Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life Chapter 5 - 4: The Not-So-Bad Dad

For two years, Ye Qiu had not brought his wife and children back to Ye Village, nor had he made any contact. His mother and his younger brother’s family hadn’t inquired about his well-being either. The brothers had actively, and sometimes passively, drifted apart. The only link Ye Qiu maintained with Ye Village was through the village chief’s son, who was employed in the provincial capital.

The village chief’s son was aware that Ye Qiu’s family had amassed significant wealth from their clothing business. However, being a man of few words, this information hadn’t reached the ears of Ye Qiu’s financially dependent relatives over the past two years.

This time, the village chief’s sole reason for contacting Ye Qiu was his younger sister, Ye Fang, was getting married, and they expected him to return and contribute financially.

The groom-to-be, Zhao Haiyang, had, in a past life, worked under Ye Qiu alongside his wife. They held respectable positions as middle managers within Ye Qiu’s company, considering their familial connection.

Following a car accident that left Ye Qiu in a coma, neither his sister nor his brother-in-law, despite benefiting from his success, ever visited him.

Zhao Haiyang’s family resided in the county, and with both parents serving as civil servants, he was considered a highly desirable match within the community. In the previous life, Ye Qiu’s financial standing had allowed him to provide a substantial dowry for Ye Fang, ensuring a harmonious relationship with his in-laws, free from any discord.

In this current life, without Ye Qiu’s financial backing, he found himself curious about how the couple had managed to come together.

Regarding Ye Fang’s dowry, it had been decided during the family asset division that Ye Qiu would match whatever sum his younger brother, Ye Xiu, contributed – no more, no less.

Initially, Ye Qiu had intended to take the bus back home, wishing to avoid the inevitable troublesome demands from his mother, younger brother, and his sister’s family upon learning of his success. However, the prospect of a crowded and unpleasant bus journey prompted him to opt for his new car instead.

To preempt any village gossip, he brought along some biscuits and candies, along with a set of clothes for his mother, and nothing more.

The roads leading into the village were notoriously rough and uneven. As Ye Qiu slowly navigated his vehicle into Ye Village, it immediately drew considerable attention.

In those days, bicycles were a rarity in Ye Village, and a car was an infrequent sight, usually only when heading to the county town. The sight of Ye Qiu, who had once been ostracized and faced financial ruin, now driving a car was astonishing.

The adults congregated around the vehicle, their whispers filled with astonishment, while the less inhibited children eagerly reached out their grubby hands to touch the car’s surface.

Ye Qiu promptly halted the car, exited, and began distributing cigarettes, engaging in polite conversation. Chen Wen, carrying Ye Manman, also emerged from the car, offering a bag of candies and biscuits, generously placing them into the children’s arms, or the folds of their clothes for those without pockets.

“My goodness, Sister Wen, I almost didn’t recognize you! It’s been two whole years!” exclaimed a plump aunt, unreservedly grabbing handfuls of candy while gazing at Chen Wen with undisguised surprise.

It was undeniable that Chen Wen, now a proprietor in the vibrant fashion industry, was truly at the cutting edge of style.

Her hair, styled with subtle curls at the ends and dyed a chestnut hue, was complemented by light makeup, a chic beige trench coat, and elegant brown high-heeled leather shoes, presenting a striking resemblance to a movie star.

The transformation from her previous appearance was dramatic; had the well-fed aunt not spoken, the villagers might have easily assumed Ye Qiu had taken a new wife!

“Oh, and this must be Manman, looking absolutely adorable, like a little fairy.”

“Sister Wen, you are truly blessed.”

“Now that you’ve even purchased a car, you must be earning a substantial income!”

A group of aunts and younger wives surrounded Chen Wen and Manman, showering them with effusive praise. Manman, having no recollection of events prior to the age of three, found herself slightly overwhelmed by the attention and instinctively hid behind her mother.

However, Chen Wen, having navigated the world of business ownership for two years, was accustomed to various social dynamics and adept at handling demanding clientele. This minor situation was easily managed.

Their hearts were filled with a mixture of envy and jealousy, witnessing the former poverty of someone now prosperous. Yet, their words were laced with flattery, hoping to glean some benefit from the successful businesswoman.

“I was simply fortunate. When I relocated to the city, I encountered kind individuals who appreciated my tailoring abilities, and that’s how my success gradually unfolded,” Chen Wen replied warmly, effortlessly easing the tension with the villagers.

"Do not assume that our possession of a vehicle means we are wealthy. The car was acquired through the depletion of our savings and a bank loan. Nevertheless, there was no other alternative, as conducting business necessitates frequent travel, and a car is indispensable for convenience." This was the narrative that she and Ye Qiu had mutually decided upon at home.

Upon hearing their supposed financial straits, most people readily accepted their story. After all, having been away for only two years, who could amass such fortune in so short a span?

Fatty Aunt's smile widened genuinely. "Oh, that's truly commendable. Among everyone in our village, only you and your spouse have achieved such success."

"Auntie, what success are you referring to? It's merely a necessity for our livelihood. If not for those ancestral fields back then... alas! Who would willingly abandon their homeland? Had we not encountered a benefactor, we might not even have enough to eat by now!"

While not all was openly stated, the underlying reasons were known to everyone present.

Indeed, had it not been for the misguided actions of Granny Ye and Brother Ye's family, the subsequent events would not have transpired. It could only be attributed to the couple's fortune in disguise; heaven watches over all, and good deeds are met with good fortune.

In bygone days within the village, who was unaware of the elder daughter-in-law of the Ye family being a capable woman, managing both the farm and the household with impeccable skill? With Sister Wen's diligent nature, prosperity was an inevitable outcome.

Some individuals with more ambitious thoughts even contemplated venturing out themselves, hoping to become the next to own a grand carriage!

At this juncture, Granny Ye, Ye Xiu, and Liu Ping, for reasons unknown, did not emerge to greet the eldest son/big brother, despite hearing of his newfound prosperity and return in a sedan.

Their minds were preoccupied with complex thoughts. Only Ye Yu stood by the doorway, observing his companions receiving candies and cookies. He felt an urge to seek out his uncle, but his father sternly forbade him, throwing a furious tantrum.

Ye Yu was eight years old this year. Although his memories from two years prior were somewhat hazy, he had not forgotten. Vaguely, he recalled his uncle's fondness for him, as he consistently brought toys and snacks whenever he visited. However, since his uncle's departure from home for unknown reasons, he never returned, and naturally, those gifts ceased.

Yet, this did not trouble him, as Granny Ye would also purchase such items for him and even provide pocket money. He was always the most envied among his peers.

But today, watching his friends hold those candies and cookies he had never seen before, an intense sense of possessiveness washed over him. Those items, he felt, rightfully belonged to him. How could he simply let others have them?

And his father, preventing him from going out—if he delayed, what if all the snacks and toys were gone?

Ye Yu, an eight-year-old boy, was not lacking in stature or strength, especially being Granny Ye's cherished grandchild, pampered with good food and drink. He was physically larger than his peers. With a flurry of kicks and punches, he slipped past Ye Xiu, who was too slow to apprehend him.

"This wretched child, running so swiftly! You are utterly useless; you can't even stop a mere kid," Liu Ping berated her husband, Ye Xiu. It was unclear whether her frustration stemmed from their dire circumstances or jealousy towards the now affluent elder sister-in-law.

Ye Xiu presented his usual docile demeanor, never retaliating or offering a retort. Only those intimately acquainted with him understood the depths of his cunning when his own interests were at stake.

"Enough, why must you say so much!" Granny Ye possessed a considerable sum of money, and Liu Ping, despite her underlying resentment, attended to her daily needs. Ultimately, these matters concerned her son, and she had never dared to oppose them.

"The nephew seeking out his own uncle, what is wrong with that? Do not unleash all your anger upon the child and your husband." Granny Ye scoffed. She harbored a dislike for her daughter-in-law, finding her not only talkative but also lazy. Her sole redeeming quality was bearing a grandson for the old Ye family.

Upon overhearing passersby discussing the success of her eldest son and his wife, Granny Ye felt a pang of conflicting emotions. Although her eldest son had initially supported the family, having no male heir, she had effectively disowned him. Yet, she never anticipated that this child she had cast aside would achieve such prominence.

Despite regretting her past actions, Granny Ye refused to admit her error. Her reasoning was rooted in the traditional belief that men carry on the family lineage and provide for the elderly, while daughters, once married, belong to their husbands' families.

Although her relationship with her eldest son had been somewhat strained over the past two years, she reasoned that as his mother, surely he could not abandon her? Moreover, as he had no sons, who else but her grandson would care for her in her twilight years?