"At least show some consideration, even if you run over a stray cat or dog, you have to pay some compensation."
Daniel said nonchalantly, "But I said minor injuries don't matter, what's the point of 1000 dollars."
"Right, you handled this with such class.", Ruth praised with a smile.
As the person involved, Luis's face turned dark. Daniel continued in a condescending tone, "Luis, get some ambition, stop loafing around all day. Do you know how hard it is to find you a job? I even had to treat people to meals and drinks."
"Exactly, instead of thanking your brother-in-law properly, all you do is cause trouble."
Ruth joined in scolding him.
"Alright, alright, let's just drop it."
Nancy played the peacemaker, though her words were still mocking, "Luis, you're all alone with no one to rely on. Our family didn't ask for anything and let you be a live-in son-in-law. We don't expect you to be ambitious, but at least don't embarrass us, understand?"
"Got it, Sister!"
After enduring so many verbal blows, one more didn't matter. Luis nodded.
Lily brought out some cut fruit, and Nancy immediately pulled her into the room. As the eldest sister, she probably lectured her again, acting like a mother figure.
"Make tea for your brother-in-law. Look how much he's worried about you, even coming to see you specially. You don't even know how to appreciate it."
Ruth grumbled.
Luis brewed the tea silently, cursing inwardly about how shameless it was to visit empty-handed.
Daniel was a playboy, the real idle good-for-nothing in the family.
His father was a school principal, and his mother was a department head at a major hospital. He was born into privilege, worked sporadically, spent money recklessly, and was the epitome of a spoiled rich kid.
He had pursued Nancy lavishly, and their wedding was reportedly grand. Arthur and Ruth felt their daughter had married exceptionally well.
Official status was unavoidable. Even though Daniel was a playboy with no real job, his family's connections made him respectable, so the in-laws adored him.
After one cup of tea, Daniel got restless, "Mom, let me see your hand!"
Ruth extended her hand, complaining, "What's there to see? It's all old and wrinkly, dried up."
"Nonsense, Mom's hand is softer than a young girl's, smooth as silk."
Daniel flirtatiously held her hand, stroking it while saying, "Mom, it's a shame you don't wear any jewelry on these hands."
Ruth sighed dramatically, "Just a few old, broken pieces. Wearing them would be embarrassing. I don't have the money for new ones now."
"Mom, I saw a beautiful bracelet last time, but someone already reserved it."
Daniel kept fondling his mother-in-law's hand, smiling ingratiatingly, "Store-bought jewelry is mass-produced. Next time my friend's high-end boutique has custom pieces, I'll pick something beautiful for you."
"Really?"
Ruth was overjoyed but quickly feigned restraint, "You just got married and have expenses. Raising kids isn't cheap, don't waste money."
"Spending on Mom isn't a waste."
Daniel fondled even more eagerly.
Ruth giggled like a young girl, right in front of Luis, as if they were a pair of adulterers, completely ignoring him.
"Ding… Basic function unlocked successfully, displaying now."
"Ding… Only applicable to people you know, ineffective on strangers."
Luis stared dumbfounded, rubbing his eyes to confirm he wasn't hallucinating.
Above Daniel's head, a line of text appeared: Favorability 0, Contempt, Disdain.
Above Ruth's head: Favorability 20% (Worse than a stranger, looks down on him from the heart.)
Footsteps sounded on the stairs, and the two quickly separated. Listening to the sisters' indistinct chatter, Luis turned to look.
Their heads also displayed text. Nancy's read: Favorability 50% (Treats him like a hired housekeeper, stranger-level.)
Lily blushed, her text reading: Favorability 75% (A stable but dull marriage, built on first love and long-term relationship, boring sexual partner.)
Suddenly, the text disappeared, and Luis felt slightly fatigued.
"Display mode consumes energy. Normally hidden, but notifications will appear when favorability changes."
Luis thought this was fine. Otherwise, constantly staring at the numbers above their heads would make him look insane.
"Mom, what are you talking about?"
As the eldest sister, Nancy was worldly and sweet-tongued, not only charming Ruth but also reportedly winning over her in-laws.
Daniel and Nancy claimed they came to see Luis but left empty-handed after eating. Ruth went out to play Cards.
The house fell silent. Lily finally relaxed and nestled into her husband's arms, whispering, "Honey, Daniel said Accountant jobs at Tiger Real Estate pay well after probation, and his uncle is a senior executive there who can help."
"A damn Accountant made to sound like gold." Thinking of how Ruth had beamed while Daniel fondled her hand, Luis felt bitter, "He's the one loafing around, where does he get off lecturing me?"
"Always showing off, making empty promises, and Mom's dumb enough to keep falling for it."
"Just ignore her, honey. She's always been like that."
Lily snuggled closer, saying gently, "Maybe we can talk to Mom again about moving out to rent our own place."
Her eyes sparkled with hope for a couple's private life.
"Don't bring it up. She'll just scold us for wasting money."
Luis knew Ruth's double standards too well. Besides, with the system's tasks, staying close was the smarter move. Only a fool would move out now.
"I'm used to it, but I feel bad for you.", Lily touched Luis's face.
Luis felt dazed. Her body felt soft and full, no longer the bony frame from before.
After a day of adjustment, seeing her lovely face and smelling her faint fragrance, Luis's desire flared. He gazed at her intently.
Lily lowered her head shyly, "What? Is there something on my face?"
"Just a bit of beauty."
Luis lifted her chin gently and kissed her.