Chapter 168 The Truth About Jealousy

"What...what do you mean?"

"Heh... I mean, mind your own business. Do we even know you? And this is my grandfather!"

Can I speak up for you?

Are you insanely jealous?

Zhou Ye's words were undoubtedly an insult to the woman.

Wang Lian looked pale. She glanced at the three people, but none of them were looking at her; they were all eating.

She stared blankly for a while, but no one spoke to her. Instead, the three of them chatted and laughed.

They completely ignored me.

She was furious.

To be honest, she doesn't think she's bad-looking, and the reason she goes on so many blind dates is because she has too high standards.

I've been introduced to many places back home, but I haven't liked any of them.

She wants someone tall, handsome, gentle, with a good job, and who treats her well!

However, among so many candidates, none of them were a perfect match.

The reason I came all this way was because a distant relative introduced me to this job. He said it was good and he was very handsome, but the meeting was very disappointing.

Having a permanent job is good; the monthly income is over thirty yuan, which is considered high among people of the same age.

However, he was less than 1.7 meters tall, and his face was rather unattractive...

She couldn't sleep after looking at it for a moment.

The other person has taken a liking to her, but she is conflicted.

Do I really have to marry someone from so far away? Just so the other person can have a good job?

Unexpectedly, I saw my ideal type on the train.

So tall, so handsome, and so generous with money, and he speaks so gently. He really fits my expectations.

But he actually got married!

It's truly outrageous! Although I'm a little less attractive and shorter than that guy named Xiaoye, there's nothing else that's wrong with me.

Why can't I find such a good man!

The most important thing is that she spends so much money, and this man doesn't say anything and even supports her.

To be honest, she was envious.

It's also... out of jealousy!

From childhood to adulthood, everyone told her that girls should be sensible, frugal, and make sacrifices for their families!

But no one told her why.

Like this blind date, my mother said that the person had a good job, so I shouldn't worry too much about other conditions.

The important thing is to have money to help your brother after you get married.

Yes, if I can help my younger brother, my task is to find someone with good conditions to help my family!

We were already planning to compromise!

But……

She's not so willing anymore!

She patted her stomach; she was very hungry. Actually, she had brought enough money, but her mother said that girls shouldn't spend money recklessly when they're out and about. She should just buy some steamed buns and eat her fill.

She pursed her lips, not daring to go buy food.

After Zhou Ye and the others finished eating, Xie Jianshe took the lunchbox to wash it.

"Grandpa, would you like to rest for a bit?"

Zhou Weiren was getting old, and he started to feel sleepy after eating.

He's been injured before, and now he's starting to feel dazed!

"good!"

After helping his grandfather lie down, Zhou got up and prepared to sit on the stool by the window.

"You can sit here with me..."

Zhou was still a little confused by Wang Lian's sudden show of goodwill.

"Me, sit on your bed?"

"Yes! You can sit here!"

Wang Lian was a little embarrassed.

"I'm sorry about earlier. I was just... just having some of my own thoughts. I didn't mean to force you to do anything."

Seeing Wang Lian's embarrassment, Zhou waved his hand dismissively, "It's alright! I'll sit here!"

Zhou Ye still sat down on the stool.

Wang Lian felt a pang of regret, but still asked her question out of curiosity.

"Xiao Ye, may I call you that?"

"Okay, sure!"

Zhou Ye said generously.

"How long have you and your husband been married? You two seem to have a very good relationship!"

"Not long after!"

"Oh, so... doesn't your husband say anything when you spend so much money?"

This is what Wang Lian most wanted to ask.

"What is he going to say to me? When you're traveling, you should eat and drink well. Otherwise, you've already had a hard time traveling all the way, and you still have to save money. How unfair is that!"

Of course, this is assuming the economy allows it!

It depends on the individual's situation!

Steamed buns can also fill you up.

"Where in marriage is there any such thing as male superiority or female inferiority?"

These words were a direct blow to Wang Lian! Yes, where in marriage is there any need for male superiority and female inferiority?

"But men are the pillars of the family, the heads of the household!"

Zhou Ye smiled upon hearing this!

"That statement isn't entirely true! Men are certainly the pillars of the family, but they aren't necessarily the heads of the household!"

Whoever is smartest should be in charge.

Whoever knows how to manage money is in charge.

In families where the man is capable, the woman usually runs the household, right?

Wang Lian's heart skipped a beat: "Woman in charge?"

"That's right. After all, in most families, women take care of things like firewood, rice, oil, salt, ginger, vinegar, and tea. So, shouldn't the money be handed over to women to manage?"

Zhou Ye knew, of course, that Wang Lian seemed quite confused!

"So, do you think a man's appearance is important when getting married?"

Zhou also smiled...

It seems this woman is quite the looks-obsessed person.

If it were Zhou Ye herself, it would depend on the individual. Some people value financial resources when getting married, some value character, and some value appearance.

"If it were me..."

Zhou thought for a moment and said...

Wang Lian stared wide-eyed, waiting for Zhou Ye to speak.

"Of course I value looks. It's a happy thing to see my man handsome every day!"

Of course, money is also very important.

"Huh? This...isn't this vanity?"

Wang Lian was a little excited. Actually, she had always wanted to find a rich man, but her family said she was too ambitious.

But she was still a saleswoman, and her monthly salary was quite high, sometimes even comparable to that of a man.

Why can't you find someone with better conditions?

"Of course not. If you find someone with good conditions, you'll live a good life in the future. This is good for yourself, how can it be vanity?"

Wang Lian revealed a genuine smile.

Yes, she's obsessed. Why should she listen to whatever others say? Her friends always say that she should find a poor peasant, because that's a good family background and will be good for their future children!

But she couldn't understand how a family with no money could guarantee their livelihood, let alone their child's future.

She decided that she would stay away from anyone who said such things in the future.

She wants to be able to eat whatever she wants when she goes out in the future, instead of worrying about what to eat for a boxed lunch.

If we argue every day over such a small thing, won't we lose all hope for the rest of our lives?

"Yes, you're right. Once I find someone with good prospects, I can help my younger brother out!"

"Um?"

"What's wrong? Is something not right?"

Wang Lian noticed that Zhou was also looking at her curiously.

Zhou smiled and said, "It's nothing."

Wang Lian thought for a moment and then asked, "Xiao Ye, do you have a younger brother? Or an older brother?"

"Hmm... I guess so! What's wrong?"

Zhou Ye was about to say no, but then he remembered the baby from the quarry and decided to say yes.

Wang Lian pursed her lips and sighed, "My mother always says that my sister and I were born to help our brother."

Girls should help their parents' families more, so that they will have a support system for themselves in the future.

Do you think my mom is right?

Zhou also pouted. This guy thinks he's an encyclopedia!

"If you think it's right, then it's right; if you think it's wrong, then it's wrong! I'm an outsider, I can't comment on other people's affairs."

"Would you help your brother?"

Zhou thought about it for a moment. Would it be possible? If he really encountered a problem, maybe it would be? Maybe not, who knows?

But I definitely won't let him affect my life!

Will it?

Wang Lian asked again.

"That depends on how you help. After all, we're related by blood. If he encounters difficulties in the future, offering a little assistance would be helpful!"

"Would you mind lending me some money?"

Wang Lian recalled it to herself and murmured.

"Will you give your monthly salary to your parents' family? After all, your younger brother will be your support in the future?"

"Oh……"

Zhou couldn't help but laugh.

"A powerful backer? Does your powerful backer need you to support him? How can he be your powerful backer? If you encounter any problems, you'd probably run away faster than anyone else, right?"

This is the truth, and this is reality.

In this era, many women have been ruined by this statement.

After you get married, you must help your family, your brother, and your younger brother. If you encounter any problems in your husband's family in the future, your family will support you.

But……

Think about it carefully. Those who can support you are either capable themselves or have your family's love and care. Which of them needs you to subsidize your family?

No, you don't need any of that!

Those who need your subsidies are the ones who can't do it themselves.

If you can't even be yourself, how can you be a reliable support?

It's just brainwashing!

Of course, he also casually said these words to Wang Lian.

Wang Lian was completely bewildered and surprised.

She fell silent.

She was thinking about Zhou Ye's words!

At this time, Xie Jianshe had finished washing up and returned, bringing Zhou Ye a bag of sunflower seeds as well.

"this?"

"It's from the food truck; you can grab a bite when you're bored! But drink plenty of water!"

"OK!"

Zhou Ye and Xie Jianshe exchanged a smile.

Wang Lian saw happiness in them.

Yes, Mom always says that my sister and I are supposed to help our family and support our brother.

My brother's bride price requires my sister's and my bride price, but even so, my mother still doesn't want to let my sister and herself off the hook.

For so many years, my sister and I have been brainwashed!

That's why I want to find a rich person.

Because my sister isn't doing well!

My sister has been married for three years, and every time she goes back to her parents' home, she brings a lot of food and drinks. If she brings too little, my mother says some hurtful things.

Once, I had a fight with my brother-in-law and went back to my parents' house for only two days. My mother scolded me, saying I was useless!

Is this also my fate?

But if I don't help, my mom will scold me even more, right?

Moreover, the reason why my sister and brother-in-law always quarrel is because my sister takes things back to her parents' home. Whenever her husband's family prepares something, my sister has to bring half of it back.

She wouldn't even give food to her own children, but gave it all to her younger brother.

But what about the younger brother?

They either complain that the things they brought back were bad, or that they complained that they brought back too few things.

I used to think that my ideas would never be accepted, but now it seems that I wasn't selfish.

It's just that I love myself more.

Looking at Zhou Ye, she asked softly, "Actually, I love myself more, don't you think?"

"Why is it wrong?"

Zhou asked, puzzled.

"If you don't even love yourself, who will love you? In other words, if you don't cherish what's your own, who will?"

Wang Lian's eyes widened immediately.

Yes, that's not right. How could this be selfish?

This is clearly self-love!

"Thank you, I understand!"

Wang Lian expressed her sincere gratitude.

"I'm from Nancheng City, which is only a day and a night's train ride from Longcheng County. If you ever need anything in the future, you can come to me!"

I'll show you around.

"Okay, thank you!"

It was all just polite talk, and Zhou didn't really refuse!

Wang Lian was sincere.

Longcheng District belongs to Ling City, and Ling City is next to Nancheng City. My family lives in the city.

I, on the other hand, work as a sales clerk in the only Friendship Department Store in the city!

The job is pretty good!

Salary is fine too!

It's just a bit harder to find a partner, because I didn't have a target before, but now that I have one, why can't I?

However, Zhou had no idea that he would actually meet Wang Lian later on.

This encounter served as a wake-up call for Wang Lian, guiding her onto the right path in life; otherwise, it would have been another tragedy.

Wang Lian always expressed her gratitude to Zhou Ye throughout her life, even though it was only in a few words.

After a silence of about ten minutes, Wang Lian kept watching Zhou Ye and Xie Jianshe talk. This was the kind of equal marriage she envied.

very nice!

"I'm going out for a bit, do you need any water?"

"No need, thank you!"

Zhou replied politely.

"good!"

A little while later, Wang Lian returned, carrying a lunchbox in one hand and two steamed buns in the other.

Seeing Zhou Ye looking at her, she smiled and said, "Little Ye, you're right. Although you're young, you know a lot!"

I think what you said makes sense, so I've decided that I won't mistreat myself anymore!

I need to take good care of myself.

Zhou also smiled.

That's more like it.

Why are you so bitter and resentful at such a young age!

As Wang Lian got out of the car, she gave Zhou Ye and the others a deep look: "Remember this, my name is Wang Lian. Look for me when you come back!"

"Okay, sure! Goodbye!"

"goodbye!"

Xie Jianshe laughed and said, "You've actually helped her out!"

"Huh? You feel like I'm helping her?"

Zhou Ye looked at Xie Jianshe. What she said was the truth and her true thoughts, but she never thought about what Xie Jianshe was thinking.

Xie Jianshe said with a smile, "Of course I'm helping her. Maybe it will change her life in the future."

At this point, Zhou also became curious.

"Do you think older and younger sisters need to help their older and younger brothers in the family?"

"Yeah, I think so..."

Xie Jianshe deliberately teased Zhou Ye, drawing out his tone and remaining silent for a long time. When he saw Zhou Ye frowning, he quickly said, "The men in the family don't live off the women's help. Men are the pillars of the family and the support for the family."

If you rely on a woman, how can she be your support?

Isn't that what you said?

I think that makes a lot of sense!

Zhou smiled and said, "That's more like it."

At the very least, there was no situation in the Xie family where the men relied on the women for support.

Isn't Xie Jianshe Xie Yanli's backer?

Little did they know that after Wang Lian got off the train, she was going to buy some food to go home, but she stopped.

He hid the money he had brought with him inside his inner garment.

We went home without buying anything!

"Xiaolian, you're back? How's your boyfriend? Is he a really good catch?"

Wang Lian's mother looked at her youngest daughter with excitement.

You know, the younger daughter is much better off than the older daughter. If she can marry into a good family, who knows how wonderful her future will be.

Xiao Bao has secured the bride price for his wedding, and his future life is now secure! With two older sisters to help him, life will be so easy!

Wang Lian thought for a moment; her mind was quite quick.

"Mom, that person's situation is really good. They earn several tens of yuan a month, much more than me..."

"He's just not good-looking, and he's not tall either..."

"Oh dear, what's going on? It's all pretty much the same! Who cares about appearance after marriage!"

"As long as they have money, that's fine. Has your aunt said when their family will come to propose marriage?"

Wang Lian's mother was very excited.

Wang Lian looked at her mother with a troubled expression, remaining silent for a long time.

"What's wrong with you? Say something! You didn't mess this up, did you?"

"Mom, I didn't mess it up, he messed it up. Mom, I'm so upset..."

"What happened?"

"Mom, the first time I met him, he laid down the rules for me, saying that after we got married, my money would be his money, and I couldn't and absolutely wasn't allowed to give my family a single penny!"

Hearing that I have a younger brother, he specifically told me that if I helped my brother after we got married, he would immediately divorce me!

"Mom, how can I tolerate this? You can be mean to me, but how can you be mean to my brother? Right?"

I immediately got angry and said, "My brother is my own brother, and he will be my support in the future."

I not only have to help my younger brother, but also support my parents.

My mother raised me with great difficulty, so I have to take care of her! I can't be heartless.

Waaah...

he……

He not only insulted me, but he insulted you all too!

Waaah...

"Mom, I'm so upset..."

"What? What does he mean? It's only right for a married daughter to help her parents' family. Does he mean we can sever all ties?"

Wang Lian's mother said in shock.

"That's right, that's exactly what I said. He insisted that if I didn't give up helping my family, he wouldn't marry me!"

Waaah...

How can I only think of myself!

"Waaah..."

These words were very comforting to Wang Lian's mother.

He found Wang Lian much more agreeable: "Xiao Lian, you did the right thing and you said the right thing. I used to think you were someone who didn't care about your family."

There are always differing opinions when I say a few words to you.

You can't compare to your sister. Sigh...it seems you're the most sensible one now! Okay..."

"Yes, Mom! I got married for my brother's sake. What's the use of having money if he says that?"

I wouldn't choose him.

"Sigh... How did the world become like this! My daughter has really suffered!"

"mom……"

"Hey... no rush, let's choose slowly."

"Mmm!"

Wang Lian lowered her head, a smile playing on her lips.

Little sister, you really made me realize something. Otherwise, my life would have been miserable. I deliberately made myself sound so humble in front of Mom.

Unexpectedly, my mother really thought so.

I've always said it's for my own good, it always has been, and it's because I love myself, ha...

What a joke.

Zhou Ye, Xie Jianshe, and their grandfather got off the train just in time for lunch.

Upon arriving in Qingshan County, Zhou Ye looked at his tired grandfather and said, "Let's find an oxcart first."

Or a donkey cart would be fine too, Grandpa's tired!

We went directly to a state-run restaurant for a meal.

After we eat, it's time to head back to the village!

Xie Jianshe nodded: "Okay, you wait here, I'll go find the oxcart!"

Soon, the oxcart was found. Xie Jianshe helped his grandfather onto the cart, and then the two of them got in and drove towards the restaurant!

After the meal, the group rode back to Hongqi Village in an oxcart.

I ran into Xie Meili walking on the road halfway there!

Then everyone realized that today was Saturday! Xie Meili's school was on holiday.

"Sister-in-law? Brother?"

Xie Meili was tired from walking, and she was overjoyed to see the two of them.

Once in the car, she looked at Zhou Ye happily and said, "Sister-in-law, why didn't you tell me you were coming back? I missed you all so much!"

Where have you all been?

When they left, they said they were there to find a job for Xie Yanli and arrange for the children to go to school.

However, Xie Yanli later said that Xie Jianshe said he had something to do, and after arranging his work, he left with Zhou Ye.

Xie Yanli has come back, but Xie Jianshe hasn't, and his family is very worried.

Xie Meili was smart; she actually knew what was going on just by glancing at her grandfather who was resting nearby.

It was just a casual question.

"I have some personal business to attend to. Have you eaten yet?"

Xie Jianshe asked.

Xie Meili chuckled: "No, the school doesn't have any good food, so we bring our own food to cook."

Everyone was out of food, and I felt embarrassed to eat it.

hey-hey……"

Touching his stomach, he must be starving!

Although families that can afford to send their children to school are not poor!

They are willing to send their children to school, but food is a difficult issue for everyone, and they eat very frugally.

Xie Meili was pampered by her family and brought better food, but she didn't dare to eat it openly. She could only manage to eat half full, just like everyone else.

She was just waiting to go home on the weekend so she could have a good meal. Actually, Xie Meili was quite sensible. She could have spent money to take a bus home, but she chose to walk.

It was also to save money.

I only saw her immature side before, I didn't see this side.

Zhou also took out the steamed buns he had prepared to take home and handed them over.

"Have some steamed buns! Are you starving?"

Xie Meili chuckled and took the steamed bun, then started eating it heartily!

He wolfed down his food and said, "Sister-in-law, you have no idea, I don't dare to eat heartily at school. Everyone else is starving, and if I'm the only one who's full, it feels like I'm doing something wrong!"

"I still have food in my backpack, but I don't dare to eat it!"

"Why……"

Xie Meili finally breathed a sigh of relief after finishing the two steamed buns!

"Sister-in-law, you're so kind!"

Zhou also laughed and said, "Your brother bought meat, so when you get home, Mom will make dumplings for you!"

"Mmm!"

Back home, Zhou took his grandfather directly back to the Xie family's residence.

Once things are settled over there, we'll let Grandpa go back to live there.

"Oh dear... old man, come out quickly, Xiao Ye is back!"

Wang Guihua was sewing shoe soles at the door when she saw several people in the distance.

He slapped his thigh and started calling for help!

Xie Youfu was resting inside when he heard the noise, so he put on a coat and came out.

Where is it? Where is it?

"Isn't that an oxcart? The prettiest one, isn't it small?"

Xie Youfu looked closely: "It looks like it! Is there any more food? Are there any eggs? The child must be hungry!"

Wang Guihua smiled and said, "Yes, of course there is! I'll go check the kitchen right now...hehe..."

"Don't rush, wait for the children to come back and see what they want to eat." Xie Youfu looked at the people on the oxcart and wondered, "Why are there still people on this cart?"

Has beauty returned along with it?