lu Xiyun leisurely ate the braised pork knuckle, steamed perch, pan-fried steak… Lin Fugui watched from the side, his mouth watering. Lu Ziyan even said as he ate, “Mommy, your braised pork knuckle is so delicious…”

Seeing him talking while eating, Lin Yuexi picked up a piece of eggplant and stuffed it into his mouth, “You can’t just eat meat. You need to eat organic fruits and vegetables…”

Lu Xiyun chimed in from the side, “Mommy’s right. Brother, you should eat less meat, or you’ll become a fattie…”

Lu Ziyan: “Xiyun, I won’t get fat…” He said, continuing to gnaw on his braised pork knuckle.

Lin Yuexi was completely speechless. She could only say, “Eat, eat. Don’t talk while eating or sleep while eating…”

Seeing that the mother and children were treating him like air, Lin Fugui began to admire Lin Yuexi’s home. The kitchen cabinets, the dining table in the dining room, the sewing machine in the outer room, the bicycle in the courtyard, the cabinets and chairs in the living room, the radio, the new blankets in the bedroom, the full set of new-style wardrobes, the face cream, lipstick, and soap on the dressing table, the children’s bathtub, foot basin, and so on, were all things he had never seen or used before…

Seeing that Lin Yuexi had suddenly bought so many new and fancy things after five years of marriage and had become so wealthy, Lin Fugui felt a little uneasy. His unfilial daughter, how could she be so rich? Why didn’t she send some things back to her mother’s family?

Lin Fugui thought this and said it out loud. “Yuexi, are all these things in the house, the sewing machine, the bicycle, the radio, the cabinets, did Lu Cheng buy them for you?”

Lin Yuexi glared at him and asked, “So what if he did, so what if he didn’t?”

“If he did, then you’re lucky to have married such a good man. You should thank your mother and me. If you had married that Li Mingyuan, you wouldn’t have anything…”

“Lin Fugui, say what you have to say, spit it out. Don’t just mumble about things that don’t matter…” Lin Yuexi said impatiently.

“You actually called me by my name, you didn’t call me Father…” Lin Fugui was a little surprised. In the past, this daughter had always been obedient and never dared to utter a peep, let alone call him by his name in front of him. But now, not only did she not call him Father, but she was also so arrogant.

“So what if I called you by your name? You never cared about me when I was growing up. Do you deserve to be called my Father?” Lin Yuexi wasn’t going to tolerate him.

“Alright! If you don’t want to call me Father, then so be it! But now that you’re so rich, your mother worked hard to raise you. She also helped you find such a good husband. You should buy some things to go back and see your mother!”

Lin Yuexi rolled her eyes. “Lin Fugui, are you out of your mind? Do you want me to cut a hole in your head and let the water out?”

“You dead girl, what kind of language is that?” Lin Fugui was starting to get angry.

“Lin Fugui, I started cooking when I was six years old, washing clothes when I was eight. I never had a full meal at home. When I got older, I not only had to work in the fields to earn work points every day, but I also had to do housework. In winter, my hands were always in cold water, full of chilblains. If it hadn’t been for my grandparents’ help, I would have starved to death. After my grandparents passed away, you never cared about me. Li Sanru constantly harassed me, making me sleep in the pigsty and not giving me food. You didn’t even see…”

Lin Fugui listened to Lin Yuexi’s accusations, but he remained unmoved. “Back then, all the girls in every family were like that. It was to make you learn to do things early and become responsible early. That way, you wouldn’t be at a disadvantage when you married into your husband’s family…”

“Then what about Lin Wan? Why doesn’t Lin Wan work in the fields or do housework when she’s already a teenager?” Lin Fugui was a little puzzled. “You’re the older sister. Why do you have to do it, and she doesn’t?”

“If she doesn’t learn to do things, aren’t you afraid that she’ll be bullied when she marries into her husband’s family?”

Lin Fugui burst into laughter. “My Wanwan is so smart. How could she be at a disadvantage when she marries?…”

Lin Yuexi was speechless. Her grandparents were such intelligent people, yet they had let their daughter marry such a stupid and brainless man. Wasn’t that a path to ruin? No, there must be something fishy going on. Lin Yuexi couldn’t be Lin Fugui’s biological daughter! Otherwise, why didn’t Li Sanru ever work in the fields or do housework after marrying into the Lin family? She made Lin Yuexi, who was less than eight years old, constantly busy around the stove. Lin Fugui didn’t even care.

Thinking about this, Lin Yuexi said, “Lin Fugui, a married daughter is like water spilled, and besides, you already sold me for 200 yuan. From then on, I’m no longer your daughter.”

“Lin Yuexi, what are you talking about? The 200 yuan was the bride price the Lu family gave to my Lin family. How can you say that you were sold? Besides, there are plenty of people in the village who send things back to their mothers’ families after they get married. Don’t be silly…”

Hearing Lin Fugui’s words, Lin Yuexi knew that it was pointless to argue with him. She said, “Lin Fugui, you can go back now. We’ll talk about anything else later…”

“Will you be free tomorrow to come back?”

“Tomorrow, no.”

“Then how about the day after tomorrow? Be sure to remember to buy some things for your mother.” Lin Fugui reminded her before leaving.

Lin Yuexi shook her head. It was truly tragic that the original Lin Yuexi had such a terrible father.