CHAPTER 1390: CHAPTER 1390: IT’S NO USE NO MATTER WHO COMES

Luo Qiao paused for a moment: "Did they say anything?"

Stone lowered his head: "The people who came that day, besides Ning Ziping, included his Big Brother and nephew. Now, it’s not just Ning Ziping who wants to acknowledge me, it’s the entire Ning Family who wants to recognize me."

A bitter smile flashed across his face after he finished speaking.

Luo Qiao reached out and patted Stone’s shoulder: "No problem, you have us. As long as it’s something you don’t want, it doesn’t matter who comes—they won’t have their way. Just focus on heading back to the squad after returning from Qingshan Village. If anyone dares to stir up trouble, I’ll handle them."

While they were talking, Yanyan and Yueyue came over, each carrying a plate of watermelon: "Uncle, Brother Taifeng, have some watermelon."

Stone and Taifeng smiled and thanked them: "Thank you, Yanyan. Thank you, Yueyue."

Rong Daniang followed behind them, smiling: "What would you like to eat tonight?"

Luo Qiao picked up a slice of watermelon: "Daniang, let’s eat out tonight. Sister-in-law Hu has opened a Sichuan restaurant; let’s go support her today."

Rong Daniang said: "Oh, Mingfang really is capable."

Luo Qiao swallowed the watermelon in her mouth: "She had no choice. Soon, Shunxin will go to college. If that money isn’t spent somewhere useful, they’d have no peace in their lives."

Rong Daniang sat down as well: "You’re right. Ever since her husband’s family stirred up trouble last time, she’s completely cut ties with them. But I’ve heard that since then, many people have been introducing matches to her."

Luo Qiao started laughing: "A lot of them are just after the money from the demolition compensation."

Rong Daniang sighed: "It’s not easy for a single woman. But Mingfang is someone who values relationships. She’s focused solely on raising her daughter all these years. It’s not like no one tried to match her before, but she always declined.

At least now, with the compensation, they can live better. It seems even heaven has been kind."

When Lu Yichen came back, he saw Stone and Taifeng: "When did you get here?"

Stone stood up to speak but didn’t expect Xiao Rui and the others to run in through the door and, upon seeing Stone and Taifeng, charged at them: "Uncle, Brother Taifeng!"

The group immediately erupted into chaos.

Luo Qiao then saw Qi Ling coming in after them: "Qi Ling, are you going back tomorrow?"

Qi Ling looked sheepish: "Yes, sis-in-law, I’ll head out tomorrow afternoon."

Luo Qiao responded with a smile: "Why wait for tomorrow afternoon? Leave tomorrow morning and drive your car back. I’ll give you a week off."

Qi Ling flashed a big grin: "Thank you, sis-in-law."

Looking at Qi Ling, who didn’t talk much but was incredibly responsible, she added: "It’s what we should do. Congratulations."

Then she turned to Lu Yichen: "Brother Chen, tonight let’s all go to the Sichuan restaurant Sister-in-law Hu opened to support her. Just consider it an early celebration for Qi Ling. Of course, we also need to celebrate Stone graduating from university and officially joining the military."

When Xiao Ye heard they were going to eat at a restaurant, he cheered and ran around the yard: "Oh, oh, we’re going to a restaurant to eat!"

Luo Qiao laughed at him: "You little rascal, isn’t home cooking good enough for you? Why are you so excited?"

Xiao Ye grinned as he ran into Luo Qiao’s arms: "Home cooking is the best, but I’m excited to go to a restaurant—there are more people; it’s more fun."

As it was getting late, the family got up and headed out.

Elder Rong looked up at the sky: "Bring a few umbrellas; it feels so stifling, it might rain."

Rong Daniang, hearing her husband, turned back into the house, and Xiao Ye ran after her: "Grandma Rong, I know where they are; I’ll go get them."

Seeing her son’s eagerness, Luo Qiao turned to Lu Yichen: "Look at how motivated he is; it’s almost hard to watch."

Lu Yichen chuckled and looked at his wife: "If he’s not motivated when it comes to food, what else would he be? His personality isn’t bad."

Luo Qiao gave him a sideways glance: "I knew you’d stand up for your son."

Lu Yichen laughed and pinched Luo Qiao’s nose: "He’s my son, isn’t he yours too? Xiao Ye may not be as steady as Xiao Rui or as bright and studious as Xiao Yu, but he’s great at socializing and lively by nature—he’s wonderful."

Luo Qiao pretended to pout: "Fine, you’re right. Happy now?"

Lu Yichen leaned closer: "No matter how right I am, I need Qiao Bao’s approval."

Luo Qiao raised her hand to pinch him, but he dodged, looking at her with adoring eyes: "Alright, they’re out; get in the car."

He really nailed it—soon after they set off, the rain began to drizzle.

As soon as they had parked, the rain was pouring down.

This area was filled with restaurants. The rain was heavy, and many people were hiding under restaurant awnings.

Luo Qiao opened the car door, ready to get out, but her gaze landed on a young man outside one of the restaurants in front of them. He was shoving an elderly man into the rain, cursing: "You old fool, can’t you see?"

The old man, pushed into the rain, still seemed stunned. He tried to step back to where he had been standing, but just as he lifted his foot, a young woman said: "Don’t you come back over here—look at how you’ve dirtied my shoes."

There were quite a few people taking shelter from the rain nearby, but none of them spoke up for the old man.

Luo Qiao said to the kids in the car: "Stay here until your uncle and brother come to carry you out."

Then she strode toward the elderly man in the rain.

She raised her umbrella over his head and looked at the young couple under the awning. "Apologize."

The young woman stepped behind the man: "Why should we apologize to him?"

Luo Qiao stared at them sternly, her expression serious: "Is this land yours? Why do you think it’s okay to shove an elderly man out into the rain?"

The girl clung to the young man’s arm, still acting like she was in the right: "He stepped on me; look at how he ruined my shoes."