064 The Meal at the Relatives House Is Not Delicious (2)

There were many people sitting in the house. Lei Dagang, his wife, two sons, eldest daughter-in-law, two grandsons and two granddaughters were all present. Almost all of them were in the house. There was also Lei Xiaofengs family. Lei Xiaofengs husbands name was Wan Yangshu, their eldest daughter Wan Xiaoxiang was married, the only son Wan Yaozu married to Chen Shi, and the youngest daughter Wan Xiaorou was engaged and would marry in the fourth month of next lunar year. Lei Xiaoyun and Dong Danius eldest son Dong Ying, second son Dong Xiong, eldest daughter-in-law Wang Shi and second daughter-in-law Xiao Wang were entertaining the guests. Several little mischievous kids were running around the house, creating disturbance.

Lei Xiaoyun, Lei Dagang, Lei Daqiang and Lei Xiaofeng were siblings. It was only today that Qin Mian identified all the relatives of Lei Daqiang.

With so many people in the central room, it seemed crowded. But fortunately, the central room was big enough that otherwise, it really would not fit.

Lei Daqiang and Lei Dagang still had nothing to say between them. They said two polite words indifferently and greeted others respectively. After the exchange of greetings, everyone in the room could finally be seated.

A few gazes swept between Qin Mian and Lei Tie.

Qin Mian appeared to be unaware of it, sat quietly against the wall, folded his legs gracefully, and sipped a cup of hot tea from time to time.

Lei Tie, who had a poker face in the beginning, still had acted as if nothing had happened.

Not a while later, someone outside called out: Come to catch pig!

Several male guests got up to help or watch and the children also ran out to watch the bustling scene.

Qin Mian did not move, neither did Lei Tie.

Wei Shi said to Du Shi: Sister, why dont we go to the kitchen to help.

Du Shi said scornfully: No need to tell me, say it to the old man. How would he know youre diligent if you dont say it to him?

Wei Shi was neither hurt nor angry, Sister, are you angry with me? Strictly speaking, between you and me, you are closer to eldest sister, but it turns out Im wrong. Since sister doesnt instruct, I dare not move.

Du Shi suddenly stood up. Are you saying that Im lazy?

Wei Shi apologized: Sister really misunderstood me. Well, Ill go out and have a look. With that, she departed.

Lei Tie suddenly spoke in low voice: Du Shi is too weak.

Qin Mian understood what he meant Once Wei Shi completely suppressed Du Shi, Wei Shi might keep an eye on them both.

But he was not worried about this. He nudged his chin towards Lei Xiangzhi, who quietly frowned at Wei Shis back. Fifth brother wont let Du Shi suffer.

Among the Lei brothers, Du Shi loved Lei Xiangzhi the most and Lei Xiangzhi was also the most filial to Du Shi. It was impossible for Lei Xiangzhi to watch Du Shi be restrained by Wei Shi. Once Du Shi was guided by Lei Xiangzhi, her combat effectiveness would be comparable to that of Wei Shis. Therefore, Du Shis weakness was only temporary and her struggle with Wei Shis would continue on.

Dong Wei came over, What are Cousin Tie and Brother Mian talking about? Its boring to wait in the house. Shall I take you two out for a walk?

Qin Mian looked at the courtyard. There were a lot of people crowded there. In the corner was the pigsty. Several big men gathered around to catch a pig. The pig of nearly 200 Jin was running around in the pigsty, incessantly whining. The sound was piercing to the ears. He nodded to Dong Wei casually.

They went out of the courtyard and walked along the village road.

In winter, everywhere in the village was a piece of withered land, thus there was no beautiful scenery. The three unintentionally went to a pond. Several withered and yellowed lotus stalks stood upright in the clear water, short and long, presenting loneliness. Occasionally, when a gust of wind blew, the water surface fluctuated slightly.

Dong Wei stopped and said with a smile, Cousin Tie, I heard from my mother that youve opened a restaurant in the town. Presumably the business must be good.

Lei Tie said: Satisfactory.

Dong Wei said: Congratulations to Cousin Tie. I hope you can make a fortune. I heard there are five staffs in your shop?

Lei Tie nodded.

Qin Mian thought that Dong Wei would ask them to arrange for him to go to the shop to help. However, Dong Wei just smiled and changed the subject, There is a rock at the back of our village that rolled down from the mountain a few years ago. Its very strange in shape and quite famous close by. Ill take you two to see it.

Qin Mian and Lei Tie took a look at each other. They did not know what he was planning and followed after him.

After seeing the rock, the trio slowly went back. Dong Wei did not talk about the shop anymore, but only talked about some unimportant matters.

As soon as Lei Xiaoyun saw her youngest son, she tipped him with a wink.

Dong Wei sent Qin Mian and Lei Tie into the central room and went out again.

Lei Xiaoyun pulled him aside and asked quietly: Did Lei Tie agree to let you work in the shop?

Dong Wei hugged his chest and leaned lazily, I didnt ask.

Lei Xiaoyun was taken aback and poked him with her finger, You child, didnt I tell you

Dong Wei interrupted her, Mother, dont worry. Ive a plan.

What is your plan? If you can work in your Cousin Ties shop, you can get at least 600~700 Wen a month. Lei Xiaoyun said unhappily and somewhat frustrated. As a matter of fact, she knew her sons virtue in her heart. He had taken a lot of bad habits from the prison that his whole person also changed a lot. When he first came back, she almost could not recognize him. But after all, he was a piece of meat that fell from her body. How could she not worry? The son of another family usually married at 16~17 years old. Her son was 19 years old and had been matched four to five times, but they all failed. What could he do if she did not think of a way?

Dong Wei quickly grasped her shoulder and comforted her in a low voice, Mother, listen to me. Now the New Year is coming. How much money can I earn if I get to work in cousins shop? Todays main thing is to get close to Cousin Tie and Brother Mian. If I drink a few more cups of wine with them at the dinner table, our relationship will naturally be closer. When its New Year, well visit each other houses to pay the New Years greetings. Isnt it a good time to mention it then? Even if they dont want to celebrate the New Year, its not good to not give face to you as the aunt? What do you think?

Lei Xiaoyuns eyes brightened. She slapped him on the shoulder and said happily: You still have a mean. However, your youngest [maternal] aunt is also very interested in Lei Tie and his wife. Maybe weve the same plan. What if she snatched them first?

Dong Wei hesitated: It cant be? I heard Yaozu is a shop assistant in a tailor shop and holds a very important position. Is there really a need for him to change job?

It cant be said for sure. Lei Xiaoyun disapproved, Can the business of a tailor shop be better than that of a restaurant?

Dong Wei thought for a moment, Mother, dont do anything for the time being. Lets keep an eye first.

In the central room, Lei Xiaofeng was talking to Lei Tie and Qin Mian as Lei Xiaoyun expected. Her words were very euphemistic, but what she meant was to ask Lei Tie and Qin Mian to arrange Wan Xiaorous fianc to work in the restaurant.

Wan Xiaorous fianc Zhang Cheng was an honest man with a simple familys population. Lei Xiaofeng was willing to marry her youngest daughter to him because of this. One of the bad things about Zhang Cheng was that his familys condition was so-so. That was why Lei Xiaofeng wanted to find him something else to do, so that Wan Xiaorou could be more relaxed after marrying.

Qin Mian told her honestly that all the employees in the shop had signed employment contracts. Once they broke the contract, they would have to pay a large sum of money as compensation. Moreover, the lease term of the small shop was only a year and would not be rented after that.

Lei Xiaofeng was very disappointed, but did not insist on it. She smiled at them and went out.

The pig had been slaughtered. Lei Xiaoyun was washing the ribs in the yard and upon seeing that she had a bad expression, she asked with concern: Youngest sister, whats wrong?

They were blood sisters. Lei Xiaofeng knew Lei Xiaoyun and could guess her mind. She did not hide it at once. Eldest sister, I asked Lei Tie to find a job for Zhang Cheng, but was turned down Then, she proceeded to tell Lei Xiaoyun the original words spoken by Qin Mian.

Lei Xiaoyuns heart thumped. She suddenly stood up and forgot about Dong Weis instructions for a moment.

Youngest sister, I remember something. You help me wash these ribs first.

Lei Xiaoyun hurried into the house to find Lei Tie and Qin Mian.

Tiezi, Tiezis wife, you two come in. I want to talk to you about something.

Qin Mian and Lei Tie followed her into her and Dong Danius side room.

What do aunt need us for? Qin Mian asked.

Lei Xiaoyun gave them a handful of dried fruits and fried peanuts. Youre both smart people, so aunt wont beat around the bush. I want to ask you two to find job for your Cousin Wei. You must all have heard about Dong Weis imprisonment, but in fact, its not what people say. Dong Wei was framed

Qin Mian was noncommittal.

Hes an honest boy from childhood to adulthood. After he came out of prison, hes more sensible than before. But everyone thinks hes a bad boy. Thus, from his return to now, he hasnt found any job and a wife is far from it. Dont you think hes treated unjustly? Of the children in your generation, you two are the most promising, so aunt wants to ask you to help him. Lei Xiaoyun pleaded in a low voice. A caring mothers heart made one felt emotionally moved.

Qin Mian said with a wry smile: Aunt makes things hard for us. If aunt had told us earlier, wed be able to hire Cousin Wei to work for us, wed most welcome. However, when we hired those staffs, all of them signed one years contracts. If the period is not up but someone is driven away, weve to compensate 20 silver taels per person. Were a small business, how can we afford to pay?

The business in the restaurant is good. You can hire more people and arrange your own people in the shop, youll be more reassured? Lei Xiaoyun said again.

Qin Mian explained: There are already five staffs in the shop, its enough.

Lei Xiaoyuns face gradually turned cold. After all that talking, you two just think my son came out of prison, you two look down on him and dont treat us as relatives.

Lei Tie said: Its aunt who raised a problem for us.

Lei Xiaoyun stood up, composed her expression, and left without saying a word.

Qin Mian shrugged and took Lei Tie out.

After sitting in the central room for a while, the banquet started.

In addition to Lei Xiaoyuns relatives and Dong Danius relatives, there were also the villagers they were closed with. All together were four tables of guests; two tables in the central room and two tables in the courtyard.

Xiaoyun, those two are your nephew and his male wife? A middle-aged woman sitting next to Lei Xiaoyun pointed to Qin Mian and Lei Tie. She laughed with her mouth covered and her eyes tilted up[1]. She did not feel uncomfortable to do this kind of action at an old age.

Lei Xiaoyun glanced at the other side and dully said: Yes. Sister Zaohua, eat the dishes.

Dong Wei frowned and looked at Lei Xiaoyun at the other table. Whats going on? Why is mothers attitude like this?

Two men as husband and wife; Xiaoyun, dont you feel uncomfortable looking at them? The woman shook her head as she said, You really Why did you invite them?

Anyone coming is a guest. Lei Xiaoyun said with a smile, They insist on being together. Although Im their aunt, Im still an outsider. What can I say?

Lei Ties expression sank. He pulled Qin Mian to his feet, went to Lei Xiaoyun, and said indifferently, Aunt, its your younger brother who forced us to get married. An eldest sister is like a mother. If youd any opinion, why didnt you advise him then?

Lei Xiaoyuns expression turned rigid.

There was an awkward silence in the courtyard.

Other peoples eyes fell on Lei Daqiangs face like needles, turning his face blue.

Weve something else to do, leaving first. Lei Tie pulled Qin Mian and left directly.

Lei Dagang laughed and took a sip of wine leisurely. Some people become more confused as they get older.

Lei Dagang, what do you mean? Lei Daqiang put the chopsticks on the table with a pa and asked loudly.

Heh heh. Lei Dagang gave his grandson a piece of crisp and tender ribs and without lifting his eyes, I didnt put a name. Anyone who is old and confused knew it himself. Simply by listening to the words of a village sorcerer, he forced his son to marry a man. Ah, its true that people say, if theres a stepmother, theres a stepfather.

You Lei Daqiang could not bear it anymore and raised his fist.

You want to hit me? Come at me if you can. Lei Dagang also stood up and said in disdain.

Lei Daqiang rushed over, Youre seeking death!

The person at the side quickly stopped him, Hey, all of you stop talking!

The courtyard turned into a scene of chaos.

Note:

[1] The act of misbehaving, insidious and treacherous