Reborn in a small village in the 1990s

No longer can she be as free as she used to be at her parents' home. There are restrictions everywhere when she goes back to her parents' home. If anything goes missing, the first thing people suspect is her sister-in-law who has returned to her parents' home. If she stays at her parents' home for too long, she will be gossiped about. Moreover, the room that her nephew used to live in was the room that she lived in before she got married. Unfortunately, things are different now.

As time went on, Dad passed away, and the house became the eldest brother's house. The room was rightfully for the nephews to live in. The married girls shouldn't come back; they could stay as guests occasionally, but it wouldn't do for them to stay indefinitely.

Cheng Jinxi had experienced this feeling before, so she could understand Cheng Jinxiao's feelings. However, she was luckier than Cheng Jinxiao. She had a home, children, and a place to rely on. She was much luckier than Cheng Jinxiao.

Thinking of this, Cheng Jinxi couldn't help but tear up. She patted Cheng Jinxiao's shoulder, feeling both helpless and sad, and said, "Jinxiao, from the day my eldest brother got married, this house has become his house. We married girls can only stay at our husband's house. We can only go back to our parents' house for a short time. But in the end, we all have to go back to our husband's house. And you will also get married and have a child. Otherwise, what will you do when you get old? If you get married, at least you will have a companion. If you have children, you will have someone to take care of you when you get old, just like our mother."

Cheng Jinxiao disagreed with Cheng Jinxi's words. She said sadly, "But sister, does getting married and having children really mean you have someone to rely on? If you meet the wrong person, you'll live in misery your whole life. If your partner beats and scolds you while also having a philandering life, shouldn't you get a divorce? What can you rely on such a person when you're old? If he's like this when you're young, where can you expect him to take care of you when you're old? It would be good enough if he didn't despise you. As for children, I'm still young, in my twenties, and I'll definitely have more children. In the future, I can probably only rely on my children. As for men, you can't rely on them."

Cheng Jinxiao's words of heartbreak came from the bottom of her heart. Cheng Jinxi sighed, patted Cheng Jinxiao's shoulder, and said, "Jinxiao, life is the same no matter who you spend it with. I didn't tell you to find an unreliable man. You should find an honest man who treats you well and is good at managing a household. That way, your future will be secure. I'm already this old, and I've lived a pretty clear-headed life. Lao Zhou and I no longer have the initial excitement and passion; all that's left is family affection."

Cheng Jinxiao listened with only partial understanding. She had only been married for a few years, and the men she had met were not as reliable as Cheng Jinxi. She also did not have children yet, so naturally she did not quite understand Cheng Jinxi's feelings.

Seeing Cheng Jinxiao's somewhat bewildered expression, Cheng Jinxi sighed and said, "Oh well, you'll understand someday. These things can't be forced."

After saying this, Cheng Jinxi slapped her forehead and said, "Sigh, we went off on a tangent. Jinxiao, don't take it to heart. She was just saying those things in anger."

“She only said that in a fit of anger. You don’t know, when Mom found out you were being bullied by Li Jin, my sister-in-law was the first to stand up for you. She said she had to bring you back and not let you be bullied by others.”

Cheng Jinxiao frowned upon hearing this, angrily turning her back to him. "Big sister, are you lying to me? Did my sister-in-law really say that?"

Cheng Jinxi felt a little guilty. Zhu Yufeng had indeed mentioned taking Cheng Jinxiao back, but when it came to whose house she should take her to, Zhu Yufeng's first reaction was to take her to her own house. Cheng Jinxi said that she didn't have any extra rooms, since her eldest son would also need a room after his wedding. Her sister-in-law was particularly averse to the idea that Cheng Jinxiao might live in the Cheng family for a long time. In the end, Cheng Jinxi suggested that she find a good family for Cheng Jinxiao after the New Year so that she wouldn't have to live in the Cheng family after getting married. After she said that, her sister-in-law's expression softened a lot.

Of course, the truth couldn't be told to Cheng Jinxiao.

“My sister-in-law really said that. How could I lie to you? To be honest, my sister-in-law has had a tough few years. She has to work on the farm, take care of her mother at home, and worry about her two sons. It’s normal that she looks haggard and has to worry about everything.”

Cheng Jinxiao wouldn't listen to a word. She said, "My sister-in-law has it tough. I'm not much better off in the Li family. I'm treated like a maid. Li Jin is out there having a good time every day. I'm married so far away and have no relatives or friends. I'm just going to be bullied."

Cheng Jinxi pursed her lips. She was somewhat disapproving. After all, marrying Li Jin was Cheng Jinxiao's own choice. When they learned that Cheng Jinxiao was going to marry far away, she and her second sister had objected, but Cheng Jinxi just wouldn't listen.

Just as Cheng Jinxi was about to speak, Cheng Jinxiao, seeing what Cheng Jinxi meant, continued, "Eldest sister, you're here to comfort me, so don't talk to me like that. I know I have my problems too. After all, marrying Li Jin was my own choice, but I've suffered. But that doesn't mean my life is over. I still have plenty of time to strive. I just can't stand my sister-in-law's behavior. She always uses the excuse of how hard she works to complain, and she doesn't even want to pay for the family photo. She takes advantage of us. Has she forgotten how much Mom gave her? When my eldest brother wanted to build a new house, Mom took out all her savings, even contributing most of our dowry money. My sister-in-law got the lion's share. All Mom left us was that worthless broken bracelet. To put it nicely, it's a family heirloom, but nobody would want it."

Cheng Jinxi was a little dissatisfied when she heard this. "Jinxiao, how can you think like that? Isn't it right for Mother to give money to subsidize my eldest brother's family? After all, my eldest brother is the only boy in our family, and my sister-in-law has also had a hard time these past few years. You just haven't seen it. Also, the silver bracelets and necklaces that Mother gave to the three of us sisters are family heirlooms. Don't say they are just broken bracelets. I don't like to hear that."

Cheng Jinxiao pursed her lips, wanting to say something but not knowing what to say. However, Cheng Jinxi could tell at a glance that Cheng Jinxiao didn't want to listen. She was also annoyed and had a lot of anger in her heart. Her little sister was just stubborn, and nothing she said could make a difference.

But Cheng Jinxi still had to say what needed to be said, "Jinxiao, no matter what, your sister-in-law is your sister-in-law and your brother's wife. You should still show her the respect she deserves. At the very least, don't make things too ugly on the surface. We're about to have our New Year's Eve dinner. I don't care what your mood is right now, you have to go and eat the New Year's Eve dinner. You can only leave the table after you've finished eating. Don't talk about unhappy things on this special day."

“Since you left, my sister-in-law is angry. My second sister and I cooked all the dishes this afternoon. You, on the other hand, came here to relax and left all the work to my second sister and me. You're living a comfortable life. After dinner tonight, you have to remember to clear the table. All the follow-up work will be your responsibility.”

Even though Cheng Jinxiao was unhappy, she could only nod. Cheng Jinxi was right. Today was New Year's Eve, and it wasn't appropriate to make a big fuss. They still had to eat something for the New Year's Eve dinner.

"Don't worry, big sister. I know my limits and won't make things awkward for everyone."

Hearing Cheng Jinxiao's promise, Cheng Jinxi nodded in satisfaction.

On the other side, Cheng Jinxiang was also trying to persuade Zhu Yufeng.

"Sister-in-law, Jinxiao has had a tough time. She hasn't been happy these past few years since she married far away, and she doesn't have any relatives like us to help her. She also has no children. So please don't hold a grudge against her."

Cheng Jinxiang spoke earnestly, feeling helpless. She had to worry too much about this family. Her mother was making a scene this afternoon, and her sister-in-law and younger sister would be making a scene later.

Zhu Yufeng was still angry. "Jinxiang, you've watched me get through these past few years. Ever since Mother fell ill, haven't I been taking care of her tirelessly over there? Every day after finishing my work in the fields, I would go home to take care of Mother. You would also come to help me. But what has Jinxiao been doing? She can't help and can't send any money. In the end, I asked the three of you sisters to contribute some money, but she wasn't willing. You and Jinxi didn't have any objections, so what right does she have to object? I think the money for this family portrait should go to Jinxiao so she can fulfill her filial duty."

Cheng Jinxiang felt helpless, so she could only go along with Zhu Yufeng's words and say, "Yes, yes, you're right, sister-in-law, but think about it carefully. You have a family, two sons, and a house to live in, but Jinxiao has nothing. You can rely on your older brother, your two sons, and even have a house to live in, but all Jinxiao can rely on is that two thousand yuan. She spends that two thousand yuan here and there, and it's gone in no time. You're asking Jinxiao to spend several hundred yuan to take a family photo? No one would be willing to do that. Those few hundred yuan can be a lifeline for some people. It can rent a house in the city for several months, or it can be a month's food money. After all, Jinxiao has no land, no husband, no sons, and no house. The only thing she can rely on is that two thousand yuan and us relatives."

“If even we start to look down on her and don’t help her more, her life will only get harder. She and I are sisters, we’re blood relatives, I can’t just stand by and do nothing. I’ll help her as much as I can.”

After listening to Cheng Jinxiang's words, Zhu Yufeng sighed, and her anger subsided considerably.

To be fair, Cheng Jinxiang's words made a lot of sense. Comparing herself to Cheng Jinxiao, she realized she was much happier, and she couldn't bring herself to say anything harsh.

“I don’t mean to blame Jinxiao. After all, she will be living in the Cheng family for a while and will need me, her sister-in-law, to take care of her. I won’t say I’ll mistreat her or anything like that. But you need to tell her to be more respectful to me and not to yell at me all the time. It’s infuriating to see her like that. Also, I need to make it clear beforehand that I won’t pay for the family portrait, but I can help with the work.”

Cheng Jinxiang pursed her lips. Looking at Zhu Yufeng's attitude, she felt a chill in her heart. Originally, the Cheng family was also Jinxiao's family. After her father passed away, her eldest brother took charge, and the Cheng family became her eldest brother's family. They, the married sisters, became guests. Even when they returned to their parents' home, they had to be mindful of other people's attitudes. It was impossible not to feel chilled.

But it's best to persuade Zhu Yufeng to stay for now, since the New Year's Eve dinner is just around the corner, and things shouldn't get too awkward. Cheng Jinxiao doesn't want to come to dinner, and Zhu Yufeng is naturally angry and doesn't want to eat either.

And her mother is still here. If she knew that the two of them had a conflict over taking a family photo, who knows what she would think. Her health is already not good. If she thinks about it too much, how can her body take care of it?

the other side

Zhao Da'e, Zhou Chunwen, and others had already washed the bowls and placed them on the table. Zhou Chunhong ran to call everyone to eat.

Cheng Jinxiao and Cheng Jinxi each helped Wang Shi out. Wang Shi was thin and frail, wearing a thick coat, but her face was haggard and her hair was already full of white. She coughed a few times after walking a few steps.

Zhao Da'e looked at Wang Shi and sweetly called out, "Grandma!"

As he spoke, Zhao Da'e ran over to Wang Shi and helped her to the table.

Cheng Rongguo also sat down, as did Zhou Tianfu and Zhou Yuren.

Logically, Cheng Jinxi, being a married woman, should spend New Year's Eve at her husband's family home. However, Wang's health was deteriorating, so Cheng Jinxi and Zhou Yuren decided to have New Year's Eve dinner at the Cheng family home. Coincidentally, Cheng Jinxiao had returned this year, and the whole family could happily enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner together. Wang was also happy to see this, and perhaps her health would improve.

The only downside is that the eldest brother's two sons live with his sister-in-law's family. They run a business in town, and during the Spring Festival, they work there, earning more money and gaining valuable experience, which is a good thing.

But what Wang missed most was Cheng Jinxiao, whom she hadn't seen for several years. As long as Cheng Jinxiao came back, Wang's mood would improve considerably.

A little while later, Zhu Yufeng and Cheng Jinxiang also arrived. When Zhu Yufeng came over, she looked up and met Cheng Jinxiao's gaze, and the atmosphere between the two became a little awkward.

Zhu Yufeng felt a pang of jealousy when she saw Wang patting Cheng Jinxiao's hand so affectionately. She had taken care of Wang for so many years, yet Wang was thinking of Cheng Jinxiao.

According to Zhu Yufeng, Cheng Jinxiao had been married off to a distant place for so many years and hadn't been able to help in any way, but she was the one who won Wang's heart the most. Now that she was being neglected, Wang felt quite uncomfortable.

It's often said that a daughter-in-law can't compare to one's own daughter, and that's certainly true. Zhu Yufeng felt a pang of sadness, but since it was New Year's Eve dinner time, she pursed her lips and ultimately said nothing.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Cheng Jinxiang quickly said, "Come, come, everyone, sit down. Today is New Year's Eve, let's all have a happy New Year's Eve dinner together."

Zhou Chunhong looked at the delicious food on the table and swallowed hard, unable to resist. There was a three-ingredient stew, braised goose in an iron pot, and pork ribs stewed with green beans... all of which were delicious.

At this moment, a "gurgling" sound came from Zhou Chunhong's stomach, and everyone looked over at Zhou Chunhong.

Zhou Chunhong has no ulterior motives, but she has developed a keen eye for food; she can't take her eyes off delicious food.