I'm back in 1990

Chapter 564: I'm telling you my bottom line

Four Seasons Leek says: Read this book!

After the three of them got into the taxi, Fan Yingrong complained to Huang Erhe in a low voice, looking unhappy.

"How could your family treat us like this? They're completely disregarding us! Isn't our son still your Huang family's grandson?"

Huang Erhe said irritably, "Alright, just shut up!"

Fan Yingrong originally wanted to argue with Huang Erhe, but since the driver was there, she had to hold back for the time being.

Huang Erhe was also very puzzled. When he told his mother that he was coming to Shanghai, she was so happy on the phone that she said she would have her younger brother arrange a car to pick up the whole family from the train station. But today, when he called, his mother's attitude and tone were completely different from before.

Taxi drivers are usually quite talkative. When they learned that the family was going to an old villa on Huaihai Middle Road, they looked at the family of three who had just arrived from the train station with surprise in the rearview mirror.

He exclaimed in surprise at first, then inquired curiously, "Wow! That's amazing! It's a high-class area! All the wealthy families live there! Sir, do you have any relatives living there?"

Seeing the taxi driver's amazed and envious look at her in-laws' house, Fan Yingrong replied haughtily, "That's my in-laws' house!"

Upon hearing this, the driver took the opportunity while waiting at a red light to turn around and take another look at the family of three.

"Didn't you realize? Then aren't you the young master and mistress of a wealthy family?"

Fan Yingrong was extremely pleased with the driver's words, and she looked proud of herself.

"This is nothing. My family owns a villa in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong."

Upon hearing this, the driver exclaimed in surprise, "A villa in the Mid-Levels of Hong Kong! That's amazing!"

Huang Erhe tugged at Fan Yingrong's clothes in annoyance, reminding her not to talk too much, but Fan Yingrong ignored him and continued to show off her mother-in-law's wealth to the driver.

Seeing that Fan Yingrong liked to show off, the driver started chatting with her along the way.

"Judging from your accent, you don't seem to be from Shanghai, do you?"

Fan Yingrong was somewhat displeased with what the driver said, and she immediately replied with a disdainful look, "We'll be Shanghai residents soon. It's just a matter of transferring our household registration; it's very simple."

Upon hearing this, the driver shook his head and sighed, "You rich people are really something! You can just transfer your household registration to Shanghai so easily. Back then, so many educated youth wanted to transfer their household registration back, and it was incredibly difficult! Don't even mention it. I'm not bragging, but a Shanghai household registration is the hardest to get in all of China, and of course, there's also Beijing. But for rich people like you, it's no big deal. In this world, you still have to be rich!"

The driver's words felt like a hot iron on Fan Yingrong's heart, making her feel incredibly comfortable, and her previous unpleasantness vanished instantly.

Upon arriving at the old villa, the family of three got out of the car. Huang Erhe paid the fare, and the driver glanced at the grand old villa one last time, then drove off with a look of envy on his face.

The housekeeper opened the door after the doorbell rang. She led Huang Erhe and his family of three into the living room, where Huang Erhe and Zeng Lijuan sat upright.

Upon seeing the two, Huang Erhe tugged at Fan Yingrong's sleeve and called out, "Dad! Mom!"

Fan Yingrong also called out, "Dad, Mom!"

Then Fan Yingrong nudged Maowa again: "Maowa, call them Grandpa and Grandma! Didn't you say you'd been missing them? Now that you've seen them, why don't you hurry up and call them?"

Maowa really didn't have much of an impression of Lao Huang and Zeng Lijuan. He was only a little over a year old when he first came to Shanghai, and so many years have passed that he has long forgotten them.

He timidly clung to Huang Erhe's leg, hiding behind his father, curiously observing Old Huang and Zeng Lijuan, but refusing to greet them.

After glancing at Lao Huang, Zeng Lijuan forcefully suppressed the urge to hug her grandson, though she still longed for him to call her "Grandma."

Unfortunately, Maowa refused to call them, no matter how Fan Yingrong coaxed or scared him. When she got angry, Maowa buried his head between Huang Erhe's legs and ignored him.

Seeing her son's disgraceful behavior, Fan Yingrong was furious and grabbed him, giving him a few light slaps on the bottom.

"Waaah!" Maowa burst into tears, feeling wronged. He really couldn't understand why his mother wanted him.

Zeng Lijuan couldn't hold back any longer and angrily said, "Why are you hitting the child?"

She leaned out and opened her arms: "Come here, little one! Come to Grandma!"

Feeling that he could not get comfort from his parents, Maowa sobbed and took the initiative to throw himself into Zeng Lijuan's arms.

Zeng Lijuan picked up her grandson and sat him on her lap. She took a few tissues from the coffee table and wiped away the boy's tears while comforting him.

At this moment, Huang Erhe called out again, "Dad!"

Unfortunately, Old Huang remained unmoved after hearing this, sitting there expressionless and ignoring Huang Erhe, which made Huang Erhe very embarrassed. He then turned his pleading gaze to his elderly mother, Zeng Lijuan.

"mom!"

Zeng Lijuan hardened her heart and said, "Your father and I have discussed it. You should stay in a hotel for the next few days in Shanghai. There are several hotels near our house, and they are all quite nice. It's more convenient than staying at home. Your father and I are getting old and need some peace and quiet."

After a pause, Zeng Lijuan continued, "Once you've settled in, Xiaochuan will come to find you. As for the matter of transferring to civilian work that you mentioned, your father and I don't understand it and can't help you with it. You should discuss it with your brother."

Huang Erhe had a bad feeling. Something wasn't right. When he first told his mother he wanted to transfer to Shanghai, she was overjoyed. She even told him not to worry, that her brother would find connections to get him a good job. But this is what happened after he arrived? The contrast was too great.

"Stay in a hotel?" Fan Yingrong was also stunned. In her opinion, staying at her mother-in-law's house was much more comfortable than staying in a hotel. How could a hotel have the same conditions as her mother-in-law's house? Besides, she wanted to get along well with her mother-in-law and coax her. If she stayed in a hotel, wouldn't she see her mother-in-law less often? How could she get closer to her then?

She got a little anxious and gently pushed Huang Erhe from behind.

Huang Erhe naturally knew why Fan Yingrong was pushing him, so he said, "Mom! Aren't there spare rooms at home? Staying in a hotel costs money, so it's more convenient to stay at home."

Before Zeng Lijuan could speak, Old Huang slammed his hand heavily on the sofa armrest with a displeased look: "Didn't you hear what your mother just said? Your mother and I are old and like peace and quiet. What? You can't stay in a hotel?"

Upon seeing his father's anger, Huang Erhe quickly waved his hand and said, "No, no, I just wanted to save some money."

Old Huang snorted and began to dismiss them: "I advise you not to try to save this money. Alright, hurry up and take your luggage to the hotel. After you settle in, call your brother and discuss anything with him. Your mother and I can't interfere in this matter. By the way, you can eat at the hotel too. We didn't arrange any meals for you at home."

Seeing his father's attitude, Huang Erhe felt a chill in his heart. He knew his father's temper and knew that the matter was still unresolved. He hadn't expected that so much time had passed! Old Huang was still so resentful about the surname change. He felt both regret and resentment. He regretted agreeing to Fan Yingrong's request to change his son's name, and he was resentful that his father was so insistent on it. He had already changed his son's name back; what more did his father want?

Seeing that his elderly mother, Zeng Lijuan, wasn't speaking up for him, Huang Erhe knew that there was no hope of him staying there.

He gritted his teeth, said goodbye to his parents, picked up his son from his mother's arms, and took Fan Yingrong's arm as they walked outside.

As soon as the family of three left the courtyard, the nanny immediately closed the gate again, which made Huang Erhe and Fan Yingrong feel that they were unwelcome.

Enraged, Fan Yingrong launched a tirade of punches and kicks at Huang Erhe.

"It's all your fault, all your fault! Didn't you say your mom welcomed us to Shanghai? Is this what you call a welcome?"

Huang Erhe, clinging to Maowa, dodged Fan Yingrong's attacks, yelling, "Alright, alright! If you keep this up, I'm going to lose my temper!"

The family of three left the alley and found a hotel nearby to stay in. Afterwards, Huang Erhe called Huang Xiaochuan using the phone number given to him by his elderly mother, Zeng Lijuan.

In the evening, Huang Xiaochuan arrived at the hotel where Huang Erhe was staying.

The two brothers met in the lobby, and Huang Xiaochuan said to Huang Erhe, "There's a teahouse nearby, let's go there and sit down to talk!"

Huang Erhe followed Huang Xiaochuan to a quiet-looking teahouse not far from the hotel. Mai Guangde asked the owner for a private room. After the Huang brothers went in, he and Li Huan and others stood guard at the door. He even brought in the tea and snacks, without letting the waiters in.

The private room was filled with the aroma of tea, but the atmosphere was somewhat cold.

In the end, Huang Xiaochuan spoke first.

"Second brother, Mom told me about your transfer to civilian work. I can help you arrange it!"

When Huang Erhe heard that his younger brother had agreed to help him make the arrangements, a smile immediately appeared on his face. He was about to express his gratitude when his brother's next words dampened his spirits.

"However! There are a few things I must make clear to you first, and you must listen carefully and remember them."

Huang Erhe's heart jumped again, and he subconsciously sat up straight: "Xiao Chuan, you speak, I'm listening!"

Huang Xiaochuan's words were blunt and cold, making Huang Erhe's face turn red and white in turns. He wanted to argue, but under Huang Xiaochuan's sharp, knife-like gaze, Huang Erhe ultimately remained silent.

Huang Xiaochuan raised a second finger: "Secondly, regarding my second sister-in-law Fan Yingrong, second brother, you should know better than me what kind of person she is. We'll let bygones be bygones for the sake of Mom and Dad, and for Maowa's sake. But if she comes to Shanghai and dares to cry poverty and play the victim in front of Mom, sow discord, scheme to steal Mom and Dad's money, or cause trouble outside because she's a member of the Huang family, or swindle people using my or Mom and Dad's names, second brother, don't blame me for not showing brotherly affection. I'll make sure your whole family leaves exactly as they came."

Sweat beaded on Huang Erhe's forehead. He could sense the ruthlessness and determination in his brother's words. He knew his wife, Fan Yingrong, very well, and his brother was laying bare the unpleasant truths beforehand.

Huang Xiaochuan raised his third finger, but his tone softened slightly: "Third, Mom and Dad are getting old and can't take much stress or upset, especially Mom, who is soft-hearted. From now on, if you two encounter any emergencies, such as needing money, the kids' schooling, or a serious illness or minor injury, you are not allowed to go directly to Mom, and you are not allowed to bother her behind my back. You can come to me directly if you need anything. Whether I can help, how I can help, it's all up to me. If I find out that you've bothered her in front of us again, pretending to be pitiful, Second Brother, then you'd better consider the consequences."

Huang Erhe really wanted to flip the table and leave, but his cowardly nature prevented him from doing so. He didn't want to stay in that small county town for the rest of his life. Besides, staying in a city with his parents and brothers was better than staying in a small county town with his father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law.

Looking at Huang Erhe's expression, Huang Xiaochuan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and softened his tone: "As for your job, I can arrange a deputy position in the logistics department of a large state-owned enterprise in Shanghai, or a section-level position in the logistics department of a ministry-affiliated undergraduate university. The job is stable, the income is above average in Shanghai, and it can also solve your household registration problem. I got these two jobs by pulling strings and using connections. You choose one, and let me know when you decide."

Huang Xiaochuan put down his teacup and said to Huang Erhe, "Second brother, I've given you the chance, and I've made everything clear to you. From now on, the choice is yours: either live a peaceful and obedient life with your wife, or continue to let her cause trouble and end up slinking away in disgrace."

After saying that, Huang Xiaochuan stopped talking and calmly held his teacup, waiting for Huang Erhe's response. The private room was extremely quiet, and Huang Erhe's heavy, suppressed breathing could be clearly heard.

Huang Erhe clenched his fists tightly. He wanted to stand up for himself and tell his brother in a spirited way, "Get the hell out of here! I don't want you bossing me around like that!"

But when he thought of his younger brother's vast wealth and connections, he lost his courage.

Then he thought of his wife, Fan Yingrong, who was always calculating, always trying to take advantage, and always had a sharp tongue, and Huang Erhe's head started to ache.

Would he not go to see his elderly mother, Zeng Lijuan, in the future? He was confident that he might be able to do it, but he wasn't so sure about Fan Yingrong.

Furthermore, the job my younger brother helped me get is really good, and it even offers me a Shanghai residency permit, an opportunity that many people dream of!

After thinking it over, Huang Erhe said with difficulty, "Xiao Chuan, your sister-in-law is sometimes just quick-tongued, but she's not a bad person at heart."

Huang Xiaochuan immediately interrupted Huang Erhe: "Second brother, I'm not discussing whether Fan Yingrong is good or bad right now. I'm telling you my bottom line. If Fan Yingrong doesn't cross my bottom line, then you can establish yourselves in Shanghai. If she dares to cross my bottom line, you can imagine the consequences. Second brother, do you think I've built up such a large fortune in such a short time by being soft-hearted? So, you don't need to try to defend her. You just need to keep an eye on her."

Huang Erhe was speechless, his last struggle utterly futile.

"Think it over carefully and choose a job, Second Brother! The deputy position in logistics might pay more, but there will be a lot of trivial matters. The logistics department of the university is relatively more relaxed. Think it over carefully, and call me to tell me your decision when you've made up your mind."

After saying that, Huang Xiaochuan stood up.

"I've had someone pay for the tea. I have other things to do tonight, so I won't be able to have dinner with you. I hope you remember what I said."

After saying that, Huang Xiaochuan didn't look at his pale-faced second brother again, opened the door of the private room, and left with Mai Guangde and the others, leaving Huang Erhe alone in the private room.

Huang Erhe was speechless, his last struggle utterly futile.

"Think it over carefully and choose a job, Second Brother! The deputy position in logistics might pay more, but there will be a lot of trivial matters. The logistics department of the university is relatively more relaxed. Think it over carefully, and call me to tell me your decision when you've made up your mind."

After saying that, Huang Xiaochuan stood up.

"I've had someone pay for the tea. I have other things to do tonight, so I won't be able to have dinner with you. I hope you remember what I said."

After saying that, Huang Xiaochuan didn't look at his pale-faced second brother again, opened the door of the private room, and left with Mai Guangde and the others, leaving Huang Erhe alone in the private room.

When Huang Erhe returned to the hotel, looking utterly dejected, Fan Yingrong asked anxiously, "What did your brother say to you?"