RYEY -Chapter 290 New Year’s Money

But now that her younger sister-in-law and sister-in-law had both been admitted to university, the three young women in the family, her own daughter had become the worst among them. How could this be acceptable?

“Why don’t you take Meili along as well? She’s still on maternity leave, and staying home won’t do her much good—going out and seeing the world would be good for her too.”

Meili was taken aback. Her baby was still so small—how could she manage on her own? What if the baby got cold, hungry, or sick? Who would help her then?

“I’m not going. I want to go back with you all.”

“You…”

“If I don’t go, I don’t go. The weather is so cold, the baby is still young, and we don’t have time to accompany her anyway.”

Jiang Hua shot his wife a glance. Ever since their daughter married into the Li family, this wife seemed like a different person—quibbling over every little thing. If it weren’t for the grandson, he wouldn’t even want to go home after work.

“But…”

Yuan Qin wanted to say that all daughters-in-law in the Li family should be treated equally, but she suddenly remembered that Cheng Qiao went to Beijing to study, and she couldn’t continue.

Mother Li stood up, feeling she didn’t belong here. But she had only taken two steps when Yuan Qin, smiling mischievously, spoke up:

“In-law, we won’t be able to have the reunion dinner together this New Year. This year, I’ve decided to give my grandson fifty yuan as New Year’s money. Since it’s his first year, I’ll give a bit more to make it meaningful.”

Mother Li finally remembered. Yes, the New Year was coming. In the past, every year during the New Year, all the children would come to pay their respects, each giving a red envelope.

The money inside wasn’t much—Lele gave only fifty cents, Xuhui twenty cents, and the younger ones just ten cents each—it was just a symbolic gesture for good luck.

Cheng Qiao was well-off, but the red envelopes she gave the children were only a few cents. Yet this In-law was giving fifty yuan—enough to cover five months of Huan’s meals!

Mother Li was angry, but by nature, she was gentle and would never quarrel. She reached into her pocket and handed fifty yuan to Jiang Meili.

“Meili, it’s not Lunar New Year’s Eve yet. I don’t have any red paper right now. When the time comes, just wrap it in some red paper yourself and place it under the child’s pillow on New Year’s Eve.”

Jiang Meili looked awkward and glanced at Jiang Hua. Jiang Hua sighed, reached into his pocket, and began distributing money to the others.

Ten yuan for Xuhui, ten for Little Cheng Li, ten for Xiao Li Ming, ten for each of the twins—adding up to fifty yuan, exactly offsetting the fifty yuan Mother Li gave.

Xuhui took the money and confiscated the envelopes from his younger siblings, placing them directly in Mother Li’s hand. This move was somewhat humiliating; not only did Yuan Qin’s expression change, but even Jiang Hua looked displeased.

Li Huan quickly ran out and called Li Bing over. When Li Bing learned it was his mother-in-law asking his mother to give New Year’s money to his son, he laughed.

“Mother, I was going to give this to you quietly tonight, but I’ll just give it now. This is your son’s filial money—two hundred yuan. Use it to buy something to eat or drink.”

Yuan Qin stood up to speak, but Li Huan also pulled two hundred yuan from his pocket and handed it to Mother Li:

“Mother, my elder brother gives two hundred, I give two hundred. Lele is still a student and married now, so she doesn’t need retirement money.”

Jiang Hua glanced at Li Huan, knowing these words were directed at him. As they say, a daughter who marries out is like water spilled from a cup—of course, she doesn’t need to support her parents anymore.

Then Li Huan took another two hundred yuan and handed it to Li Bing. Li Bing was taken aback. “I don’t need retirement money. Besides, I have a son—do I need you to support me?”

“Here, this is your son’s New Year’s money.”

Li Bing had previously given small amounts of New Year’s money to Li Huan’s son—never more than five yuan—so he already knew his younger brother was upset.

“Your mother-in-law wants money, right? No problem. Whether it’s fifty, five hundred, or five thousand, it’s not an issue. Here’s two hundred to settle the previous accounts.”

“Brother, I have only one son, and you have five children. You give my son two hundred; shouldn’t I give you a thousand in return? This deal is too unfair; I won’t do it.”

“Take it. You just became a father—you’ll have many expenses. Besides, you used to give the kids New Year’s money every year. I’m returning the favor. Half is from me, and the other half is from my mother. In the future, if your son wants New Year’s money, don’t ask my mother. I’ll give it.”

Li Bing looked at Yuan Qin and cheerfully accepted the money:

“Fine, from now on, whatever New Year’s money my mother-in-law gives my son, my mother will double it. Ha ha.”

Yuan Qin’s expression changed. This was blatant pressure—did it mean she would have to give fifty yuan every year? She refused. Just as she was about to speak, Li Le and Qin Guoqing came in.

She was annoyed. Today was her big day. What was her sister-in-law’s mother up to? The little girl rolled her eyes, brought Qin Guoqing over to Cheng Qiao, and both bowed to her.

“Second sister-in-law, ever since you married my second brother, our family’s life has gradually gotten better because of you. Everything I have today is thanks to you.”

“Second sister-in-law, Lele told me too—thank you for raising Lele. You’ve made life easier for me. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Lele.”

“Cheng Qiao, I, Qin Daqiang, rarely admire anyone, but I admire you. I heard most of Lele’s dowry was prepared by you. Li family is lucky to have a daughter-in-law like you.”

After speaking, Qin Daqiang tightly shook Cheng Liguo’s hand, saying he had raised a good daughter. Cheng Liguo humbly shook his hands: it was all thanks to Cheng Qiao’s mother—a good mother raises a good daughter.

Cheng Liguo’s words made Li Huan laugh uncontrollably. That laughter immediately shattered Yuan Qin’s forced composure, leaving her utterly embarrassed.

Jiang Meili stomped her foot in anger. She had decided that in the future, her mother would not be allowed to participate in any Li family events. She always compared herself with others—it was stressful enough already!

Li Huan brought out fireworks. Today was Lele’s big day, and a few fireworks would add to the celebration. Tomorrow, they would set off for Beijing—the bright future was just ahead.

Mother Li and grandmother were taking the train for the first time. They had bought hard sleepers. Seeing the three-tiered beds, Li Ming excitedly climbed up and down, chattering endlessly.

Cheng Qiao called twice, but there was no response. Li Huan was about to intervene, but Xuhui stood up, grabbed Li Ming by the ear, and said, “Mom called you—are you deaf?”

Cheng Liguo looked at Xuhui with surprise. This child was great—he knew he was the eldest and had the responsibility to teach his younger siblings.

Although Xuhui was holding Li Ming by the ear, his eyes secretly glanced at Cheng Liguo. Seeing admiration in his eyes, he felt reassured. The Cheng family truly treated him as one of their own.

Li Ming, seeing Xuhui act, obediently sat down. He really wanted the top bunk, and eventually, he got it—but he was warned not to move around; falling would be serious.

Little Nuan sat on Cheng Liguo’s lap, tiny fingers pointing at the scenery rushing past. She couldn’t understand why the trees seemed to be moving backward.