Chapter 228: Returning to Her Parents’ Home for Mid-Autumn Festival
The praise for Yi Weimin in the brigade and the enthusiasm for Weng Hefeng made Pan Kexia envious and regretful. When she mentioned this to Yi Weijun, he harshly scolded her.
After all, it was Pan Kexia herself who chose the job for her husband, and now she was being sarcastic about it. Yi Weijun couldn’t stand it. Given Yi Weijun’s current capability, Pan Kexia had already toned down somewhat, and after being reprimanded, she became completely subdued for quite a while.
Pan Kexia’s family had been advising her recently to temper her attitude a bit. Even if Yi Weijun divorced her under these circumstances, he could still find a good wife, unlike her who wouldn’t find someone like him again.
Look at Yi Weiliang’s partner: a city person with a stable job, only one younger brother at home, and a house. When he comes of age, he can even inherit the family job. Yi Weijun and Yi Weiliang both work as temporary workers in the transport department.
Yi Roujing noticed Pan Kexia’s change. Today, she relished the rare sense of peace, which would have been perfect if not for her mother’s constant check-ins.
"Oh right, Mom, there’s something else I wanted to discuss today." Yi Roujing started speaking to divert Liu Huilan’s attention, "Dad and Mom, you should buy a house in the county and move your household registration there."
Yi Roujing’s words brought a sudden silence to the courtyard. Liu Huilan was a bit stunned, while Yi Shunyin was still himself, looking towards the three Yi brothers.
"Do the three of you have this plan?" Yi Shunyin asked.
The three Yi brothers were clueless. Even if they had such a plan, it would take years to save up. Buying now was out of the question. It wasn’t just about buying; houses in the county were hard to come by. Their greatest wish was to get regular jobs soon and be assigned couple housing to bring their families to the city.
Wen Chaokuan’s former home was sold to Ding Ancheng for just 1,800 yuan, much cheaper than when they bought it. However, the house needed repairs due to past vandalism after Wen Chaokuan’s father was convicted, which was a major reason for the low price.
Many people wanted to buy it, and Ding Ancheng had to go through quite an effort to get it.
"We don’t." The three Yi brothers shook their heads.
"Dad, Ancheng bought a house at a reasonable price, just perfect for you." Yi Roujing explained the background and price of the house.
Pan Kexia’s entire heart filled with warmth. A house in the city, it would soon make her a city person.
"Roujing, the house Ancheng bought is yours. It wouldn’t be right for us to live there. We’ll wait until Weimin and the others save up and if there’s a chance, they might help find one for us." Liu Huilan said seriously.
Yi Shunyin chimed in, "Your mom’s right. Besides, if your mom, your sister-in-law, and I all move to the city, what will we eat? If we don’t work in the brigade, we won’t get rationed food and will be criticized. It’s always calculated by work points, so we’re not moving to the city."
"We can just treat it as borrowing for now, and pay it back later." Yi Roujing suggested. "The brothers’ wages can cover living expenses for the family. Plus, third brother will be regularized next month, and his salary will double, making life easier."
"No way." Liu Huilan flatly refused, "Your third brother is getting married soon, and once he does, we’ll split the family."
"Don’t think I’m favoring Weiliang. He hasn’t married all these years, yet his work points all went to the family. Weimin and Weijun both had kids at his age. Weiliang has essentially been supporting the parents and nephews." Liu Huilan spoke earnestly.
"Once he marries, he’ll have his own household to look after. You all have wages now to support your families. So after Weiliang marries, we’ll separate households. Your dad and I can still work; we don’t need your support yet. When we no longer can, we’ll arrange for you to take turns. How does that sound?"
Liu Huilan was aware of Xie Chenyan’s family situation, with a younger brother to support, and Liu Youning. Given Yi Weiliang’s personality, he wouldn’t covet Liu Youning’s compensation money. After marriage, Weiliang would, in effect, be supporting two kids, which is quite a burden.
Xie Chenyan was quite surprised by her future mother-in-law’s decisions, finding them wise. She had heard many stories of domineering mothers-in-law hoarding money and dictating in the house, which made her a bit apprehensive before coming, but now all her worries were gone.
Weng Hefeng had no objections, nor did Pan Kexia. Many in the brigade had already split households, and honestly, since she only had one child, Pan Kexia even preferred it. That way, her husband’s salary was hers to control, and she was eager for Xie Chenyan to join the family.
"That’s great." Yi Roujing, hearing about the household split from Liu Huilan, felt no hesitation in saying, "Then consider the house my husband and I’s gift to you, so there’s no need for you to work anymore. I’ll support you."
"What nonsense." Liu Huilan glared at Yi Roujing. This girl must be emboldened by her pregnancy to talk so recklessly.
"Mom, Roujing’s words also reflect my thoughts," Ding Ancheng said. "The house is sold by the government at a fair and discounted price, just needs some repair. I initially thought of buying it to have you and Dad move in together."
"Now that Roujing is pregnant, my parents have already moved to the city, just waiting to transfer the household registration. If you move too, it’ll be convenient for regular visits, and it’s not far. You could visit Roujing often, right?"
"We..."
"Regarding living, I inquired and found many places looking for temporary workers. State-run restaurants need waitstaff, the county government canteen needs kitchen help, and factories offer job openings, so you won’t worry about income."
Yi Roujing turned to look at Ding Ancheng. Since when did he arrange all this? She had thought of finding them some livelihood after moving, but unexpectedly he had sorted it all quietly.
Yi Shunyin and Liu Huilan were both stunned, even Weng Hefeng and Pan Kexia’s eyes sparkled. Work that even in-laws can do—they could too.
"They hire temporary workers but require urban registration, so you should transfer your household registration promptly," Ding Ancheng said.
"Ancheng, we’ve been farming. What could we do in the city? Would city jobs be possible for us?" Yi Shunyin couldn’t deny being tempted, but was hesitant.
"Dad, when has our son-in-law ever failed to keep his word? When has it not been a promise followed by action?" Weng Hefeng quickly chimed in, "Everyone’s scrambling to move to the city, and now the opportunity is right here."