The ancient war between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in a wealthy family

The shop was small, filled with all sorts of things I couldn't name. I casually browsed, not expecting much. A kindly-looking old man sat behind the counter, looking at me with a broad smile.

"Girl, what are you looking for? The things in my shop are all old items, maybe there is something you need."

I hesitated for a moment, but decided to ask. "Old man, I need some unique antiques or handicrafts to decorate the dinner venue. Do you have any suitable ones?"

I described the theme and needs of the dinner in detail. After listening to me, the old man pondered for a moment and said, "I do have some of what you want, but the price may be..."

I quickly said, "Price is not a problem. As long as the product is good, we can negotiate the price."

Seeing my determination, the old man stood up and took me to a warehouse behind the shop. The warehouse was filled with various boxes. The old man opened a few of them and found some exquisitely crafted porcelain, lacquerware and wood carvings.

"These are all treasures I've collected over the years. See if there's anything suitable."

I carefully looked through them one by one and was pleasantly surprised to find that some of the items coincided with my expectations! Although these items were not as luxurious as those of expensive brands, they were simple and elegant, and they better reflected the historical heritage of the Zhan family.

"Old man, I want all these!" I couldn't hide my excitement.

"Great! You're such a straightforward girl!" The old man was also very happy. "Don't worry about the price. I won't let you suffer a loss."

I finally bought these items at a very reasonable price, and I was filled with gratitude. I knew that the old man was willing to part with these treasures because of my sincerity and my dedication to the dinner.

Back at the Zhan family's house, I immediately set to work redecorating the venue. I placed the treasures I'd found at the antique market in various corners of the banquet hall and designed different lighting effects based on the characteristics of each item.

Over the course of a few days, I had transformed the once somewhat empty banquet hall into one with an antique charm, each detail reflecting my meticulous attention to detail. Zhan Yu walked into the banquet hall, and a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes as he took in the fresh new look. He hadn't seen me so energetic and motivated in a long time.

"These are all you..." He paused, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he just asked, "Do you need my help?"

I looked at him and suddenly realized that this seemed to be the first time he had offered to help me since I married into the Zhan family. I smiled slightly and said, "No, you just have to trust me."

"Knock knock knock," there was a knock on the door, and a strange voice came from outside the door, "Excuse me, is Miss Bai here? I am..."

"Excuse me, is Miss Bai here? I'm Wu Fan, a reporter from City Voice, and I'd like to do a brief interview with you." Outside the door, the strange voice sounded again.

Wu Fan? I was stunned for a moment, remembering how this young reporter seemed to have helped me at the entrance to the antique market a few days ago. I gestured for the servant to open the door. Wu Fan politely handed me his business card and said straight to the point, "Ms. Bai, I heard about your recent charity dinner planning and understand that you've encountered some difficulties. I'd like to report on it. Is it convenient for you?"

I hesitated. Media coverage could indeed draw more attention to this charity project, perhaps even bringing some hope. However, if the coverage turned out to be negative, it would be even worse for both the Zhan family and me.

Seeing my concerns, Wu Fan said sincerely, "Ms. Bai, don't worry. I'm a journalist with professional ethics and will report this matter objectively and fairly. Moreover, I believe that the public will definitely support someone like you who is passionate about public welfare."

I was still deliberating when my phone suddenly rang. It was the Zhan family's Second Aunt, her tone scathing: "Oh, I thought the eldest young mistress was too busy preparing for the dinner to answer the phone! It's all over the place. They say you're using the name of charity to pursue your own personal gain! You're really good at tricking our Zhan family!"

I suddenly felt a surge of anger rushing to my head, "Second Aunt, you..."

Before I could object, a shrill laugh came from the other end of the phone, followed by Second Aunt's sarcastic voice: "I advise you to save your energy! Who in the entire Zhan family doesn't know your true face now? You, just wait to be kicked out!"

Before I could recover from the shock of the phone call, Wu Fan's surprised voice rang in my ears: "Ms. Bai, are you okay?" Only then did I realize that I had clenched my hands into fists so tightly because of anger that my knuckles were bluish-white.

"I'm fine." I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself, but my second aunt's words kept echoing in my mind, and my heart was cold. I had originally thought that as long as I did it sincerely, I would gain everyone's recognition, but I didn't expect that in their eyes, everything I did was just for myself!

I raised my head, looked at Wu Fan, and said word by word, "Reporter Wu, regarding the dinner, I..."

"No need to explain!" Zhan Yu's voice suddenly came from the door. He strode up to me, his eyes swept over Wu Fan sharply, then he grabbed my hand and said in a cold tone: "If you have anything to say, let's talk about it when we get home!"

Zhan Yu's sudden appearance choked the words I was about to explain. He gripped my hand tightly, so tightly it felt like he was crushing my bones. I saw the coldness in his eyes, but also a subtle hint of worry.

Back in the room, Zhan Yu finally let go of my hand. I rubbed my aching wrist, took a deep breath, and tried to calm the grievance and anger in my heart: "Zhan Yu, listen to me, those are all rumors, I never..."

"I know." He interrupted me, his tone surprisingly calm. "I believe you."

Those three simple words were like a warm current that instantly melted the ice in my heart. I looked up at him in surprise. The ice in his eyes had melted, replaced by a look of determination and trust.

"But, Second Aunt..."

"Don't pay attention to those rumors." Zhan Yu held my shoulders and said firmly, "I know you are working hard, and I will stand by you. Let's face it together."

His support was like a shot in the arm, giving me immense strength. I nodded and told him everything about Second Aunt's call and my concerns. After listening, his brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of anger flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

"I'll take care of the household affairs, and you can focus on preparing the dinner."

With Zhan Yu's support, I felt much more at ease. I re-contacted the charity I had previously contacted, confirmed the process and details of the dinner, and re-confirmed the purpose and destination of the donated funds to ensure that every penny of the donation would be used to help those in need.

What touched me was that when I told Mr. Chen about the difficulties I encountered during the preparation process, he extended a helping hand without hesitation. He not only helped me contact several experienced volunteers, but also expressed his willingness to provide some material support on the day of the dinner.

"Ms. Bai, I believe in your kindness and sincerity." Charity Scholar Chen shook my hand, his eyes full of admiration. "This society needs more people like you."

As preparations gradually got underway, my mood brightened. But I knew things wouldn't go smoothly. My mother-in-law wouldn't let me down. My hand instinctively caressed my belly, and I silently prayed, "Baby, be good and stay with me through the challenges ahead."

"On the day of the banquet..." Zhan Yu put down the documents in his hand and looked at me, wanting to say something but stopping himself. My heart tightened, and a bad premonition came over me...

"What's wrong?" I tried to keep my tone calm, but my hand holding the teacup tightened involuntarily.

"My mother..." Zhan Yu paused, as if choosing his words, "She wants to invite some... friends to the dinner party."

"Friends?" I sneered in my heart. What my mother-in-law called "friends" were nothing more than those rich ladies who obeyed her orders. When they gathered together, they would show off and compete with each other, or gossip and spread rumors.

"Well, they are all family friends, it's hard to refuse." Zhan Yu's tone was a little helpless. I know he didn't want those people to mess up the situation, but out of courtesy, he had to compromise.

"I understand." I took a deep breath and tried to suppress the anger in my heart. Since my mother-in-law wants to play, then I will accompany her to the end!

Over the next few days, I worked tirelessly to prepare for the dinner while keeping a close eye on my mother-in-law. I knew she wouldn't let me have my way so easily and would definitely try to create trouble for me.

As I expected, a rumor about me began to spread quietly the day before the dinner. Someone revealed that when I lived abroad, my private life was chaotic and I even had affairs with several men.

This news spread like wildfire, and some people even "saw" photos of me entering and leaving the hotel with those men. I knew that this must be my mother-in-law's conspiracy, her purpose was to make me lose face at the dinner party and make her "friends" laugh at me.

I ignored these rumors. I believe that those who are innocent will be cleared, and those who are upright have nothing to fear. I poured all my energy into the final preparations for the dinner. I wanted everyone to see that I, Miss Bai, was not so easily defeated!

On the day of the banquet, the Zhan family's old house was decorated with lights and filled with guests. I stood at the entrance of the banquet hall, dressed in a simple white dress, smiling and greeting each guest.

I scanned the crowd, but couldn't spot my mother-in-law. Where had she gone? Was she plotting something again? My fingers tightened around my champagne glass, a hint of alarm in my heart.

Just then, a familiar figure appeared at the door of the banquet hall. My heart was shocked and a bad premonition arose.

That person is Model Lin... Why is she here?