Chapter 1003: Chapter 876: War of Words
The little one’s clever schemes upstairs were unknown to Zhou Jiao.
Even if she knew, so what? The three fair-skinned sons raised by her, her dad, and Zhang Guoqing had long become black sesame dumplings.
The gentle, cool breeze blew by, making her almost fall asleep comfortably. If it weren’t for Cheng Ruzhu constantly chatting with her mom, she would have drifted into dreamland.
Parents with benevolent hearts always center their lives around their children. Regardless of their education level or family background, they are eager to plan a century-long future for their descendants.
Is that conventional?
No!
Having sons, Zhou Jiao could understand Cheng Ruzhu’s anxieties. Even though she often said that when Ping’an and the others grew up, she would let them fly freely.
But deep down, isn’t she always pondering their future paths? Isn’t she preparing to leave them a vast fortune? Otherwise, what use are those external possessions to her?
"...The second child is now neither here nor there, and I’m most worried. Apart from attending half-day classes, he stays home whenever he has time. Yet, he has the best academic performance, but now the college entrance exam is suspended..."
Miao Lishan overheard these worries, her eyes helplessly drifting to her daughter. She truly didn’t know how to comfort her. Her own Jiao Jiao never had these problems troubling her; before anything even happened, the child had already planned it out herself. Not to mention, whenever she encountered issues, she always consulted her child.
Oh, the worry, she was worried to death for Cheng Ruzhu!
"...What’s the use of having so many sons? The eldest is settled, and now I have to worry about his marriage. Now I understand why daughters age quickly after forty, it’s all from worrying."
Zhou Jiao glanced at her mom from the corner of her eye. This carefree nature of hers, her words might cause resentment if they were heard by a sensitive person.
Isn’t her little aunt just showing off?
Looks like the two of them becoming closer hasn’t been without reason!
If Zhou Jiao hadn’t known how partial Cheng Ruzhu was to her, given even a hint of displeasure, had it been someone else, would she have bothered? See if she’d respond!
Old Mrs. Cheng in the rocking chair beside the stone table swayed gently, and before the lights-out call even sounded, she was already snoring softly, completely unaware as Zhou Jiao covered her with a blanket.
As a result, on this beautiful night, Cheng Ruzhu got emotional and found a confidant.
"You’re really overthinking it, even worrying about your child’s marriage. Listening to you, shouldn’t my little aunt be even more anxious? I remember the eldest is just two years younger than Jiao Jiao, right?"
"I would have forgotten if you hadn’t mentioned it. Didn’t you hear my mom? That child was betrothed since they were young, and this year as the girl turned eighteen, a marriage report was filed."
Miao Lishan nodded. When it comes to the marriage of the Cheng family’s eldest grandson, no one dares to be careless. She had heard Old Mrs. Cheng mention it more than ten times. A well-matched family background, though no one knew what the girl’s character was like?
Zhou Jiao rolled her eyes quietly; this topic strayed further and further. And where are the plans for the wedding going to be? Not a word on the crucial points.
"Have you met the little girl? How does she look?"
Cheng Ruzhu shook her head, "Met her a few times when she was little, then she went back to her hometown which is far from Beijing, and I haven’t seen her since. When she grew up, she followed her parents into the army."
She gestured the height, "She was this tall, a very generous little girl, always smiling. Heard from my sister-in-law that she takes after her mom in appearance."
"Her mom, I don’t know."
Hearing this, Zhou Jiao couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Her own mom, oh... what an answer, truly unbeatable!
"It’s almost lights-out, I’ll head back with Ru Zhu first. Dad, we’d have to trouble you and mom with Yu." Wen Congwen, having had quite a bit to drink and finished the side dishes, bid his farewell.
Mr. Cheng looked at his still-sleeping wife, didn’t wake her, and said, "My dear grandson! It’s perfect for me and your mom since we’re idle anyway. Feel free to come by and sit more often."
"I’ll ask Xiao Wang to escort you back."
"No need, big brother. We can just ride bicycles."
Mr. Cheng waved his hand, "I’ve already arranged with Xiao Chen, no need to bother Xiao Wang. There are some things at home for them to take back along the way."
Hearing the commotion, Cheng Ruzhu came over to persuade, "Dad, I have that at home, just keep them for you and mom. If Yu doesn’t behave, feel free to give him a few whips."
Mr. Cheng glared, "Did your mom and I ever use the whip when you were growing up? Whip Yu? I think whipping you would be more appropriate."
Truly a cross-generational affection! After Mr. Cheng’s reprimand, Cheng Ruzhu shrank her neck and smiled at him. Isn’t this just banter? With the parents-in-law present at home, let alone being reluctant, even if she wanted to act harshly, she wouldn’t get the chance.
Hearing noises downstairs, Ping’an glanced at the clock and wiped the chessboard, "Aunt and the others are going back, let’s head down first."
"What? I was about to win."
Ping’an casually nodded, "Indeed, next time let’s play Go."
Wen Yu touched his nose sheepishly. He couldn’t even beat the little one at military chess, and now Go? Better spare himself the trouble! Constant blows were making him feel discouraged.
He chuckled awkwardly twice and shouted from the window, "Mom, Dad, wait for me, I’ll be down right away."
May 1st looked at his long legs enviously, then grudgingly glanced at his own height, "Uncle, come over for breakfast earlier tomorrow."
"Our May 1st is the most well-behaved."
"Don’t oversleep, you’ll miss out if you’re late." Liu Yi lifted his eyelids, coldly adding a remark.
"Liu Yi, you’re twins, how come the difference is so big? Not cute at all."
"Poor thing, nobody loves."
"Bullshit."
"You’re the cute one! Grandpa I am a real man."
"Tsk..." Wen Yu mocked, "A little kid without a single hair, calling himself a man!"
Liu Yi rolled his eyes, "Many hairs make a gorilla."
"And beasts, they’re all animals." May 1st immediately chimed in, "Congrats Uncle on growing hair."
"You little things, are you two brothers teaming up to mock me?"
"Where? Look, your head is full of hair."
Watching the three walking while bickering, Ping’an’s lips curved into a pleasant arc. The occasional quips from mom and dad had been casually picked up again by his brothers.
He considered himself an adult, wouldn’t join the argument to avoid angering this "Uncle" till he spat blood. A good playmate who’s fun to talk to isn’t easy to come by!
The children’s shouts as they descended the stairs, mingled with the conversation in the courtyard, finally woke the sleeping Old Mrs. Cheng. She sat up groggily.
Seeing this, she smiled and shook her head. Time truly waits for no one, growing old, really old... sleeping at fixed times.
Unlike the others saying their various goodbyes, Little Ping’an had already brought a cup of warm water to her, "Great-grandma, have a sip of water, we’re not in a hurry."
The old lady beamed with joy, "Oh, what a considerate sweetheart." She took a sip and then said, "Not tired? Have some rest early, tomorrow there’s exercise again."
"I’m okay."
Most of Mr. Cheng’s attention was on his wife. Seeing this scene, he smiled approvingly at Zhang Guoqing.
It takes more than just the son’s father; subtle, long-term influence is also needed. It’s clear that the Zhou family’s upper kindness and lower filial piety are inseparable from Zhang Guoqing’s contributions as the son-in-law.
