Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife Chapter 1567 - 1568: The Younger Brother’s Future

While Cheng Su was occupied with her work, Mother Qi, who was visiting Qing City for the holidays, dedicated her time to visiting the temple. Her stated reason was to offer prayers for good fortune during the festival, but it was an open secret that her true intention was for Xiao Qi.

Mother Qi’s prayers to the Bodhisattva were remarkably fervent, all in her effort to secure Xiao Qi. Equipped with crutches, she entered the temple with a slow, deliberate pace, engaging in the rituals of kneeling, burning incense, and donating oil with profound sincerity.

Upon Cheng Su’s return home, her in-laws had not yet arrived, leaving only her own parents present.

"Waaah."

The moment Qi Xiaoqi saw her, his lower lip trembled, and he let out a cry, appearing utterly dejected.

"What’s wrong? Are you hungry?" Cheng Su inquired as she lifted her son from Father Cheng’s embrace, asking, "He hasn't eaten yet?"

"He had a bit of formula, but nothing compares to mother's milk, does it? Hurry and feed him, and then you should drink this bowl of stewed chicken with donkey-hide gelatin," Mother Cheng instructed, presenting a large bowl.

Cheng Su shuddered slightly and responded, "Mom, I've already completed my postpartum confinement period. I don't need to drink this anymore, do I?"

During her recovery, her mother had insisted on various nourishing supplements, leading to a considerable weight gain that felt as rapid as a helicopter's ascent.

Mother Cheng shot her a stern look, retorting, "Stop pretending. Many people would love to eat this but can't! That Sister-in-law Song, if I hadn't kept a close eye on the kitchen, she likely would have snuck some already."

This...

"Mom, it's not that serious, is it?"

"It's true. Your mother was in and out of the kitchen countless times after she put that soup on," Father Cheng confirmed. "She claimed she was worried the neighbors might sneak some. Who would do such a thing? It's just your mom being overly protective of her food."

Mother Cheng sniffed indignantly, "You have no idea how peculiar some individuals can be. I caught her in the act once before."

Some time ago, while she was simmering chicken soup, that Sister-in-law Song had furtively lifted the lid, only to be discovered. Yet, she showed no embarrassment, insisting she was merely curious about the nourishing ingredients. Her brazenness completely altered Mother Cheng’s perception of her.

Noticing the door was ajar, Cheng Su advised, "Mom, please keep your voice down."

Mother Cheng pursed her lips and declared, "If she's done it, why should we be afraid to speak about it?" Nevertheless, her voice did drop considerably.

Cheng Su settled Father Cheng into a seat while she took the child to nurse him. After he had fallen asleep, she sat in the living room, enjoying the soup and conversing with Father Cheng.

Father Cheng and the others were staying for the festival, but Cheng Zhi had returned to their hometown with Third Uncle, professing boredom with the city and a desire to spend time with his cousins and friends. Unable to dissuade him, they allowed him to go.

"He mentioned that after the holiday, he intends to travel to Guangcheng with your Third Uncle to start anew. I reasoned that since he's not particularly academically inclined and wishes to avoid repeating a grade, letting him go might offer him a chance to establish himself. After all, your Third Uncle will be there to guide him, so there's no need for worry!" Father Cheng shared Cheng Zhi’s future plans with his daughter.

Cheng Su acknowledged that her younger brother had not gained admission to college, a fact that brought her a measure of regret, though not overwhelming. In the late 1980s, as the pursuit of economic opportunities intensified, it still appeared to be a opportune moment to harness that momentum. If the young man possessed intelligence, he might indeed achieve something significant.

"In my view, arranging a job for him here with you wouldn't be a bad option. A sister, after all, would look after him better than Third Uncle, wouldn't she?" Mother Cheng interjected.

"Mom, it's not that it's impossible to help him here. However, the opportunities in Guangcheng are far greater. In the future, my business endeavors are also likely to expand significantly there. Cheng Zhi would undoubtedly achieve more there than he would in Qing City!" Cheng Su explained.

"Precisely, what do you, with your limited experience, truly understand? Haven't you observed how well your Third Uncle is faring these days?" Father Cheng scoffed lightly.

"Enough, enough, you father and daughter clearly know best. I shall remain silent," Mother Cheng conceded, shrugging before heading to the bathroom to wash Qi Xiaoqi’s diapers.