Volume One, Chapter Fourteen: Envy to Death Is Simply Impossible

Nightfall.

Qin Yuan’s wife, who is also Qin Fan’s eldest aunt-in-law, arrived at the house.

As soon as she stepped inside, her eyes lit up with delight upon seeing the newly purchased electrical appliances and furniture.

She had heard the villagers gossiping about this as soon as she entered the village and initially thought it was just a rumor. But now, seeing such luxurious items right at the doorstep, she was genuinely impressed.

“Mom!”

“Oh! Wang Feng is here,” the elderly lady said, glancing at the dusk sky, thinking no one would come to fetch her, yet here she was.

“Look at that, my eldest daughter-in-law is so affectionate, unlike some of you who just want to rush me away,” the old woman grumbled with a hint of resentment.

“Mom, were these all just bought recently?” Wang Feng asked, stepping forward eagerly, unable to resist reaching out to touch the appliances she admired.

The elderly lady was delighted, mistakenly thinking Wang Feng wanted a hug after two months apart.

Yet, Wang Feng didn’t embrace her.

“This washing machine… isn’t this the latest model just featured on TV?” Wang Feng gazed at it with unmistakable affection.

Then she turned her head and noticed the foot massager beside it.

“This too? Isn’t this the famous foot massager? Foot baths and massages that surpass all kinds of other pleasures. I heard it costs four to five thousand yuan!”

“And the TV! So big!”

Wang Feng’s heart could hardly stay calm. Each of these appliances was far superior to everything in her own home.

“Aunt, these aren’t expensive now. We can buy even better ones in the future, for now, this will do,” Qin Fan said.

“Brother, you’re living really well, almost like people from the city,” Wang Feng said enviously.

“Oh, sister, look at what you say. It’s all thanks to little Fan! The two of us are old now, so we wouldn’t have such good fortune to enjoy these things. It’s because little Fan has done well,” Qin Yong said, smiling warmly as he spoke of Qin Fan.

Back when Wang Feng’s family bought a TV and a small washing machine, the news spread across several villages, and everyone said Wang Feng had married well.

Qin Yong was once criticized for lack of success, but now, with a TV, washing machine, and even an automatic foot bath at home, wasn’t that far better than Wang Feng’s family?

“Impressive! I want to see this TV at my place too,” Wang Feng said, eyes sparkling with desire.

Wang Feng's mind was racing.

“Go buy it! Sister, these things aren’t that expensive,” Qin Yong said dismissively.

Wang Feng’s face fell.

“Cough, cough… these things are indeed affordable now, but with several children in school, money is tight. How about this, brother, you lend it to us for a while, and we’ll return it after some time,” Wang Feng said proudly, glancing at the elderly lady, confident that with her there, Qin Yong and the others wouldn’t refuse.

“Mom, Qin Yao is preparing for the college entrance exam. Having a TV will help improve her English foundation.”

“And this foot massager, Mom, you can take it home with you. You can use it to soak your feet,” Wang Feng added.

“That’s true!” The elderly lady leaned on her cane.

“Qin Yong! My hands and feet have been inconvenient lately. I’ll have Wang Feng take the foot massager home, and she’ll bring it back after some time,” the elderly lady declared without hesitation.

The next moment,

Qin Fan stepped in front of her.

“Aunt, although these items aren’t cheap, they aren’t inexpensive either. If grandma wants to use the foot massager, both our families can share the cost and buy one together. You can transfer the money to my dad now, and I’ll let you take it with you, with the understanding that you’ll return it later.”

“Qin Fan, what are you doing? I am your aunt. Can’t I just take this?” Wang Feng was stunned. How dare this young man stop her?

“Aunt, I bought these things myself, and they weren’t intended for grandma’s use. My parents work hard every day, and these are for them. If you think grandma’s hands and feet are inconvenient, then you should pay for it!” Qin Fan said firmly.

“Also, I know cousin Qin Yao is preparing for her college entrance exam. She can come study at our house, and I can help tutor her. As for the TV, that’s definitely not possible. Our house is quiet and suitable for her to focus on her studies.”

“Qin Fan, do you know I’m your elder?” Wang Feng looked at him angrily.

“Elder? Even if it’s you, or even grandma, that doesn’t matter!” Qin Fan retorted.

When he was younger, the family endured their bullying, but now, if they tried to take advantage of them, they wouldn’t hold back.

“Mom, look at your good grandson.”

“Qin Fan, neither Qin Yong nor Li Ping need these things. When I was young, I helped take care of your father when he was injured.”

“My father has taken care of you so much and bought you so many things. Your eldest son hasn’t bought you anything—why don’t you ask him to buy you something?”

“Alright, it’s getting late. Aunt, you should return home now. We’ll come back to get you in two months,” Qin Fan said abruptly.

Wang Feng hadn’t expected this and, feeling defeated, turned and left with the elderly lady.

Only after they left did Qin Yong let out a breath.

“Phew… finally gone. These two months would have been unbearable,” Qin Yong and Li Ping both said with relief.

“It’s all thanks to our son. Otherwise, they probably would have stayed here all year,” Qin Yong patted Qin Fan’s shoulder.

“Indeed. Our son has always been exceptional since he was young,” Li Ping laughed heartily.

“Dad, Mom, these days we’ll just go out to eat and practice driving. When we get tired, we’ll come back, watch TV, rest, and then keep practicing. Once I get my license, you two can start working,” Qin Fan said.

Then,

Qin Fan transferred six thousand yuan to the two of them.

“This… son, we haven’t even started anything yet. How can this be?” Qin Yong asked in surprise.

“My friend said that although the job hasn’t started, the pay is comparable to a civil servant’s, and we get paid while training to drive,” Qin Fan explained.

“That’s great! Your friend really is lucky. I’ll practice hard to help your friend; we can’t just take their money for nothing.”

“Yes, we’re not like Qin Yuan, who is ungrateful.”

“Alright, alright!”

“By the way, little Fan, Wang Feng just mentioned Qin Yao. I guess she’s not doing well at your eldest uncle’s place—just taken in and all,” Li Ping said with concern.

“Yes! I know that girl well! She’s very hardworking, doing almost all the house chores. Recently, with the college entrance exam approaching, Wang Feng hasn’t cared about her. This child… maybe we should…”

Qin Yong glanced at Li Ping.

“Dad, Mom, when I return, I want to bring Qin Yao over. It’s a good chance for her to recover her health, and I can help her review her lessons.”

Qin Fan had always been especially close with Qin Yao, who used to follow him around constantly. But since he went to university, she rarely came to his house.

“Little Fan, I knew you cared about Qin Yao. Wang Feng and Qin Yuan only know how to make her work and often beat her.”

“Tomorrow, I’ll go get Qin Yao. With the college entrance exam coming soon, she can focus on studying peacefully for these two months.”

“We’ve suffered because we didn’t have education; if we can help, we must.”