Chapter 102: Lin Jianguo Feels Jealous

Lin Wei's schedule in Xingcheng was packed; after hanging out with Zhong Lin and Zhao Qian, she met up with Yexin and Shen Anna for a night of gathering. The neglected Chen Yang, on the other hand, surprisingly got a good night's sleep.

After dawn, Chen Yang was summoned by his aunt Chen Chunmei to the supermarket in Sunshine Garden Community. She wore a solemn expression and spoke seriously: "Child, no matter who you have opinions about in your heart, our family's ancestral home must be built first. Otherwise, I, your grandparents, and your parents would have no way to answer."

Chen Yang hadn't expected Chen Chunmei to suddenly bring up the hometown matter; he curiously asked, "Aunt, did someone from Chen Family Village call you and say something?"

Chen Chunmei didn't directly answer Chen Yang's question; her eyes suddenly reddened and her voice grew choked: "Last night I dreamed of your grandparents and your parents, all pointing at my nose and scolding me. They said I only look after my own comfort in the city, abandoning the roots of the Chen family."

Chen Yang naturally didn't believe the saying that the elders sent dreams; he guessed Chen Chunmei must have heard something, causing her to dwell on it. So he comforted her: "Aunt, what era is this? You're still so feudal. Since we've settled in Xingcheng, this is our root. If you're uneasy, let's go back and repair the ancestral tomb. Burning some paper for them would also count as filial piety."

Chen Chunmei, a bit angry, cried out: "What do you know, kid? If the ancestral home isn't rebuilt, how can I face them?"

"Alright, then I'll arrange it this time when I go back." Chen Yang could only nod in agreement. Although he believed someone from Chen Family Village had called and said something to Chen Chunmei, disturbing her peace of mind.

The older generation holds a deep-rooted concept of home. In her previous life, Chen Chunmei had muttered about the ancestral home for decades; by old age her mind was a little off. Now that she has the ability to reclaim the ancestral home, she is even less likely to give up.

Upon hearing Chen Yang agree to go back and rebuild the ancestral home, Chen Chunmei's mood instantly improved. But she still felt uneasy and added: "When you go back, speak properly with people; if gifts are due, give some. Since we're not at home, avoid offending others. Don't let those bad seeds cause trouble behind our backs."

Chen Yang nodded again in agreement. After running some errands at the supermarket, Lin Wei's call came. She said she had already returned to Clear Water with Shen Anna, Qin Qin, and Qian Duo Duo, and asked Chen Yang to arrange his own schedule.

Chen Yang hadn't expected Shen Anna to also go to Clear Water; he felt a headache coming. If nothing unexpected happened, he'd end up sleeping on the sofa for a few days again.

After going to Xingcheng International Shopping Centre and buying two cases of Flying Sky Moutai and one case of China cigarettes, Chen Yang then drove back to Clear Water.

When arriving at the Lin family home, Hu Qingwan saw Chen Yang coming back with cigarettes and alcohol again, and couldn't help but lecture him a few more times.

"You kid, are you treating my words like wind in the ears? I've said your father should quit smoking and drinking, yet you keep buying them nonstop!"

Chen Yang knew she was worried that Lin Jianguo's body would be drained by smoking and drinking, so he made an excuse: "Mom, these cigarettes and alcohol aren't bought for Dad. I mainly think Maotai liquor has great appreciation potential, so I bought it back for investment and financial management. Those cigarettes are for my social engagements. When doing business out and about, if I don't offer people a good cigarette, things won't go smoothly."

Hu Qingwan doubted Chen Yang's explanation. She asked: "If you have your own use, why not put them in your rented place?"

Chen Yang explained: "The security in this old residential area isn't great. Since we two aren't often home, it's easy to attract thieves."

Hu Qingwan wasn't satisfied with that explanation, snorting: "So you mean you want me to be the warehouse manager?"

Chen Yang hurriedly smiled apologetically: "Mom, you got it wrong. Things placed here don't need looking after. Just counting on Dad's upright spirit, any evil winds or nefarious qi would have to retreat three paces."

Lin Jianguo, who was pretending to watch TV in the living room, instinctively puffed out his chest, showing great satisfaction with Chen Yang's flattery.

Hu Qingwan felt happy hearing Chen Yang praise her husband, but she wasn't so easily fooled. With the items stored at home, Lin Jianguo would surely take notice. In the end, it would still ruin her own affairs.

"Chen Yang, you've been married this long, and you still plan to keep renting?"

Chen Yang didn't grasp Hu Qingwan's meaning and casually replied: "Mom, we already bought a place in Xingcheng and are renovating it."

"I'm not talking about Xingcheng." Hu Qingwan shook her head, thinking Chen Yang had misunderstood her, and reminded him: "Aren't you planning to buy a house in Clear Water? Someone in our community is selling a house. If you're interested, I can take you to have a look."

"Mom, buying a house isn't urgent." Chen Yang immediately refused Hu Qingwan's goodwill. He also voiced his opinion: "Nowadays, old residential areas are all walk-up buildings; the unit designs are outdated, not to mention the spatial layout is unreasonable. I'm not short of money, so why can't I live in a better place?"

Hu Qingwan understood Chen Yang's financial situation and his point of view, so she asked again: "Then where are you preparing to buy a house?"

Chen Yang suddenly thought of Liu Shijie and said: "I have a friend in real estate who's striving for that plot of land by the Clear Water River. If successful, they should build a brand-new modern elevator apartment community. My meaning is, once the community is completed, we'll buy a few units at internal prices. Then you and Dad will live in one unit, older brother and sister-in-law in another, and I and Lin Wei in another. Everyone will be on the same floor, making it convenient to look after each other."

"You kid, you just like to waste money." Hu Qingwan put on a show of being a little angry, but inside she felt Chen Yang this son-in-law was very filial. Without her having to worry, he had already arranged everyone's future life in advance.

"Mom, as long as you and Dad are happy, spending a little money isn't a big deal." Seeing Hu Qingwan's attitude soften, Chen Yang quickly found an excuse to go meet up with Lin Wei, Shen Anna, and the others.

Hu Qingwan watched Chen Yang's departing back and said to the pretended-TV-watching Lin Jianguo: "This kid, the more I look at him, the more I like him—smart, handsome, thoughtful, filial, and responsible. Following him closely, you should be very happy."

Lin Jianguo echoed by nodding his head and said: "Not bad, just a little shy of how I was when I was younger."

Hu Qingwan gave him a sideways glance: "You're far worse than him. After all these years of marriage, you've only given me an old-fashioned gold ring. Having you accompany me to watch movies and performances—you're either on a business trip or on a mission. If I'd known it would be like this, I wouldn't have chosen you."

Lin Jianguo gave an embarrassed laugh. At this moment, he suddenly felt Chen Yang wasn't that great either. Thinking it over, ever since this kid Chen Yang appeared, his wife compares him to him, his daughter-in-law also compares him to him, and his daughter doesn't even need to be mentioned.

Lin Jianguo couldn't help but admit he was jealous of Chen Yang this son-in-law. He even felt it necessary to find some excuse to scold this kid who had shaken his family's status.