Chapter 175: Saving Face

Just as Lu Xiaosan and the others returned, the old couple didn’t even have a chance to get properly angry—their mood was interrupted.

As soon as Old Lu and his wife entered the house, they saw Lu Chuan looking upset. There were only two people in the room—who was he putting on that face for?

Old Mrs. Lu slapped Lu Chuan lightly. “You’ve got some nerve, huh? Who are you giving that face to?”

Lu Chuan turned and walked out. He didn’t want to hear about Lu Laoda’s mess and needed to process his emotions on his own.

Old Mrs. Lu pulled Fang Yuan aside. “What happened? Are you upset? Don’t worry, I’ll have your dad deal with him later. Don’t get angry, we’ll make him apologize to you.”

Fang Yuan just smiled. “Mom, I’m cooking. Let’s make a couple of dishes and we can eat.”

Seeing how considerate her second daughter-in-law was, Old Lu said, “Good, good. After all the fuss today, I’ve been hungry for ages. Let’s eat first. Fang Yuan, if you’re ever unhappy at home, just say the word—your mom and I will stand up for you.”

Lu Xiaosan went over to Fang Yuan, grinning as he probed, “Second Sister-in-law, what’s up with Second Brother? He doesn’t look too happy.”

Lu Xiaosan didn’t think his second brother had the guts to give his wife attitude.

Fang Yuan replied, “He was fine when we came home. Then suddenly his face changed—who knows why. Just ignore him.”

Lu Xiaosan was a sharp one. He casually asked, “It’s not because of Lu Laoda’s business, is it?”

Fang Yuan thought about it as she served the dishes. “Probably, but it doesn’t really seem like it either.”

Lu Xiaosan scratched his head. What’s up with Second Brother? If even Second Sister-in-law doesn’t know why he’s angry, isn’t he just mad for nothing?

And he’s supposed to be the one who went to school? He’s not even that clever. Lu Xiaosan said, “I’ll go call Second Brother to eat. But don’t worry, he wouldn’t dare be mad at you.”

Fang Yuan said, “Yeah, no matter what he’s angry about, he still has to eat. The ‘anger’ can wait till later.”

Fang Yuan figured Lu Chuan seemed to be mad at her, so she needed to get to the bottom of it.

Lu Xiaosan heard this and was convinced—Second Brother was mad for no reason, and Second Sister-in-law was going to set him straight. Old Lu Chuan was just asking for trouble.

Look at their family’s situation—does he even have the right to be mad at Second Sister-in-law? Or the guts?

See how clear-headed Lu Xiaosan is.

Meanwhile, Old Mrs. Lu was chatting with Fang Yuan about family matters. “It’s a good thing Xiaosan and your dad are home, or else the house would’ve been robbed. That cursed Li family, they’re really something else.”

Fang Yuan just listened quietly, not wanting to get involved.

Old Mrs. Lu continued, “Good thing the kids are fine. Everyone went to the commune to sort it out. I didn’t expect it, but Laoda’s wife is pretty tough—she insisted on compensation. Looks like she’s really cut ties with her family.”

Fang Yuan said, “Doesn’t that just make things easier for that shameless Li Meng?”

Serves her right to have such a troublesome family, always coming around to stir things up.

Old Mrs. Lu didn’t dare say much, but thinking about it, Fang Yuan had a point. A family like that, always dragging you down and eyeing your money—cutting ties is probably for the best.

Otherwise, no one could live in peace. Still, she felt bad for her eldest.

Knowing her second daughter-in-law didn’t like Laoda and his wife, Old Mrs. Lu changed the subject and stopped mentioning them.

Over on Lu Xiaosan’s side, he called out to Lu Chuan, “Second Brother, time to eat. No matter what you’re mad about, my advice is to let it go. There’s no point being mad at anyone, especially not Second Sister-in-law. If you are, you’re just making things hard for yourself.”

Wasn’t that the truth? Lu Chuan muttered, “I’m mad at myself.”

Lu Xiaosan grinned. Second Brother was just overthinking things. “So you’re mad at Second Sister-in-law, right? Honestly, Second Sister-in-law is so easygoing, she never takes things to heart. You’re just being petty.”

Once again, Lu Chuan was seen through in just a few words. He snapped, “You talk too much.” Showing off, are you?

Lu Xiaosan probed further, “Second Brother, I never thought Lu Laoda could be so tough.”

Lu Chuan got even more annoyed. “Don’t mention him.”

Fine, Lu Xiaosan was amused. From Second Brother’s attitude, he could tell—this was about Lu Laoda, and Second Brother was just being petty.

Lu Xiaosan really understood. He thought, “You and Second Sister-in-law are living well in the provincial capital. Why think so much?”

Lu Chuan shot him a look, getting worked up. “What nonsense are you talking about?” He hadn’t even said anything, and this kid already seemed to know everything and started lecturing him.

Lu Xiaosan thought to himself, “I must be right—Second Brother’s always been narrow-minded.”

Seeing how much Second Brother cared about Second Sister-in-law, Lu Xiaosan knew there were some things you just couldn’t touch.

He smacked his lips—he couldn’t exactly hope for Second Brother and Sister-in-law to have a bad relationship, could he? Second Brother was just making trouble for himself.

Lu Xiaosan said, “Come on, let’s eat. Otherwise, Second Sister-in-law will think you’re petty.”

Lu Chuan definitely didn’t want his wife thinking he was petty, so he tried to save face. “I’m going back to my room to warm up under the covers.”

Lu Xiaosan burst out laughing. He didn’t say anything else, just waited for Lu Chuan to finish making the bed, then the two brothers went to the east wing for dinner.

Lu Chuan was still sulking, but with such a clever monkey around, he kicked Lu Xiaosan.

Lu Xiaosan, quick as ever, dodged. “Don’t take it out on me!”

At the door, Lu Xiaosan called out, “Second Sister-in-law, Second Brother was worried you’d be cold, so he went back to warm up the bed.”

As he spoke, the two brothers came in. Fang Yuan said, “Alright, let’s eat. You’ve both had a long day.”

Lu Xiaosan said, “It’s the New Year, but you can’t even buy food outside. I’m starving.”

Fang Yuan quickly handed him a steamed bun. “You did well today. Even Sister-in-law Sun praised you.”

Lu Xiaosan beamed. “If Sister-in-law Sun says so, that’s like the whole village saying so. If Second Sister-in-law thinks I did well, I’m proud.”

Fang Yuan smiled, “Sweet talker. I’ll give you another bun later. When you look for a wife, make sure you pick carefully—don’t marry into a troublesome family.”

Lu Chuan watched from the side, still looking a bit sour.

Lu Xiaosan said, “Of course. When I look for a wife, I’ll have Second Sister-in-law help me pick.”

Fang Yuan thought about it seriously. “I’m not sure I’d be much help.”

Lu Xiaosan said, “You don’t need to be. You’ve got good luck—pick one at random and she’ll be great. Look at Second Brother, you picked him and he’s the best.”

Fang Yuan nodded, “You’re right, I am lucky. I’ll help you when the time comes.”

Lu Xiaosan gave Lu Chuan some food, meaning, “Second Sister-in-law is praising you—what are you still sulking about?”

Lu Chuan’s mood finally eased, and he said to Fang Yuan, “You’re just lucky you found me.”

176."

"**Chapter 176: No One Is More Important Than You**

Lu Xiaosan said, “That wasn’t just a coincidence. Second Sister-in-law picked you. Look, she didn’t pick me.”

Old Lu glanced at his youngest son. This kid really didn’t care about saving face—he’d lay himself out for his second brother to step on.

Lu Chuan was in a much better mood. “That’s because your second sister-in-law has good taste. It’s not all luck, you know.”

Fang Yuan picked up some food for Lu Chuan. “Eat more, nourish your brain. You’d better keep being this good. Don’t get angry so much.”

The atmosphere at the table was a bit quiet. Everyone was watching Lu Chuan—they all knew he was sulking.

Lu Chuan pressed his lips together. He wanted to keep being angry, but now he felt embarrassed.

Lu Xiaosan couldn’t help it either. He picked up a piece of food for Lu Chuan. “Here, Second Brother, eat. It’s good for your mind too.”

Fang Yuan couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing.

Lu Xiaosan laughed along. Trying to mediate between a married couple really wasn’t easy. At least now everyone was smiling.

Old Mrs. Lu let out a sigh of relief, thinking, My third son really has a way with people—he even made Fang Yuan laugh.

Lu Xiaosan said, “Second Sister-in-law, when it comes to me finding a wife, you’ve got to take it seriously.” Otherwise, all my heartfelt advice would be for nothing.

Fang Yuan was fond of this little brother-in-law—he had good taste and wasn’t annoying. “When I say something, I mean it. We’ll find you a girl who’s straightforward and comes from a good family. Even if she can’t help you much, at least she won’t hold you back.”

Lu Xiaosan replied, “I’ll listen to you, Second Sister-in-law.” A wife like that—anyone would be lucky to have her. He really didn’t ask for much else.

Old Mrs. Lu said, “Dream on. Where are you going to find such a good wife?”

Lu Xiaosan grinned, “My second sister-in-law is lucky. If she’s willing, maybe she really can find one for me.”

Fang Yuan said, “I’ll keep an eye out, don’t worry. I’ve got it in mind.”

Lu Chuan just stared at his silly wife. She’d been sweet-talked by Lu Xiaosan and actually agreed to help. He snorted softly.

Lu Xiaosan toned it down a bit—his second brother could be petty, so he had to be careful.

At the table, everyone started chatting about Lu Xiaosan getting married. It was a safe topic.

The young couple finished eating and happily went home. Just by looking at them, you could tell the anger had passed.

Old Mrs. Lu praised her youngest son several times. He knew how to talk, how to get things done, and how to make people happy.

Afterwards, Lu Xiaosan said to his parents, “See? It’s not easy to get on their good side. I put in so much effort for them.”

Old Lu liked seeing his sons get along. The eldest and second didn’t get along over such small things, but at least the youngest and second did. He was satisfied. “Just be careful. Your second brother and sister-in-law aren’t people you can just sweet-talk.”

Lu Xiaosan replied, “I’m not trying to get anything from them. I’m hardly ever home anyway. As long as they’re happy, that’s enough. It’s not a big deal.”

Then Lu Xiaosan reminded his dad, “Try not to mention Big Brother in front of Second Brother from now on.”

This was the second time Old Lu had heard this—his wife had said it too. He really didn’t realize things between the two brothers had gotten this bad.

Old Lu asked, “What’s really going on between your second and eldest brothers? They don’t get along, but it shouldn’t be this bad, should it?”

Lu Xiaosan curled his lips. That’s what you think. Second Brother doesn’t see it that way—it’s about feelings for him.

Big Brother doesn’t see it that way either—for him, it’s about money. Lu Xiaosan knew this well. Big Brother had said before that Second Brother always got the better end of the deal.

Lu Xiaosan said, “We’ve already split the family. Everyone lives their own life. Why get involved? If Big Brother hadn’t stepped up today, I wouldn’t have done it for him.”

Old Lu said, “You’re all brothers. If he gets bullied, it doesn’t look good for you either.”

Lu Xiaosan replied, “Dad, I don’t mean to sound harsh, but if Big Brother hadn’t gotten involved first, and if his in-laws tried to pin something on me, he wouldn’t say anything nice about me. He’d probably just watch the show from the sidelines.”

It wasn’t that Lu Xiaosan thought badly of him—Big Brother really was capable of that.

Old Lu said, “No way, your big brother isn’t that timid.”

Then Old Lu asked, “You’re always sweet-talking your second brother. Doesn’t he get suspicious?”

Lu Xiaosan said, “Even if my second brother is suspicious, it’s no use. With my second sister-in-law’s temper, if he tries to hide anything, she’ll smack it right out of him.”

Old Lu had to admit, his youngest saw people pretty clearly.

Lu Xiaosan started to get suspicious. “Dad, what are you getting at? Are you trying to drive a wedge between me and Second Brother?”

Old Lu said, “Just giving you a reminder. You can’t always rely on others—you have to stand on your own.”

Lu Xiaosan snorted, “Who are you looking down on?”

Meanwhile, Old Mrs. Lu finished tidying up and called Old Lu, “Big Brother probably hasn’t eaten yet. I’ll go cook for them. You come help me clean up. The Li family’s made such a mess of things.”

Old Lu wanted to call Lu Xiaosan to help, but Old Mrs. Lu pulled him away. “I’ll take care of her. I’m her mother-in-law. My son doesn’t want to be bothered by her.”

Lu Xiaosan just stood there smiling, with no intention of helping.

Old Lu shook his head and said nothing. This was all Big Brother and his wife’s doing—no wonder the youngest didn’t want to deal with them.

Lu Xiaosan knew, even though his parents ate here, their minds were still on the eldest grandson. Classic case of “the smelly butt you can’t throw away.”

Just a wall away, Fang Yuan and Lu Chuan both knew Old Mrs. Lu and Old Lu had gone over to Big Brother’s place.

Lu Chuan was worried Fang Yuan would feel bad. “Don’t let this upset you. It’s not worth it. We’re all their sons—Mom and Dad can’t let go.”

Fang Yuan said, “You think I’m that petty?”

Lu Chuan, feeling better, teased her, “You’re in such a good mood?”

Fang Yuan pursed her lips. “If it were my mom, I’d definitely argue. But it’s your mom, not mine. I’m not saying anything bad about her—it’s just not my place to interfere.”

Lu Chuan understood. She wasn’t his biological mother, so this was already pretty good. “If it were my mother-in-law, I’d just have to listen too. Wouldn’t dare say anything.”

Lu Chuan added, “We’re not home much anyway. Mom and Dad are always around. They see each other every day, so let them be.”

Fang Yuan nodded. “Yeah, if they want to tire themselves out, it’s not our business.”

Lu Chuan wondered if he’d managed to comfort her or not.

Then Fang Yuan asked, “Why were you upset just now?”

Lu Chuan pretended not to know. “Upset? When was I upset? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Fang Yuan smacked him. “Talk properly.”

Lu Chuan knew there was no getting out of it. He knew what kind of person Fang Yuan was and didn’t want to bottle it up. “I’m petty. I just don’t like you comparing yourself to… you-know-who. It makes me unhappy.”

He wouldn’t even mention Big Brother by name—just “you-know-who.” That’s how petty he was.

Fang Yuan said, “If you don’t like it, just say so. I won’t say it again.”

Lu Chuan was stunned by how easily she agreed. “Huh?” Was she really going to just go along with him like that?

Fang Yuan said, “Of course I want you to be happy. Who could be more important than you? But being petty isn’t really something to be proud of, you know.”

Just those two sentences, and Lu Chuan was grinning like a fool for half the night. No matter how he looked at Fang Yuan, he was happy. He felt silly for having been upset in the first place—if he’d known, he wouldn’t have gotten angry at all.

177."