Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife Chapter 1571 - 1572: Comparing People, Comparing Corpses
Previously on Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife...
Old Master Cheng’s rare visit meant Cheng Su wished to personally show him around. However, the elder stated that with both her in-laws and natal family present, and young children around, she shouldn’t be away for extended periods. As for him, he’d be well-entertained by Cheng Yaozu and Ying Xiaoya. Thus, Cheng Yaozu and the two little ones took on the duty of accompanying Old Master Cheng, while Cheng Su attended to other pressing matters.
For the Mid-Autumn Festival, several families convened for a meal. Cheng Su’s modest home couldn’t accommodate everyone. Since they owned a restaurant, Cheng Su decided to reserve it for a grand Mid-Autumn dinner.
Mother Qi suggested that since Qi Fenglian and the aunt’s family comprised only women and children, and given they were dining at the restaurant, they might as well extend an invitation to them.
Cheng Su, being generous, readily agreed to accommodate a few more guests.
Within a spacious private room, two tables were occupied. It was the first time such a large group was celebrating together, making a lively atmosphere unavoidable. Little Qi Xiaoqi, nestled in Cheng Su’s arms, gazed around with wide, fascinated eyes, his adorable expressions captivating everyone. Ultimately, he found himself in Old Master Cheng’s embrace.
Mother Qi observed this with a pang of sorrow and envy, tinged with a sense of isolation. Yet, there was little she could do; her grandson’s preference was beyond her control.
"Did you not go to the temple to offer prayers?" her aunt inquired discreetly.
Mother Qi responded, "I did pray. But for some reason, Xiao Qi still refuses to be held by me."
"Could it be that your daughter-in-law has been speaking ill of you to the child, causing him to harbor ill will and refuse your embrace?" the aunt speculated with a sly grin.
Hearing this, Mother Qi’s expression soured. She retorted, "How could you possibly say such a thing, Big Sister? Xiao Qi is merely a month old; what could he possibly understand? Harboring a grudge is even more absurd."
Despite her inner distress, she detested any criticism directed at her grandson, even from her own sister.
The aunt pursed her lips, about to voice further remarks, but Liu Wenjing, standing nearby, gently tugged her sleeve.
"What are you doing?" the aunt’s voice rose in displeasure as she turned to her daughter-in-law. This attention drew the eyes of everyone present, causing the elders’ faces to flush with embarrassment and confusion.
An abrupt silence fell upon the room, a tense atmosphere pervading the air.
"Giggle."
The baby’s cheerful laughter shattered the awkward spell, capturing everyone’s attention. Little Xiao Qi was beaming in Old Master Cheng’s arms.
"This little fellow certainly enjoys a good laugh," Cheng Yaozu commented with a chuckle. "His future fortune is bound to be exceptionally bright."
"Naturally! He is my son!" Qi Taiguo declared with evident pride.
"Listen to you boasting. Xiao Ya, we ought to have a beautiful daughter soon to make him green with envy," Cheng Yaozu remarked, his arm draped around Ying Xiaoya’s shoulder.
Ying Xiaoya, her cheeks dusted with a blush, lightly swatted his shoulder, eliciting amusement from the assembled company.
Deng Weiqiu observed the scene from the sidelines, her heart heavy with envy. She truly understood how comparing oneself to others could be discouraging, especially when some individuals were blessed with such fortunate marriages.
Consider Cheng Su, for instance. She married the eldest cousin despite her family’s modest background. Yet, the eldest cousin had distinguished himself, and she herself was remarkably capable. What drawbacks were there now? Their tender interactions clearly indicated a strong marital bond.
As for herself, there seemed to be no promising future in sight.
The atmosphere regained its cheerfulness. Cheng Su, as the hostess, engaged in the most conversation, celebrating her sister-in-law’s successful university admission. The extended family continued their lively chat and laughter, effectively eclipsing the aunt’s brief moment of unpleasantness.
And the aunt? Who paid her any mind? She simply lowered her head to her food, muttering discontentedly to herself. However, her discomfort was entirely self-inflicted, a consequence she could not attribute to anyone else!