CHAPTER 436: CHAPTER 434: ZHANG DANDAN’S THOUGHTS

Han Yi was in the yard helping his mother-in-law with chores. While busy indoors, he naturally heard his mother-in-law’s complaints.

These past few nights, he heard Xiao Wan say, since the family doesn’t like her, it’s better not to let people stay at home.

Last year, Xiao Wan rented the courtyard to monitor Mei Langchi and Ye Qing, and it hasn’t been returned yet.

We can’t just make relatives leave as soon as they arrive, or else Zhang Dandan might go tell her mother, and who knows how Liang Weixiang will talk about them back home then. Let her stay for a few days first, if it doesn’t work out, let her stay over there.

Lin Wan thought Han Yi’s suggestion was feasible; Ye Qing was pregnant, Lin Wan had observed her a few times, and her reactions were quite strong, too occupied to entertain other thoughts. Letting Zhang Dandan stay over there was fine, Ye Qing hadn’t met Zhang Dandan. Even if they did meet, they wouldn’t recognize each other.

To be safe, Lin Wan just told Zhang Dandan that she helped her just rent the house.

A little past noon, her brother led Zhang Dandan in.

Just like Lin Wan remembered, her cousin seemed very honest. But actually quite shrewd.

In the previous lifetime, she had once met Zhang Dandan when she went back to her hometown; by then she was married and worked as a primary school teacher in the town. Her husband was employed at the town’s grain and oil company. According to Brother Ah Zhi, Zhang Dandan got that teacher position by snatching it from a classmate of theirs. At that time, Lin Wan didn’t know, but later it became clear over time through rumors spread by that classmate. Originally, the position was given to her, but Zhang Dandan falsely accused her of stealing from the school. How can a thief be a good teacher? The school immediately replaced her and gave the position to Zhang Dandan, who was the second choice.

Back then, Lin Wan was eager to go to Z City to see her brother, not paying much attention. Their family had been looked down upon by her aunt for many years, and they were almost like strangers. She didn’t care about these things.

"Aunt, Sister Wan," Zhang Dandan obediently called out after being brought in by Lin Yinghui. Upon seeing Lin Wan’s alarming belly, she grinned and walked over, holding Lin Wan’s arm and asking concernedly, "Is Sister Wan’s Bao Bao well-behaved? During the New Year, I heard Aunt say so. My mom even complimented Sister Wan on her good fortune."

Since she heard about it? Why didn’t she bring anything to supplement Lin Wan?

Lin Wan merely rolled her eyes inwardly while giving Zhang Dandan a smile outwardly.

Zhang Dandan accidentally looked up, glanced at the man beside her, felt surprised first, then looked at Lin Wan with doubt.

Normally, Han Yi wouldn’t wear his military uniform at home, so Zhang Dandan didn’t recognize him, which was understandable. Liang Hongmei quickly introduced, "This is Xiao Wan’s husband. You can call him Brother-in-law Han Yi."

Zhang Dandan immediately sweetly called out, "Brother-in-law."

"Hmm," Han Yi sat beside Lin Wan, with a cold face, not intending to engage in any polite exchanges because of her addressing him as brother-in-law.

This made Zhang Dandan quite embarrassed. Since coming over from the train station, even Ah Hui treated her indifferently.

At home, Aunt and Ah Wan seemed to treat her warmly. She could see that, actually, they didn’t like her.

She didn’t mind. Coming over, she already knew that Aunt’s family wouldn’t treat her well. After all, every time her mother met her aunt, it was full of satirical remarks.

Now her mom saw her aunt’s family doing well, she even stopped letting her go to school, making her come alone to work. What kind of work? Her mom wanted her to seduce Brother Ah Hui.

Her mom said, Aunt’s family made a fortune doing business here, earning a lot of money. They might never return to the hometown anymore.

Ah Hui was a college student; after graduation, he would receive a proper job placement, having a secure "iron rice bowl."

Ah Wan was married now; the money earned from the restaurant belonged to Brother Ah Hui.

During the New Year, Liang Hongmei helped Brother Ah Zhi with land contracts and new house construction, generously spending thousands.

Several thousand; for people in their village, saving tens of yuan in a year was already good.

Even those working in factories in the county earn only twenty to thirty yuan a month, and that’s considered a good life fought for earnestly.

Several thousand yuan, her mom guessed, Aunt’s family must have plenty of savings.

After calculating at home for a few days, she set her sights on Brother Ah Hui.

Borrowing money needs repayment; directly bringing the money tree home is more satisfying.

When her mom talked to her about it, she was naturally against it. She had worked hard for years, finally attending high school. In a few years, she would be enviable like a college student.

Her mom stopped her education for money.

"You dead girl, what do you know? Lin Yinghui is graduating from college soon. According to your uncle, Yinghui’s batch will have job placements; the next batch of college students, the country won’t manage it anymore, graduates will have to find jobs themselves. Our family doesn’t have connections, even if you get into college, without a good job placement, it’ll be in vain. Years of tuition wasted."

Her mother pressed the advantage: "Mom wants you to form feelings with Ah Hui for your own good. Do you know why Mom dislikes your aunt? Clearly they were dirt poor, yet straining to support two kids in school, keeping an air of superiority. And still she can’t climb up the branches... since she can support two kids through college, if you really become her daughter-in-law, she won’t just sit by and watch. You’ve almost finished high school, just one step to college. By then, you can coax them to keep supporting your education. Then, you’ll have money for college, and after graduation, you can rely on Ah Hui’s connections to get a good job. A win-win. You actually disagree? Brain rust is affecting your studies?"

Her mother’s words made her compromise, having money and attending college, and staying in the city seemed like a good plan.

Only her mom didn’t expect her aunt to be so difficult now, hard to sway, firmly refusing her arrival.

Later, only learned from her uncle after Aunt relocated and shifted the family’s household registration to the city.

This surprised Mom heavily, refusing defeat. Being far away with no means to influence left her anxious.

She hesitated at first, but her mind swayed clearly upon hearing Aunt’s family moved to a big city.

City resident, who wouldn’t wish to go, become admired city dweller. She wanted, too.

Therefore, she conveyed the plan to her mom, secret and swift. Arriving unexpectedly, her aunt’s family couldn’t ignore familial ties regardless of displeasure and would take her in.

See, she was picked up by Brother Ah Hui from the station.

Honestly, her cousin appeared decent, scholarly demeanor, bright yet gentle eyes, slightly smiling lips radiating warmth, emitting relaxed comfort.

Such scholarly aura isn’t her preference but considering future ease with him she doesn’t fuss over likes.

Cautiously chatting, asking around the scenic route, pondering how to create amiable impression and not make Lin Yinghui dislike her.

Upon arriving, grand courtyard amazed her tremendously; fortunate she listened to Mother’s insistence to come.

Such vast space, valuable indeed.

Yet more stunning was the man beside Lin Wan.

Reflected in peripheral glance, catching a glimpse stirred her calm mind profoundly.

Sharp dark eyes, lean tight lips, distinct contours, tall yet slender form, fierce as an eagle, aloof and commanding, intimidating yet alluring compelling.

This is what she liked.

...

Lin Wan’s crowd naturally oblivious to Zhang Dandan’s fleeting thoughts, had they known her high praise for Han Yi...

Typically, Lin Wan would give praise, commending future teacher qualities indifferently.

However, intending to protect her man from ogling wenches, she wouldn’t let things slide.

Her lifelong fixated on loving Han Yi, cherishing each shared moment, enduring ahead, determined to love him through next lifetime as well.

Any woman coveting wouldn’t be tolerated. "Long travel worn you out? Eat a meal. Rest after." Liang Hongmei neatly wrapped formal phrases, eagerly escorting Zhang Dandan towards dining.