Chapter 591 | Chapter 592 | Chapter 593
Chapter 591: Relatives of the Pan Family Drop By
Sheng Wanyan laughed up a storm. Mother Gu could be quite amusing at times; every time she accidentally drew the fire to herself, she would immediately make an escape.
The women of the house chattered away dynamically. The twins and Chouwa crawled around the living room, occasionally standing up to take a few steps.
“Ma~”
Maomao hugged her thigh, tilting his chubby little face up to look at her. Sheng Wanyan scooped him up in one motion and sat him on her lap.
“Lailai, come quickly.”
Sheng Wanyan noticed that the older twin, Lailai, was crawling a bit slowly, so she extended her hand toward him. Lailai hurriedly crawled over, and Sheng Wanyan scooped him up as well.
“Good boys.”
“These two children… Maomao is exceptionally quick on his hands and feet. He usually crawls even faster than Chouwa.” One had to keep in mind that Chouwa was over three months older than him, yet his hands and feet weren’t nearly as nimble and fast-moving as Maomao’s.
Hearing this, Gu Tong smiled and pulled Maomao’s chubby little hand, and Maomao offered her a massive, bright smile.
“This is your Great-Aunt. Do you know that, Maomao?” Mother Gu introduced her to him. Lailai and Maomao could already say “Ma” and utter some simple sounds.
“The two children clearly have different temperaments. Lailai prefers quiet, looking exactly like Wanyan. Maomao loves to cause a racket, just like Tingxiao when he was little. The two children complement each other; in the future, they will definitely be filial children. Other households are incredibly envious that our family possesses such good fortune.”
In just a few sentences, Gu Tong had Mother Gu smiling from ear to ear. And wasn’t it true? The entire military compound was envious that their family held this exact fortune.
Lailai and Maomao sat on Sheng Wanyan, tilting their heads to stare at their great-aunt who was praising them. The more Gu Tong looked at them, the more she adored them. Mother Gu laughed continuously, reaching out to wipe away the tears of laughter from the corners of her eyes.
“We have good fortune, we have good fortune, and you have good fortune too. Look at the last time you fell ill—your two sons and daughters-in-law took such excellent care of you. Both Mom and I felt completely at ease. In the past, we were always petrified that you would suffer grievances by marrying far away.” Mother Gu held Gu Tong’s hand and spoke a few heartfelt words. She had always known that the two elders of the house worried most about their daughter marrying far away. Even though they knew their son-in-law was a good man, they still couldn’t completely put their minds at ease!
Thinking back to the last time she fell ill, her two daughters-in-law had taken meticulous care of her and hadn’t hesitated to spend money, harboring no fear of household poverty. Gu Tong’s heart felt incredibly warm. Afterward, the two daughters-in-law even scraped together money to give to her so she could pay back Sheng Wanyan, working together as a family to slowly clear the debt.
“Yes, I am a fortunate person too. I have two wonderful daughters-in-law,” Gu Tong sighed. It was often said that marrying a wife was about marrying a virtuous woman, and her household had not chosen wrong.
“Look at how beautifully your grandsons and granddaughters have been raised; they all carry the fierce mettle of a soldier.” Mother Gu adored Gu Tong’s grandchildren immensely. They truly lived up to being children from a military family—not a single one of them was lacking! They were upright and impeccably mannered, showing immense respect to their elders upon returning to the Capital.
Hearing Mother Gu’s praise, Gu Tong also laughed until tears came to her eyes. As the two of them engaged in a grand session of mutual flattery, Sheng Wanyan stroked her two sons’ round heads and listened. Sure enough, no matter the era, during the New Year and holidays, relatives and friends could never escape a round of mutual praise.
Gu Tingxiao carried the two sons away, holding one in each arm as he took them upstairs to coax them to sleep. Lailai and Maomao were genuinely heavy; holding them for too long was quite exhausting. Maomao, in particular, was highly active, and she could barely restrain him.
By the time dinner rolled around, Yi Yi had also returned. Looking at her daughter who was growing more and more wild, Sheng Wanyan truly didn’t know what to say.
“You youngsters.” Grandfather Gu tapped the table. Yi Yi and the other young children looked at him, thoroughly bewildered.
“Tomorrow, your grandmother and I are heading out to attend a full-month celebration at an old friend’s residence. The children will accompany your grandmother and me to meet my old friends.” Grandfather Gu informed Gu Tingxiao and his brothers, giving them zero opportunity to choose.
Eldest Sister-in-law Gu instructed Gu Jinfang to take excellent care of the two elders and his little cousins. Having passed the New Year, Gu Jinfang was now thirteen years old and understood many things. Second Uncle Gu also instructed his two grandsons; Gu Jinshou and Gu Jingong were twelve and eight years old respectively, both old enough to be considered half-grown boys.
“Jingjing and Yi Yi will go too. Being cooped up in the compound every day is no good; they ought to interact with some other friends.” Grandfather Gu had always believed that girls needed to see more of the world to avoid low-level temptations in the future. Gu Tong had been educated exactly this way when she was little. Grandfather Gu generally didn’t meddle in household matters, but when he did, it meant he was highly invested.
“Yes, Grandfather.”
How could Gu Tingxiao and Gu Tinghao possibly have the standing to refuse? They had taken plenty of beatings when they were little, and they didn’t want to be beaten now that they were in their thirties. It was about time to let their daughters shoulder a bit of the burden for them.
Gu Jingjing and Yi Yi: “…” What kind of fathers are these…
The next day, Grandfather and Grandma Gu took the children out to attend the full-month banquet, granting Sheng Wanyan a brief moment of leisure.
Sheng Wanyan returned to her maiden home. Grandfather Sheng and the others were staying over in Nancheng for the New Year, which made visiting relatives a bit more convenient. To her surprise, when she arrived home, Pan Yue’s eldest brother’s family and third sister’s family had come to visit Pan Yue and the two elders.
Pan Yue’s eldest brother was the deputy bureau chief of the Capital Public Security Bureau, her third sister was a primary school teacher, and her third brother-in-law was a factory director. It had been several years since the Pan family had come over to discuss the marriage alliance, and Sheng Wanyan hadn’t encountered Pan Yue’s siblings since then.
“Wanyan is back.”
“Where are the children?” Mother Sheng was currently chatting with Pan Yue’s eldest sister-in-law. Seeing her return, she immediately stepped forward to pull her down to sit. “Have you eaten? If not, Mom can go make a bowl of noodles for you.”
“I’ve eaten.”
Hearing that she had eaten, Mother Sheng nodded and introduced the relatives who had come to visit from the Pan family. “This is your sister-in-law’s biological eldest brother and sister-in-law, and this is her third sister and third brother-in-law.”
Sheng Wanyan offered a greeting. She had met them before and still retained an impression, though it was her first time meeting Pan Xing’s husband. She had previously heard from her mother that Pan Yue’s biological older sister, Pan Xing, didn’t have an easy time in her husband’s home; her mother-in-law didn’t seem to like her very much.
Sheng Wanyan offered a polite greeting, and the group smiled and nodded to her in return. They hadn’t expected Sheng Wanyan to return to her maiden home on the fifth day of the New Year, so they instantly had to watch their words carefully.
“Your sister-in-law’s family came to visit us today, and since you happen to be back too, it’s a good chance to familiarize yourself with everyone.”
The Pan family also lived in a military compound, but Father Pan was the second son of his family and had always been stationed in Ice City. Old Master and Old Madame Pan lived with their eldest son, so the family living in the Capital compound was actually Pan Yue’s uncle’s family. Father Pan’s household had resided long-term in Ice City. Aside from the eldest son and the third daughter who remained in the Capital, the rest had lived in Ice City for a long time.
Mother Sheng offered a brief introduction. The Pan family was well aware that Sheng Wanyan had married into the Gu family, had passed the college entrance examination on her own merit, and was running her own business.
“It’s been a long time since we last met, sister-in-law’s sister. You look even more poised and elegant now than a few years ago.” Pan Yue’s eldest sister-in-law praised her with a smile.
Sheng Wanyan nodded with a smile, returning the compliment. “Not at all. Eldest Sister-in-law is the one who looks even younger than a few years ago.”
Hearing this, Pan family’s eldest sister-in-law immediately laughed, touching her face as she confirmed it repeatedly. “Really? I constantly feel like I’m getting old.”
“Of course it’s true.”
Chapter 592: Pan Yue’s Eldest Sister’s Family Drops By to Scrounge a Favor
Pan Yue’s eldest sister-in-law quickly grew familiar with her. Pan Xing’s husband was named Du Ming. He looked quite refined and scholarly and was said to be the director of a clothing factory.
Currently, his clothing factory was facing the risk of bankruptcy. If they didn’t produce something new soon, they would quickly be replaced by the private entrepreneurs currently in the garment business.
He had heard that his sister-in-law’s sister-in-law was in the clothing business, and that the incredibly popular “Huayi” in the Capital was her shop. Since a mere woman possessed such capability, he naturally had to come to her door to learn a thing or two and see if he could revive the clothing factory.
“I heard that Sister-in-law is the owner of the Huayi clothing store?” Du Ming found an opportunity to speak.
Upon hearing his question, Pan Xing didn’t say a word, only offering Sheng Wanyan a smile. After all, they were husband and wife; if Du Ming’s career wasn’t going smoothly, life at home would be difficult for her as well.
“I wouldn’t dare call myself the owner, it’s just a small business,” Sheng Wanyan took a sip of tea, looking at the couple sitting across from her.
“Owner Sheng must be joking, your clothing store is at the height of its prosperity. The styles are novel, and now almost everyone in the Capital owns a piece. The new line of menswear your shop just released is even more of a hit. This Du admires you immensely.”
Hearing her daughter being praised, Mother Sheng was instantly delighted. However, Sheng Wanyan caught the underlying meaning in Du Ming’s words.
Sheng Wanyan chose not to spell it out. She wasn’t close with Pan Xing—they were merely nodding acquaintances—and her ultimate taboo was doing business with relatives.
Seeing that Sheng Wanyan remained silent, Du Ming grew anxious and nudged Pan Xing’s foot, signaling her to say something. She was, after all, the biological older sister of Sheng Wanyan’s sister-in-law, Pan Yue. As long as Pan Yue spoke up, Sheng Wanyan definitely wouldn’t refuse to help. If the clothing factory went under, his time as director would be up. His children were all grown now, and there were plenty of places requiring money.
Pan Xing looked at Pan Yue helplessly. Seeing her older sister’s signal, Pan Yue ignored it, feeling utterly embarrassed. She knew about this matter, but caught in the middle, she wouldn’t help either side. She couldn’t afford to offend either of them.
Previously, Du Ming had asked Pan Xing to speak with her, wanting her to persuade Sheng Wanyan to cooperate with the clothing factory. As long as Sheng Wanyan outsourced the manufacturing of her store’s clothes to their factory, the clothing factory would be able to catch its breath for a while. Pan Xing had brought it up to her several times, but she hadn’t agreed, which led to Pan Xing dropping by frequently during this period.
She knew her older sister’s hardships, but where did she get the face to ask her sister-in-law for help? If her eldest brother’s family hadn’t come to visit, and her brother-in-law Du Ming hadn’t shamelessly tagged along after finding out, she never would have let Du Ming through this door.
“Yes… Wanyan is truly capable,” Pan Xing said dryly, seeing that her own younger sister wasn’t going to help her.
“The eldest Pan sister must be joking,” Sheng Wanyan replied neutrally.
Pan Xing couldn’t help but feel that Sheng Wanyan had seen through everything, which made her rather self-conscious. If she weren’t at her wit’s end, she wouldn’t have troubled a relative like Sheng Wanyan. She also knew she was putting her younger sister in a difficult position, but given her family’s current situation, how would they survive if Du Ming lost his job?
Furthermore, her mother-in-law… ever since learning that her younger sister had married into the Sheng family and that Sheng Wanyan had made it big, she had become much more pleasant toward her. Once her mother-in-law realized that Sheng Wanyan could secure her son’s job, she immediately ordered her to ensure this cooperation succeeded. She couldn’t even imagine what her mother-in-law would do to her if she failed.
Sheng Wanyan glanced at Pan Yue. Noticing her gaze, Pan Yue instantly grew frantic.
“Wanyan…” Pan Yue hurriedly waved her hands to indicate that she did not endorse this matter, petrified that her sister-in-law would develop a grievance against her.
Sheng Wanyan hadn’t expected that Pan Xing would now be entirely devoted to her husband’s family; she hadn’t been like this when they met a few years ago. Sure enough, staying in one environment for too long would cause one to be tainted by a foul atmosphere.
Sheng Wanyan could understand Pan Xing’s plight, but she would not allow anyone to scrounge a favor off her.
“Owner Sheng, I won’t beat around the bush,” Du Ming said, seeing how useless Pan Xing was. He decided to state it plainly himself. With so many people present and given their relationship as relatives, there was no reason for Sheng Wanyan to refuse. “The clothing factory is currently facing bankruptcy, and I am seeking cooperation everywhere. Therefore… I would like to cooperate with you. I would like to ask you to hand your clothing store’s supply chain over to me. Rest assured, I will definitely strictly control the quality.” Du Ming practically raised his hand to swear.
Pan Xing was too ashamed to face her younger sister, but she also breathed a sigh of relief inside; at least it was finally out in the open.
Pan Yue’s eldest brother and sister-in-law genuinely hadn’t expected this setup. When Du Ming and Pan Xing insisted on coming along, they had assumed Pan Xing simply missed Pan Yue after not seeing her for so long. As it turned out… she had come with an agenda.
The eldest Pan brother’s face darkened. For Pan Xing and Du Ming to act this way, how was their youngest sister supposed to carry herself in her husband’s home in the future?
By now, how could Mother Sheng not understand what was happening? Pan Xing’s family had come to beg her daughter for a business partnership. That was a state-owned clothing factory; if they could truly cooperate, it would save a lot of trouble. Furthermore, the director was such a close relative, so they could look out for each other in the future.
Mother Sheng opened her mouth to speak, but Father Sheng immediately pulled her back, preventing her from interfering in their daughter’s business.
“Don’t meddle in our daughter’s work affairs.”
Seeing the disapproving looks from Grandfather Sheng, Grandmother Sheng, and Father Sheng, Mother Sheng immediately shut her mouth. What Mother Sheng thought wasn’t entirely wrong; being relatives, they could look out for one another, and cooperating with a state-backed factory carried certain advantages.
However, Father Sheng saw that things weren’t that simple. The factory was currently on the brink of bankruptcy; if they cooperated now, it was hard to say whether it would be a blessing or a curse. Furthermore, they couldn’t use their authority as parents to make their daughter help their daughter-in-law’s extended family! This was a very distant relative, and there was no reason to risk the fruits of their daughter’s hard work over the years.
“I am sorry, but my clothing store already has its own supply channels. I’m afraid I won’t be able to cooperate with your factory. If there is an opportunity in the future, your factory will certainly be given priority consideration.”
Du Ming hadn’t expected Sheng Wanyan to reject him so flatly in front of so many relatives, and Pan Xing’s expression turned somewhat unsightly as well. She had assumed that with Pan Yue as a bridge, Sheng Wanyan would surely lend her family a hand. Yet, Sheng Wanyan had straight-up refused her openly, not giving Pan Yue, her biological sister-in-law, any face at all.
“Owner Sheng, our clothing factory has a large workforce and excellent craftsmanship. Since your business is so good and you require a large volume of goods, wouldn’t mutual cooperation be a win-win situation?”
Du Ming refused to give up, but Sheng Wanyan did not budge, resolutely refusing to cooperate.
“Mr. Du, what you say makes sense, but this business does not belong to me alone. This kind of matter is not something I can decide by myself. Furthermore… our clothing store has more than enough stock.”
Sheng Wanyan rejected Du Ming once again. The smile on Du Ming’s face had completely stiffened; he had assumed Sheng Wanyan was merely putting on airs as a boss. He thought that if he just said a few more words and gave her a way out, she would accept.
“Owner Sheng, rather than leaving your production to outsiders, you would surely feel more at ease leaving it to me. We are Pan Yue’s biological brother-in-law and sister; we would never shortchange you over anyone else.”
Chapter 593: Refusing Cooperation
Sheng Wanyan felt a wave of disgust in her heart when she saw them directly bringing up Pan Yue. Pan Yue was a good sister-in-law, and she was willing to give her proper face. Because of this, she was willing to help the small family of Sheng Wanze and Pan Yue, but that did not extend to Pan Yue’s maternal family.
“Pan Xing! Du Ming!”
“Shut up!”
The eldest Pan brother truly could not listen to any more. Using Pan Yue to pressure Sheng Wanyan—how could Pan Yue and Sheng Wanyan have a good relationship in the future?
One had to keep in mind that Pan Yue currently had no income, and the household expenses were all covered by Father and Mother Sheng. Since Father and Mother Sheng worked under Sheng Wanyan, using Pan Yue to suppress Sheng Wanyan like this would make the youngest sister’s life unbearable in the future!
Initially, Mother Sheng hadn’t thought it was a big deal and felt cooperation would be for the best. But when she heard Du Ming using Pan Yue, her biological sister-in-law, to pressure her daughter, she became instantly displeased.
If you want to talk about cooperation, then talk about cooperation. What was the point of dragging in personal relationships here! Wasn’t this a blatant display of looking down on the Sheng family and bullying her daughter inside her own home? Did they truly think she was dead?
“Cut your bullshit!”
“Pan Yue married into our family, and Wanyan married into the Gu family!”
“It is often said that a married daughter is like spilled water; no matter what, it’s not her turn to prop up her maternal family.”
“Furthermore, they aren’t even her primary maternal family. For a grown man, you sure have thick skin!” Mother Sheng flew into a rage on the spot.
Pan Yue felt entirely consumed by mortification. A perfectly good New Year celebration had been ruined to this extent by her biological older sister and brother-in-law.
“Let alone your lot, even if Pan Yue faces difficulties in the future, my daughter isn’t strictly obligated to help her! If she helps anyone, it will be her biological older brother; it won’t ever reach her sister-in-law’s maternal family!”
Mother Sheng didn’t care whether Pan Yue would harbor a grievance against her upon hearing these words. Pan Yue had married into the Sheng family, but Pan Xing had not! Mother Sheng harbored zero fear of offending the Pan family. She hadn’t mistreated Pan Yue, nor had she been bad to her in any way. If the Pan family was still dissatisfied with this, then they might as well not have this daughter-in-law!
As for Sheng Wanze, if he chose his small family over his parents, then she and Father Sheng would directly sever ties with him! They would cut ties cleanly and thoroughly, ensuring no one could come to scrounge a favor off her daughter.
“Mom… my sister didn’t mean it that way…” Pan Yue hurriedly held Mother Sheng’s hand, looking highly anxious.
Seeing that Pan Yue was still speaking up for Pan Xing, Mother Sheng sneered inwardly. “Then what did she mean?”
Pan Yue knew the grievances Pan Xing suffered in her husband’s home. Her sister wanted to secure this partnership so her in-laws would treat her better out of respect for Sheng Wanyan’s cooperation. She wanted to help her biological sister, but she also knew her sister-in-law didn’t have it easy, which was why she had consistently refused Pan Xing.
Furthermore, her sister-in-law’s business had absolutely nothing to do with the Sheng family; she had built it entirely on her own. Sheng Wanyan paid Father and Mother Sheng such a high salary precisely to help her maiden family, a fact Pan Yue understood clearly. She feared putting her sister-in-law in a difficult position, yet she also feared her biological sister living a hard life.
“And what do you mean by this?”
Hearing Mother Sheng’s words, Pan Yue’s heart sank instantly. She knew her mother-in-law had developed a grievance against her. She had always gotten along harmoniously with her mother-in-law, but today, a rift had appeared because of her biological sister…
Hearing Mother Sheng’s words, Pan Yue’s eldest brother and sister-in-law also felt their hearts turn half-cold. What they feared most had come to pass…
Seeing her sister-in-law being questioned by her mother-in-law, the eldest Pan sister-in-law immediately stepped forward to offer a few comforting words. “Auntie, Xiaoyue is merely worried that you’ll make yourself sick with anger; she doesn’t mean anything else.”
The eldest Pan sister-in-law cast a glance at Pan Yue, and Pan Yue nodded immediately. “Yes, Mom, I really don’t mean anything else. I never agreed to my sister’s requests before.”
Only upon hearing this did Mother Sheng’s anger dissipate significantly. She straight-up returned the two catties of pastries Pan Xing and Du Ming had brought along.
“Don’t even think about a partnership. Our family cannot afford your gifts. Please leave.”
Pan Xing and Du Ming exchanged a look. Seeing how uncompromising the Sheng family was, Du Ming felt thoroughly infuriated. He turned his gaze toward Sheng Wanyan, but Sheng Wanyan didn’t look at him at all, completely disregarding the face of Pan Yue, her sister-in-law.
“Owner Sheng, as a woman, it’s still better not to bite off more than you can chew!”
“Whether I can swallow it or not is something Factory Director Du doesn’t need to stress over. See the guests out!”
Mother Sheng pushed Pan Xing and Du Ming out of the house. She was bursting with rage, but considering the eldest Pan brother and sister-in-law were still present, she could only suppress her temper and continue hosting them.
The eldest Pan brother and sister-in-law were discerning people as well, stating after a short while that they had matters to attend to and departed.
Sheng Wanyan also drove her car away. She knew Mother Sheng was going to lecture Pan Yue, and her staying behind would only cause Pan Yue embarrassment.
Father Sheng needed to prepare for the reopening of the shops. Since the employees had been on vacation over the New Year, some preparation was required. Sheng Wanyan dropped Father Sheng off at the shop along the way. Upon returning home, she relayed the events that had transpired at the Sheng residence to Gu Tingxiao.
Mother Gu listened as well. Currently, many state-owned factories across the nation were facing bankruptcy, so it was understandable that Du Ming was anxious. However, using the guise of a relative to come to the door to scrounge a favor was utterly disgraceful.
“Wanyan, if you are unwilling, just reject them flatly. The Gu family can shield you.”
Grandmother and Grandfather Gu had also returned from the full-month banquet. Grandma Gu directly issued the directive. What did Du Ming or the Pan family matter? Their Gu family didn’t fear a damn thing! What nonsense Du Ming, what nonsense Du family—she had never even heard of them in the compound anyway. Even if Old Master Pan came to the door himself, she would beat him out without a shred of fear.
“Your grandmother is right. The Pan family doesn’t have the capability to dictate terms to a member of my Gu family!” Grandfather Gu snorted with cold disdain. His Gu family possessed such a massive estate, yet they had never asked Sheng Wanyan to lend the family’s siblings a hand. What right did this distant Pan family have to be this shameless?
“The children of the Pan family generally know their boundaries, but this Pan Xing married the wrong man and has been guided down a twisted path,” Mother Gu sighed. After all, the Pan family belonged to the compound as well, so she knew a thing or two about the caliber of their juniors.
Pan Xing had thoroughly enjoyed the vanity brought to her by Pan Yue. Because Pan Yue had passed the college entrance exam and due to Sheng Wanyan’s connections, her life in her husband’s home had improved significantly over the past two years. With those good days suddenly about to vanish, how could she possibly endure it? Once a person slips into the wrong train of thought and wishes to grab more, they will step onto a path of no return.
What Sheng Wanyan hadn’t expected was that upon returning to the Pan residence in the compound, Pan Xing and Du Ming complained bitterly that Pan Yue had refused to help. However, Pan Xing and Du Ming omitted one detail—the eldest Pan brother and sister-in-law had returned as well, and the two of them immediately relayed the full account to Old Master and Old Madame Pan.
Old Master Pan straight-up smashed his cane down on them. What a pair of brainless fools!
“Pan Xing! Whether your life is good or bad has nothing to do with your younger sister! And you, Du Ming! You don’t know what’s good for you. Is the Gu family someone you can afford to provoke?”
Old Master Pan had always been dissatisfied with Du Ming as a grandson-in-law. He was overly eager for quick success and instant benefits, completely incomparable to Sheng Wanze. If Pan Xing hadn’t gotten pregnant back then, how could he ever have allowed her to marry him!
“I assumed your trip to the Sheng residence today was merely to gather with your youngest sister. As it turns out, you went with an agenda! What absolute nerve!”
Old Master Pan was highly displeased. Because of Sheng Wanyan, the Pan family and the Gu family had become distant relatives, and the relationship between the two houses in the compound had grown significantly closer.
