Neighbors' Quarrel: A Clash Over Celebrations

"I think that's exactly what I mean! No, I have to reason with them! It's not about the money, who do they think they are?" Despite the difficulty of witnessing the Li family's abundant feast, Guan Haifeng resolves to confront them. With determination, he scoops up his daughter, who sits on the bed nibbling at the quilt, and strides purposefully outside.

Arriving at the perimeter of the Li family's yard with his daughter in tow, Guan Haifeng's actions catch the attention of the old lady Li.

Her face contorts into a scowl as she strides over aggressively. "What are you doing here? We didn't invite you!"

Stepping out, Guan Haifeng couldn't resist mentioning the tantalizing dishes he observed in the Li family's yard.

Despite their own financial struggles and deprivation of meat and vegetables for an extended period, Guan Haifeng feels compelled to address the perceived inequities.

"Can't you resist being greedy at the sight of all those chickens, ducks, and various types of meat?"

Wang Chunhua attempted to confront the Shen family about their perceived injustice. However, upon seeing the stern expression on the old lady Li's face, she felt a tremor in her heart and forced a dry smile. "Mrs. Li, after being neighbors for over ten years, why haven't you ever invited us for a home-made wine? Isn't that a bit unreasonable?"

The old lady Li sneered in response, "Who are you to expect an invitation?"

Wang Chunhua's anger flared at the dismissive tone. "We're neighbors, aren't we? Why wouldn't you extend an invitation? Besides, with so many lavish dishes prepared for your daughter's full moon celebration, it seems a bit excessive! My daughter turned one year old recently, and we haven't even held a first-year banquet!"

Glancing at the frail girl in Wang Chunhua's arms, the old lady Li's tone turned cold. "Perhaps it's because you and your husband don't care for your daughter."

Observing the villagers enjoying their meals, Wang Chunhua couldn't suppress her frustration. She lowered her voice and muttered, "Why does it have to be like this? We also wanted to celebrate, but we don't have the means! Or... could you spare some food for us? Consider it as a joint celebration for my daughter's birthday? After all, you've prepared so much food and invited so many guests. How about it? I'll host my daughter's birthday party alongside your granddaughter's full moon celebration. What do you say?"

Upon hearing Wang Chunhua's proposal, Mrs. Li couldn't help but inwardly scoff. Is this woman clueless? Why would I share my granddaughter's full moon celebration with someone else's daughter's birthday?

Furthermore, regardless of the quantity of food they had, it was all provided by their own family, and the guests were invited by them as well. There was no reason to mix their family affairs with others'. How absurd!

Mrs. Li harbored a deep disdain for their so-called neighbors. Neither Wang Chunhua nor her husband had stable employment, and they seemed to have a penchant for low-quality items. Guan Haifeng was a prime example. While he didn't engage in underhanded dealings openly, he had managed to avoid getting caught. Otherwise, he'd have been behind bars long ago.

One thing that particularly irked Mrs. Li was the apparent disregard the Shens had for their daughters.

It was evident that the couple harbored a strong desire for a son. They would eye their four boys like hungry wolves, yet they would often subject their daughters to beatings and verbal abuse. These innocent children would frequently be left to wander alone in the yard, playing by themselves. It was not uncommon for their small limbs to bear bruises, inflicted by their own parents.

How could parents be so heartless towards their one-year-old child?

The Shen family refused to let Mrs. Li confront this issue alone. Although Wang Chunhua may not have been her match, Mr. Li, holding Lin Yanfen, strode over and addressed Wang Chunhua with a firm tone, "Aunt Li, your shameless remarks are unacceptable. Do you honestly expect to host a birthday party for your daughter without spending a single penny? Dream on!"