Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife Chapter 1613 - 1614: Particulars
Previously on Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife...
Qi Xiaoqi remained oblivious to Mother Qi’s sharp gaze, captivated by the magical, fleeting scenery outside the train window.
"I just returned from the restroom and noticed some children crying. I assumed Xiao Qi might also be frightened, but he's remarkably calm," Father Qi remarked, his heart brimming with affection as he looked at his grandson, as soft and pliable as a little dough ball.
Cheng Su glanced down at her son. "He simply enjoys observing new things. You wouldn't believe it, but at home, he'll stare intently at the television without a single flicker of movement."
"Children are like that," Mother Qi chimed in.
Born in July, Qi Xiaoqi had just surpassed four months of age. Cradled in Cheng Su’s arms, he was exceptionally well-behaved, making no fuss whatsoever.
Mother Qi, clearly fond of him, clapped her hands together. "Allow me to hold him for a moment."
Cheng Su hesitated briefly before gently handing the baby over. "Mom is tired, little one. Let Grandma hold you for a bit," she murmured to Qi Xiaoqi.
Finally, Qi Xiaoqi shifted his gaze from the window to Cheng Su.
Mother Qi had already secured him firmly in her embrace. Seeing her again, Qi Xiaoqi pouted, on the verge of tears, but Cheng Su gently squeezed his tiny hand. "No crying, Grandma is holding you now."
Seemingly understanding, Qi Xiaoqi's pout remained, his expression a mix of wanting to cry yet refraining, his eyes fixed expectantly on Cheng Su.
"Oh my, does he understand?" Father Cheng expressed his astonishment.
"Our Xiao Qi is quite the clever little one," Mother Cheng stated with pride.
"We are truly indebted to you, in-laws, for your diligent care over these past months. If Grandma’s leg were in better condition, you wouldn’t have been so worn out," Father Qi conveyed his gratitude.
Mother Cheng responded with a huff, "There’s no need for such words. Xiao Qi is my grandson too. Besides, he is such a well-behaved and intelligent child; I find joy in taking care of him. You have no idea, he's become quite the little celebrity in our courtyard, adored by everyone."
From his initial appearance as a wrinkled, red infant, he had now transformed into a soft, fair-skinned baby with cheeks like a little white bun, irresistibly tempting one to pinch them. He was, indeed, utterly charming.
Mother Qi, pleased that he wasn't crying, called him her precious treasure, lifting him playfully as if to kiss him.
Cheng Su quickly interjected, "Mom, when you kiss him, please kiss his head or his forehead. Absolutely do not kiss his mouth."
A flicker of surprise and slight displeasure crossed Mother Qi’s face. Was she not even allowed to kiss her grandchild?
"She’s latched onto some modern saying about not kissing a baby's mouth due to their weak immunity and potential germ transmission from adults, leading to mouth sores or similar issues. It's all rather excessive caution!" Mother Cheng chimed in, seemingly defending Cheng Su while subtly admonishing her.
Mother Qi remained discontented. "Back when Taiguo and her siblings were little, I don’t recall how many times they were kissed, and they all turned out perfectly fine." In her mind, she suspected this was a subtle form of disrespect towards the elders.
As if triggered by her words, Qi Xiaoqi, who had been quiet, began to squirm and cry.
"See, you've startled the child," Father Qi clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "The daughter-in-law is a college graduate; she must have her reasons for saying this."
Mother Qi’s discomfort grew.
Amidst the escalating cries, Cheng Su felt compelled to retrieve Qi Xiaoqi from her mother-in-law's arms. "Mom, I'm not trying to be overly alarmist. I once saw a news report about a child who became gravely ill, even passing away, because an elder kissed them. Sometimes, these seemingly minor details are crucial!"
Indeed, that incident had occurred a long time ago.
"Hmph, hmph, hmph! Nonsense! What talk of death and misfortune! Such inauspicious words!" Mother Qi’s expression darkened.
Cheng Su offered a conciliatory smile and stood up. "I'll take him to the next room to feed him."
As she departed, she could hear Mother Cheng attempting to smooth things over, explaining that when they were alone at home, such precautions, including feeding the baby away from others, were always observed. This explanation caused Mother Cheng to shake her head.