novelraw Chapter 041 All They Do is Spend Money
Chapter 041 All They Do is Spend Money
New Year's Eve.
The restaurant in the Jiang family's old house.
The huge mahogany round table was laden with delicacies from land and sea.
Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Steamed Grouper, Braised Prawns, and that Boiled Cabbage in Clear Broth, which is extremely demanding in terms of skill.
Steaming hot.
The aroma is wonderful.
This was no ordinary New Year's Eve dinner.
This was a lavish family banquet.
Besides Jiang's parents, there were also several other relatives from collateral branches.
My extended family and relatives.
Although they are not direct descendants, the fact that they are sitting here means that they are all either rich or noble.
Wen Ning sat next to Jiang Ci.
She changed into a red sweater, which made her complexion look rosier.
She wore the emerald green jade bracelet that Jiang's mother had given her, which was heavy and constantly reminded her how precious this "favor" was.
"Here, Ningning, eat this."
Jiang's mother used serving chopsticks to pick up a piece of the best fish belly meat for her.
"This fish was airlifted from here, it's very fresh."
"Thank you, Auntie."
Wen Ning obediently took it.
She quietly nudged Jiang Ci's foot under the table.
The look in his eyes seemed to say: Help! With so many elders watching, I'm getting indigestion.
Jiang Ci was peeling crab legs for her.
Sensing her plea for help, he took her hand under the table.
I pinched it.
He gestured for her not to be afraid.
"I heard Ningning studies oil painting?"
One of the aunts sitting opposite spoke up.
She wore a deep purple velvet cheongsam, with a string of pearls around her neck, and her eyes were somewhat discerning.
"Art is wonderful; it cultivates one's character. However..."
My second aunt abruptly changed the subject, her tone carrying a hint of superiority from someone who had "been there, done that":
"What does a girl who studies this plan to do in the future? Become a painter? It's not easy to get ahead in that."
"The art world is a mess these days; it's hard to get by without connections. Being a teacher is stable, but you don't earn much."
This is a typical case of "checking household registration" combined with "occupational discrimination".
In this family that values industry and finance, those who pursue art are somewhat seen as neglecting their proper duties.
Jiang's mother frowned, just about to speak up.
[Host! Your chance has come!]
The system in my mind suddenly screamed, louder than the firecrackers outside.
This is the legendary family-induced hardship!
Quick! Go along with what she's saying!
Tell them you're a loser! You have no career plan! You just want to be a freeloader!
[Task posted: Declare yourself a spendthrift! Claim that you not only don't earn money, but you also only know how to spend it!]
Wen Ning tightened her grip on the chopsticks.
This task...
That's too deadly.
Saying such things in this context is tantamount to declaring oneself a worthless parasite.
In a wealthy family that values "marrying someone of equal social standing and forming a powerful alliance," such a person would definitely be kicked out.
but.
If we don't tell them, the plot can't move forward.
If she wasn't disliked, why would Jiang Ci feel pressured? Why would she break up with him?
Wen Ning took a deep breath.
She put down her chopsticks.
A soft "ding" sounded.
Everyone at the table turned to look at them.
Jiang Ci noticed her stiffness.
He turned his head and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Wen Ning didn't look at him.
She raised her head and looked directly at her second aunt across from her.
His eyes held a resolute air of "what's the use of trying?"
"My second aunt is right."
Wen Ning spoke up.
The sound wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear on the quiet dining table.
"It's really tough to make a living in the arts."
"and……"
She paused, gritted her teeth, and steeled her resolve:
"Actually, I wasn't good at studying. I just coasted through school."
"I've never thought about what kind of job I want to do in the future. I don't want to be a painter, and I certainly don't want to be a teacher."
Second Aunt was stunned for a moment.
They probably had never seen a junior so "frank" as to admit that he was just wasting his days.
"So... what are you planning to do from now on?"
"What can I do?"
Wen Ning blinked and gave a naive yet cruel smile.
That was the "gold digger" expression she had practiced in front of the mirror for a long time.
"I'm the kind of person who can't endure hardship and can't do housework."
"I can't lift anything with my hands or carry anything on my shoulders."
"I don't know how to make money, and I have absolutely no interest in making money."
She stretched out her well-maintained hands, showing off her sparkling manicure.
"All I know how to do is spend money."
"Buy bags, buy clothes, buy cosmetics."
"My life plan is to be beautiful and spend all the money in my family."
Done.
She turned to look at Jiang Ci.
He said it in that self-righteous, spoiled tone:
"Jiang Ci, you need to work hard to earn money in the future."
"I'm very expensive. If you can't afford to raise me, I'll have to find someone else to raise me."
Dead silence.
Utter silence.
The air in the restaurant seemed to have been sucked out.
Second Aunt's mouth was agape in an "O" shape, and her pearl necklace was trembling.
The other relatives looked at each other, their eyes filled with shock and disdain.
That's incredibly bold!
To admit you're a parasite in front of your whole family? And then want someone else to raise you?
This person practically has the word "money-grubbing" etched on their forehead!
Jiang's mother's hand, which was holding a plate of food, froze in mid-air.
She looked at Wen Ning, her eyes filled with astonishment.
Is this child running a fever? He was fine just now, why is he suddenly talking nonsense?
Only Jiang Ci.
He remained seated there.
His expression remained unchanged.
He looked at Wen Ning.
Although she was saying harsh words, her hands under the table were trembling violently.
She is afraid.
Wen Ning silently recited in his heart:
Get rid of me.
Go ahead and insult me.
They said I wasn't worthy of entering the Jiang family's home.
Jiang Ci, you should see it clearly by now. I am such a shallow woman.
"that……"
The second aunt finally came to her senses and let out a cold laugh.
"Ah Ci, your girlfriend... is really 'straightforward'."
"Although our Jiang family has some wealth, we also value thrift and managing our household well. This kind of young mistress who only knows how to spend money, I'm afraid..."
The atmosphere dropped to freezing point.
A trial concerning "family education" and "family traditions" is about to begin.
Wen Ning closed her eyes.
Waiting for the storm to arrive.
Just then.
The chair next to me creaked.
Jiang Ci put down the crab-peeling tools in his hand.
He took the hot towel and slowly wiped his hands.
The movements were elegant and composed.
He showed no embarrassment whatsoever at being "humiliated" by his girlfriend.
"Second Aunt".
Jiang Ci spoke.
The voice was cold, yet carried an undeniable air of protection.
"She doesn't need to make money."
He turned his head and looked at Wen Ning, his eyes filled with deep affection.
"My hands are for coding and working on projects."
"I'll handle the hard work of making money."
"As for her..."
Jiang Ci grasped Wen Ning's trembling hand and placed it on the table.
Their fingers are intertwined.
Show it to everyone.
"She just needs to do what she likes."
"Whether it's spending money, painting, or just daydreaming."
"As long as she's there, I'll have the motivation to make money."
"and--"
Jiang Ci's gaze swept over the relatives present. Although his tone was calm, it revealed a sharp edge.
"The money I earn is meant for her to spend anyway."
"The more she spends, the happier I am."
"These are my family rules."
The entire venue fell silent once again.
This time, however, it was a deathly silence, choked by the sheer volume of PDA.
Wen Ning stared at him blankly.
Tears rolled in the eyes.
This script is wrong!
You should feel ashamed! Why are you showing off like this?
The second aunt choked until her face turned blue.
"Aci, you've been bewitched! This is illogical! A wife should be virtuous..."
"Alright!"
Grandpa Jiang, who had been silent all along, suddenly slammed the walnuts in his hand onto the table.
With a "bang".
This interrupted my second aunt's incessant chatter.
All eyes were focused on the person in the main seat.
The old man who held the highest authority in the Jiang family.
Wen Ning's heart was in her throat.
The old man had been keeping a stern face; he's definitely going to lose his temper now.