Yao Xin's expression changed slightly, but seeing that Xu Bin wasn't playing mind games, she relaxed.
All this time, her impression of Xu Bin was the same as her younger sister's—honest, a bit tongue-tied, but kind-hearted. She never imagined that Xu Bin would change so much after getting the system. Maybe this cunning was his true nature.
Yao Xin supported him, "Exactly, who cares about dowries? We're not selling our daughter. When I got married, your brother-in-law didn't pay that either."
Zhang Xinda's face changed, and he looked a bit depressed as he lit a cigarette.
No one paid attention to him. Shen Ruyu continued, laughing, "That's right. A son-in-law who lives with the family is even more beloved. Your dad isn't around, so you're the man of the house, the pillar of the family."
"Mom never had a son, so people laughed at her. But you're like a son to her."
The more Shen Ruyu talked, the more excited she got. She huffed, "So what if they have sons? If those good-for-nothings just leech off their parents, they're no use. It's better to have a daughter-in-law like you, who's thoughtful and kind."
Seeing the mother and daughters bonding, Xu Bin was clearly the favorite, and Zhang Xinda felt left out.
His face turned green. He was the typical adult child, leeching off his parents, and now his mother-in-law's words hit a little too close to home.
Shen Ruyu didn't mean any harm, but unfortunately, Zhang Xinda was the only one who fit the description.
Zhang Xinda, feeling a bit angry, said sarcastically, "I guess I was wrong. I didn't know my brother-in-law was a hidden rich guy."
Xu Bin knew he was up to something. He thought, You little rich kid, you're not giving up, huh? I've been dealing with your mother, that shrew, every day. With my experience and skills, you're nothing.
"Nah, I just like to tinker and make things," Xu Bin said casually. "You know my family wasn't well-off. I didn't get much love from my parents, so I need to work hard to feel secure."
This softened the women's expressions. Xu Bin's background touched their maternal instincts.
Zhang Xinda didn't know much, just that Xu Bin's original family was a mess and poor. He thought he could bully him.
Always playing new games or partying at night, he never bothered to learn about his in-laws' finances. He had no idea about their situation.
Still, Zhang Xinda tried to save face, "That's not the point. Some people are just born to struggle. They work hard but don't get anywhere because they're not smart."
By now, everyone was annoyed, including Yao Xin, who frowned, thinking he was being stupid.
The shop's door was open, and suddenly, an argument in a foreign language erupted outside. Everyone, including the arguing Yao Nan and her family, rushed out to see what was happening.
"Ding... Two random blind boxes to exchange for one exclusive talent skill. Do you want to exchange?"
Xu Bin stood up, confused. "Two for one? What's going on?"
The system explained, "Exclusive talent skills are more advanced than late-model system skills. They involve memory implantation in the brain, giving the host the most needed skill at the moment."
"What skill?"
"Fluent American English (including dialects)."
Xu Bin was even more confused. "Will this help now?"
The system helpfully added, "This skill will help increase affinity in this scenario. Do you want to exchange?"
Xu Bin trusted the system and agreed.
"Two random blind boxes merged, exchanging for Fluent American English (activated)."
Instantly, Xu Bin felt a rush of information in his brain, but it felt natural, like it belonged there.
Downstairs, the shop owner, a chubby auntie, was arguing with a group of foreigners. She was frustrated, and they were chattering away in a language she didn't understand. The scene was chaotic but not violent.
"Auntie, don't worry. I'll ask them," Xu Bin said, stepping forward.
He spoke fluent American English, switching effortlessly. It was like speaking his native language.
The foreigners were relieved and started explaining. Xu Bin nodded and translated for the auntie, "They said they've been here before and missed the fried century eggs. You took them off the menu?"
"Oh, we stopped selling them because they weren't popular," the auntie explained, relieved.
She quickly told the other customers, "Everything's fine. They're not fighting. You can all keep eating."
Xu Bin chatted easily with the foreigner, and everyone watched in amazement, including Zhang Xinda, who could tell Xu Bin wasn't faking it.
After a few minutes, Xu Bin turned to the auntie, "They just want to know if they can get some fried century eggs. They miss them."
The auntie was happy to oblige, "Of course! I'll make some for them right away."
Yao Xin whispered to Yao Nan, "Nan, your husband speaks English so well?"
Yao Nan was proud, "He loves to learn. He doesn't play games or watch videos. He's always studying. Sometimes he studies in his room, and I don't dare disturb him."
Shen Ruyu asked, "So he's always studying in his room?"
Yao Nan beamed with pride, "Yes, he wears headphones, but he's not listening to music or comedy. He's just studying."
This explained why they thought Xu Bin was neglecting Yao Nan. In their family, studying was highly valued, no matter the subject, especially something as impressive as English.