The Yan Family Falls Out, Yan Bugui's Plan Backfires

Yu Li had only been working for a short time, and her salary was very low.

Yan Jiecheng didn't work at the steel rolling mill either, so his salary wasn't much higher.

That's why the couple decided to split their living arrangements but not their finances, living with his parents.

Yan Bugui felt that there was a shortfall at home that hadn't been covered, no matter how he calculated it.

He finally realized the gap was because Yu Li's salary hadn't been handed over. Although it wasn't a lot, the Yan family had to budget carefully.

It just so happened that Yan Jiecheng and Yu Li's salaries were due, which is when he brought up the matter of Yu Li handing over her salary.

Yu Li was already holding back her anger, and when she heard her father-in-law say that, her face immediately fell.

"Dad! Are you saying that now that I've joined the Yan family, I'm eating too much? Are you kicking me and Jiecheng out to live separately?"

Yan Bugui sighed, "Alas! Yu Li, you're wrong to say that. We're one family. If we split up after only being married for a month or so, wouldn't that make us a laughingstock?"

"Oh, so you're not going to split up, but you're kicking me out?" Yu Li dared to speak her mind, not giving her father-in-law any face.

"This, this... that's even more impossible! You are my Yan family's eldest daughter-in-law, a part of the Yan family. I treat you like my own daughter!"

"Then if I eat too much, you ask me for my salary. Jiecheng and I were planning to have children, but now, forget it, they'll starve to death if they're born!"

"Oh, what are you saying? I'm just discussing this with you two. If it doesn't work, we'll drop it. If this plan doesn't work, we'll cross it off."

Yan Bugui hadn't expected his daughter-in-law to be so shameless, not giving him any face at all.

Moreover, his son Yan Jiecheng remained silent the entire time, clearly backing Yu Li.

Yan Bugui felt a bit cornered, and Third Mistress quickly came to smooth things over.

"Yu Li, don't overthink it. Your father just said that casually. If there's food for me in this house, there's food for you."

Yu Li said stubbornly, "Forget it, Mom. Don't give me an extra pair of chopsticks today. Can't I just not eat?"

With that, her eyes turned red, and she went out. Yan Jiecheng quickly followed.

Third Mistress shook her head, "Old Yan, you were too hasty. You could have waited a few months!"

Yan Bugui spread his hands, "This, this, I haven't even said much yet. Alas, it's probably hopeless now. Hurry up and go persuade her to come back!"

Just as Third Mistress was about to go after them, Yan Jiecheng lifted the curtain and came back in.

With a dejected expression, he said, "Mom, don't go. Yu Li went to find Lou Xiao'e."

Third Mistress breathed a sigh of relief, "Yu Li has been close with Lou Xiao'e lately. Perhaps eating at her place and being enlightened by Lin Zhen and Lou Xiao'e would be good."

The second son, Yan Jiefang, chuckled, "Brother, are you sure? Lin Zhen proposed to Sister-in-law before."

Yan Jiecheng said impatiently, "What nonsense are you talking about? I'm not like Jia Dongxu, who's petty. Your sister-in-law isn't that kind of person either!"

Third Mistress angrily slapped Yan Jiefang on the head, "How can you talk about your own sister-in-law like that?"

Yan Bugui said helplessly, "Alright, alright, let's eat."

Yan Jiecheng asked, "Dad, what about Yu Li's salary?"

"We won't mention it again."

"What about mine?"

"Yours must be handed over, of course. Are two people eating without contributing to the food expenses?"

Yan Jiecheng chuckled, "Dad, Yu Li said that my salary is meant for our future life. It was fine to give it to you before we got married, but after marriage, we need to save it for our future children. Otherwise, we'll be like First Elder and never have a grandson for you in our lives. If you like that, here, this is my salary for this month. Please take it!"

"Yan Jiecheng, you!"

Yan Jiecheng spread his hands, helpless, "This is our attitude. How the Yan family fares is entirely up to you!"

Seeing this, Third Mistress sighed, "Let's drop this matter for today. Don't mention it again. Jiecheng, take your money back and let's eat!"

Yan Jiecheng put his money away and swaggered to his seat, waiting for the meal.

He was overjoyed. His wife's little scene had actually freed him from his father's shackles, and they could save money together from now on.

Third Master Yan Bugui was like a mute eating a bitter herb, unable to express his suffering. He was a man who cared about his reputation.

It was fine to have a family dispute, but it was absolutely not allowed for the courtyard to know, and the neighbors to laugh at them.

As a result, the eldest son's family would save money for their own life.

The seven members of the Yan family would all depend on his salary alone for support.

Alas! If he had known, he wouldn't have brought up collecting Yu Li's salary today. He was getting old, and his authority was insufficient!

Yan Bugui was filled with regret, and he had no appetite for the meal.

On the other hand, Yu Li was already happily chatting with Lou Xiao'e.

She had indeed been furious at her father-in-law's stingy calculations. After losing her temper and falling out with him, she came to Lou Xiao'e to vent her grievances.

Lin Zhen's family had just brought the dishes to the table and were about to eat.

Braised cabbage with vermicelli, preserved radish stir-fried with lard residue, two small basins of dishes, several steamed white flour buns, and some noodle soup.

There was no coarse grain on the table.

Yu Li was truly envious of Lou Xiao'e.

Lin Zhen and Lou Xiao'e were not stingy people, and Yu Li had gotten along well with everyone since arriving at the courtyard.

Seeing her with red eyes, they asked what was wrong. When she explained she had argued with her father-in-law and was refusing to eat out of spite, they invited her to sit down and join them.

Lou Xiao'e asked, "So from now on, you'll have control of Yan Jiecheng's money?"

Yu Li said proudly, "I wasn't planning on doing that originally, but since the old man is being so calculating, I have to fight back."

Lin Zhen laughed, "This is great. Third Master's plan backfired, and he's reaping what he sowed. He'll have to be even more calculating from now on!"

Yu Li chuckled, "Hmph, he brought it on himself! If he expects me to be filial with this kind of calculating behavior for the rest of his life, don't count on it. What do you think, Lin Zhen?"

Lin Zhen spread his hands, "It's your family matter, I can't guess."

Yu Li took a bite of the preserved radish strips stir-fried with lard. The flavor was so good it made her purse her lips, and the taste was savory and numbing.

She exclaimed in surprise, "Xiao'e, did you cook this? It smells amazing, so numbing!"

Lou Xiao'e said happily, "This dish needs a lot of Sichuan peppercorns. Lin Zhen taught me. I couldn't cook when I was a daughter at home, but now I can whip up home-style dishes with ease, and I actually enjoy cooking."

Yu Li tasted the cabbage next. It was also seasoned perfectly, with a delightful appearance, aroma, and taste.

She couldn't help but envy, "Xiao'e, you're so lucky."

Lou Xiao'e glanced at Lin Zhen and giggled, "I really am lucky."

Praised by the two women, Lin Zhen felt a bit uncomfortable. "Alright, that's enough. If Yan Jiecheng hears this, he'll get suspicious again."

Yu Li laughed, "Don't worry, my Yan Jiecheng isn't Jia Dongxu, and I'm not Qin Huairu."

The children didn't know what the adults were talking about and ate quickly. In a short while, they were full.

"Dad, I'm taking my brothers to the backyard to play with Bang Geng!"

"Go ahead, but don't be back too late."

"Okay, I know!"

After dinner, Yan Jiecheng also came over for a chat. He spoke excitedly and proudly about not having to hand over his salary anymore.

As the two families were talking, Silly Zhu arrived in the front courtyard, pulling Bang Geng along.

"Lin Zhen, come out! How do you discipline your children? Look at how you beat up Bang Geng!"

"Wuwuwu... Lin Guo and the other three beat me up..."

Lin Zhen frowned. They had only gone to the backyard less than half an hour ago. Weren't they supposed to be playing? Why did a fight break out?

He quickly went out to look. Good heavens, Bang Geng did look quite miserable.