Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life Chapter 1111 - 1100: Favoring Daughters Over Sons
Previously on Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life...
Ye Qiu tunes out the family's murmurs, his focus fixed on his studies. The approach of his senior year in high school marks a critical juncture; excelling in his exams is the initial step in his plan to break free from this household.
"Brother, where are you off to?" The following day, as Ye Qiu prepared to leave, Ye Qing intercepts him.
"The library," he replies, his gaze fixed on his shoes as he changes them, avoiding her eyes.
"Then wait for me, I'm coming too."
Ye Qiu pauses mid-motion, the act of changing shoes halted. He had attempted to evade her, yet escape seemed impossible.
"What reason do you have to go?"
Ye Qing answers with casual indifference, "Can't I accompany you if you're studying? I have assignments that need writing."
"Help your sister refill her water bottle. Remember to add some red dates, longan, and brown sugar," Han Hui instructs Ye Qiu amidst her chores, adding, "Make sure you're back early."
What alternative does Ye Qiu have but to comply? Before departing, as is customary, he gathers all of Ye Qing’s belongings.
He anticipated Ye Qing would find some quiet focus at the library, but the reality unfolded quite differently.
"My cup is empty, go fetch me some more water," Ye Qing commands just as Ye Qiu is deep in thought over a challenging problem.
"Can't you go yourself? I'm working through problems while you're scrolling on your phone," Ye Qiu retorts, not looking up.
"Oh, are you complaining about me?" Ye Qing chuckles before lightly tapping his head. "Other people's brothers are so well-behaved and obedient; why are you so different? Such a difficult personality! How will you ever find a girlfriend in the future? But don't you worry, I'll help you when the time comes."
Bringing up this topic is unwise, and it ignites Ye Qiu's anger. Who was it in his previous life that left him perpetually single? He had girlfriends, certainly, but how did she behave after he brought them home?
Not only did she target them, both openly and subtly, but she also frequently adopted the role of an overbearing elder sister-in-law in front of them, and his earnings were squandered by her. What woman could possibly endure such treatment?
Ye Qing desired not a sister-in-law who genuinely cherished her brother, but rather someone who would serve him devotedly, akin to a servant, much like her brother did. She was accustomed to holding a position of dominance within this family, unwilling to allow any other woman to usurp her status as the lady of the house, even after marriage.
"I will decide my own affairs," Ye Qiu states firmly, meeting her gaze.
However, Ye Qing dismisses his words, maintaining her cheerful and indifferent smile. "Alright, I understand you have your plans. Now, will you go get me that water? If you refuse, I'll tell Mom and Dad."
Ye Qiu takes a deep breath, compelled to set aside his studies for the moment. Yet, after returning with the water, he is immediately tasked with finding a specific book she requested. Throughout the afternoon, she constantly asks for one thing or another, leaving Ye Qiu with little opportunity to actually learn anything. He vows then and there: if she goes out, he will not; if she stays home, he will seek out an isolated place to be.
"Tomorrow is your Grandma's birthday. Let's head over early, prepare everything properly, and try not to stay up too late tonight," Ye Peilin tells the siblings after dinner.
"Oh no, I completely forgot to prepare a birthday gift for Grandma," Ye Qing exclaims, feigning distress.
Ye Peilin laughs, replying, "Your presence alone is enough. Grandma will certainly be delighted, more so than any material gift."
"I know Grandma adores us grandchildren, but we should still show some thoughtfulness. How about this: my brother and I will bake a birthday cake by hand today? It'll be healthier than those store-bought ones," Ye Qing suggests enthusiastically.
"If you bake it yourself, even if it doesn't taste perfect, your Grandma will undoubtedly enjoy it," Han Hui says with a laugh. Although she and her mother-in-law had faced some friction due to traditional customs upon her marriage, the tension eased considerably after her daughter's birth.
The reason for this, as her husband had explained, was that his mother, whose maiden name was Li, from the Li family, was born into a very traditional household. She experienced hardship before her brother's birth and subsequently devoted all her resources to him. Therefore, upon her own marriage, she resolved never to neglect her daughter, intending to shower her with double the affection.
However, her mother-in-law had no daughters, only two sons, until Qingqing arrived, finally fulfilling her long-held wish. Consequently, despite the Ye family having two grandsons, the most doted-upon was their only granddaughter, Ye Qing.
The family saw no issue with this arrangement, believing that girls ought to receive more cherishing. Furthermore, the special treatment Ye Qing received contributed to their reputation, suggesting that the Ye family members did not harbor the outdated, male-centric preferences common among elder generations.
Upon hearing her mother mention that even an imperfectly made cake would be cherished by Grandma, Ye Qing felt both proud and eager. She quickly turns to Ye Qiu, instructing, "Brother, hurry and beat the eggs. Be sure to separate the whites from the yolks, and the basin must be absolutely free of even a drop of water or oil."
Ye Qiu found himself speechless; he hadn't even begun the task and was already receiving directives. He couldn't help but wonder who was truly in charge. Furthermore, he was certain that even if he ended up making the cake, all the credit would invariably go to his sister, Ye Qing.
And Ye Qiu's assumption was accurate; Ye Qing was entirely incapable of baking a cake. She simply directed Ye Qiu, following along with online tutorials, and at most, she would be the one to retrieve it from the oven.
"Did you make this?" Ye Peilin and Han Hui's eyes widened with evident surprise.
"I made two, you both should try them, Mom and Dad. Tell me what you think?" Ye Qing carefully cut two slices, nervously placing them onto separate plates.
"Hmm..." The parents emitted sounds of pure enjoyment. "It's even better than what you get at the bakery."
Ye Qing could barely contain her elation. "Really? Mom and Dad, you aren't just saying that to humor me, are you?"
"We're absolutely not tricking you. We never expected our daughter to possess such a hidden talent," Ye Peilin declared, gently patting Ye Qing's head with apparent pride.
Han Hui mirrored his smile, but her gaze then drifted to where Ye Qiu stood, his expression unreadable. "Of course, Qiu'er also played a part in this. Both of you are truly amazing."
Ye Qing affectionately placed an arm around Ye Qiu's shoulder. "Yes, if it weren't for my brother assisting me, it wouldn't have turned out this well. It seems like Grandma will be delighted when we celebrate her birthday tomorrow."
While Ye Qiu's face remained impassive, a dark chuckle echoed within his mind. He had utilized his Level 9 Chef God's Light skill for the preparation; failure to make it delicious would have been the genuine surprise.
Naturally, the online steps Ye Qing had sourced were correct, but merely following them would at best result in a decent outcome. Ye Qing, as he knew her well, would likely have abandoned the entire endeavor at the stage of whipping egg whites.
She issued commands with ease but seemed unaware of the sheer exhaustion involved in whisking egg whites without an electric mixer. She observed his swift actions, oblivious to the considerable effort he expended.
He was merely biding his time. Once he was no longer part of this family, he wondered what stratagems Ye Qing would employ to gain favor. Yet, given the family's immense affection for her, even if she presented a minuscule steamed bun, they would undoubtedly be overjoyed.