C19 You Instigated

Soong Yu looked at her without saying a word.

“Well, it’s no wonder. He’s quite the golden boy, isn’t he? Back home, Mom always praised you, saying how capable you are and how impressive it is that you married such an outstanding man. But now that I see...” Lin Hong trailed off, just looking at Soong Yu.

She didn’t say anything, and Soong Yu didn’t respond.

“From what I can see, your life seems pretty ordinary. Mom said their family hires help, so you wouldn’t have to do any chores. But from what I’ve observed, the Huo family doesn’t have any help, and you seem to be doing all the work quite efficiently.”

Could Soong Yu not hear the sarcasm in her words?

“Are you here to mock me?” Soong Yu asked directly.

Lin Hong hadn’t expected such a straightforward response, and her face turned bright red. “No, no, I’m just standing up for you. Aren’t you their daughter-in-law, not a maid? Historically, being a daughter-in-law in a wealthy family has never been easy.”

“Sis, you must be mistaken. The Huo family treats me well, and Huo Tian is good to me too. He just doesn’t express it well. As for the housework, I don’t have much else to do, so why hire help? I used to do these things anyway.”

“Sis, do you think I’m blind? Look at your sister-in-law. She’s clearly not welcoming us, and your husband hasn’t smiled at you since we arrived. Is that what you call being treated well? If you were truly happy here, would they dare treat us like this? Not even a smile? What kind of hospitality is that?”

Soong Yu stayed silent because she couldn’t argue with that.

Lin Hong gave a tight-lipped smile. “If it’s really not working out, come back with me. Our family might not be wealthy, but we’d never sell our daughter. Come back, and I’ll take care of you.”

Soong Yu glanced at her and smiled. “What are you talking about, Sis? Who’s selling their daughter? What do you take Mom and Dad for?”

Lin Hong chuckled, "You're quick to speak... I heard you didn't even have a wedding. The Huo family isn't a place for regular folks like us. Listen to me, come back with me. We'll find you a good man who truly cares for you. If not, your brother and I will take care of you."

Soong Yu turned around, placing the clean dishes away, and replied, "Sister-in-law, how much did you drink tonight? You're talking nonsense. I'm still part of the Huo family, so why are you suggesting I find someone else? What's your logic here?"

Lin Hong pursed her lips, huffed, and walked away. She thought to herself how Soong Yu was treated like a maid and still put up with it, refusing to admit it. If it were her, she would have left long ago. But Soong Yu wouldn't listen to reason.

Even if the Huo family didn't like her, Soong Yu had no intention of leaving with Lin Hong.

Around nine o'clock, the two men outside finally stopped drinking. The old man and Soong Gaang had a bit too much, especially Soong Gaang, whose face was flushed and neck was thick.

His voice was loud, almost like he was arguing. Upstairs, Huo Ning couldn't take it anymore and shouted down, "Can you keep it down? I'm trying to do my homework!" Then he slammed his door.

Soong Gaang, startled by the shout, looked dumbfounded at Soong Yu. She felt quite helpless.

"Brother, let me help you to your room to rest," she said, assisting Lin Hong in getting Soong Gaang to his guest room.

Lin Hong was embarrassed by Soong Gaang's behavior and, once inside, pinched him several times. Soong Gaang yelped in pain but didn't resist, showing that this was typical for them.

Soong Yu felt uncomfortable watching but knew it wasn't her place to say anything. After all, they were a married couple, a family.

"Sis, I'll go get some hot water. You can help my brother freshen up," she said, closing the door behind her.

Huo Tian was busy wiping down the table.

Seeing him, Soong Yu paused, "Let me take care of that. I'm sorry... I'll make sure they leave tomorrow."

Huo Tian nodded without saying more.

After Soong Yu brought in the hot water, Lin Hong began to clean Soong Gaang and asked, "Why is this room filled with your stuff? Aren't you staying with your husband?"

Soong Yu didn't want to respond.

"So, where are you staying after giving us this room?"

"I'm sleeping upstairs. These are just things I don't need," Soong Yu replied.

Lin Hong clearly didn't believe her. "I still say, even if things are just okay back home, it's better than struggling here."

"Seems like you won't rest until you convince me to leave the Huo family," Soong Yu remarked.

Lin Hong was taken aback and forced a smile, "What are you talking about?"

"Isn't it true? If not, then I must have misunderstood. Otherwise, just focus on taking good care of my brother. My affairs don't concern you." The implication was clear: her business was her own.