USWHC -Chapter 67 Treating the Picked-Up Wife Like a Treasure (Part 7)

“Where’s Yi and his wife’s meal?” Fortunately, there was still someone in the house who spoke frankly.

Hearing this, Sister-in-law You’s face immediately showed a hint of embarrassment, but she still said sourly, “She has a stomach for meat buns, not used to our sweet potatoes. It’s not like we wanted to make things difficult for her!”

Old Madam Ji snorted coldly from the side, adding, “Exactly!” She shot Zhu Jie a sharp glare, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “Truly a lady’s body with a maid’s fate!”

“Mother, what lady’s body? A maid is just a maid—what’s with all the pampering? I think she’s just indulging herself!” Ji Mei joined in the ridicule.

Zhu Jie listened to them mocking her back and forth, her heart quietly burning with anger. She even regretted coming this morning—shouldn’t she have expected this?

In truth, she had guessed most of these words in advance. The only reason she came was partly for Ji Yi’s sake. She could have simply turned and left, but this is Ji Yi’s family! After she left, how would he get along with them? That’s why she chose to make the first move to show goodwill—but she never imagined these people would be so ungrateful.

“How can you speak about her like that? She’s new here and naturally a little out of place. You should be helping her!” Old Master Ji said, holding his chopsticks firmly as he glanced at the back of Ji Mei’s hand, giving her a warning look. “And what about Yi? His wife can’t eat well—surely he can eat, right?”

“He’s capable—he can get meat buns on credit. You think he cares about eating your sweet potatoes?” Old Madam Ji glared angrily at Ji Yi, as if still holding a grudge against him.

“What nonsense! Yi is only doing it for his wife!” Old Master Ji sighed. “I think you should give Yi some money so he can pay back the buns.”

At this, Old Madam Ji immediately jumped up, agitated. “Why should I? If he can buy on credit, he can pay it back! I have no money! If I had money, I’d buy the buns myself. Why should I give anyone a bargain?”

Was another argument about to start? Zhu Jie had no intention of letting her beautiful day be consumed by their quarrel. She gently nudged Ji Yi, gave him a subtle glance, and quietly slipped away.

“By the way, how do you usually do laundry?” Zhu Jie asked as soon as they were outside.

“In winter, we usually heat some water and wash in the kitchen,” Ji Yi replied, glancing at her with a bittersweet smile.

The kitchen was generally the warmest place in the house, with hot water ready on the stove, so most of the laundry in winter was done there.

But Zhu Jie looked at the lively kitchen scene and chuckled—she had no desire to go back and seek trouble now.

Besides, she knew that if she offered to do the laundry, all the stinky clothes accumulated over years would probably be dumped on her to wash. Old Madam Ji and Sister-in-law You were still holding grudges—they were just waiting for an opportunity to pick on her!

Zhu Jie shook her head quickly. Ji Yi understood her thoughts. After a moment of hesitation, he said, “It’s a pity it’s cold now. In summer, we could wash by the river, but now you’d freeze your hands.”

“By the river?” Zhu Jie’s eyes lit up. She had often seen laundry scenes by the river on TV but had never tried it herself. Honestly, she was quite curious to try. “Is the river frozen now?”

Some rivers completely ice over in winter, perfect for skating but impossible for laundry.

“No, the river at the east end of the village never freezes. I just went to fetch water there!”

“Really? Can I borrow some laundry supplies? I want to go see!” Zhu Jie perked up immediately, her face full of anticipation as she looked at Ji Yi.

Ji Yi sighed, “Why the rush? They may have sharp tongues, but they won’t stay angry long. In a few days, it’ll be fine.”

Zhu Jie, however, smiled mysteriously and shook her head lightly. “I want to do it now.”

“Fine, I’ll go wash it!” Ji Yi sighed and agreed.

Zhu Jie was slightly taken aback, and her gaze softened. This guy wasn’t bad—many men in the modern era wouldn’t even wash clothes, let alone for their wives. And yet, this ancient man was willing to wash for his pretend wife. Such a good man!