Chapter 139 Father-in-Law and Son-in-Law's Scheme
Ye Dad watched his usually cheerful wife become serious in front of their family, his heart aching. Ye Huaijin hated seeing his wife and daughter unhappy; it was a testament to his inadequacy.
"Zi Yisheng is quite trustworthy. After all, I am on his side, not under the Zi family's direct control. I observed him and realized he's different from the Zi family. At least he has a conscience and isn't cold-blooded and ruthless."
"That's good. On my way here, I had already considered that if this country became too chaotic for us to survive, we would all flee abroad. Since our daughter has the space, we certainly wouldn't starve."
Ye Shenggui proudly raised her eyebrows at her mother. She felt incredibly useful now, able to transform from a nobody into a significant presence.
Ye Mom playfully pinched her daughter's cheek.
"It's not that dire. Every country experiences a period of rebuilding. Besides, the original host still has a group of loyal companions who went through thick and thin with him. I can't just abandon them and leave."
Ye Shenggui and Ye Mom understood Ye Dad's mission, even if this wasn't the country he was born in. Such a sense of duty couldn't be erased.
"Dad, are those uncles also going through a difficult time?"
Ye Dad sighed. He never imagined that being a soldier could be so arduous. Especially those on the front lines, some only ate one potato a day. How could they have the strength to fight?
"Dad, I have five million tons of grain in my space. A few days ago, I discussed with Eldest Brother that we would give you one million tons of grain. We have to ensure the soldiers have something to eat."
Ye Dad was deeply moved. He had never considered using his daughter's space reserves. After all, it was their last resort, their safety net for their daughter. He didn't want his momentary soft-heartedness to harm or cause hardship for his daughter.
"Tell me about your plan."
Ye Shenggui recounted the preliminary plan she had discussed with her Eldest Brother. Even Ye Mom found it excellent.
"Not bad, not bad. We can help, but we can't just give it away for free. So, as you said, let's provide one million tons to support the soldiers. Your father thanks you on their behalf. I guarantee you won't be giving away so much grain in vain."
"I'm fine with anything. Aren't we living to find peace and comfort? I don't want to be feasting while people are dying every day. Besides, we're not offering unconditional charity. Most importantly, I can still grow grain, so our family will never go hungry."
Ye Dad popped a piece of durian into his mouth, his eyes narrowing in satisfaction.
"We can't take it all out at once. One million tons can be distributed in three installments. Since the country is also purchasing grain from abroad, our amount won't seem excessive compared to imported goods. This way, it won't draw undue attention, as others are also contributing to the nation.
As for what's given to the government, there's no need to hand it all over at once. The national population is too large, and what we have can't reach everyone. It's better to let Zi Yisheng calculate how much grain he plans to allocate to Qi City, and then he can find us for the rest when he goes to other cities."
Ye Shenggui nodded. She didn't understand the intricacies of it all.
"Dad, you can't be too polite and not ask Zi Yisheng for money. This cost us a lot to buy!"
Ye Dad had never realized his daughter had a materialistic streak. This vibrant energy was wonderful. As long as his daughter had something she liked, she would have the motivation to live.
"Don't worry, if he's short even a cent, we won't sell it to him. He has money anyway."
Ye Shenggui remembered the house Zi Yisheng had given her. She took out the property deed and handed it to her father.
"Then should we send some grain to Zi Yisheng for this deed? I was wondering how to reciprocate."
Ye Dad's hand visibly paused upon seeing the property deed. If not for his clenched, pale fingers, one wouldn't have noticed Ye Dad's anger. Such restraint even escaped Ye Mom's notice.
"That little brat, his heart is too wild."
Ye Dad immediately condemned Zi Yisheng. His daughter was only fifteen, and an old man was already coveting her!
That evening, after a good night's sleep, Ye Dad stormed into Zi Yisheng's study.
"Uncle Ye, have you rested well?"
Ye Dad stared intently at Zi Yisheng. The old man didn't look at all worthy of his daughter. Did wearing glasses hide the fact that he was a cunning and treacherous individual?
Ye Dad's assessment of Zi Yisheng plummeted. He rejected him in terms of both appearance and character.
"Hmph, how can I rest soundly with you around?"
Ye Dad threw the property deed directly onto the desk. Zi Yisheng glanced at it, then smiled at Ye Dad.
"It's just a property deed, Uncle Ye. You don't need to worry about it; it's nothing to me."
Ye Dad was infuriated by this sly character, who kept putting on an act.
"You kid, if I didn't know you, it would be one thing. But in twenty-two years, who have you ever sent a gift to? You're more likely to take things from others than give them.
"There's always an exception. I simply dote on Sister Shenggui and want her to live comfortably in Qi City. Besides, out of respect for you and Aunt Bai, giving a house is nothing. If Uncle Ye isn't satisfied, I can give a few more houses. You don't need to spare my expenses."
Ye Dad was so angry he wished he could tear the smug look off that guy's face. He wanted to give his daughter more? He was dreaming!
"Do I look like I lack money? Stop pretending. No matter what you're thinking, I won't agree, absolutely not."
Zi Yisheng pushed his glasses up, hiding the determination in his eyes. He dared not provoke his future father-in-law at this moment. Yes, future father-in-law. Zi Yisheng shamelessly considered the little girl his future wife.
"Uncle Ye, if there's anything I'm doing wrong, please point it out. I will resolutely correct it and strive to meet your satisfaction."
"I am not satisfied, and I never will be."
"Uncle Ye, what if Shenggui is very willing to accept my gift?"
Ye Dad let out a cold laugh. His daughter, Ye Huaijin's daughter, lacked nothing and had seen all sorts of good things.
"You can try."
"Thank you, Uncle Ye. I will definitely make Shenggui satisfied."
"You!"
Ye Dad, enraged, stood up and pointed at Zi Yisheng. The guy had dared to trap him.
Zi Yisheng quickly stood up and tried to appease his future father-in-law. The old man was the most formidable person. Who told him he wanted to win over his precious daughter?
"Uncle Ye, please don't be angry. At least give me a chance. I promise I won't force Shenggui if she's unwilling."
"I don't believe you. I know what kind of person you are! Cunning, and you won't give up until you achieve your goal. My daughter can't outwit you, so it's not suitable."
Zi Yisheng inwardly despised himself. What should he do when someone he knew well disliked him? He should have hidden his true nature from Uncle Ye.
"But Uncle Ye, you also know that I am the most reliable person and the one most capable of protecting her. I never betray anyone, nor do I harm those under my wing."
Ye Dad was momentarily speechless. What he said was true and logical. But he still didn't want it. Let's see what Zi Yisheng could do to him!