"I'm fine, but your sister-in-law is right."
Xu Bin has also become quite the schemer, carefully observing everyone's expressions, analyzing and guessing their thoughts to flatter them expertly.
Seeing the change in his sister-in-law Yao Xin's attitude, Xu Bin immediately took his wife's hand and smiled, "We should buy a car. But one might not be enough."
"Let's start with a cheap one, so Mom and Nan can get used to driving."
"A cheap car won't matter if it gets scratched. Once they're comfortable, we can buy two better ones."
Yao Xin curiously asked, "Why buy two? If you go to work and Nan goes out together, you're on the same route."
Shen Ruyu also said, "Cars are easy to buy but hard to maintain. They cost a lot over a year."
Xu Bin looked deeply into Shen Ruyu's eyes, making the nervous beauty blush and look away awkwardly.
Yao Nan quickly said, "I don't mind driving or not. An electric scooter is more convenient and doesn't get stuck in traffic. Besides, my husband might need the car."
Xu Bin said, "One car for Nan to commute, and one for Mom. When Mom doesn't need it, I can use it occasionally."
Zhang Xinda, who had already dug his own grave, immediately jumped in, "Just say you're buying it for yourself. Sharing with Mom is just an excuse."
"You're stingy with money, so just say so. You make it sound like you're buying her a car."
This time, he hit the mark, and his reasoning was solid. Zhang Xinda smirked, waiting for Xu Bin's response.
Yao Xin thought about it and agreed. Since their mother only went out to play mahjong or buy groceries nearby, the car wouldn't be used much and would mostly be driven by Xu Bin.
Zhang Xinda crossed his arms, ready to see Xu Bin squirm. In his mind, Xu Bin was honest and tongue-tied, just like his wife.
Xu Bin laughed, "Sister-in-law hasn't lived with us, so she hasn't seen Mom's mahjong friends or the neighbors."
"What do you mean?"
Zhang Xinda was confident.
Yao Xin was taken aback, deep in thought. She grew up in this house and had a hunch about what was going on.
Xu Bin looked at his mother-in-law tenderly, "Those gossiping women just know we don't have a car and think I'm not ambitious, so they talk behind our backs."
"Like inviting us for a weekend trip to a countryside resort, or those mahjong friends suggesting we go out for a meal together."
This reminded Shen Ruyu of unpleasant memories, and she angrily banged the table, "Exactly! Those bitches are just jealous. They talk about going on road trips together..."
"Who do they think they are? Their cars aren't even worth that much."
This brought up shared memories for the sisters. In their community, neighborly harmony was just a facade.
Just like how many people mistakenly believe that rural areas have a pure and simple culture, the reality is often harsh and catty. People are quick to judge and make snide remarks.
Yao Xin immediately sided with them, "Remember Aunt Liu? She would stop her car and offer me a ride, saying it wasn't worth taking the bus."
"Yeah, those annoying people."
Even the usually easy-going Yao Nan couldn't hold back her anger.
The three women instantly bonded, listing all the gossiping neighbors who had talked behind their backs.
Suddenly, they were united, and Zhang Xinda felt a bit left out, especially since his wife seemed to have switched sides.
Yao Nan passionately said, "Husband, I want a small, cheap car that's easy to park. We can use it as a practice car. Mom can have a better car to show them up."
Shen Ruyu was touched and looked at her dutiful daughter with pride.
Yao Xin also held her mother's hand seriously, "Mom, before Xu Bin buys a car, if anyone invites you to a resort or a road trip, tell me, and I'll come pick you up."
When Zhang Xinda and Yao Xin got married, he drove a car worth just over 100,000. Both husband and wife were vain, so they sold it and, with help from their parents, bought a second-hand BMW worth over 200,000.
Either way, a BMW is impressive. Besides, women don't usually know the difference between models, so as long as the interior is luxurious, it's fine.
Even Yao Xin was being thoughtful, which shocked Shen Ruyu.
Among her three daughters, Yao Xin argued with her the most. As the eldest, she was the most spoiled. The other two were more well-behaved, so all the princess behavior was focused on Yao Xin, who had a temper to match her mother's.
Shen Ruyu, as the elder, immediately took charge, faux-scolding, "That's not right. The good car should be for you, my dear. I'm old, a simple car is fine for me."
Yao Nan quickly smiled, "Mom, I'm new to driving and will probably scratch the car. Our office parking is small, so a smaller, cheaper car is better."
"Besides, we're a family. Once the car is bought, anyone can use it. It's not like we have to divide it so clearly!"
Yao Xin agreed, "Mom, Nan is right. You're overthinking it. This is Xu Bin's way of being filial."
They all looked at Xu Bin, even Yao Xin's eyes held a hint of admiration. After all, he was being filial to her mother.
If you talk about the influence of toxic phrases and green tea attributes, Xu Bin felt he had gained a lot of experience living under the same roof as women.
Xu Bin immediately raised his hands, smoothly saying, "Mom, don't look at me. I just make the money. How it's spent is up to Nan. I'm just a son-in-law, I know my place."
Shen Ruyu immediately frowned, "Don't talk nonsense. What do you mean son-in-law? We're not old-fashioned. You two are a small family unit."
Even Yao Xin chimed in, "Exactly. Who says that anymore? You're being old-fashioned."
Xu Bin innocently said, "But that's what they said when we got married. It's the truth. Besides, I didn't pay a dowry."
This was another subtle jab. When Zhang Xinda got married, he also didn't pay much of a dowry, just followed customs and gave a small betrothal gift.