Xie Jinkui’s Heart Alarmed

Xie Jinkui was alarmed.

He and Xie Jinlan were staying at his aunt’s house and eating her food.

If they went to his home today, would so many people eat his family’s rations?

No, no.

However, Panpan and Tiantian were enthusiastic little kids, starting to pack their bags and directing Lin Xia and Lin Father to help their parents pack.

There were no fun children in Lin Grandma’s village, so if this uncle’s house had them, it would be great to go there.

“Auntie, hurry up and pack!”

Xie Jinkui was speechless, not knowing how to refuse.

Xie Jinlan, on the other hand, was happy because Lu Shaotang was going too!

By the time Lin Shu and Lu Shaotang returned from their walk, the two kids had already arranged everything clearly.

“We’re all going to stay at this uncle and aunt’s house for two days.”

Lin Shu: “It’s too crowded to stay. We can just go tomorrow and come back tomorrow.”

The goal was to drive away these shameless guests, not to actually stay at Jie’s house.

Panpan was unhappy. “But uncle and aunt have warmly invited us? There are so many interesting kids at their house.”

Xie Jinlan inexplicably persuaded, “Yes, my grandmother also misses you and your sister. Go ahead.”

Xie Jinkui subtly tugged at her sleeve, what are you talking about?

Their home only had four rooms for sleeping, and there were over ten people. Where would they fit?

Xie Jinlan didn’t think it was a big deal, saying other families managed with five or six people living together.

It would be crowded, but they’d manage.

She hoped her grandmother would help her.

Lin Mother also considered the issue of space and comforted the two kids, “Your great-grandma’s house really can’t accommodate so many people. Look at Grandma’s two rooms; we can barely fit. Your great-grandma’s house isn’t much bigger, and there are almost ten people there!”

The two kids counted and realized that it really wouldn’t fit.

Panpan then said to Xie Jinkui, “Uncle, how about this: you and this aunt go back first and let us know. We’ll come tomorrow.”

Though spoken innocently, these two kids were demanding pomegranate seeds, New Year’s money, and driving people away.

Xie Jinkui could no longer endure it.

He could no longer smile, his face looking quite bad, and said to Lin Mother and Lin Father, “Aunt, Uncle, we came to inform you that my grandmother is ill. We have delivered the message, so we will go home and wait for you.”

With that, he made as if to leave.

Lin Mother said, “Jinkui, don’t rush to leave. Have a meal before you go. Your sister is just about to cook.”

Xie Jinkui wanted to take advantage of this and sit back down on the kang (a traditional heated platform).

Panpan had already started waving her small hand.

Tiantian said, “Goodbye, Big Uncle and Auntie. See you tomorrow, don’t forget! Mwah…”

She blew kisses towards them, mimicking what she had learned from Lin Shu.

Since there was no money involved, she might as well act cute.

The village women liked it when she blew kisses.

The siblings couldn’t keep up the pretense any longer.

Since they were being asked to leave so blatantly, how could they stay?

Lin’s mother and father kept insisting they stay.

Xie Jinkui thought to himself: If you really wanted them to stay, wouldn’t you give that mouthy kid a couple of slaps? If you don’t, I’ll think you deliberately let the kid speak like that.

Lin Xia was on the verge of losing her temper.

She said to Lin’s mother, “It’s cold outside. You stay here, I’ll see them off.”

Before Xie Jinkui had even fully left the kang (heated bed), Lin Xia was already making moves to send them off.

Xie Jinlan, who had a thinner skin, couldn’t take it anymore.

She forced a smile that was even worse than crying and stormed out.

Xie Jinkui had no choice but to get off the kang, put on his shoes, and leave with a sullen expression.

He wanted to speak to the fourth aunt privately: Lin Shu’s kids really lacked manners and needed proper upbringing.

Otherwise, they might really make enemies and upset their relatives.

But Lin Xia kept a close watch on him, so he didn’t have a chance.

The siblings had ridden their bikes over and left with empty stomachs.

As they turned a corner, Xie Jinlan saw Lin Shu and Lu Shaotang strolling by the small river, hand in hand.

Lin Shu was smiling brightly.

Xie Jinlan almost scratched her palms in frustration.

She didn’t particularly like Lu Shaotang; she was just envious of Lin Shu.

She thought it was unfair that Lin Shu, who she considered less attractive, ended up with such a good match.

Back at the Xie family home.

Old Lady Xie, dressed in new winter clothes with a new hat and small shoes, walked briskly with a cane to greet them. “My dear grandchildren are back! Did you freeze?”

Her kind and caring demeanor was truly heartwarming.

However, Xie Jinkui looked gloomy and upset. “Grandma, I’m starving.”

Old Lady Jie also took a moment to show concern for Xie Jinlan, “Jinlan, are you cold? Quickly come inside and drink some hot soup. I’ve kept it warm for you.”

She wasn’t specifically warming it for Xie Jinlan, but her words made it seem like she was particularly concerned about her.

Once inside, after listening to her grandson and granddaughter complain, Old Lady Xie picked up her cane and started hitting the edge of the kang.

“While I’m getting an IV, she didn’t give a single penny? And your two sisters didn’t give anything either?”

She could hardly believe it!

It’s impossible to get money from a daughter who was raised by her own mother with great care.

And then there’s Lin Shu.

Although Lin Xia didn’t bring her, Lin Shu was raised by her.

She cared for her greatly when she was young, so how could she not show filial piety now that she’s married to a wealthy man?

Not only was it wrong not to show respect, but when asked for it, Lin Shu pretended not to understand?

Old Lady Xie had a knack for twisting facts with a bold face.

Lin Shu had stayed at her house a few times when she was young, but that was more about competing with Lin Nai (Grandma Lin) and trying to control her daughter and granddaughter.

She would feign illness to make her daughter come back and clean the bedding or do some chores.

Moreover, when Lin Mother took her daughter back, they had to bring their own food.

How could they possibly go back empty-handed?

Old Lady Xie didn’t mention this; she only said that her daughter and granddaughter often came to stay and that she was very fond of them.

And Lin Shu was practically raised by her.

Xie Jinlan said, “Grandma, don’t be angry. My fourth aunt is really ill and has been in the hospital in the city for several days. My sister and I are planning to visit her tomorrow.”

Old Lady Xie grumbled, “Being filial doesn’t mean you don’t need to go to the hospital. No matter how rich you are, if you’re not respectful, even going to the hospital is useless.”

Xie Jinlan whispered, “Grandma, Third Brother-in-law is also coming. Should we let Third Sister and her family stay?”

Old Lady Xie replied, “We’ll decide when they come.”

She then called her eldest daughter-in-law over and informed her that Lin Xia and Lin Shu would be coming the next day, asking her to tidy up the house.

It wasn’t about cleaning but hiding things she didn’t want to show or share.

She rummaged through her cabinet, pulling out a worn-out, patched winter coat and pants, preparing to wear them tomorrow.

She also wanted a city-style hat with fur, hoping her two granddaughters would buy one for her.

So, she hid her nice hat and found a shabby one to wear instead.

She said to her eldest daughter-in-law, “We’re not the kind of people who borrow money and live luxuriously while not repaying it. If you borrow money and still eat well at home, how can people not feel resentful?”

She wasn’t that kind of person.

She turned to Xie Jinkui and said, “I’m concerned about your fourth aunt’s illness. Go tell your second aunt to visit her.”

Then she reached into the corner of the kang (heated platform) and took out a small bag containing some summer millet with bugs, saying, “Give this to your second aunt. Her stomach isn’t good. I’m worried about her.”

Xie Jinkui said, “Grandma, you’re kind and thoughtful. I’ll go now.”

Old Lady Xie said, “If you’re not going to eat, then…”

Old Lady Xie said, “Going to visit your aunt, you’re such a filial and kind-hearted child. Your aunt will also feel for you.”

She moved a box of pastries from the kang cabinet, took out a few pieces of egg cake for Xie Jinkui to eat, and handed a piece to Xie Jinlan as well.

In the past, only her eldest son could enjoy pastries with her.

When her eldest grandson grew older and more sensible, he was the only one allowed to have some.