Chapter 5 — I'm No Longer A Reasonable Daughter-in-law

Ha Tuan sat down, his back straight. Mom sat opposite, her voice was calm, but every sentence was as sharp as a knife.

“Ha Tuan, did you know about To Uyen quitting her job in advance?”

“She… just told me last night.”

“So do you know why he stopped?”

Ha Tuan was silent.

"He was oppressed by the deputy director for three years. His plan was always someone else's name. Every year he was evaluated well but his promotion opportunity was robbed. Every day he worked overtime until nine or ten, and when he got home he slept. Do you know these things?"

“She said work was tiring, but I don't think…”

“Didn't think it was that serious?” Mother interrupted, "You two have been married for six years. You should know best how they are. Whatever you can bear, bear with yourself. If you can't bear it, grit your teeth and bear it. But everyone has their limits, do you think that's right?"

Ha Tuan bowed his head.

"Knowing that he's upset, why do you still let him suffer alone?" Mom still kept her voice calm, but each word felt like it was stinging her skin, "Let her manage everything in your family, live for six years like an invisible person. Now you also force her to give up the house to your sister's family. Ha Tuan, if in return Ha Man has to endure these things at her husband's house, what will you do?"

"That's different... Ha Man is my biological sister..."

“To Uyen is my mother's biological daughter.” Mother interrupted, "I carried the heavy burden of giving birth for ten months, raising you every day. I didn't marry into your family to be a cutting board for people to vent their anger at, to be a free agent, or to be someone who always has to give in."

The living room fell silent. Dad came out and sat down next to mom.

"Ha Tuan, we don't want to make things difficult for you. But there are things To Uyen can't say, so we have to say them for you."

"Marriage means two people building their own family, not the bride's family marrying off their children to be an extra. To Uyen contributed half of the deposit to that house, and paid it in installments for four years. It's her house, she has the right. Now your family wants to bring someone in, have you ever asked her opinion?"

“Your father… he is used to deciding everything…”

“Used to make decisions?” Mother smiled faintly, "So familiar that the bride price is decided in that way? Give my family fifty-eight thousand, but ask your brother-in-law's sixty-six thousand. So familiar that the money to buy a house is so clearly differentiated? My family has to compensate fifteen thousand, while your sister has to transfer forty thousand straight. This 'decision', it seems like you know how to choose the person to apply it."

Ha Tuan couldn't say anything. At that moment, the door opened. Doa Doa ran in and as soon as she saw Ha Tuan she rushed over: "Dad!"

“Yes, dad's treasure is here.” Ha Tuan picked up his child and kissed him, "Do you miss dad?"

"I miss you so much! Why did it take so long for Dad to visit you?"

I stood at the door, holding my drawing bag. Ha Tuan looked at me with complicated eyes.

“I'm back.”

"YES." I changed my shoes, went in and poured myself a glass of water.

“To Uyen… can we talk for a bit?”

"Let's just say it here. Mom and dad are not outsiders."

He glanced at my parents, hesitantly. Dad stood up: "Doa Doa, will grandpa take you to buy ice cream?" Mom also stood up: "I'm going to the supermarket to buy things. I'll make pancakes tonight." The two of them went out one after another. The door closed, in the living room there were only Ha Tuan and I left. The ticking sound of the wall clock echoed clearly in the quiet space.

“Mom called me.” Ha Tuan opened his mouth, "Mom cried for a long time, saying she could raise a son like you is nonsense use.”

I said nothing.

“Ha Man also came to talk to me. He asked if he did something to make his sister-in-law unhappy. He said that if you weren't comfortable, he and his wife would go out and rent a house. Even if there was more pressure, they didn't want this to affect their feelings."

“Then how do you answer?”

“I… told everyone to stay calm.”

I laughed.

“Ha Tuan, you are truly a good brother and a filial son.”

“Don't say that…” He rubbed his face, “I'm really awkward. On one side are my parents and younger sister, on the other side is me. Can you understand me a bit?”

“I have understood you for six years now.” I looked straight into his eyes, "Ha Tuan, the first year we got married, you said you needed capital to start a business. I used up all my savings of eighty thousand yuan and gave it to you. When you lost all your capital, did you blame me half a sentence?"

His lips moved.