Chapter 7: Deceiving the Father-in-Law
With nothing to do and unable to go back to his room to rest, Lin Yuanshu simply started chatting with the middle-aged women cooking nearby. With Lin Yuanshu's deliberate agreement, everyone had a pleasant conversation.
Lin Yuanshu also learned about the chemical plant and the Zhou family. The aunties of this era really don't keep their doors closed; they talk about everything. Maybe they have nothing better to do than gossip about others! She really ate her fill of gossip.
Sun Yiyi looked at Lin Yuanshu with some envy. When she married into the Zhou family in her previous life, she had to do all kinds of housework from the very next day. Not only was she supervised by her sister-in-law, but she was also criticized by her mother-in-law. How could she be as happy as Lin Yuanshu, who had nothing to do and didn't have to be scolded?
However, she is already very happy in this life. She married Wei Yong. Although they are still a little unfamiliar with each other, time will make them fall in love. Her mother-in-law is not the kind of unreasonable person. When she does housework, her mother-in-law not only feels sorry for her, but also says that she has worked hard. Her efforts have been seen by others.
Half an hour later, Zhou Xiangyang returned carrying five books.
Seeing this, Sister-in-law Xue said sarcastically, "Oh my! Our top student is back!"
Lin Yuanshu looked at Sister-in-law Xue with considerable surprise. She found that Sister-in-law Xue had a rather sharp tongue. Indeed, there is always a reason why someone is pitiful. She seriously suggested, "Sister-in-law, if you are not educated, you should study more. I believe that you will become a top student one day. You don't need to envy others."
Sister-in-law Xue: "..."
Zhou Xiangyang suddenly realized that his sister-in-law always said those things when he came home because she envied him! Unfortunately, he had never understood what his sister-in-law meant and had never lent her the book.
"Sister-in-law, I can lend you the book," Zhou Xiangyang said softly.
Sister-in-law Xue said angrily, "I don't need it."
Lin Yuanshu smiled and explained, "Sister-in-law, I'm sorry. Please take the book back to your room and don't keep showing off in front of me."
Zhou Xiangyang nodded thoughtfully and turned to leave.
Sister-in-law Xue couldn't help but retort, "I don't want to read books."
Lin Yuanshu gave him a knowing look and said, "Sister-in-law, you don't need to be hypocritical. I understand you."
Sister-in-law Xue was so angry that she didn't want to speak, let alone see Lin Yuanshu, and pushed him away.
Lin Yuanshu shrugged helplessly and then slipped into the room.
Sister-in-law Xue finished cooking the eggplant and green beans in a huff, only to realize that this was Lin Yuanshu's job! She had fallen for Lin Yuanshu's trick again.
As Sister-in-law Xue called out "Dinner's ready," Lin Yuanshu left the room to help her serve the dishes and bowls. Zhou Dafu and his elder brother were already sitting at the table, waiting for dinner to begin.
Zhou Dafu and his mother sat at the head of the table, facing the door. Zhou Dafu and his mother sat on one side of Zhou Dafu, while his elder brother and sister-in-law sat on the other side of Zhou Dafu.
The Zhou family didn't have a rule against talking while eating or sleeping, so everyone chatted while eating. Zhou's mother casually mentioned, "I heard something today. Director Tang's only daughter from the apartment building next door is crying and begging to go to the countryside as an educated youth. No one can persuade her otherwise. Director Tang has devoted himself to his work all these years and has completely neglected his family, which is why his daughter is so unruly. So, it's better for women to stay at home and take care of their families. What's the use of being outstanding if you can't raise your children and grandchildren well?"
After saying this, Zhou Ma looked at Lin Yuanshu and asked with a smile, "Second wife, what do you think?"
Lin Yuanshu was not surprised at all by Zhou Ma's question. She knew that this matter was aimed at her. "I think what you said makes some sense. However, it does not mean that women can raise their children and grandchildren well by staying at home. You did not go to work, but you did not raise Xiangyang well either! It is not his fault that Xiangyang has become the way he is today. It is all your fault."
Zhou's mother was stunned for a moment, then blurted out, "What does it have to do with me? That's just his personality."
Lin Yuanshu nodded thoughtfully, then smiled and said, "I see. So what's wrong with Director Guan Tang? That's just how her daughter is."
Unable to persuade Lin Yuanshu, Zhou Ma could only place her hopes on Zhou Dafu.
Zhou Dafu rarely intervenes in matters between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, but he also doesn't want to see his daughter-in-law arguing with her mother-in-law. In his eyes, even if the mother-in-law is wrong, the daughter-in-law can only accept it, rather than express her own thoughts.
Moreover, he doesn't approve of his daughter-in-law going out to find a job. His eldest daughter-in-law works all day long, which is why she hasn't gotten pregnant yet.
Lin Yuanshu noticed that Zhou Ma was looking at her father-in-law. Rather than being passive, he decided to take the initiative. "Dad, you don't think the same way as Mom, do you?"
Chow Tai Fook nodded proudly, "I think your mother is absolutely right."
Lin Yuanshu put down his chopsticks and sighed heavily, "Sigh! Dad, you're so foolish!"
Zhou Dafu was caught off guard by his daughter-in-law's reaction. "How could I have been so confused?"
Lin Yuanshu said with a serious face, "Dad, I've heard that you're at a crucial moment for promotion. The leader of the maintenance team broke his leg, and the new leader will definitely be selected from among you old-timers. Your chances of promotion are very high. Countless eyes are watching you for any mistakes. It's one thing if you're not careful, but how could you say something like women can only stay at home and take care of their families! What is the policy of the higher-ups? It's that women can hold up half the sky. How can you go against the policy of the higher-ups? Even if your leader wants to promote you, he won't dare to act rashly if he thinks about your thoughts."
Zhou Dafu was confused by Lin Yuanshu's long string of words. He said uncertainly, "I definitely won't be selected. My abilities aren't particularly strong."
"Dad, since you don't even dare to try, then I can't say anything. Just watch as Grandpa Wei next door becomes the team leader! If Grandpa Wei heard what you said, he'd be overjoyed." Lin Yuanshu shrugged indifferently.
Before Zhou Dafu could speak, Zhou's mother objected, "No, I don't want to see Wei Fen showing off in front of me."
She's already made to bow down to her unruly second wife; she can't be inferior to her husband.
She turned to Zhou Dafu with a serious expression and said, "You have to find a way to become the team leader. Even if you can't, you can't let Wei Fen's husband become the team leader."
Although Zhou Dafu said he wouldn't be selected, he still held a sliver of hope. He said helplessly, "Being a team leader isn't something I can just decide to do."
“Dad, that’s not how it works. You’re not without hope. After all, you’ve been a repairman for over ten years. No one is more skilled than you. You just need to work harder for the team leader position.” Lin Yuanshu’s eyes were full of belief.
Zhou Dafu subconsciously asked, "Then what should I do?"
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