My Husband Fancies My Whole Family

Liu Qishuang is a fifteen-year-old boy living in Wanjiaba Village with his mother, Liu Congxiang, and his ailing grandfather, Old Man Liu. His father, Xu Shifan, is a live-in son-in-law who is abusive, miserly, and frequently absent. The family occupies a low social standing in the village, largely due to Liu Congxiang’s reputation for prioritizing her husband’s interests over her own family’s welfare. Liu Qishuang endures a harsh domestic life, sleeping in a damp cattle pen while his grandfather suffers from a severe, chronic cough. Despite his difficult circumstances, Liu Qishuang is diligent and kind, often working hard in the fields and caring for his grandfather. He harbors a secret desire to marry into the prominent Wan family, specifically eyeing Wan Dongyang, the third son of the Wan household, whom he views as a potential protector against his father’s violence.

The story begins with a conflict at the village seedling field. Liu Qishuang confronts Wang Chunyu, the eldest son of the newly arrived Wang family, for trampling the Wan family’s rice seedlings. Wang Chunyu falsely accuses Liu Qishuang of pushing him into the muddy paddy field. Wan Dongyang, who arrives shortly after, initially appears to side with Wang Chunyu due to the latter’s eloquent pleading and good looks. However, Wan Dongyang privately recognizes the truth: Wang Chunyu sat down voluntarily to frame Liu Qishuang. To protect his close friend and uncle, Wan Changqing, who is romantically pursuing Wang Chunyu, Wan Dongyang chooses not to expose the lie publicly. Instead, he demands compensation from both parties for the damaged seedlings and orders Liu Qishuang to work for the Wan family as restitution.

Wan Dongyang’s actions are driven by a complex mix of duty, guilt, and burgeoning attraction. He feels guilty for wronging Liu Qishuang and decides to compensate him by providing food and a comfortable environment during his labor. Unbeknownst to Liu Qishuang, Wan Dongyang is also intrigued by the boy’s quiet resilience and distinctive appearance. Meanwhile, Wan Changqing is oblivious to Wang Chunyu’s manipulative nature, believing the younger man’s affectionate gestures to be genuine. Wan Dongyang attempts to warn his uncle about Wang Chunyu’s true character but is rebuffed. The tension escalates as Wang Chunyu continues to exploit Wan Changqing’s feelings while simultaneously antagonizing Liu Qishuang.

Liu Qishuang’s days at the Wan family become a sanctuary from his abusive home life. He performs light chores, such as sorting cotton and crushing grain, and shares meals with the Wan family, who treat him with kindness and respect. Wan Mother, in particular, takes a liking to him, seeing in him the qualities she wishes her own children possessed. During this time, Liu Qishuang’s feelings for Wan Dongyang deepen. He notices Wan Dongyang’s protective nature and the subtle ways he ensures Liu Qishuang is not overworked or mistreated. The relationship between the two boys begins to shift from employer-employee to something more intimate, marked by quiet glances and unspoken understandings.

Complications arise when Liu Qishuang’s father returns home unexpectedly, furious about the loss of piglets that had been taken by relatives. He curses Liu Qishuang and threatens violence, forcing the boy to seek further refuge at the Wan family. Liu Qishuang’s grandfather’s health deteriorates, and he urgently needs medicine for his cough. Liu Qishuang seeks help from the village healer, Old Jiang, who requires loquat flowers as payment. This leads Liu Qishuang to interact more closely with the Wan family, as they possess loquat trees near their home. Wan Dongyang assists him in obtaining the flowers, further solidifying their bond.

The narrative explores the stark contrast between Liu Qishuang’s oppressive home life and the warmth he finds at the Wan household. While his mother schemes to marry him to Wan Changqing for social climbing, Liu Qishuang’s heart is set on Wan Dongyang. The story sets the stage for a conflict between familial expectations and personal desire, with Wan Dongyang caught between his loyalty to his uncle and his growing attachment to Liu Qishuang. The Wang brothers’ manipulative schemes threaten to disrupt the fragile peace, promising future turmoil as their true intentions are revealed.