Chapter 209 - Chapter 209: Chapter 209: Aiming for Opportunities (1/2)
Chapter 209: Chapter 209: Aiming for Opportunities
Translator: 549690339
“Even less won’t work. There is a limit to everything, and three times is a charm. Our family isn’t exactly wealthy—we have so many people to provide for at home. The first time I lent to you, it was because your husband and our master are colleagues. The second time was because we live in the same neighborhood. Don’t talk to me about not having enough food to survive. The portion I lent Madame He before was enough for your family for a month or two, and now, after just a few days, Madame He is back asking for food again. Do you think my home is the county government’s grain warehouse?”
Su Wenyue refused without a second thought. Had she known Madame He was this kind of person, she wouldn’t have lent anything the first two times. It was certain there would be no return. Although she didn’t begrudge the food, giving it to someone like Madame He was worse than feeding it to pigs—at least pigs would fatten up and yield more meat when slaughtered for New Year’s.
Madame He’s face stiffened. She had thought Su Wenyue was easy to talk to, and since Mrs. Su’s mother’s family was famously wealthy, she wouldn’t lack this bit of food. She had hoped to borrow again and hadn’t been frugal with what she had. Her mother-in-law had been more generous when asking for food, and the relatives from her husband’s family were too troublesome to deal with. Not giving to them was out of the question. If she couldn’t borrow food this time, her family would have to tighten their belts. After all, prices are soaring, and food isn’t something that can be easily replaced—it’s needed every day.
Madame He had intended to bully Su when she refused, using the same tactics her husband’s relatives used to force her to comply. Coming from a wealthy family like the Su’s, what mattered most was reputation. If she played that card, she thought Su would surely lend. But seeing Su’s actions, she couldn’t be sure anymore.
“Madam Han, I really had no choice, else I wouldn’t have come to borrow food from you. Although I had borrowed some before, my husband is the sole support for such a big family. We could make do before, but under the current conditions, it’s just impossible. I know you’re kind-hearted, so I’m begging you to help me this one last time. Don’t worry, as soon as my husband’s army provisions are issued, I will return the food to you—I won’t take advantage of you,” Madame He said with a solemn vow, but her words lacked any believability.
“I’m sorry, Madame He, but just like your family needs to survive, so does ours. We have even more people to support. It’s not fair to expect us to stop living our lives just so your family can get by. Please, put yourself in my shoes; being too selfish isn’t the way to be!” Su Wenyue had made up her mind and didn’t hold back at all, effectively blocking any argument Madame He had planned.
Madame He was fuming, “Madam Han, are you joking with me? Your mother’s family is quite large and wealthy; surely they wouldn’t miss a bit of food—it’s just an excuse. If you don’t want to lend, just say so.”
Madame He thought her words would provoke Su Wenyue into changing her stance, but it only backfired.
“Let me be clear with you, Madame He: I don’t want to lend you food. You may leave now!” When Su Wenyue said this, she was already gesturing the guest out—utterly unapologetic and bold.
“Mrs. Su, so kind of you, truly kind!” Madame He’s face darkened with anger until it looked like it could drip with malice.
“I’m quite well! No need for you to worry about me.” Su Wenyue felt good about upsetting someone she disliked and was naturally in high spirits.