“I won’t make you and your husband pay half for your brother’s wedding. If there’s anything short, you can contribute a little. Is that alright?” Yang Fengxia said with an expression that said, “I’ve already given in.”
"Then don't even think about it. I'm barely making ends meet myself, where would I get the money to help my family?"
Fang Qiao refused outright, then said, "Of course, when you two are old and can no longer work, I will never shirk my duty to take care of you. At that time, I will take care of you and give you money. The four of us siblings will discuss how much each of us should contribute. I will not give more, but I will definitely not give less."
"Are you cursing me?" Yang Fengxia was so angry at Fang Qiao's words that her heart ached.
She really didn't expect that her obedient little girl, who had always been well-behaved since childhood, would speak so sarcastically and sharply after going to the countryside. She wondered who she had learned it from!
That's infuriating.
"Mom, why would you think that?"
Fang Qiao explained innocently, "I didn't mean to curse you. I just feel that the four of us siblings have all grown up now, and you and Dad are getting old. When my younger brother gets married, we will eventually have to discuss how to take care of you two in your old age. I just wanted to share my thoughts with you in advance, to show you that I don't mean to neglect you, so you can put your mind at ease."
Fang Qiao's words were very clear.
I can take care of your parents in their old age, but I cannot give money to your brothers in your family.
Yang Fengxia understood, but she was even angrier.
In her mind, the purpose of raising a daughter is to have her do some work for the family, receive a dowry when she gets married, and help support her parents' family after marriage. Otherwise, why raise a daughter?
Why would you give so much money to your son-in-law's family to raise them?
Now that her daughter has gotten married in the countryside, she received neither a dowry nor any financial gain. If she doesn't ask her for some money, then raising a daughter would be a waste!
“I won’t be at ease if you don’t take care of your younger brother.” Yang Fengxia argued with Fang Qiao, insisting that she give a straight answer: “Just tell me, when your brother gets married, will you contribute money or not? Even if you don’t contribute money, you can contribute any kind of jewelry or accessories.”
"Impossible. I don't even have three turns and one ring at home, where would I get the money and coupons to add to his expenses?" Fang Qiao also stated firmly.
Yang Fengxia questioned, "You can't just be a miser and not contribute anything, can you?"
Fang Qiao smiled slightly. "How could that be? It's my little brother's wedding, how could Bai Dong and I, as his older sister and brother-in-law, not contribute anything? Where would we put our face then? Don't worry, we will definitely give him a big red envelope. The money in it may not be a lot, but it won't be less than others. It's just a token of our goodwill."
Seeing Fang Qiao's upturned lips, Yang Fengxia's face turned cold: "Xiao Qiao, are you really going to be this ruthless?"
Fang Qiao was confused: "How is this outrageous? Didn't I promise to give you a red envelope?"
"Good! Good! You're really good!"
Having said all that, Fang Qiao was still able to pretend to be confused without batting an eye. Yang Fengxia was truly impressed by him!
I've really grown a lot during these five years in the countryside!
"You'd better not come to your parents' house for help in the future!" Yang Fengxia practically spat out these words through gritted teeth. After saying that, she picked up the bamboo basket on the table, turned around, and left.
Fang Qiao called out to her, "Aren't you going to eat? Are you sure you want to leave?"
"Leave!" Yang Fengxia snorted coldly. "I don't want to see you for even a quarter of an hour again."
"Fine, since you insist on leaving and want the neighbors to laugh at me, then I won't stop you." Fang Qiao got up and saw her out of the main room: "There's a bus stop right outside the residential compound that goes directly to the city. Please keep an eye out so you don't get on the wrong bus. Take care."
Fang Qiao didn't stop her, which left Yang Fengxia somewhat at a loss.
Shouldn't the correct approach be to hold her hand and prevent her from leaving?
Then she can cry a little, and the mother and daughter can reminisce about the good old days, and the matter will be over.
How could a mother and daughter hold a grudge overnight?
Now, this situation has put her in an awkward position, leaving her unable to back down.
If he leaves, wouldn't that mean they've broken up completely?
They are mother and daughter after all, why did it have to come to this!
Yang Fengxia stopped in her tracks, unsure whether to leave or stay.
Fang Qiao walked to the courtyard gate, looked back, and saw Yang Fengxia still standing at the entrance of the main room. She asked in confusion, "Mom? Are you leaving? Why aren't you leaving?"
Yang Fengxia's face showed an unnatural expression, and she snorted, "You want me to leave? I'm not leaving!"
She angrily pulled up a small stool, sat down at the entrance of the main room, and said in a evasive tone, "I'll eat here for lunch, which will save the family a meal. I don't believe you can kick me out."
"You're right, whether you want to leave or stay. As your daughter, I really can't send you away," Fang Qiao said helplessly. "But let me make this clear first: if you're eating at my house, don't bring up anything that might spoil the mood, or I won't even give my brother a red envelope when he gets married."
Yang Fengxia was illiterate, and her mind was full of outdated ideas that favored sons over daughters.
She's not exactly bad, though.
Because she was forced to marry that divorced older man in her past life, she genuinely felt that it was a good match.
Although that old man was bald, short, and had a son, he was rich and powerful! Most importantly, he was his son's boss, and could get his son promoted directly!
Although Fang Qiao is young and beautiful, she is a widow who has given birth, so who would want a good partner? This marriage is actually a step up for Fang Qiao!
She genuinely felt it was a good match, and Fang Qiao's refusal was simply ungrateful.
Ultimately, this is a gap in thinking between two generations!
Fang Qiao is willing to try to understand her thoughts, but cannot forgive her.
I couldn't be bothered to argue with her any further. After all, Yang Fengxia is quite old now, and her deeply ingrained ideas are impossible to change.
Fang Qiao just needs her to shut up and stop nagging her. They can just treat each other like ordinary relatives.
Regardless of the circumstances, she gave birth to her and raised her, so it's only right that she takes care of her in her old age.
She'll take care of them when the time comes, and if no one is willing to, she'll pay for their care and send them to a nursing home. She'll contribute whatever her siblings contribute, but beyond that, she won't do anything more.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
