Chapter 32: Chapter 32 - Madam Li Zhou Cries

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

“Alright, I understand! No need to test!”

Longyue couldn’t stand the way this man was throwing tantrums at her. She turned around and walked towards the Li residence.

“Wang, you’re back? Oh, what good food did you bring?”

Madam Wang was sorting clean laundry at the entrance. When she saw Longyue carrying a heavy basket, her eyes lit up.

“Some food!”

Longyue smiled assiduously and called Li Qingmu to take the items inside.

‘When Madam Wang saw Li Qingmu carrying two bags of noodles in one hand and a bunch of meat that seemed to weigh several jin in the other, she was overjoyed. “Aiyo, is this for our family?”

“That’s right. What else could it be?”

Longyue smiled in response. Madam Wang was overjoyed. “This is a good relationship. Son, come over and give your Third Auntie a hand!”

This person must not be smug or she would start slurring.

Li Baichuan answered and came out. He probably knew that his future was in her hands now, so he was particularly obedient and well-mannered. He called out to Longyue, “Third Auntie, let me help you!”

‘The basket was filled with some scraps of condiments. It was not heavy, but since he was helping her carry it, she was happy to let him. She instructed, “Take it to the kitchen. I’ll cook later.”

Longyue had led a hard life in her previous life and learned to do things like washing and stir-frying. When Li Qingmu heard this, he frowned and stepped forward to hold her soft little hand. “Wife, this is all menial work. You…”

He looked a little pained and self-reproachful. Longyue wanted to laugh when she saw his silly expression, so she gently nudged his chest and said coyly, “A woman dolls herself up for the person she likes. What’s wrong with cooking for you?”

With that, she withdrew his hand and walked away.

Li Qingmu raised his hand and caressed the spot on his chest that she had nudged. He felt a heart-wrenching sweetness and his heart thumped rapidly.

“Third Auntie is cooking today. There’s good food again!”

Li Baichuan had already sat at the big, round table with his younger sister, Li Xiangxiang, beside him. The girl said happily, “The glutinous rice and lotus roots that Third Auntie made last time were really delicious. I still pine for them!”

“Today it’s red braised pork!”

“There’s meat? The sun rose from the west today? Our family is actually eating meat?”

‘These past two days, Madam Zhang had been recuperating from her head injury and idling around. At this moment, she heard the commotion in the main room and ran out quickly.

Madam Li Zhou was still mending winter clothes. She didn’t have a choice. The Li family was too poor. They had been wearing the same clothes for more than a decade. Their worn out clothes had three layers of patches on them.

‘When she heard that there was red braised pork, her hand that was holding the needle trembled. Then she quickly put aside her sewing and rushed out.

Over at the kitchen, Longyue was preparing food. Gradually, the strong aroma of meat filled the air.

Is… Is she making red braised pork?

Madam Li Zhou sniffed. The fragrance made her drool. She first went to the main room to take a look and then to the kitchen. She saw Longyue putting a large plate of meat into the pot. She immediately felt pinched. “No. 3 branch, why did you put so much meat in?!”

Longyue was so shocked by her shouting that she almost dropped the trowel in her hand. When she heard this, she said unhappily, “Mom, I’m busy. Why are you shouting?”

“Hey, child, don’t you know how to be frugal? That’s enough meat for several meals. If we eat all of it at once, what do we eat next? Also, why did you add so many condiments? Can’t you just add some salt? Do you know how expensive food is?”

Longyue’s expression was cold. She wondered if others thought she was a pushover because she had been too nice. She’s overstepping her boundaries, she thought.

She said coldly, “Mom, I bought these myself!”

It would have been better if she had not said that. Now that she did, the twitching on Madam Li Zhou’s face became even more intense. “Hey, you… are a prodigal!”

“What’s the point of buying so many condiments? Why don’t you save the money for me?”

“Mom! Longyue bought meat for us and even cooked for us personally. It’s fine if you don’t say ‘thank you,’ but why are you complaining? If she has money, why can’t she spend it? Does she have to be like Mom, saving money for someone’s future?”

She was talking about Li Qingxue’s dowry. When Madam Wang saw Madam Li Zhou berating Longyue, she rushed over to help.

“Shut up! How can you talk to Mom like that?”

Madam Li Zhou was afraid of Longyue, but not Madam Wang, who was a woman of few words. She was used to bossing this daughter-in-law of hers around.

But today, Madam Wang flew into a rage. She stamped her feet and said angrily, “Mom, I’m telling the truth. Ever since I married into the Li family, the number of times I’ve eaten meat can be counted with one hand! I have nothing to say about how badly you treat our family. Don’t you have a crooked

heart? Now, Longyue wants to make us something to eat, but you’re stopping her. If word gets out, you’d definitely be labeled as a mean mother-in-law!”

“You!”

Madam Li Zhou had never been scolded by her eldest daughter-in-law in such a manner. She was so angry that she almost choked. It just so happened that Li Qingyuan came back from outside. When Madam Li Zhou saw him, she said, “Ah Yuan, look at your wife. She dares to talk to your mom like this.

Are there any house rules left? Deal with her later. If she makes a fuss again, she’ll be chased out of the house!”

Li Qingyuan did not know what was going on. He looked in silence at his wife and mother who were fighting with flushed faces.

Zhang Meihua quickly put her hands on her waist and said, “Big Brother, Longyue bought some meat. Mom refused to let us have it, so she argued with her. Aren’t you going to advise her?”

Li Qingyuan instantly understood and said angrily, “Mom, you’re not kind!”

“Hey, you damn child, who are you calling unkind? I… I’ll beat you to death today!”

‘As she spoke, she picked up a feather duster and waved it at Li Qingyuan. The people trying to stop the fight became rowdy, and the courtyard instantly fell into chaos.

“That’s enough! That’s enough!”

Li Qingmu came out with a dark look. This family often fought tooth and nail over food. In the past, they were poor and could not afford to eat. Now that they had food to eat, it was still the same!

What a waste of time! he thought.

He grabbed Longyue’s hand and said tenderly, “You’re not allowed to do this in the future!”

Longyue said aggrievedly, “Got it, husband. This is the last time. I won’t do it again!”

Madam Li Zhou came back to her senses and felt that something was wrong. If she could not have the money, it would be better to eat the food.

Sigh, I was blinded by greed just now!

She quickly said, “Well, No. 3 branch, Mom just casually said a few words. Why are you making things difficult?”

“Mom, aren’t you forcing me to do this? She puts her heart and soul into this family, but her sincerity is wasted on an ungrateful person. If it were me, I wouldn’t do it anymore!”

“Wang Cuihua! Who are you calling an ungrateful person? Try saying that again!”

“Am I wrong? Mom, you’re an ungrateful person! Our family hasn’t had a good life since you became the head of the household. Why don’t you let Longyue be the head? At least we can have meat to eat…”

“Pal”

Unable to tolerate it any longer, Madam Li Zhou slapped her.

Then she sat down on the ground and wailed.. “Child’s father, we can’t live like this anymore!”