Chapter 718: Staying In Town
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
These two individuals were likely insinuating that Aunt Yang, now that her daughter had returned and become a teacher, had the means to support her in her old age. They suggested that Aunt Yang, now able to enjoy a comfortable life, no longer cared about the fate of her son’s family.
Their insinuations stemmed from the recent happenings in Yang Tao’s household. Ever since Aunt Yang was driven out by Mrs. Wang, the latter had no one to boss around. Regardless of whether she wanted to do the housework or not, Mrs. Wang had to shoulder the burden alone. For a day or two, she managed to keep up appearances, but it was a facade that couldn’t last.
Mrs. Wang had assumed that Aunt Yang, without a source of income and nowhere else to go, would return after her anger subsided. However, contrary to her expectations, Aunt Yang did not return as she had in the past. Instead, she found a job and a stable source of income.
Aunt Yang’s newfound independence left Mrs. Wang’s plans in ruins, infuriating her. Adding to her frustration was the return of Yang Tao, who had been working away from home. With only the two of them at home, tensions rose. Yang Tao was not a man who enjoyed housework. He believed that after working hard to earn money, he should be able to relax at home, expecting others to cater to his needs.
However, with Aunt Yang refusing to return home and Mrs. Wang not being the type to serve others, the conflict between Mrs. Wang and Yang Tao escalated. Their frequent arguments were heard by the neighbors, and their quarrels often resulted in their child crying, even on New Year’s Eve.
Mrs. Wang threatened to return to her hometown, refusing to live with Yang Tao any longer. In his anger, Yang Tao told her to leave, resulting in a tumultuous household.
On the morning of the New Year, someone saw Mrs. Wang, her bags packed and ready to leave. She got into a car and drove away, leaving their son, Yuan Yuan, with Yang Tao. The news of their separation spread throughout the village.
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Yang Tao was a man, and in the eyes of the villagers, a man was the pillar of a family. He had to work and couldn’t possibly have the time or energy to take care of a child. Now that Mrs. Wang had left, they believed that Aunt Yang, as Yuan Yuan’s grandmother, should put aside past grievances and help take care of her grandson.
Aunt Yang was aware of the situation between Yang Tao and Mrs. Wang. She never said she wouldn’t care for her grandson. However, the villagers had started to gossip. She had tolerated it before, but she wouldn’t stand for it now, especially not in front of her daughter.
Aunt Yang defended her daughter, immediately retorting, “Whether my children succeed or fail is their own destiny. I accept them as they are. But I won’t tolerate your idle gossip. You’re all grown up, yet you spend your days spreading rumors. Aren’t you afraid of slipping and hurting your backs in the rain? It’s too much!
“And don’t think I don’t know you. You used to encourage my daughter-in-law to go to town to play cards, disturbing the peace in my home. Now that my daughter is back, don’t think you can stir up trouble again…”
The two women were taken aback. They had always thought of Aunt Yang as a pushover, but now she was openly criticizing them for their gossip. They were at a loss for words.
Ignoring them, Aunt Yang took her daughter’s hand and walked away. Yang Zhen followed her mother, her eyes welling up with tears as she looked at her mother’s graying hair. She held back her tears and stopped, “Mom, why don’t you move to the city with me? I have a two-bedroom apartment provided by the school. It’s enough for us. I don’t want you to suffer anymore.”
Aunt Yang paused at her daughter’s words, her heart heavy. However, after some thought, she shook her head. She took her daughter’s hand and said earnestly, “I appreciate your kindness, but I have my own plans now. I want to stay in town and help Li Hua. It’s not a hardship, it’s something I want to do.
“Also, I won’t hide it from you. Staying in town makes it easier for me to look after Yuan Yuan. He’s your nephew. As long as your brother is willing to bring him here, I’m willing to take care of him. Your brother has done many wrong things over the years, and it’s hurt me, but I can’t stand by and watch Yuan Yuan be neglected…”