Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 778 - 653: Slapping Someone in the Face—This Is a Tough Skill

The cool breeze swept away the summer heat, but Lin Juhua’s mood at the moment was like a roller coaster. She realized she seemed to have brought up an inappropriate topic.

"Discuss with your sister-in-law. Don’t worry about how many return gifts Jiao Jiao gave, just follow the usual social exchanges. Even if you don’t reciprocate, your two uncles won’t mind. But whether they are relatives or others, reciprocation keeps relationships lasting."

Lin Juhua quickly said after hearing her mother-in-law, "My sister-in-law and I have been worried all morning, but now that you’ve said this, we’re clear on what to do."

Mother Zhang glanced at her amusedly, thinking she wasn’t so senile after all.

She patted the ground, sat down, and laughed, "What a big deal, you really shouldn’t worry. There’s not much issue with old family relations. Now that you’re in charge, pay more attention to the etiquette with the families your husbands associate with. Do not let that slip.

Your grandfather always said he’d rather tighten the belt than treat others poorly. He had countless friends, and every time he reciprocated, your grandmother would worry. She said when a woman runs the house, she manages the man’s reputation. If she returns too much, it’s unaffordable; too little, and people say your grandfather is stingy."

Lin Juhua laughed, "It’s really like that."

"Your grandmother discussed everything with your grandfather her whole life. When we first joined the family, your grandmother said, ’What is living together? It’s the couple discussing things together.’

"Mother, you’ve told me that before."

Mother Zhang glared at her, teasingly scolding, "Little girl, as long as you know it." Then she turned her gaze to the elder daughter-in-law, "You too, don’t keep everything in your heart. Couples should discuss things together for a harmonious life."

Huang Cuilan nodded.

Mother Zhang didn’t want to say much more in front of her second daughter-in-law to save face for the elder one. She changed the subject, "Are you free tomorrow?"

The two sisters-in-law shook their heads, looking at their mother-in-law with questions in their eyes.

Mother Zhang had wanted to speak but thought the matter wasn’t arranged yet. She wasn’t in a hurry and would see how Jiao Jiao approached it later. Such delicate work couldn’t work without her.

"Go back and make clothes first. I’ll take the three of you to visit relatives in the next few days."

Lin Juhua and the others didn’t pay much attention, thinking they were visiting the two uncles, and both expressed they had time.

After coming down the mountain, Mother Zhang passed by her youngest son’s courtyard. Seeing the courtyard gate open, she waved at the daughter-in-law and daughters who were carrying things and told them to go home first, while she went inside.

As soon as she stepped in, the yard was full of dried vegetables, fruits, herbs, and clothes flapping in the breeze. The kitchen door was open, and a figure was busy in front of the stove. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Mother Zhang sniffed the aroma and shook her head. This child couldn’t stay idle for even a moment.

"Mother, it’s hot inside. Sit at the door for a while. I’ll be done soon."

Once she stepped into the kitchen, sure enough, a wave of heat hit her. "Why not rest more? What are you up to again?"

Zhou Jiao paused, smiled, and pointed to the pot, "I saw the tomatoes in the backyard were ripe, so I’m making sauce for when vegetables are scarce in winter. You and Dad can use it with rice or soup."

"You child, I can do it myself."

"Almost done. I can’t match your skills with other things, but this is a masterpiece from a good teacher. I guarantee you’ll be satisfied." Zhou Jiao smiled, gesturing to the pot, "Has Big Sister gone back? I didn’t see anyone at home. Did they go up the mountain?"

"Exactly. I took them up to gather wild vegetables and collect firewood. We need to prepare for winter. I told them to have dinner before leaving. Did you need anything from them?"

Zhou Jiao took the jar handed to her by her mother-in-law and shook her head, "Nothing major. Mom, the child got into school, should Big Sister throw a feast?"

"Your Big Sister’s sisters-in-law aren’t easy, and she doesn’t want to have one. I tried to persuade her today, but it’s her parents-in-law’s decision, not hers."

"You’re wise, Mom. Accountant Zhang is lucky to have you as an in-law."

Mother Zhang chuckled heartily, "Silly child, who doesn’t praise their own? Don’t elders wish for the success of their descendants? Her in-laws must be overjoyed. If your Big Sister doesn’t throw one, they won’t oppose, but they’ll feel uncomfortable. There’s no need to ruin good relations for a few petty eyes."

Zhou Jiao most appreciated her mother-in-law for this trait. She was open-minded and generous in handling matters.

"This time with Ziwen going to school, tell Xiao Wu not to make a fuss. If things start too grandly, it will be hard to handle next time the nephews attend."

Well, Zhou Jiao felt slapped in the face. She just praised her mother-in-law’s generosity, didn’t she?

"Don’t take it lightly. Your second sister wants to continue having children. As your nephews grow, the basket won’t rest, needing so much reciprocity? If you treat the nephews well, can the nieces expect less? Listen to Mom, just follow the norm."