Yang Hongying sighed, "I know my mother-in-law doesn't like me; what she said really hurt. She seems to quite like you."

Sun Chan pointed outside, "Does she really like me? She's just trying to annoy you. Don't let it get to you. You know my background, you're a city person, you were in the army, and you have your brother. I'm an orphan from the village, without connections or money. They surely dislike me, but we're kindred spirits. Luckily, our partners love us sincerely and consistently. So we are happy."

Yang Hongying blushed slightly. Indeed! If it were anyone else being opposed by their family like this, they would have given up long ago. Gu Juntao chased after her from so far away and even retired from the army for her sake, he was a good one, which made her feel better.

The two daughters-in-law and an aunt cooked together. The chicken, duck, fish, and meat were prepared in advance, so they were served soon. Mr. Yan and Gu Dongfang weren't there, so there was no need to worry about health issues. Some oily dishes were also served.

Braised pork, scallion stir-fried pork, and steamed pork, rare to see on the table, were served, making Gu Zishan and Yan Kai, who loved meat, very happy.

"You actually know I like this!" Gu Zishan laughed as he ate a big piece of braised pork.

Yang Hongying laughed and said, "Jun Tao said you like this meat dish the most, so I learned it specially."

"Great, not bad." Gu Zishan gave a thumbs up.

"Mom, this is what you like, the crispy fried purple mushrooms. Try it."

Wang Guihua hummed in response, picked up a piece of garlic sprout, and started eating. Yang Hongying bit her lip, and Gu Juntao patted her back, picking some dishes for her, "Eat what you like."

"Okay." Yang Hongying forced a smile.

Yan Kai saw Sun Chan only eat cold salad and shredded potatoes, and laughed, "Afraid of getting fat?"

Sun Chan said, "No, I've been eating too much meat these days, feeling a bit greasy, it's nothing."

Gu Junming poured a cup of tea for her, "Drink this, it will relieve the greasiness."

Sun Chan smiled, took it and drank.

Gu Zishan thought to himself, truly from a poor family, couldn't handle even a bit of meat. The head daughter-in-law was like this, Gu Family's luck must be bad, right?

The meal was tasteless and uneventful, occasionally Wang Guihua would say some sharp words, but everyone ignored them.

Gu Junming saw Sun Chan almost finished eating, so he put down his chopsticks.

"Finished eating? Let's go back then, it's dark already." After such a long train ride, hardly rested, and ate such a tiring meal, he wanted to go back quickly to rest.

Sun Chan hurriedly stood up, she was done long ago.

Wang Guihua laughed, "Leaving already? Stay a bit longer."

"No, my vacation is almost over, I'll take her home first, I need to go back to the army."

"Alright then, visit when you have time! I'm always welcoming you here." Wang Guihua was very enthusiastic, Gu Zishan was very calm. Just gave his wife a fierce glare.

Yan Kai bid farewell too, and gave Gu Junming a look, obviously wanting to talk.

The three of them left, Wang Guihua went upstairs, ignoring Yang Hongying and Gu Juntao.

Gu Zishan nodded to the couple, "Clean up and rest early. Stay here and don't leave tonight."

Yang Hongying agreed, watching her father go upstairs.

Gu Zishan closed the door and started quarreling with his wife, "Can we continue living like this? If not, we should separate then. Two sons, why is your attitude like this? Talking about widows in the village, what will Gu Juntao and his wife think?"

Wang Guihua sneered, "Nothing I say is right? Your temper improved after having a daughter-in-law? Or do you think having Yan Kai will get you another promotion? Unfortunately, there's nothing for you to sell out this time. You can't get promoted with your abilities!" She regretted it after saying it, these issues were old news, yet she brought them up again.

"What did you say?" Gu Zishan raised his hand to hit, his eyes almost popping out. What nonsense is this woman saying!

Wang Guihua stiffened her neck, bringing her face closer, "Go ahead! Hit me!"

Gu Zishan didn't hit her eventually, pointed at her nose, "Watch your words, no one is a fool who can't understand your meaning. Yang Hongying is our family's daughter-in-law now, if you act like this again, get out!"

"Why should I get out? Without me, would the Gu Family be here now? You want to sacrifice my son to please Yan Kai? Shameless, I just won't be nice to Yang Hongying, let's see what you can do?"

Gu Zishan almost flipped the table hearing these words; when did he rely on Yan Kai to get promoted?

The two had a heated argument.

Downstairs, Yang Hongying was terrified. Though she didn't know what was said, apparently, they were fighting.

Gu Juntao held her hand, "Let's get some rest."

"But upstairs..."

"Isn't it because they're dissatisfied with us? What else could it be?" Gu Juntao didn't care at all, took her hand into a room on the first floor.

Yang Hongying anxiously thought about the two upstairs, wondering if they would start fighting. Just as she was thinking, she was suddenly hugged by Gu Juntao. His hands weren't idle either.

"What are you doing?"

"Wife, I miss you..." Gu Juntao's voice was muffled, kissing her chin and neck.

Yang Hongying was nervous and frightened, what's wrong with this person, upstairs they're so chaotic, yet you're... What if something happened upstairs, wouldn't we have to go up?

But she couldn't struggle free, Gu Juntao hugged her and fell onto the bed, pressing on her.

At this moment, upstairs there was a thump, like a chair falling to the ground.

The two froze for a moment, Yang Hongying blinked, "What happened?"

Gu Juntao dared not move, waited for a moment, then kissed her lips, "Nothing."

After a while, there was no response from upstairs, things calmed down.

Gu Juntao continued, he was happy, but pitiful Yang Hongying didn't enjoy it at all, staring at the ceiling the whole time, afraid of more sounds, but fortunately, it finally quieted down. She sighed with relief and hugged Gu Juntao tightly.

"You won't change your heart, will you?"

"Silly. I'll be good to you for a lifetime. Why else would I marry you?" Gu Juntao felt bad for his wife, getting bullied by his own mom today, he didn't know how else to comfort her, only actions could prove it. Also thought, maybe having a child would improve things?

Upstairs, Gu Zishan cleaned up the messy room, glared at Wang Guihua, and left with a quilt.

The two had a fight, Wang Guihua grabbed the chair, almost hit his head, shattered it. It was the first time Gu Zishan slept apart from her, going to the old man's room.