CHAPTER 864: CHAPTER 581: COLD RECEPTION

First watch of the night.

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"This is my uncle’s son, Lin Jianbao. He’s always dissatisfied with his job and holds a lot of grievances against our mom, so it’s normal for him not to welcome us."

Listening to Zhou Mikang’s introduction, the smile at the corner of Chuxia’s lips uncontrollably bloomed.

"What’s so amusing?" Zhou Mikang looked at his young wife puzzled, trying to understand what her laughter was about.

"Nothing really, it’s just that his name is quite amusing." Chuxia lowered her voice, "There’s a famous beverage called Jianlibao, so whenever I hear his name, it makes me chuckle."

"Oh." Zhou Mikang nodded, realizing she was referencing a drink that wouldn’t exist until later, making it a private joke only his wife found funny.

The house was a courtyard dwelling. Upon entering the main gate, there were side rooms to the left and right, with the main house directly ahead. The yard was spacious, about two hundred square meters.

Geez, how many houses will they get if this place is ever demolished? That was Chuxia’s first thought upon seeing the scene, even secretly pondering whether she should buy a few courtyard homes in the Capital City in the coming years, considering it would be a goldmine in the future.

They walked right into the hall before someone came to greet them—it was Zeng Meili.

"I’ve been waiting for you..." Zeng Meili blinked at them, lowered her voice, and said, "The family was quite upset last night, so emotions aren’t great today. Be careful, all of you."

Zhou Mikang and Zhou Xikang nodded expressionlessly and continued inside, while Chuxia hurriedly followed, feeling inexplicably tense.

She certainly didn’t care about this family’s attitude towards her, but thinking about possibly facing some intense scenes later made her uncontrollably nervous.

The hall was quite large, over seventy square meters, rectangular in shape. After entering, both sides were filled with people. Zhou Mikang and Zhou Xikang didn’t look to either side, so naturally, neither did Chuxia. However, she could feel many eyes glancing her way, even sensing two particular pairs of eyes that were especially unfriendly.

Reaching the head of the hall, Zhou Mikang pulled Chuxia beside him, and addressing the sitting elders, said, "Happy New Year, Grandma and Grandpa."

"Happy New Year, Grandma and Grandpa," Chuxia quickly said. She had actually met the old couple once before, and seeing their position, she knew who they were. Still, she waited for Zhou Mikang to finish greeting before doing the same.

The elderly couple smiled and nodded, each taking out a red envelope and handing it to Chuxia. "Xiaomi’s wife, this is our gesture, please accept it," the old lady said.

Chuxia quickly declined, "Grandma, I’m already grown, there’s no need. We should be the ones showing filial piety to you."

"Such a considerate child." The old lady laughed and forcefully stuffed the red envelope into Chuxia’s hand. "No matter how old, you’re still a child in our eyes. Besides, it’s your first year being married; there’s no reason not to take a red envelope."

Chuxia quickly responded, "Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa."

"Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa," Zhou Mikang also thanked the elderly couple.

"This child is still the same as when he was young..." The old lady smiled, looking at Chuxia, "When he cares for someone, he doesn’t mind being treated poorly, but if someone treats that person badly, he won’t stand for it. Did you see, when we were talking to him earlier, he barely responded. But just now, when he saw us giving his wife a red envelope, he changed instantly."

Chuxia didn’t know how to respond, so she just smiled silently, though inwardly she was thinking, isn’t this old lady supposed to have a good relationship with Lin Yanqiu? Why does her comment sound so barbed?

Then she recalled Fat Auntie telling her that some elders still hold old-fashioned beliefs, especially liking to set rules for new daughters-in-law. Perhaps, this old lady was one of them?

After a few more pleasantries, the old man waved them off, "Go greet your uncles and aunts, and chat with your younger cousins."

"Yes." After acknowledging, Zhou Mikang led Chuxia to the side.

Chuxia hadn’t yet recovered from the shock of this formality; it felt like she had returned to the old society.

Compared to the Zhou family’s wealth, the Zhou family was much more affluent than the Lin family. Yet, the Zhou family didn’t have such traditions at all, while the Lin family strictly followed the old ways. Some might call it respecting hierarchy, while others might see it as feudal rigidity.