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

I thought I would face questions from the elders about my business proposal at a family meeting, but life unexpectedly gave me a surprise.

"Daughter-in-law, this year's charity dinner will be left to you." Grandma Sun smiled and shook my hand, as if she was talking about something very ordinary.

My heart trembled. The charity dinner is an annual event for the Zhan family, always personally organized by Granny Sun. Why did it suddenly fall to me this year? Before I could think about it, Granny Sun added, "This year's budget is limited, and we don't have enough staff. You'll have to be frugal."

I immediately understood a little bit. This was just a way to give me a difficult problem! My relative Zhou also joined in the fun and said with a forced smile: "This is a good opportunity to test your ability. You must seize it well." His eyes seemed to have foreseen my failure.

I suppressed the anger in my heart and forced a smile: "I will do my best."

I began contacting suppliers, confirming every detail, from the venue layout to the catering and beverages. However, reality was far more brutal than I'd imagined. When I contacted Liu, the supplier in charge of the beverage supply, and explained my purpose, he casually flipped through the quote, his tone filled with disdain: "With this budget, you'll only be able to buy some ordinary drinks. I'm afraid you won't be interested in our high-end drinks."

I patiently explained, "This dinner is very important to the Zhan family. I hope to use the best wine and drinks to entertain the guests."

Supplier Liu sneered, "You are the young mistress of the Zhan family, so naturally you have a noble status, but this business doesn't rely on status. If you don't have money, don't try to be rich!"

I took a deep breath, fought back the rage within me, and told myself I couldn't give up. I couldn't believe I couldn't find a supplier with the best value for money in such a huge city! I picked up the phone and dialed the next number...

I suppressed my anger and hung up the phone, the scornful laughter of Supplier Liu still ringing in my ears. This is just one supplier. I don't believe that in such a big city, there can't be a suitable one!

I searched through all the suppliers' contact information, called each one, and traveled across most of the city, only to return disappointed again and again. Some suppliers were enthusiastic when they heard it was a Zhan family project, but when I presented the budget, their enthusiasm was dampened and their tone became perfunctory.

"Why is the Zhan family's budget so low this year? This is not like their style."

"Yes, we really can't do it at this price. You should find someone else."

I understand that they all think that taking over the dinner is a thankless task for me, and that instead of wasting time, I should leave the opportunity for more lucrative projects. I am like a headless chicken, bumping into walls everywhere, but can't find any way out.

Fatigue and frustration came like a tide, and I dragged my heavy steps back home, only to see Zhan Yu reading a newspaper in the living room.

"How is it? Are the dinner preparations going smoothly?" He put down the newspaper and asked with concern.

I couldn't contain my frustration any longer and poured out all my frustrations. "Forget it! When the suppliers heard it was a low-budget project, they either rejected it outright or just brushed it off. No one wanted to have a proper discussion!"

Zhan Yu was silent for a moment, then said, "As you know, the family has been very critical of your business proposals lately, believing you've invested too much for little. They're all watching you at this dinner, and if I intervene, I'm afraid it will give people something to criticize, which could be detrimental to you."

His words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the last glimmer of hope in my heart. I smiled bitterly and shook my head: "I understand, it's not easy for you either."

I know Zhan Yu is telling the truth, and under family pressure, he has to act cautiously. But do I really have to watch this dinner go to hell and become a laughing stock?

No, I can't just give up! I don't believe I can't hold this dinner without those big suppliers! I don't believe I can't find a good and cheap alternative!

I took a deep breath, and a thought suddenly flashed through my mind...those street vendors on the corner, maybe...I stood up abruptly, grabbed my coat, and walked out.

"Where are you going?" Zhan Yu asked behind me.

"I'll go...find something different." I replied without turning my head, my tone full of determination.

The streets were bustling in the evening, the aromas of various food stalls mingling with car exhaust, creating a strange odor. I weaved through the crowds, asking at each shop. The woman selling plastic tablecloths on the roadside greeted me warmly, but when I saw the brightly colored, tacky patterns, I could only shake my head in frustration. Flowers from a wholesale flower shop were cheap, but the variety was limited and the freshness wasn't good enough for a dinner party.

I walked and searched, but as the sky darkened, I still found nothing. Frustration and fatigue set in again. Did I really have to bow to reality and admit that I couldn't host this dinner party?

"Hey, isn't this the eldest lady of our Zhan family? Why are you in a place like this?" A sarcastic male voice came to my ears. I didn't need to turn around to know that the person who was speaking was Zhan Yu's cousin, Zhou Jiaming, who always liked to mock me behind my back.

"Why, the preparations for the dinner party weren't going well, so you came out to experience life?" He smiled contemptuously, and a few laughter echoed from the side.

"I heard that she even bought things from street vendors to save money. It really brought shame to our Zhan family!"

I clenched my fists, suppressed my anger, ignored them, and continued walking. I knew they were waiting to see me laugh, waiting for me to give up on myself. But I refused! I had to prove to them that I, the Miss Bai, was not so easily defeated!

Finally, tucked away in a humble corner, I found a shop selling handwoven goods. The owner, a kindly old lady, possessed exquisite craftsmanship, creating beautiful, delicate baskets at very reasonable prices. Overjoyed, I ordered dozens to decorate the venue for the dinner.

By the time I left the shop, night had already fallen. Looking at the few coins remaining in my hand, I felt a mixture of emotions. These barely scraped-together resources were far from a perfect dinner party. I had to find another way to complete this nearly impossible task...

At that moment, my phone rang. A familiar number appeared on the screen, and my heart skipped a beat. It was Supplier Liu! I took a deep breath and answered the call...