As they were astonished and delighted, Xu Bin had already explained to the chubby auntie, "Auntie, he's been here a few times and loved the century eggs. He's from overseas and has tried some extreme foods there, but he found your century eggs delicious, especially the fried ones."
"He works here long-term, and the others are just visiting colleagues. They wanted to try the century eggs again because he raved about them so much. He's really upset that they're not on the menu anymore."
The auntie immediately sent someone to buy century eggs and generously said, "He's a regular! I'll treat them to some fried century eggs."
The foreigner talked to his colleagues, then patted Xu Bin on the shoulder, speaking enthusiastically.
Xu Bin laughed and translated, "He's asking about the stinky tofu cart that's usually nearby. That's also on the extreme food list, and he wanted to try it this time."
"I'll send someone to get some," the auntie said cheerfully.
Xu Bin naturally took the menu and started ordering for them. After a series of interactions, the fried century eggs were a hit, and everyone cheered. He chatted a bit more before returning to the private room.
Zhang Xinda's face was already dark. The auntie rushed in, carrying a plate of beef tripe, and happily said, "A-Yu, your son-in-law was a big help today. I owe him one!"
"Neighbors help each other; it's no trouble," Shen Ruyu replied.
"Well said! Not every college graduate is useful. Your son-in-law is something else," the auntie praised, placing the beef tripe on the table. "He's got real skills. Who cares about his education? No degree, no problem. No culture is scary."
After this commotion, the mother and daughters looked at Xu Bin with newfound respect, seeing him as even more cultured.
Zhang Xinda, feeling annoyed, said, "Xu Bin is so capable and has made so much money. Why didn't he think of buying a car for Mom earlier to save her from trouble?"
This question made sense, but after the recent events, the mother and daughters were no longer biased.
Especially Shen Ruyu, whose gaze was now free of doubt, expecting a satisfactory answer from her second son-in-law.
Xu Bin lit a cigarette and casually said, "Sister-in-law, you didn't know about these things until today, so how could I? I've only been part of this family for a few years."
"I didn't know about Mom's troubles. As a son-in-law, I keep a low profile and don't ask many questions."
"Nobody told me about the car or anything else."
Xu Bin smiled, "Besides, sister-in-law, you're the favored elder son-in-law. You should have reminded me about this."
This response was a subtle jab, implying that Zhang Xinda, being the elder son-in-law from a wealthier family, should have taken the initiative.
Women are particular about such details. Sure enough, Yao Xin frowned, "Xin Da, this isn't Xu Bin's fault. I didn't know about the family's situation after I got married."
Seeing his wife turn against him, Zhang Xinda was about to explode. "I didn't mean that. I'm just saying, now that he has money, why didn't he buy a car for Mom sooner? He's had the money for two years..."
This hit the mark. Zhang Xinda, despite his flaws, could identify the key points.
However, he underestimated Xu Bin, who, despite appearing modest, was shrewd and experienced in dealing with people.
Xu Bin sighed, "When I got married, I had some money, but the policies were changing, and blockchain assets were volatile. It wasn't the right time to cash out."
"I also have overseas investments, not much, but all in real money."
"Like this 50,000 I withdrew today, if I hadn't, we might only have 40,000 left after this meal."
"Plus, there are time-limited contracts and leveraged investments. You probably don't understand this, sister-in-law."
"Basically, my stocks are worth 40,000 now, but in six months, they'll be worth 60,000."
"If I sell now, I'll only get 10,000 a month. Some investments are complex; two years ago, they were worth less than 10,000, and now they're worth 30,000. I don't want to sell them."
Xu Bin acted humble, "I'm a bit of a money-hungry fool. The past few years were a stable period, and I couldn't touch my investments."
"It's all about profits. The stock market isn't that lucrative..."
"Mostly blockchain and various contracts..."
Xu Bin pretended to be confused, then smiled, "Anyway, I'm a fool for money. The past few years were stable, and I couldn't touch my investments."
"It's all about profits. The stock market isn't that lucrative..."
"Mostly blockchain and various contracts..."
Shen Ruyu, already impressed, banged the table, "Why ask so many questions? You don't understand! I've told you before, we're not saying women can't earn money. If you can't, then shut up!"
"Xu Bin didn't have money before, but he invested his blood money wisely and didn't waste it. He and Nan haven't been to a single bar since they got married."
"Now that he has money, he spends it on his wife and me. What's the problem with that? You're all talking nonsense!"
Zhang Xinda stood up, grabbed his keys, and left without a word to his mother-in-law.
Shen Ruyu cursed, "Look at that, a so-called educated family. He leaves without a word. He's got issues!"
Yao Xin, furious, called him, but he hung up.
She tried to calm her mother, "Mom, don't be mad. He's just spoiled and petty."
Shen Ruyu huffed, "I see it now. No manners, he should learn from Xu Bin, who is smart, humble, and kind."
Yao Xin suddenly asked, "By the way, Xu Bin, how do you know so much?"
"English is basic. Without it, you're useless. But it's tough; I have to stay up late studying data."
By now, Xu Bin couldn't resist showing off.
After the meal, paying the bill, Yao Xin's look at Xu Bin had changed.
Unfortunately, her task hadn't started yet. Xu Bin was eager to give Zhang Xinda a taste of his own medicine and relieve some of his past frustrations.
Leaving, the foreigners at the door were ecstatic, insisting on chatting more with Xu Bin. After a few drinks and exchanging contact info, Xu Bin left.
Yao Xin was staying at her mother's tonight, given Zhang Xinda's attitude, she wouldn't tolerate him.
Xu Bin and Yao Nan walked hand in hand, Yao Nan leaning happily on her husband's arm, chatting with her mother.
Yao Xin asked, "Xu Bin, what were those foreigners so excited about?"
"Oh, they're here for business. Their translator had an eight-level certificate but was useless and got sent back. They asked if I could translate for them, offering 2,000 a day."
Shen Ruyu's eyes lit up, "Wow, that's 60,000 a month!"
"This is better than being a security guard, right? No need to rely on connections. I spit on those who think we're fools."
Drunk and emotional, Shen Ruyu didn't hold back, "Xin, you were fooled by him. That man can talk his way out of anything."
Yao Xin sighed, not arguing, knowing her own situation best.
Seeing his sister-in-law's resigned and slightly regretful expression, Xu Bin was eager for his task to start so he could give Zhang Xinda a taste of his own medicine.
Damn, he was really eager to give Zhang Xinda a green hat to wear.