JIM IS HIM

CHAPTER 06

On the same night, Jim didn’t cook Ants Fry. Instead, he made a juicy fry out of lamb chops, which made Marc completely forget about the fact that Jim was supposed to cook Ants Fry.

Everybody except Marc didn’t praise the dish.

“Today’s dish is a bit strange,” Lola, his mother-in-law, said. “Did you change the recipe this time?”

“No. Is it bad?”

“It’s not bad, but it’s strange.” She looked at her daughters who also said the same thing.

Jim tasted the curry, but he felt its taste to be normal.

Lola then openly took out a hundred dollar bill from her purse and handed it to Jim. She would do this every night after dinner. Jim would use this money for buying groceries and paying other bills. If there was any pocket change, he’d keep it because Lola told him to.

However, it wasn’t just Jim who received money every night. Shiney also asked her mother for her pocket money. Lola, depending on her mood, would give her daughter a weekly allowance of anywhere between 100 to 1000 dollars. To put it simply, Shiney received more for her pocket money than what it cost for Jim to buy groceries and other things for the family per week.

Jim would be lying if he said he wasn’t upset about that, but he never acted up for this reason, either. He only minded his business.

“By the way, Lola,” Marc respectfully spoke with his wife, “how are things going on your side? Have you managed to contact the people of Draknor Finance?”

“I am, but it’s not proving to be easy,” Lola sounded a little disappointed. “Their standards are too high… just like their egos.”

“Still, don’t give up. You’re the most talented financier I’ve ever seen,” Marc tried to motivate her.

“Thank you, Marc. I’m going to join Draknor Finance one day and fulfill my dream,” she said with certainty.

“I’ll always support  you,” Marc said and then once again raised his bum in Jim’s direction.

A brief silence followed.

“You are farting too often lately, Dad,” Shiney said with a poker face. “You should get yourself looked at.”

“I would if I could afford visiting a doctor,” Marc pitifully said.

“Tch,” Lola took out 500 dollars and put it on the table. “I want you to show me the hospital bill.”

“Of course,” Marc gladly pocketed the money. “You’re truly kind-hearted, my dear.”

After dinner, Jim washed dishes. It took him almost 45 minutes because there were a lot of dishes to be cleaned tonight.

[I feel bad for you, Jim.] Anne said.

“Why?” Jim asked casually. Considering Anne’s personality, the words she spoke didn’t really fit her according to him.

[You sold your restaurant and gave 4.3 million dollars to Lola.] Anne said. [Not only did she clear her debts with that money, she also started a finance business. Now, she’s become one of the richest people in this neighborhood, all because you helped her and her family four years ago. But now, look at how she’s treating you, giving you a hundred dollar note every night like throwing biscuits to a dog.]

“She’s not as bad as you make her sound to be, Anne,” Jim confidently said. “She’s just very careful and conservative. That’s why she doesn’t give me more money everyday.”

“Bullshit. She gives her younger daughter a lot of money right before your eyes, and you still can’t see through her?]

“Shiney will cry and start destroying things if Lola doesn’t give her money,” Jim reasoned. “That’s why Lola has no other option but to give her money.”

[I think that’s just an excuse.]

“Stop trying to spoil my relationship with others,” Jim coldly said. “I know you can do all sorts of complex calculations, but I know what kind of a woman my mother-in-law is more than you can ever know, so don’t give me unnecessary lectures, got it?”

[But she has completely wrapped you around her finger. I’m sure you can see that as well, but you’re not fighting back because you’re not able to make Rena pregnant.]

Jim pursed his lips. “I’m going to change that.”

He went to his room and took a bath before coming back to the dining table and consuming the bean soup. After chewing on a mouth freshener, he went to Rena’s room and knocked on the door.

Nothing happened.

He knocked again.

A moment later, his mobile rang. It was Rena calling, so he answered.

“What?” she asked.

“Open the door. I want to come in,” Jim stated in a somewhat commanding tone.

“For what?”

“I ate lots of beans today. I think I can do it,” Jim said, albeit a bit hesitantly this time.

“You said the same thing a week ago,” she uttered in a tired voice. “I don’t have time for this, Jim. I have important work tomorrow, so go to your room and sleep.”

“I’m standing outside until you open the door,” Jim added.

“Do what you want,” she ended the call.

“Ugh,” Jim put the phone in his pocket and crossed his arms. He just stood outside the door as he said he would.

Seconds passed.

Seconds added into minutes, but the door didn’t open. He didn’t even receive a phone call, either.

Jim’s expression stayed stiff as minutes added up into hours.

The next morning.

Lola was the first to wake up, and she called Jim for her bed coffee, but he didn’t respond. She came outside to look for him, only to find him standing outside her daughter’s room.

“Jim, what are you standing here for?” she asked him. “Go and make coffee.”

“Sorry, but I need to talk with my wife first,” Jim said with a stiff face.

“Huh?” Lola didn’t get what the issue was, but she started knocking on the door. “Rena, wake up!”

After ten knocks on the door, Rena opened the door. “What is it, Mom?” She was surprised to see not just her mother but also Jim. Judging by his posture, his red eyes, and the rigid look on his face, she said, “Wait, were you standing here the whole night?”

“I am,” Jim stepped forward and entered the room before turning around to look at his mother-in-law. “I’m going to take a leave for today, so don’t bother me or your daughter about anything. Don’t let anyone knock on the door, either.”

“What are you…” Rena was saying, and Jim shut the door in his mother-in-law’s face and then turned to face Rena. He had this heated look in his eyes, as if he wanted to eat her alive. Clearly, he was angry that she made her stand him for a whole night. “J-Jim, you’re not in the right mood. This isn’t the time to—”