Lin Wan didnāt expect that Hu Dong also called Uncle Hu back.
Uncle Hu looked around and thought it was quite nice, although the rent was over ten bucks a month, which seemed a bit expensive, it was better than living under his momās nose.
These days, heād also been thinking about what his mother-in-law said that day. She was right. He was a middle-aged man without savings; when his wife or child needed medical treatment or new clothes, he had to beg his mom for money. His life felt stifling.
After living for so many years, it was his first time being so firm in resisting his own mother. He felt he hadnāt done anything wrong this time.
He still had a wife and kids to support. He could be filial to his mom, but it shouldnāt be blind filial piety. His friends also advised him well these days, and he thought they were right too.
Look at others in their middle age with houses and cars (bicycles), living quite well. His position wasnāt lower than theirs, but apart from looking professional when going out, he had nothing else.
Others had been riding bikes for two years; even his nephew had a bicycle while he and his wife still walked to work daily.
"Xiaoqing, letās rent here; Iāve talked to colleagues about that place. Once they find a new place, weāll move over."
Shen Qing nodded with tears in her eyes, "Alright, Iāll listen to you."
"Dad, since theyāre looking for a place, why donāt we ask them if they want this one? Places are hard to find now, especially ones near your work," Hu Dong chimed in.
Hu Bin was taken aback, "Oh, I didnāt think about that. Iāll ask them tomorrow."
Though he said this, Hu Bin still paid the deposit to avoid missing out.
"Xiao Wan, thanks this time. Uncle Hu doesnāt have much to say, but once weāre settled, come visit us often. Your mom will be happy, and so will I." It was the first time Hu Bin spoke so much to Lin Wan. They seemed to have met only twice before. The first time was at her wedding with Han Yi, and the second time at their house, with no chance for conversation. This was the third time.
In the past life, she rarely saw Hu Bin, let alone the mother-in-law, so she wasnāt aware of their later circumstances.
Lin Wan used to think Shen Qing didnāt like Han Yi, but now it seemed not to be the case.
"Our whole family welcomes Brother and Saozi... oh, wait, weāre family already," Hu Lijuan genuinely liked Lin Wan as her sister-in-law.
"Yes, weāre family already." Shen Qing wiped her tears and said, choking up.
"Yes, weāre family already." Hu Bin felt emotional; if his mother hadnāt stopped him years ago, he and Shen Qing intended to keep Han Yi close.
Suddenly, Hu Bin realized heād been dazed for years, missing out on too much.
Lin Wan didnāt leave with the mother-in-lawās family; she walked away with her brother to give them some space.
"Thank you, Brother," Lin Wan said, sitting at the back, leaning on the railing, watching her brotherās silhouette. At some point, his once slender back had grown tall and strong.
"What are you thanking me for? Iām your brother." Lin Yinghui turned back and affectionately ruffled Lin Wanās hair. He remembered how he used to love holding his little sisterās hand and messing up her hair. Sheād always glare at him angrily then. Itās been a long time since heād done this, since she got married, and she was someone elseās now. For a moment, Lin Yinghui felt quite unsatisfied. He knew it was too late for that now.
Alas, that Han Yi kid got lucky, marrying her and leaving his sister on the sidelines. Letās see how he handles him when he gets back.
Lin Wan remained silent, knowing her brother was doing all this for her. When her in-laws were doing well, she could be more at ease.