At the Lin family household, Lin Laoyao, also fearful of confrontations with his wife and unwilling to challenge her authority, found himself tagged with the moniker "henpecked husband."
He paid little attention to this label, hoping that one day his wife would be content and stop her insatiable demands.
However, despite occupying numerous things over the years, she remained dissatisfied. Lin Laoyao spoke coldly, "I won't go. It's way too embarrassing to do that!"
His wife's complexion changed dramatically at his refusal. Pointing her finger accusingly at Lin Laoyao, she shouted, "Have I had a single good day since I married you? Can you justify yourself, Lin Laoyao? If you won't go, we're getting a divorce."
Once youthful and able to carry off such tantrums with some charm, her advancing years had stripped her of that appeal. Despite her current intimidating presence, Lin Laoyao paid her no mind and reluctantly agreed to
When they arrived at Lin Lao'er's house, they found a small crowd gathered, chatting animatedly with the once downtrodden Lin Lao'er, who now looked remarkably lively despite his graying hair. He sported a healthy glow on his face.
The large redwood dressing table remained outside, awaiting a suitable spot inside. Lin Laoyao's wife, with a signal to her husband, strode directly towards the dressing table, reaching out to touch and feel its texture.
Li Hua noticed Lin Laoyao and his wife. She tugged on her mother-in-law's arm warily. Mother Lin's smile disappeared.
Lin Laoyao greeted his second brother but refrained from mentioning the message conveyed by his wife. Others around couldn't help but feel curious. Why were Lin Laoyao and his wife here? Didn't Lin Laoyao's wife declare she didn't want anything to do with Lin Lao'er's family anymore?
However, it was evident that Lin Lao'er's family was no longer the destitute sight it used to be. Given Lin Laoyao's wife's behavior, she was probably here to take advantage of him again. As expected, what happened next confirmed everyone's guess.
When the youngest daughter-in-law saw that her man did not speak, she said it herself. She had never been shy when it came to asking for things. She had always felt that it was hers when she asked for it.
Noticing her husband's silence, Lin Laoyao's wife took charge, unapologetically accustomed to claiming what she wanted. "Sister-in-law, oh, Li Hua is here too. Oh, this dressing table is fantastic, perfect for a newlywed bride. I think it's just right for Lin Ye's wife.
Li Hua's heart sank upon hearing this. Once again, it was a ploy to take advantage, and now, they were eyeing her dressing table.
However, being a daughter-in-law, she found herself in a difficult position. She hesitated to confront her mother-in- law, who always gave in to Lin Laoyao's wife. Her dressing table seemed to be in jeopardy.
Mother Lin wore a deeply unpleasant expression as she spoke, "This was a gift from Gu Zi to her sister-in-law; I cannot make this decision."
Upon hearing this, Lin Laoyao's wife, driven by greed, shifted her gaze onto Li Hua and remarked, "That's simple then. Li Hua has always been very sensible. She'll surely be willing to give the dressing table to Lin Ye's wife, right?"
Li Hua, emboldened by her mother-in-law's refusal, confidently shook her head, "This was given to me by Gu Zi, and I'm not willing to part with it."
Lin Laoyao's wife's expression immediately changed upon Li Hua's refusal. Her tone became harsh, directed at Li Hua, "You've been married for so many years. Do you still need such a good dressing table? Even after all these years, you haven't been able to have children. What right do you have to use such a good thing?"
Those words made Li Hua's tears stream down instantly. How dare she speak to her like that?
Neither her mother-in-law nor Lin Cheng had ever scolded her like this! Trembling hands desperately fought back the urge to cry.
When Lin Cheng heard this, he immediately came over to protect his wife and comforted her. "Don't listen to the nonsense of outsiders. Why are you crying?
Don't cry."
Mother Lin's expression changed as well. For the first time, she spoke to her youngest sister-in-law in a harsh tone. "You've gone too far. I can't bear to see my daughter-in-law spoken to so maliciously."
Witnessing the humiliation of a woman he once admired, Lin Hun couldn't stay calm. He jumped up to confront Lin Laoyao's wife, yelling, "You old witch! Have you brushed your teeth? Your mouth stinks!"
Seeing that he was about to go up and beat her up, the surrounding people hurriedly pulled him back and told him not to be rash.
Lin Laoyao rushed to his wife's side, attempting to calm her, but she pushed him away, displaying an unruly appearance.
She retorted with hostility, "Alright, Lin Cheng. Your family has become wealthy, and now, we're outsiders, right? I haven't lied. Your wife can't bear children. With all the good things in your house, you won't even give me a dressing table. Your uncle and your father are biological brothers. You guys are too stingy."
As she spoke, not just Lin Lao'er's family but everyone present fell silent.
They were well aware that Lin Laoyao's wife had a penchant for taking advantage, but they hadn't expected such a direct emotional manipulation combined with verbal insults! What was the difference between this and outright robbery?
...