On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Meng Yunhan welcomed a visitor.
When he opened the door and saw the person outside, he was taken aback for a moment.
âBrother-in-law, come in, Little Zhuzi, come in.â
âAuntie, I missed you.â
Meng Yunhan patted Little Zhuziâs head. They had only parted the day before.
Meng Yunhan looked at Zhang Jiang, reckoning that he must have been in town for a reason; it was unlikely that he would leave Xiaomen alone to take care of two children.
âHave some water.â
Meng Yunhan poured a cup of hot water for Zhang Jiang.
âItâs the brother-in-law,â Old Master Zhao heard the knock on the door. Carrying Little Huzi, he emerged to see Zhang Jiang and Little Zhuzi. Though heâd only met Zhang Jiang once, he remembered him.
âLittle Huzi, Little Huzi.â Little Zhuzi was thrilled to see Little Huzi. As for Little Huzi, he turned to look at Little Zhuzi when he heard his name.
âThird sister-in-law, Xiaomen asked me to tell you to come to the village tomorrow to discuss the matter of sharing the filial obligations.â
Zhang Jiang felt a bit embarrassed bringing up the topic, knowing well that university education was a hefty expense. Yet, here they were, discussing the necessity of filial contributions at such a time.
Meng Yunhan didnât mind, âBrother-in-law, did Xiaomen say anything else?â
âXiaomen also said that if you contribute, your two sisters-in-law wonât object. If the one attending university can contribute, they, who are working at home, will certainly do the same.â Zhang Jiang didnât beat around the bush, relating Yun Menâs words straightforwardly.
Meng Yunhan nodded, âI see. Well, brother-in-law, have a meal here before you head back. Iâve also made some pastries for Little Zhuzi.â
âWellâ¦â
âDad, letâs eat here and then go back.â
âLetâs eat early, eat early.â
âDumplings, dumplings.â She had made some dumplings last night, which were frozen due to the cold weather.
âAlright, dumplings, I want to eat dumplings.â Little Zhuzi was so excited he almost jumped up.
So, Little Zhuzi and his father ended up eating dumplings at Meng Yunhanâs place. They even took home a box of dumplings and some pastries.
Since the egg cakes she had made before sold well, the director of the supply and marketing cooperative asked Meng Yunhan to make more for sale when he saw her at home. They were delicious and suitable for all ages, making them popular gifts. Thus, Meng Yunhan made some money from this.
âDaughter, how much money are you planning to give your parents-in-law for a year?â Obviously, they would be giving money instead of grain.
âIâll base it on the amount my eldest brother and second brother give. Iâll give the same, neither more nor less.â How much her elder brothers contributed, sheâd contribute as well. She wouldnât stand out, but she wouldnât lag behind either.
Old Master Zhao nodded, âThatâs a good idea. You all should agree on an amount in writing. Iâm worried your sisters-in-law might agree verbally but fail to follow through, while your parents-in-law might not say anything.â
Of course, Meng Yunhan was aware of this. From her previous lifeâs business dealings, she knew that many people tended to forget commitments when money was involved.
A written agreement was more reliable and practical than a verbal one. Once signed, it was legally binding. If not adhered to, one could sue. Clear accounts maintained good relationships, even among real brothers.@@novelbin@@
It was crucial to be clear about this.
Peopleâs motivations could be unpredictable!
Even real brothers!
âDad, donât worry. Iâll draft an agreement with no shortcomings. In my previous life, I dealt with legal matters. A single incorrect word in a contract can affect your interests. I have to ensure everything is done flawlessly!â