During the meal, everyone else enjoyed it, except for the couple from the second branch who seemed preoccupied.

He Jinxuan also mentioned that they would be heading to Yilan County early the next morning.

At this point, Gao Yumei spoke up, "Although it didn’t snow heavily last night, the roads might still be difficult to travel. You’ve finally come home, and now you’re planning to head out again?"

He Jian Country understood what Gao Yumei was implying: "Your second sister-in-law is just concerned for you. After all, there’s snow on the roads, and it might not be safe. If you can avoid going out, it’s better not to go.

Third rarely comes back. It would be better to stay and spend more time with the family."

Upon hearing this, Xinyan’s smile faded, and just as she was about to speak, He Jinxuan said, "Thanks for the concern, Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law, but our plans were made in advance, and the couple getting married are not strangers. These were prearranged matters, so we can’t go back on our word now."

He Jian Country wanted to say more, but then Mr. He interjected, "Alright, don’t worry about their business. Once something is agreed upon, you can’t just back out." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Considering they still had to travel far the next day, He Jinxuan saw that everyone had finished eating and got up to pay the bill.

Ye Silai took Mr. Ye and the two little ones back to the hotel, agreeing to meet Xinyan and company the next day before setting off together.

Jinxuan went to see Aunt Lu off, while Xinyan walked back home with the He Family.

Since the factory was on break, He Yuejin and Guo Yueyue temporarily moved back here as well.

Several times along the way, as Gao Yumei tried to speak to Xinyan, Guo Yueyue interrupted.

Once home, Gao Yumei slammed the front door with a loud ’bang’ and began to complain once inside: "He Jian Country, see for yourself, no one in this family respects us anymore.

The Fifth Couple was already warning us at the restaurant, and then all the way back, they were against me, not even giving me a chance to talk to Third’s wife.

And Third’s wife, she’s pretending not to see what’s obvious. I refuse to believe she didn’t notice, but she’s playing dumb.

He Jian Country, this situation is unbearable, and even the elders know our situation better than anyone. We talked to them ahead, but they didn’t say a word in our defense!"

She didn’t lower her voice, so everyone in the other branches heard her clearly.

Eldest Sister-in-law Wang Erni nudged He Jiefang, who was soaking his feet; "Did you hear that? The Fifth Couple was clearly trying to help them, to avoid making them lose face in front of outsiders, but now they’re twisting it around."

Seeing He Jiefang’s stern face, she continued, "Back when we borrowed money in Beijing, Third’s Couple made their stance clear, that their money didn’t grow on trees. Yet here’s Second’s Family trying to sponge off them again, truly shameless."

He Jiefang took a deep breath: "Alright, it’s good that you know, but don’t say this in front of them, otherwise Second’s Family will go crazy."

Wang Erni handed over a towel, "Aren’t you going to talk to Second Brother?"

He Jiefang’s face turned even darker: "I spoke to Second Brother a few days ago, and he said to stay out of Second Branch’s affairs."

Wang Erni now understood why her husband hadn’t said a word tonight.

Thinking it over, it made sense. Their relationship with Second Branch was never good, only improving slightly after Third’s wedding trip to Beijing. It would be surprising if Second Brother listened to her husband.

Meanwhile, as Guo Yueyue made the bed, she commented, "Just wait, Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law are probably brewing something big. I’m really worried they might ruin the New Year’s Eve dinner."

He Yuejin responded, "Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law always harp on about brotherhood, but Third never lived at home for long. It’s a wonder they maintain even this superficial harmony. Besides, Third’s household is run by Third Sister-in-law, and she won’t put up with their nonsense."

Guo Yueyue scooted closer to He Yuejin, "What do you think goes on in Mom and Dad’s mind?"

He Yuejin didn’t reply for a long while: "Whatever they think, it won’t affect Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law’s decisions. Besides, Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law already borrowed a thousand yuan from them, aiming too high isn’t going to end well."

Guo Yueyue nodded: "Exactly, if they continue with this mindset, then they’re nothing but a bottomless pit, and Third Sister-in-law is smart enough to see that."