Chapter 6 Long Hair, Short Sense

She was well aware, of course, that in this society, there were very few daughters-in-law who could be as careful with their money as she was, and who would not hand over a portion of their income to their mothers-in-law.

In most families, daughters-in-law don't dare to argue with their mothers-in-law.

But Li Qiaodi refused to do that.

Just as Li Qiaodi bit her lip, wanting to argue a few more points, she realized that...

The door to the room was suddenly flung open.

The second son, Zhou Hairong, walked out with a face full of anger.

"Shut up, all of you! Haven't you had enough? How can anyone study with this noise in the room!"

His tone was very harsh.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Shufen immediately turned her gaze to him and glared at him.

"If you think it's noisy, then get out! You're like a piece of glass, so fragile and delicate! You studied so much in school, but you didn't even get into a proper university. All you do is eat at home, throw tantrums, and act tough. Who gave you the audacity to talk like that!"

It's worth noting that among Zhou Hairong's siblings, he was always the one who valued academic performance the most.

Aside from his eldest brother, he always felt that he was the most talented person.

Therefore, he always harbored a sense of pride deep down and looked down on his brothers and sisters from other families.

She could barely manage a small smile at her older brother.

At other times, he often wears a cold expression.

He would often give Zhou Shufen the cold shoulder, and even throw things.

Zhou Shufen sincerely hopes that a college student can emerge from her family.

To encourage him to study hard and get into a good school.

Zhou Shufen devoted almost all her energy to supporting him.

She did everything she could to help, wishing she could take care of all the housework.

With such indulgence and pampering, Zhou Hairong hardly ever did any chores at home.

Whenever he sits there reading or doing exercises, everyone has to walk around him and speak in hushed tones.

Unfortunately, the final result was not ideal.

Zhou Hairong studied hard for so many years.

In the end, he failed to get into any of them, not even a regular university, let alone a top university.

This directly dealt a blow to Zhou Shufen, leaving her disheartened.

Zhou Hairong is now all talk and no action, and he has no interest in anything.

He was neither content with an ordinary job nor able to continue his education.

Ultimately, they still have to rely on their parents to support them.

In their past lives, the second and third sons were completely irresponsible.

He idled away his days, living a muddle-headed life like a scoundrel.

They all barely survived thanks to Zhou Shufen's help.

And what was the result?

They've all been spoiled into ungrateful wretches.

Zhou Hairong never expected that she would be scolded by her own mother in such a way.

He said defiantly, "You're all short-sighted! One day I'll get into university, and then I'll leave this place far away and get rid of this family completely!"

To Zhou Shufen, these words sounded like a joke.

She coldly replied, "You fail the exam every year, yet you're so arrogant! Let me be frank with you, don't expect to eat and drink for free this year. If you want to eat, you'll have to earn it yourself! If you want to study, you can only study in your spare time. This family doesn't support good-for-nothings!"

To be honest, Zhou Hairong was not cut out for studying.

Even if they continue to stay at home, they're just wasting food.

Now, whenever Zhou Shufen sees these children, she can't help but feel angry.

She would never again be drained dry like in her previous life, without expecting anything in return.

No one will do, not even my own son.

Zhou Hairong was immediately enraged and embarrassed. Without even saying goodbye, he slammed the door shut and rushed back into the house.

Zhou Shufen didn't tolerate him and instead loudly added her own comment without backing down.

"If you still can't earn enough to live on in a month, then get the hell out of here. Go back to where you came from, I don't care where you go!"

After saying that, she turned around and, without changing her tone, earnestly spoke to Li Qiaodi about another matter.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to make things clear. Nobody can take advantage of this job. You're all getting on in years, so stop coming to me!"

Then, her gaze fell on Zhou Lijuan, who was standing motionless to the side.

“Zhou Lijuan, you can stay in this job if you want, or you can leave immediately if you don’t want to. Don’t expect me to arrange another job for you. If you have any ability, then make something of yourself; if you don’t, then there’s nothing I can do for you.”

Seeing her mother's face turn pale from the argument, Zhou Lijuan's heart skipped a beat, and she dared not make any further moves.

So Zhou Lijuan could only stand there with her head down, her hands unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes.

Zhou Hailiang!

Zhou Shufen suddenly raised her voice.

"Don't threaten me with not being able to find a wife all the time. If you can marry a virtuous wife, that's your own achievement. If you can't, you'll be a bachelor for life. You can't blame anyone else!"

She paused after she finished speaking, her eyes growing even colder.

“Starting tomorrow, you have to go out and find work, just like your brother, and hand over your wages every month. Otherwise, the family won't even feed you. Want to starve? Then find somewhere else to starve yourself.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhou Shufen's gaze suddenly turned to Li Qiaodi, who was standing to the side.

“I know exactly what you’re thinking. Don’t try to fool me. Don’t even mention this again! Work? Forget about it, it’s impossible.”

"Mom, how could you say such a thing?"

Li Qiaodi's eyes instantly reddened, and she choked out the question.

"What did I do wrong to make you hate me so much? This morning, the first thing you did when you saw me was hit me without asking anything. That slap hurt my face, but it broke my heart! What kind of mother-in-law is this? How can she treat her daughter-in-law like this? This is so unfair!"

"You think I'd bully you?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Shufen gave a cold smile.

His emotions were immediately and completely enraged.

"Aren't you twisting the truth? Do you really think I'm blind? You're always running to your parents' house, either helping out here or sending money there. Do you think I wouldn't know? You think you can get away with all this? Today, let's make things clear in front of everyone. Let's see if I'm wronging you, or if you're lying!"

After saying that, Zhou Shufen reached out and grabbed Li Qiaodi's arm.

Her strength was so great that Li Qiaodi was unable to break free for a while.

By this time, many neighbors had gathered in the alley outside the courtyard wall.

Li Qiaodi looked up and saw the crowd of onlookers outside, and a sudden panic gripped her.

If things really escalate...

Not only have they lost face, but their lives in this courtyard will also become even more difficult in the future.

"Alright, everyone's here, that's perfect!"

Zhou Shufen said as she shook off Li Qiaodi.