+35 BONUS

Jenny said, “I’ve got thick skin and am not easily affected by criticism, but I’m just worried about what those relatives will say. They’ll ask how come I live in such a nice neighborhood but don’t even have a washing machine.

“What should I say then? That we’re broke? Or that my parents helped out with the house, and now there’s nothing left over? What’s more, my in-laws can’t even contribute much help…

“After that, those relatives will go back to the countryside and spread gossip to others after the birthday celebration ends. Harold and I won’t care much since we rarely go back to the village, but I’m worried that your reputation will take a hit.

“Of course, I’ll happily host them if you don’t think it’s a big deal. I love to have guests around for a lively atmosphere!” Jenny finished her spiel with a bright smile as she waited for Anna’s response.

Anna, however, was cursing inwardly, “Are you kidding me? I haven’t even had the chance to enjoy the new place myself after moving in, and now I have to let those country bumpkins live in my home? Only an idiot would agree to that!”

Anna’s eyes flickered. “Since you just moved in and haven’t furnished the place, forget it. I can’t have guests coming over for my birthday and not even have a washing machine for them to use.”

“Exactly, that makes sense.” Jenny sighed, but a smile crept across her lips. “If only my parents could support us a little more, things wouldn’t be so tight. Oh, but don’t take this the wrong way. I meant my own parents, not you, of course.”

Anna remained silent. She hadn’t even thought of that earlier, but now that Jenny had brought it up, she couldn’t stop the suspicion from creeping into her thoughts.

Nonetheless, Anna refused to express her opinion on Jenny’s mention of financial support.

Jenny scoffed quietly. What a stingy old woman!

Undeniably, Jenny was a master of manipulation. At least, she had Anna wrapped around her finger.

Leonard sat at the head of the table without saying a word. He was a busy man. If his schedule hadn’t changed unexpectedly, he would already be at the office right now.

His wife, Rena, tried to ease the tension. “Actually, we can still host a few people here. How about we arrange for some to stay here…”

Anna waved her hand. “I already said, no one is going to stay at Leonard’s place.”

Rena smiled and fell silent knowingly.

Leonard stood up and spoke decisively, “There’s no need to argue. Just book a few rooms for all of them to stay at the hotel where we are hosting the banquet. It’ll be convenient and much simpler.”

Jenny immediately chimed in, “Leonard’s suggestion seems reasonable. I agree!”

“Stay at the hotel?” Anna’s expression darkened. “Do you know how much it costs?”

Leonard sighed and said, “Mom, I’ll cover the cost. Don’t worry about it.”

“No way! You already take care of your father and me for our daily necessities, and you’re paying for the banquet too. We didn’t raise only you! Besides, how can you make our relatives stay elsewhere when they come for a banquet? That’s not right.”

Harold’s gaze flickered. “Mom, I don’t like what you’re implying.”

Sure, Leonard was paying for the banquet, but wasn’t he also collecting all the monetary gifts?

Moreover, his and Jenny’s colleagues and friends were attending too. In the end, they were the ones who owed them favors, not Leonard.

Who truly benefited in this instance? It wasn’t as clear-cut as it seemed on the surface!

Anna declared, “In any case, I don’t agree with them staying at a hotel! Hosting guests in our homes is the proper etiquette. Otherwise, who knows what they’ll say about us behind our backs at the village! I’m old, but I still have my pride!”

Jenny’s eyes lit up. “Well, Mom’s concerns are valid too. I might have a solution…”

Hearing this, everyone turned to look at her.