After borrowing the money, Xue Hong felt a sharp pang of pain at the high interest Old Lu demanded. However, after doing the math—factoring in the gift money received that day and the upcoming rent from the house over the next few months—the difference wouldn't be too significant. So, despite the sting of the interest, the thought of her son's wedding being a lively affair made Xue Hong cease her objections.

Today, Xue Hong was exceptionally elated; if people didn't know it was her day as the mother-in-law, they might mistake her for the bride. She was dressed so lavishly she could rival the bride, even taking the time to have her hair professionally styled and applying light makeup. This displeased Ding Meina greatly, and the glance she shot at Xue Hong was tinged with annoyance. Whether Xue Hong didn't notice, or perhaps because she felt today was about her role, or maybe believing she’d have plenty of time to deal with Ding Meina later, she remained oblivious. Some onlookers, mostly relatives from the Ding family, were openly scornful of Xue Hong, finding it inappropriate for a woman of her age to try and steal the spotlight from the newlyweds.

Wang Qiqi was still a short distance from the hotel entrance when she spotted a colorful butterfly fluttering about. At first, she wondered who this social butterfly was, only to be stunned when she realized it was Xue Hong. “Heavens, Auntie is certainly stealing the show today.” It was clear she was interacting with relatives or friends of the bride’s side, yet Xue Hong approached and chattered away animatedly. The bride’s parents looked thoroughly disheartened, but she still hadn't noticed, pulling people in to talk ceaselessly.

Han Tao noticed the scene unfolding and chuckled inwardly. “That’s just Xue Hong; she’s so glib and persuasive, which is why so many people used to like her.” His own mother, lacking such verbal finesse, naturally ended up taking the losses. “It’s a shame she didn’t bring her glasses today,” he muttered.

Han Tao hooked his arm around his mother and Wang Qiqi, steering them toward the happy couple. “Congratulations, congratulations! May you have many children soon and grow old together.”

After Luo Hongjuan delivered her well wishes, she pulled out an envelope from her bag and handed the red packet directly to Han Jun, right in front of Xue Hong. “I’m so sorry about yesterday; I forgot to give you the packet.” Hmph. Luo Hongjuan noticed Xue Hong lunging forward as if to snatch the money, so she deliberately positioned herself slightly in the way. “Congratulations on becoming a mother-in-law today; you’ll be a grandmother in the second half of the year, I presume? Truly, congratulations.”

Han Jun had intended to pass the envelope to Xue Hong, but to his surprise, his wife, Ding Meina, snatched it right away and handed it to the bridesmaid to ensure the money was properly collected. Han Jun could only dutifully comply. Ding Meina, however, stroked the thin envelope, pursed her lips, and scoffed. She had been told this elder auntie’s family was wealthy, yet the packet was so meager.

Wang Qiqi noticed the bride’s expression of contempt and dissatisfaction. She leaned in slightly and murmured, “Our envelope was quite generous today. It should remind you that when we marry, you are expected to give more. We’re all family; why waste effort? A red packet is meant to represent a sentiment, after all.” Wang Qiqi thought to herself that five hundred yuan today was already quite generous; otherwise, she would have only given two hundred—just enough to cover the meal they’d eaten.

When Han Tao and his group appeared, Father Ding had been staring at them for a long time, wondering who the young man was. Just based on his demeanor, and comparing it to his own son-in-law’s aura, it was enough to drive him mad. He had inquired about the Han family situation previously and was deeply unsatisfied. But the problem was that his daughter was happy, she was already pregnant, and most importantly, this family seemed easy to manage. Since his daughter was already set in her ways, he might as well focus on cultivating his future grandson. In Father Ding’s view, if he was going to marry into a family with fewer means, it was better to marry someone capable, like Han Jun’s older cousin, Han Tao, who seemed excellent. It was a pity that children from the same family could be so vastly different.

When Father Ding learned that the distinguished young man he admired was, in fact, the son-in-law’s cousin, he could only sigh. In truth, upon closer inspection, the two did share some resemblance, though his son-in-law was slightly handsomer. However, the difference in bearing was worlds apart. “Hello there, hello. Junjun often mentions you.”

Ding Meina heard her father’s words and knew disaster was imminent. Han Jun rarely spoke of this accomplished cousin, and when he did, it was never complimentary—nothing but disdain. Yet, her father was now claiming Junjun mentioned him frequently. She coughed sharply to signal him to stop trying to force connections in this setting; not everyone valued the Ding family’s association.

Han Tao heard Father Ding’s comment, shot a playful look at Han Jun, and then spoke slowly. “Uncle, I think you might be mistaken. Although Han Jun and I are cousins, due to certain matters, we have rarely seen each other since childhood. I can’t even recall the last time we met. If Grandmother hadn't mentioned this was Han Jun’s wedding, I might not even have shown up. Still, it’s good; I can visit with my mother for the New Year before leaving. At any other time, I truly wouldn't have the schedule for a wedding.”

Father Ding, seeing his daughter cough and Han Tao’s knowing gaze fixed on Han Jun, realized he had made a fool of himself. But he reasoned that since it was Han Jun’s big day, Han Tao, as his cousin, wouldn't be so disrespectful, especially given his status as the father of the bride. When he heard Han Tao’s words, however, he became furious. Regardless, he was a boss, and he wouldn't allow things to turn unpleasant on his daughter’s wedding day. As he wrestled with how to proceed, Han Tao continued.

“Furthermore, Han Jun and I have had a poor relationship since childhood, so if he mentioned me often, it was likely for other reasons—certainly not saying anything good.” With that, Han Tao hooked hands with Luo Hongjuan and Wang Qiqi and walked away. As for what Father Ding and the others thought, he was sorry, but it was no longer his concern. In his view, whether Father Ding wanted to build connections or show off had nothing to do with him. He desired a quiet life, not entanglement in Han Jun’s family affairs.

As they entered the banquet hall, many guests looked at Han Tao with surprised expressions before a moment later realizing who he was, and they swarmed toward them. “Isn’t this Taotao? You’re such a big boy now. Celebrating Han Jun’s wedding today, and in a few years, we’ll be celebrating yours. Your mother said you have a girlfriend now, too?” A middle-aged woman approached, holding Han Tao’s hand with surprising familiarity.

“Han Tao, ever since you were small, I knew this child would amount to something. Hongjuan, you can be happy now. Even if you didn't enjoy the blessings of a husband, having such a good child surpasses everything. Your mother-in-law must regret her actions immensely now.”

“Oh, she’s just a doddering fool. So many people advised her not to push things too far, considering Han Tao was the eldest grandson, but she refused to listen. Alas.”

“Exactly. Hongjuan, we criticized your mother-in-law about this endlessly.”

Wang Qiqi listened as these busybodies recounted how they had supposedly advised Old Mrs. Han against taking back the house, arguing that even with Han Tao’s father gone, Han Tao was still there. They continued by praising Luo Hongjuan’s current success—her son and daughter-in-law attending prestigious universities, with plans for postgraduate study and work in the US—before lamenting how miserable Old Mrs. Han’s current life was. Wang Qiqi longed to find a quiet corner to sit down. If they had genuinely offered the advice they claimed, would Han Tao and his mother have suffered so much? She realized that if Luo Hongjuan hadn't been nearby, they probably wouldn't have even recognized Han Tao, yet now they were acting overly familiar. Alas, people.

Han Tao could vent his anger at Old Mrs. Han for her blatant favoritism and arrogance. But toward these relatives, he wouldn't lose his temper—not because he couldn't, but because there was no point arguing with them. Moreover, they were currently criticizing Old Mrs. Han. Why not take advantage of such convenient fence-sitters? He merely stood by, smiling shyly, projecting an air of complete docility, an attitude suggesting, I’ll just listen as long as you don’t go too far. Han Ximing, who had been preparing to greet them, was so enraged his lungs nearly burst.

“What are you all talking about? Is this our old village square where we can debate family gossip for hours on end?” Han Ximing thought that none of these relatives were reliable. They had previously patted their chests, promising to discipline the ill-mannered Han Tao and remind him to obey his grandmother. Yet look at their current posturing. Han Ximing didn't even want to look at their faces. “Sister-in-law, Tao Tao, you’ve arrived. Let me show you to your seats.” Han Ximing now understood that building a good relationship with his sister-in-law and her entourage was impossible. His only hope was that they wouldn't further escalate the conflict. If they continued to cluster and chat, he genuinely feared his own reputation would be completely tarnished in front of his wife’s family relatives. The best solution was to separate them.

“It’s fine, Ximing, you go attend to your duties. You are the father of the groom today; you must have many people to greet. Don’t worry about us.” Luo Hongjuan mused that this was a perfect opportunity. Since they were willing to speak, let them speak; the Han family’s partiality benefited Han Ximing as the son, but the shame would never fall on her. “Some of these relatives Tao Tao hasn't met yet. Since this is a good chance, he should meet them all. Tao Tao is quite busy over the next few days—he has an early flight to the US on the third morning, meaning he has to leave for Shanghai on the second to catch the plane, and he also has to have dinner at Qiqi’s aunt’s house.”

Everyone had actually intended to ask Han Tao if he would be returning to the US this trip. Their willingness to criticize Old Mrs. Han was entirely based on Han Tao’s current success. To discover he was, in fact, returning to the US immediately raised their enthusiasm levels again, and their voices grew louder. Although Han Ximing was displeased, could he force them back to their seats, or forbid Han Tao from meeting relatives? No matter what he did, Han Ximing knew it wouldn't end well. Resigned, Han Ximing could only leave, yielding the space to the group. (To be continued)