Chapter 39: The Joyful Atmosphere Is Interrupted

Song Yeqing suddenly remembered that the original host had a lighter taste in food and had only started getting used to spicy food in the past two years. So, she quickly explained, “It only looks red—it’s actually not that spicy.”

Her own taste wasn’t particularly light, but not very heavy either. So she had bought hotpot base that was fragrant and mildly spicy—it truly wasn’t very hot.

The dish she made somewhat resembled mala xiang guo (dry hotpot)? No, actually, it didn’t even qualify as a proper mixed dish—there were too few ingredients.

Song Yeqing felt a bit regretful. If only she had tofu skin, green bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, and beef—it would be perfect. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro would’ve been the finishing touch.

But thinking was one thing—she didn’t dare take out all those vegetables. With that much variety and how fresh they were, it would definitely draw too much attention.

While stir-frying the hotpot base, Song Yeqing had asked Young Madam Wu to help wash the shepherd’s purse (a wild green). After blanching it in a clay pot, they set it aside to cool.

She hadn’t dug the plant out by the roots—only picked some of the longer, tender leaves. Now she cut them in half and placed them in a bowl. Then, she scooped half a spoonful of red oil from the hotpot base, drizzled it over the greens, added a little salt and vinegar, and mixed everything thoroughly.

“Try it—see if it’s good,” she said, handing the bowl and chopsticks to Aunt Ge.

That morning, the feeling of accomplishment she had gotten from helping He Yanxin and the boys had made her act a bit childishly—wanting validation and praise.

But it was a different kind of joy than when a senior praised her for completing a task, or when an employer thanked her for solving a problem. This felt especially fun and meaningful.

Aunt Ge hadn’t even taken a bite yet but was already declaring it delicious. “It’s definitely good!”

Her enthusiasm made everyone laugh. Even the usually reserved Madam Chen covered her mouth to hide her smile, her eyes full of amusement.

Song Yeqing couldn’t hold back her own grin. “As long as it tastes good, that’s all that matters.”

But of course, there’s always someone who comes along to ruin a happy mood.

“Oh? What are you all talking about that’s so funny?”

It was Madam Li—she had come back, leaning against the kitchen doorframe with a fake smile on her face as she looked at them.

A new character unlocked, a floating bullet comment drifted through Song Yeqing’s mind.

Madam Li was wearing a water-red cotton jacket, a light beige linen skirt, and a pale blue floral belt that trailed down. Her hair was tied up with a matching fabric strip, and she had a peach-wood hairpin tucked into her bun.

In the memories, Madam Li’s appearance was considered quite attractive in the village, but still couldn’t compare to the original Song Yeqing—mainly because she lacked the grace and delicate charm that came from being pampered since childhood.

By modern standards, she wouldn’t be considered overweight. But compared to the other women around her, she did look a bit sturdier.

They all ate the same food, so how did you turn out so outstanding? Song Yeqing silently raised a question in her mind.

Seeing her, Aunt Ge’s temper instantly flared up. She frowned and said, “Oh, you actually came back?”

“This is my home. Why wouldn’t I come back?” Madam Li replied coldly. “Not like some people, freeloading off others in their house…”

As she spoke, she glanced pointedly at Song Yeqing. It was obvious who she meant. For once, she wasn’t being vague—she actually came out and said it clearly.

In truth, Madam Li had felt anxious before even stepping through the door. After the way her mother’s family had treated her mother-in-law that morning, who knew what kind of storm awaited her at home?

But she couldn’t just stay at her mother’s place either—especially not after giving birth to two sons. She figured her mother-in-law wouldn’t dare really do anything to her. So she mustered her courage and walked in.

But the moment she stepped inside and saw that annoying family next door sitting around cheerfully, then heard the laughter coming from the kitchen—and saw Song Yeqing laughing with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law like they were a happy family—her emotions exploded.

She forgot all her earlier hesitation and fear. The bitterness inside surged, and she immediately started lashing out at Song Yeqing with sarcasm. She had to vent.

“What nonsense are you spouting? Freeloading? Who’s freeloading?” Aunt Ge snapped. “I’m the one who invited Qing-niang over for lunch. If you have a problem with it, keep it to yourself! It’s not your place to act like you run this household!”

Hearing her words, Aunt Ge was furious. What an outrageous thing to say! And after what happened this morning, she had had enough. For once, she rolled up her sleeves, ready to slap some sense into her unruly daughter-in-law.

Song Yeqing reached out to stop her. Madam Li had just insulted her to her face—if she still acted like the original Song Yeqing and held back out of politeness, that would be way too timid.

Besides, according to what He Yanxin had said, Madam Li had bullied the original host in the past, pinched He Chengze, and even ran off with stolen grain. That kind of person deserved no mercy! Even if she’d met a bad end in the original timeline, it didn’t erase her past cruelty and malice.

Although Song Yeqing hadn’t argued with anyone since elementary school and couldn’t very well beat her in front of everyone, she knew exactly how to get under her skin.

“Oh, so that two taels of silver you paid me today? Thanks for covering my meal expenses,” Song Yeqing said cheerfully. “But the dishes for dinner—you didn’t pay for those. Sorry, you can’t eat tonight.”

It was the longest thing she’d said since arriving in this world.

“Pah! Who wants to eat your food!” Madam Li retorted, then froze. “Wait… what two taels of silver?”

She suddenly had a bad feeling.

“You didn’t pay two taels of silver to buy twelve catties of rice and a pound of meat from my house to bring to your parents’ place?” Song Yeqing asked innocently.

Madam Li’s face changed as if she remembered something. Without a word, she turned and fled back into her room.

The people in the kitchen stared at each other, stunned. The cheerful mood had clearly soured.

Madam Chen and Young Madam Wu were both mortified and angry at their sister-in-law’s behavior. Acting like that in front of guests was truly humiliating.

“Qing-niang, I’m so sorry… I’ll definitely discipline her properly this time,” Aunt Ge apologized, face full of guilt.

She had just invited their guest over for a simple meal, and her own daughter-in-law had gone and said such toxic things. It was incredibly awkward.

And she was also a bit surprised—this was the first time Qing-niang had ever responded to the “crazy talk” from the second daughter-in-law.

Still, that woman had gone way too far this time. Even someone as mild as Qing-niang couldn’t hold back anymore. They had to split the household—let the second branch live separately.

Song Yeqing wasn’t bothered. After all, even if she were her mother-in-law, how could Aunt Ge control what Madam Li said? It wasn’t like she’d taught her to speak like that—it wasn’t her fault.

“There’s nothing to apologize for—it wasn’t your doing. Just don’t be mad about me mentioning the two taels of silver.”

With that, she acted like nothing had happened and turned back to the stove to check the food. She lifted the lid and poked the vermicelli with her chopsticks.

“The food’s almost ready. Let’s get ready to eat.”

The other three weren’t sure how to react—clearly, she truly hadn’t taken the insult to heart.

“Auntie…” Young Madam Wu whispered.

“What are you standing there for? Grab the dishes—it’s time to eat,” Song Yeqing said, patting her shoulder.

“Oh, okay! Auntie, this smells amazing. I can’t wait to start eating!”

You had to hand it to kids—they were simple and pure. Seeing her auntie act like nothing happened, she relaxed too and shifted her focus back to the food.

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(End of Chapter 39)