At the Nie Family, after He Yanqing returned, she informed her parents-in-law about her family visiting the next day.
Mr. and Mrs. Nie had already anticipated this. After all, since the youngest son was brought back, this would be the first visit of the He Family to Beijing; itâs just normal for them to come and visit.
Mr. Nie looked at his wife: "Why donât you help prepare some ingredients later, Iâll take a day off tomorrow to properly entertain the in-laws."
The Nie Familyâs eldest daughter-in-law, Jiao Yushan, scrutinized He Yanqing: "Sister-in-law, why are your family visiting Beijing at such a random time?"
He Yanqing glanced at her elder sister-in-law: "My third brother is getting married the day after tomorrow, my family is coming to attend the wedding."
Hearing this, Jiao Yushanâs eyes lit up as she looked at her parents-in-law: "Mom and Dad, the third brother of sister-in-law is getting married, shouldnât we, being in-laws, also go to celebrate?"
Not long ago, He Jinxuan happened to run into Nie Huaiyuan on the street, so he knew about this: "We should definitely go."
Jiao Yushan, having received the answer she wanted: "Then I should let Hongguo know, so he can switch shifts with someone in advance, and our whole family can go together."
Mrs. Nie found her eldest daughter-in-law a bit strange; she often made snide remarks to the younger daughter-in-law, so what was this about now?
Only to hear the eldest daughter-in-law say: "I heard that the bride being married by the sister-in-lawâs third brother comes from quite a remarkable family. Naturally, the relationship should be managed well."
Hearing this, He Yanqingâs expression turned a bit unpleasant: "Elder Sister, where did you hear this from?"
Jiao Yushan, as if oblivious to He Yanqingâs expression, nonchalantly said: "I didnât particularly inquire, just happened to hear someone mention it a few days ago."
He Yanqing, a bit angry, persisted: "Who did you hear it from?"
She knew this elder sister-in-law too well. Listening to the tone, she was targeting her brother and sister-in-law. Truly shameless.
Jiao Yushan naturally couldnât say she learned it from her family, so she vaguely said: "I canât remember who I heard it from in passing."
In her heart, He Yanqing rolled her eyes at Jiao Yushan. Previously, she tolerated her because she was new to Beijing, unfamiliar with the place, jobless, and a freeloader.
Now with a job independent of her in-laws and the backing of her brother and sister-in-law, she had confidence. If anyone tried to scheme against them, theyâd have to see if sheâd agree.
Mrs. Nie, concerned that a disagreement between the two daughters-in-law might escalate, promptly said: "Alright, you all tidy up and come with me to the market later."
Listening to her mother-in-law, He Yanqing naturally wouldnât argue: "Okay."
Jiao Yushan felt her parents-in-law were placing too much importance on the younger daughter-in-lawâs family, which made her uncomfortable. But she knew that if she dared utter unpleasant words, her mother-in-law wouldnât show her any face, so she could only agree.
However, thinking of something, she couldnât help but pout at her mother-in-lawâs back.
The next day, the He Family had not been at the Nieâs long before Jiao Yushanâs family also arrived.
Mrs. Jiao warmly approached to greet the Nie couple: "We were out for errands and happened to pass by; thought to stop by and chat as in-laws, but didnât expect you had guests."
With such words, not just the Nie Family, but even the He Family didnât believe it. Was there really such a coincidence?
Nevertheless, no one pointed it out, making the on-leave Nie Hongguo rather embarrassed.
When lunch was served, Mrs. Jiao thought to herself: It was worth coming; look at this meal, much more lavish than when we previously visited.
Yet she didnât consider whether things back then were the same as now?
Back then, without vouchers, nothing could be done. Nowadays, occasionally some enterprising rural folks would come to the city to sell home-raised poultry and vegetables.
The meal, overall, was harmonious.
But no one expected, after the meal, the youngest son of the Jiao Family, who accompanied Mrs. Jiao, directly asked He Jinxuan: "Third Brother He, I heard your father-in-law works as a leader at the railway bureau. As proper relatives, could you help arrange a job for me at the railway bureau?"
With these words, the previously lively room suddenly went silent.
Jiao Yushan didnât expect her brother to be so impatient. However, with so many people present, she certainly couldnât embarrass her brother. She held back her in-lawsâ displeasure and the murderous look from her sister-in-law with a plea: "Third Brother He, my little brother has been without a suitable job since returning to the city from the countryside, and..."
Before she could finish, she was directly interrupted by the eldest Nie brother, Nie Hongguo: "Yushan, you should know how difficult it is to find a job right now; donât make things difficult."
Feeling that since everything was already said, Jiao Yushan flattered: "It might be difficult for others, but for Third Brother He, with a father-in-law as a leader at the railway bureau, itâs just a matter of a word."
Nie Hongguoâs face burned with embarrassment. It was one thing for the brother-in-law to be clueless, but for his own wife to stir trouble as wellâtruly disgraceful.
At this point, Nie Ziqiang stood up angrily, directly tearing down her pretense: "Elder Sister-in-law, you really are quite the schemer."
Since things were done, the He Family was already prepared to leave. Now, with this incident, they were even less inclined to stay. Mother He spoke: "In-laws, weâve had our visit, so we should head back."
Mr. He agreed: "Jinxuanâs wedding is the day after tomorrow, in-laws, you must come for a celebratory drink."
Mr. Nie, filled with apologies, upon hearing Mr. Heâs words, quickly responded: "Knowing youâre busy, I wonât keep you any longer; weâll certainly be there the day after tomorrow."
After saying this, he chatted a little more with He Jinxuan before finally seeing the He Family out.