Chapter 289: We Strive to Be Excellent, Not to Serve at Home

Chapter 289: We Strive to Be Excellent, Not to Clean Up After Others

“Who do you think can provide you with such security in this world?”

Ms. Wei sat across from Su An, her brows furrowed and hands tightly clasped together, clearly taking Su An’s words to heart.

Having cared for Xiao Jiliang for so long in her past life, Su An knew the hardships all too well. Seeing Ms. Wei as family, she seized the moment to press further.

“Ms. Wei, I have a friend who faced the same dilemma as you. As a dutiful daughter-in-law, she made the same choice you’re considering.

She and her husband graduated from the same school, shared the same education and salary level. But when an elderly family member fell ill, she selflessly gave up her career to care for them, ensuring her husband could focus on his work. Do you know how it ended for her?”

Ms. Wei looked up at Su An, her gaze uneasy.

Su An hardened her tone. “Caring for the elderly is far harder than raising a child. Changing clothes, turning them over—it’s exhausting alone. Too much pressure, and they complain of pain; too little, and you can’t manage. It’s tougher than any job.

If the elder is ill-tempered, they might curse or even hit you, leaving you seething in frustration. The slightest mishap, and the whole family blames you. Even relatives gossip, saying you're mooching off the family while neglecting your duties.

Everyone forgets she once had a career, that her education and salary matched her husband’s.”

Ms. Wei asked softly, “What happened to your friend in the end?”

Su An replied, “She spent her days handling the messes, too afraid to sleep deeply at night. She neglected her husband and child, growing distant from them. When her husband was promoted, their child graduated, and the elder passed, she thought her suffering was over—only to receive divorce papers.

Her husband claimed they had nothing in common anymore. Their child sided with him. Alone, her health broken from years of drudgery, jobless, she ended up in a damp, rundown apartment, abandoned.”

Wei Ciyu’s breath quickened. “How...how could this happen?

That was his own mother! She sacrificed everything for him—how could he be so ungrateful?”

Su An stood. “Teacher, such stories are common. This isn’t the life women deserve. You once told me how cherished you were as a child—how your mother worried if you didn’t drink enough milk, how your parents fussed over every little scrape when you learned to walk. When you were sick in school, your mother and grandmother took turns staying up, eyes red from exhaustion.

In your rebellious teens, after storming out mid-argument, they stayed up all night regretting their harsh words. To afford your and your brothers’ education, they went years without new clothes. When you succeeded, they beamed with pride whenever neighbors asked about you.

Teacher, after all those years of burning the midnight oil—from elementary to high school, wearing down countless pencils—was it just to wait on some unrelated old woman hand and foot?

I’m not saying we abandon the elderly. They must be cared for. But we can’t ruin our own futures. You have your brother-in-law, your husband, your younger brother-in-law—why must you quit to do this?

We’ll fulfill our duty. Take turns month by month, pool money for a caretaker—fine. But don’t resign. You belong in the classroom.”

Wei Ciyu exhaled, her agitation fading into calm.

She gazed at Su An tenderly. “It’s always clearer from the outside. I wasn’t thinking straight.”

“An An, thank you for opening my eyes.”

Her eyes held a pang of sorrow—what has this girl been through to understand so much?

Su An relaxed. “I’m glad you get it now. Someone as kind as you deserves warmth and happiness. Don’t sacrifice yourself like this. Being too kind just makes people take advantage. Your sisters-in-law push you because you’re too nice—challenge them to quit first and care for the elder, see if they agree!

You have a good heart, but before deciding, think about what your parents and child would want. Me? I won’t let anyone stand in my way.”

After Su An left, Wei Ciyu sat on the sofa, deep in thought.

She and her husband Gao Jinbo were introduced by someone and have been married for seventeen years now. Over these years, their life has been nothing extraordinary, but they've rarely fought.

The couple’s current situation owes little to the husband’s family. Not only did her own mother take care of her during recovery after childbirth, but her parents also helped look after the children when she was busy. Even her husband’s job was secured through her family’s connections.

Gao Jinbo’s position as a doctor isn’t at a hospital but at the factory clinic.

In the evening, when her husband returned from work, the couple was at dinner, and Wei Ciyu brought up the day’s events.

“This afternoon, Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law came over.”

Gao Jinbo mumbled “mm-hmm” while eating, signaling he was listening.

Wei Ciyu continued, “Mom has been in the hospital for a while now. The doctor said she can be discharged in a few days. We need to figure out her care arrangements fast.”

Gao Jinbo paused and asked, “What did Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law say?”

“Same as before. Sister-in-law said she has to take care of the kids, and Third Sister-in-law said she has to work.”

Gao Jinbo glanced at his wife’s expression. “Earlier, my eldest brother and third brother also talked to me. They don't have as much wiggle room as we do. Our son's at boarding school most of the time, so his room is usually empty.”

“The eldest and third brothers suggested that each family gives you 100 yuan a year—that’s 200 yuan in total. Staying at home without having to work isn’t half bad. Plus, it’s a chance to bond with Mom and let her see that you, the second daughter-in-law, are the one who really cares for her.” Gao Jinbo smiled at his wife.