Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life Chapter 1113 - 1102: Favoring Daughters Over Sons

"This is a gift from Grandma." Li Zhaodi felt she had gained significant prestige today. Once only their immediate family remained, she presented Ye Qing with a large, auspicious red envelope.

Ye Qing surveyed everyone with a touch of awkwardness, hesitant to accept. However, it was from an elder, and refusal was unthinkable. With a sigh, she uttered, "Grandma, it's your birthday today; why are you giving me a red envelope?"

"Grandma is happy, so what's wrong with giving you a red envelope?" Li Zhaodi insisted, firmly pressing the packet into Ye Qing's hands.

Ye Qing then glanced at Ye Qiu and Ye Zhe. "But my brothers didn't receive any. How can I possibly accept this?"

"They are boys; are they going to quarrel with a girl like you? Besides, you made Grandma's cake yourself today, an effort that cannot be measured by money."

"However..."

"Qingqing, if your grandma wants to give you a red envelope, just take it. Girls need money for their adornments and attire more than boys do. Accept it." Ye Qing was about to protest further when Uncle Ye Peijun interjected, his gaze upon her filled with paternal affection.

Do not mistake him for a rough-hewn man; he had longed for a daughter his entire life, a wish fate had not granted. His wife had borne him a son, and despite his pleas, she adamantly refused to conceive another child. Fortunately, his brother's family had a niece, who served as a surrogate daughter in his eyes. While he looked upon her with genuine fondness, he remained unaware of the forced smile gracing his wife's lips.

Ever since her marriage into the family, Chang Qiao had known her husband's deep affection for his brother's niece, stemming from his lifelong desire for a daughter. However, she had never truly minded, believing that sons and daughters were equitable, perhaps even favoring a son. It wasn't that she opposed daughters; she simply felt that with the family's inherently doting nature towards girls, they might end up being excessively spoiled.

Consequently, after giving birth to Ye Zhe, she had refused further children to spare her son any perceived grievance. She never anticipated her husband would exhibit even greater favoritism towards Ye Qing.

Even the matriarch, using her own wealth to indulge her granddaughter, wouldn't have been an issue. But at the very least, there should be a semblance of fairness, shouldn't there? Such overt bias displayed directly before her was understandably upsetting.

While many praised the admirable qualities of their niece, Ye Qing, she held the conviction that girls should be cherished, but not to an extreme. Unlike her brother's family, who seemed to place daughters above sons, she strongly disagreed, fearing it might sow seeds of future sibling discord.

Still, as a daughter-in-law, her influence within the family was limited, and she was disinclined to instigate any emotional turmoil. Her son remained her utmost priority, yet she felt a pang of sympathy for Ye Qiu, the nephew, who lived separately and rarely joined family gatherings throughout the year. She intuitively understood the sense of being marginalized he likely felt at home.

It struck her as foolish when her husband and sister-in-law attributed Ye Qiu's quiet demeanor and lack of overt cheerfulness to his personality. Chang Qiao believed their blatant favoritism was the true culprit, making it peculiar if he didn't harbor resentment.

Sensing his aunt's melancholic gaze upon him, Ye Qiu offered a gentle, almost shy smile.

Chang Qiao's internal conflict intensified. Observing her father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and her own husband all lavishing attention on their niece, Ye Qing, she let out a heavy sigh. In most families, boys were favored over girls; in theirs, the reverse was demonstrably true. Though she couldn't dictate the actions of others, she resolved to have a serious conversation with her husband once they returned home. The fruits of her diligent efforts should rightfully benefit her son, and even if her husband doted on his niece, there had to be reasonable limits.

"Brother, these are for you." During the car ride home, Ye Qing divided the money, offering half to Ye Qiu.

Ye Qiu hesitated before accepting, questioning, "This is Grandma's money intended for you; why would you give it to me?"

"We made the cake together, so you deserve half of the money."

Ye Qiu still demurred. "There's no need. It was your idea to bake the cake. I merely followed your instructions and contributed nothing further."

Upon hearing this, Ye Peilin nodded in agreement. "Your brother speaks the truth. You declared your intention to bake a cake for Grandma, and she was overjoyed today. Therefore, the red envelope is rightfully yours; there is no need to share it with your brother."

"But..."

"Accept it. Your brother doesn't mind." Han Hui chimed in with a smile. "Didn't you fancy that bag before? Are you still short on funds? Mom will cover the difference."

Ye Qing immediately accepted, turning to Han Hui with a beaming smile. "Mom, I love you the most!"

"What about me?" Ye Peilin inquired, a hint of mock jealousy in his voice.

Ye Qing quickly reassured him. "Dad and Mom are both my most beloved people."

As the trio laughed together joyfully, Ye Qiu quietly gazed out the window. Did this display signify his willing submission?

No, he understood that even if he were to offer even a fraction of the money, it would likely not reach him. He might even invite a scolding from his parents and be branded as greedy.

"Brother, could you perhaps buy some strawberries and cherries for me?" As they neared their neighborhood, Ye Qing batted her large, innocent eyes at Ye Qiu.

Ye Qiu felt a surge of irritation; this pattern was all too familiar. She couldn't seem to go a single day without ordering him around!

"Why did you not mention it when we were passing the supermarket?"

"I didn't want to tire Dad out too much; you know how difficult parking can be these days."

Ye Qiu understood; after all, going by himself wouldn't tire his father out!

"Hurry up and go buy more; Mom will give you the money." Han Hui said this as she took out $500 USD from her wallet. "Choose the good ones; they have to be big and red. Your sister doesn't like the small ones."

"Mom is the best!" Ye Qing cheered, holding Han Hui's hand as they went upstairs.

Ye Qiu just shook his head with a smile, contemplating his own position in the family, which felt like the lowest.

After purchasing the items and returning home, he diligently washed them for Ye Qing before heading to his room to tackle his homework. He had barely started on a couple of questions when Ye Qing called out again.

"What?" He responded without any expression, clearly feeling the pressure.

Ye Qing seemed completely unaware, pointing to the plate. "Look, I don't like the strawberry bottoms, so you eat them."

This kind of entitled attitude made Ye Qiu clench his fists. She expected him to eat a strawberry that was partially eaten, sour, and unpleasant? It had her saliva on it; how could she expect him to be okay with that?

"I won't eat it," Ye Qiu refused immediately.

Ye Qing appeared disappointed. "How can you be like this? Other brothers dote on their sisters. Online, brothers or siblings always eat the strawberry bottoms. You refuse to eat it; do you look down on me?"

"Yes." Ye Qiu was blunt this time.

Ye Peilin was displeased. "You look down on your sister?"

"Why aren't you eating it? I won't."

"You!" Ye Peilin was furious, but Han Hui quickly intervened. "Alright, if the boy doesn't want it, then so be it. Besides, strawberry bottoms are sour; just throw them away."

"Kids these days don't know how to appreciate things. We never had strawberries back then; we truly spoiled all of you."

Hearing this made Ye Qing unhappy. Even though she was the one who didn't want them initially, she pouted her lips. "Dad..."

Then, Ye Peilin changed his tone. "I wasn't talking about you; I know you don't like the strawberry bottoms. Don't be angry with your brother. If he doesn't eat it, I will."

Ye Qing finally felt satisfied, casting a smug glance at Ye Qiu.