This is clearly a lie, but it's also a way to help Yao Xin out of an awkward situation.
Yao Xin (Sister-in-Law): Affection Level 55%.
Xu Bin is quite satisfied with this result, but the increase seems too rapid for such a trivial matter.
Yao Xin glanced at her manicure, and Shen Ruyu took a look and hmphed disapprovingly, "Spending so much money on these things, no sense of responsibility."
"Mom, have some soup to sober up."
"Big sister, have some too, warm your stomach first."
For dinner, we had fish. The leftover fish heads and bones were fried briefly, then braised with tofu to make a rich and flavorful soup. Before serving, a sprinkle of parsley, ginger, and a pinch of pepper and salt enhanced the natural umami of the dish.
"Brother-in-law's cooking is quite good," Yao Xin commented, sipping the creamy fish soup.
Shen Ruyu also smiled in approval, "Indeed, my son-in-law cooks better than Nan."
There were also ready-made roasted chicken, sliced braised beef, stir-fried bell peppers with eggs, and a chilled dish of century eggs with tofu—all excellent accompaniments for the alcohol.
The beer at home had run out, so Xu Bin and Yao Xin were drinking red wine. Shen Ruyu took a glass, "Pour some for Mom too."
"Mom, this wine isn't bad," Xu Bin complimented.
Previously, Shen Ruyu had been roped into selling imported red wine through a direct sales scheme by gossipers at the tea house. According to Zhang Xinda, these were cheap, knock-off wines from unknown vineyards, bottled and passed off as foreign imports.
For a while, this type of red wine was everywhere, dominating supermarkets, convenience stores, and direct sales channels.
Buying at 60 yuan per bottle, Shen Ruyu had stocked up on ten cases, full of ambition to make a big profit and turn her life around.
As expected, the venture flopped, and she ended up with a house full of unsold wine. To pursue this business, Shen Ruyu had even skipped her mahjong games for days, depleting her savings and forcing her then-student daughter, Yao Nan, to tighten her belt.
"Mom, you're still drinking!"
Yao Xin, ever the tactless one, chimed in.
Xu Bin quickly poured a glass for his mother-in-law. Shen Ruyu shot her daughter a sharp look and retorted, "A little more won't hurt, right? It helps me sleep better."
"I told you this wine is good," Xu Bin added, "Mom has good taste, unlike some people."
Shen Ruyu was pleased, finally getting some appreciation after being ridiculed by her daughters and relatives. Only Xu Bin seemed to understand and compliment her.
Though the past still lingered in her mind, this son-in-law was growing on her, more so than her own flesh and blood.
"This wine is smooth," Xu Bin said, swirling his glass, "And it's affordable. A few years back, 60 yuan wasn't expensive. Now, you'd be lucky to find a decent bottle for 600."
"Still, my son-in-law has taste!"
Shen Ruyu clinked glasses with Xu Bin, clearly delighted.
Yao Xin rolled her eyes, "Brother-in-law, I misjudged you. You're quite the charmer, schmoozing like that."
"What's wrong with that? Can't I give a compliment?"
Shen Ruyu shot her daughter another disapproving look, "Only Zhang Xinda has taste, huh? He never brings anything when he visits. If he's so refined, why doesn't he bring some good wine or tea for his mother-in-law?"
"Drinking my wine and calling it fake foreign stuff. I've wanted to tell him off for a while," Shen Ruyu added.
And so, the conversation shifted to criticizing Zhang Xinda. Yao Xin was left speechless.
For years, the family had barely touched alcohol. Only Yao Baichuan would occasionally drink, bringing his own imported liquor or baijiu. He had no interest in beer or red wine.
Zhang Xinda, the eldest son-in-law, was the worst. He rarely brought anything when he visited and, when he did drink their red wine, he acted superior and critical.
Shen Ruyu's feelings had changed over time. Initially, she had tolerated his behavior, thinking he was a rich second-generation heir. Now, comparing him to her second son-in-law, she saw the true value of genuine respect and generosity.
"Mom, big sister didn't mean it that way!"
Xu Bin quickly intervened.
"She's just being passive-aggressive, taking advantage of your kindness," Shen Ruyu said, but she calmed down, her opinion of Xu Bin firmly established.
After some time, she glanced at the TV and remarked, "You two just keep drinking and watching TV."
No one had been paying attention to the TV, but now they saw a program about online lending.
It discussed various types of loans, from illegal usury and predatory lending to high-interest legal loans. The cycle of borrowing to pay off other debts was highlighted, showing how even modest incomes could be overwhelmed by compounding interest.
"Mom, this is an important social issue," Xu Bin said, smiling, "Many young people overspend and get trapped in this cycle. It's a widespread problem."
This struck a nerve with Yao Xin, who looked down, took a large gulp of her wine, and avoided the topic.
One missed call after another, endless reminder messages, and the constant stress of repayment deadlines had taken a toll on her, even affecting her menstrual cycle due to the extreme psychological pressure.