Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife Chapter 5 A Display of Authority

Cheng Su, as the new bride, was required to offer tea to her in-laws, who had already taken their seats in the main hall, eagerly awaiting her.

Having passed away in her past life without ever having a real boyfriend, let alone tying the knot, Cheng Su found this scenario incredibly uncomfortable and bewildering.

Qi Taiguo cast a subtle look her way.

Cheng Su pressed her lips together while gazing at the two elders in their fifties or sixties perched on a pair of shabby Taishi Chairs, her eyes fluttering several times.

Those were her father-in-law and mother-in-law right there. How pitiful for her—she hadn’t even gone on a date yet and now she was married, fated to honor her in-laws and their amiable younger brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, tending to the whole family henceforth.

What an absurd twist! What trial was Heaven throwing at her?

Was she capable of fulfilling this duty?

Cheng Su’s eyelids lowered a bit, a wry smile crossing her face.

Mother Qi, her mother-in-law, observed her frozen in place like a wooden statue, showing no wit at all, and her dislike deepened.

Just look at this dullard. What use could she possibly have? Mother Qi had urged the old man to cancel the deal ages ago. The Qi family wasn’t destitute enough to fret over returning some cash. Why ruin her son’s chance at true happiness over such a petty matter?

If possible, her exceptional son merited a fairy-like bride, or failing that, at least a girl from a cadre family. With the Yue family’s backing, his prospects would shine endlessly.

And what about Cheng Su? Her forebears were vile capitalists, and she was a sharp-tongued troublemaker herself. Hmph.

But this obstinate old fool clung to his pride, prattling about remembering roots and such drivel, hell-bent on linking the Qi family to the Chengs. Mark her words—peace would vanish the moment this bride crossed the threshold.

With these thoughts swirling, Mother Qi’s stare turned icier. Noticing Cheng Su’s continued stillness, she let out a loud cough.

Cheng Su raised her head, locking eyes with her mother-in-law’s scornful glare, her brows arching unconsciously.

Mother-in-law versus daughter-in-law, huh. Judging by the loathing in her mother-in-law’s eyes, harmony seemed far off for them.

"Why are you just standing around? If we old timers aren’t lucky enough for your tea, then skip it and fix breakfast instead. Your father-in-law needs to head to the fields after eating," Mother Qi snapped, her face stormy.

Her opening salvo was full of barbs and prods. Was she trying to cow the fresh bride?

Cheng Su shot a look at Qi Taiguo, who only furrowed his brow faintly without speaking, drawing a bitter smile from her.

From her recollections, Qi Taiguo had never warmed to her, since she’d always called him the fiancé her family purchased. Thus, she couldn’t count on his support just yet.

"The new daughter-in-law just arrived and feels bashful still. Why rush her?" Father-in-law interjected, backing Cheng Su up.

Cheng Su offered a thankful smile, then glanced down at the white porcelain tray adorned with peony and red patterns on the Eight Immortals table, holding a stout white teapot and a few cups.

Approaching it, she poured tea into several cups and presented the first to Father Qi. He took it gladly, sipped, and with a grin passed her a red envelope, declaring, "This is your home from now on. We’re all family—no need for stiffness."

"Thank you, Dad," Cheng Su replied.

Next, she extended a cup to her mother-in-law. Determined to assert dominance, Mother Qi held off taking it, instead lecturing, "Now that you’re wed into this house, you’re the Qi family’s daughter-in-law—no more acting spoiled like at your parents’. Going forward, put your husband’s family first, put Taiguo first, honor your in-laws, and give the Qi family heirs soon. Got it?"

After that tirade, Cheng Su’s lips quirked, inwardly remarking that her mother-in-law sounded straight out of the Qing Dynasty.

"Mother-in-law, tea for you. I’ll prepare breakfast now," Cheng Su said smilingly, setting the cup on the table beside Mother Qi before turning to leave.

A woman of the modern era, she didn’t grasp the old idea of treating one’s husband like the sky—so pardon her ignorance.