If you don't consummate the marriage for three years and then marry a successful educated youth

Wang Zhaodi realized what was going on and became somewhat unhappy: "You mean we won't hand over our salaries anymore? How can that be? We're already struggling to make ends meet."

"Now you're going to deduct half the money? Aren't you deliberately making things difficult for me? You're an uncle too, are you just going to watch my nephew starve to death?"

Seeing that she was clearly favoring her family, Jiang Zhiqiang suppressed his soft heart and said directly, "There's no room for discussion on this. It's not my fault that your nephew is pitiful."

"They don't even call me 'Dad,' and instead of taking care of your brother, you drag me into filling the hole. What kind of logic is that?"

"Also, the pheasants that my parents couldn't bear to eat, the meat that my older brother hunted, and the eggs from the chickens we raise at home were all sent over. You don't think it's all to feed your nephew, do you?"

"So what if I'm selfish? Is it wrong for me to protect my own children? If you feel so sorry for them, then you should go without food and drink and save money for them."

Seeing his resolute attitude, Wang Zhaodi burst into tears: "Why am I so unlucky? I can't rely on my own family, and my husband's family is wary of me."

"Even your own man won't help me, so what am I supposed to do? How can I bear to watch my two children starve to death? I know you don't like them, but they're still children."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhiqiang's anger flared up. He slammed his hand on the table, his eyes filled with rage: "Enough! They are children, and they are older than my children. How old are my children?"

"How could you, as a mother, let your own child go two months without eating any meat, and feed all the meat to your nephew? How do you deserve to be a mother?"

"You feel sorry for your nephew going hungry, so you have to take meat out of your own son's mouth to feed him? Are you worried that they are hungry, or that they are not eating well?"

Wang Zhaodi was taken aback by the shout and felt a little guilty: "I, I didn't think that much at the time. Besides, your older brother is so capable, and there's no shortage of meat at home."

"We can just send more meat, that way my nephew can eat meat and grow up, and our kids will know too. Just don't tell your older brother."

"Just think about it, when my two nephews grow up, won't they be grateful to you? They'll be filial to us."

Jiang Zhiqiang sneered, "I don't care about their filial piety. I have my own son. Why should I need their filial piety? Besides, when I went to your parents' house today, didn't you see their attitude?"

"What kind of upbringing do those two kids have? How could they talk like that? They showed me no gratitude whatsoever. And yet they're supposed to be filial to me? I'd rather they send me to my death sooner."

"Stop talking nonsense, it's settled then. Once we bring them back safely, I'll take care of their food and drink. If you mistreat the two children, I won't give you a single penny for household expenses in the future."

After saying that, he got up and went to boil water for a bath.

Wang Zhaodi was left alone on the sofa, her eyes red with anger. She simply couldn't understand how she could manage both families if she just kept it a secret from her brother-in-law.

Why is it that her own husband is unwilling? Her brother-in-law can hunt, so there's no shortage of meat. As long as Zhiqiang pretends to be pitiful, he can send more.

For the next few days, the two went to work separately, and Jiang Zhiqiang didn't give her a very friendly look. On payday, he only took out half of his salary and put it on the table: "This month's living expenses."

"You earn over thirty a month, right? You give fifteen to your family, so what about the rest of your money?"

Wang Zhaodi said irritably, "I spent it all. My salary isn't much. The remaining fifteen yuan will only be enough to buy some face cream, shampoo, soap, and clothes."

Jiang Zhiqiang felt a tightness in his chest: "You bought clothes again? We have some at home. If you need clothes, you can buy fabric and make them yourself. That would save you a lot of money. Why buy ready-made clothes?"

"How can that be? The ready-made clothes look so good. I don't have that skill. Besides, we don't have a sewing machine at home. Why don't you bring your sister-in-law's sewing machine over?"

"I can learn how to make it myself, otherwise don't even mention it, I don't have the skill or the time."

Wang Zhaodi glanced at the calendar on the wall and frowned: "It's been five days. Let's bring the two children back. What's the point of leaving them in the countryside like this?"

"It will take some time for them to adjust after they come back. They'll be going to school after the New Year, but there aren't many good schools in the countryside. It's better for them to come to town."

Jiang Zhiqiang thought for a moment and said, "No rush. I'll call my parents to ask if they agree. If they don't, it's okay to pick them up a little later."

"Both children love the countryside. They eat well, drink well, sleep well, and are happy there. Why don't you want them to?"

Wang Zhaodi said with her hands on her hips, "Of course I don't want to. Country kids have a lot of bad habits. What if my child gets corrupted? Besides, your parents feed your child well."

"Our family's circumstances are average. If we bring them back after a long time, will they still like our family? Will they be close to us then? Will they keep asking to go to their grandparents' house?"

"I told you before, you can't spoil the kids. Your parents spoil them too much. Why do you feed them so well? We can't afford to support them when they come back."

Jiang Zhiqiang retorted, "What? My parents go to great lengths to feed our children the best food, and you think that's wrong? You really don't appreciate kindness."

The two started arguing again as they were talking.

Finally, I was so annoyed that I agreed to ride my bike back to pick up the two kids on Sunday when I had the day off.

Wang Zhaodi then gave up.

*

In the small courtyard in the countryside

The two children sat on the swings, and Wen Yao gently pushed them from behind. Listening to their giggles, she couldn't help but laugh along.

"Does Ping An and An like their aunt's family home?"

"Yes, we love it. Auntie is so kind to us. She cooks lots of delicious food for us, tells us stories, and never scolds or hits us. We love Auntie's family so much."

"Um, it's just that my uncle is so fierce, I'm scared."

Wen Yao glanced at the person who had been keeping a straight face and said helplessly, "Your uncle loves you very much, but he's a bit cold-hearted and not very good at expressing himself. If he didn't love you, would he buy you delicious food?"

"You should cuddle and hug him more, and he'll gradually stop being afraid."

The two little ones exchanged a glance, nodded obediently, climbed off the swing, ran to hug their uncle's arm, and blinked their eyes: "Uncle, can we play the piggyback ride?"

Jiang Lie said that it was too dangerous and that he should play less in the future, but he had already put down the hammer and picked up the two little ones, one in each hand, and put them on his shoulders.

"Wow, it's so tall! Uncle, you're amazing!"

"Run and feel the breeze!"

Wen Yao looked at the person over there with a stern face, muttering to himself, and protecting the child who was playing wildly. Her smile deepened. Ah Lie seemed to really like children.

If I had a child of my own, I'd probably spoil him rotten.