CHAPTER 976: CHAPTER 659: DISCUSSION

Today there will be only one update, more tomorrow, okay?

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Regarding Zhou Mikang’s actions, Zhao Yulan and Lin Baohe are genuinely delighted; with their son-in-law caring so much about their daughter, what worries could they have? Thus, when Zhou Mikang returned, the couple’s gaze towards him became noticeably more enthusiastic.

Seeing everyone’s expressions, Chuxia felt a bit helpless and could almost be sure that whenever she had any disagreement with Zhou Mikang in the future, everyone would feel she was the one at fault. After all, how could such a caring man possibly bully her?

Lin Chuqiu didn’t come back inside or make a sound, which left everyone a bit puzzled, and they all turned their eyes towards Zhou Mikang.

"I didn’t say anything. I just split a brick on the ground in half with a slap, and then he just left promptly."

Everyone: "...!!"

For Lin Chuqiu, who was pampered from a young age, timid as a mouse, and terrified of pain like it was a tiger, this action was more effective than anything said!

"I should head back, in case he goes back and complains, causing others to have thoughts, I’ll go over and explain first." Lin Chuchun said as he lifted his foot to walk out.

"I’ll walk with you." Luan Xiaoxiang followed up. She thoroughly admired Lin Chuchun’s approach and, for the first time, felt that this guy, about her age, truly acted like an older brother.

Lin Baojuan looked at Lin Baohe and Zhao Yulan: "Second brother, second sister-in-law, see? The kindness you’ve extended over the years hasn’t gone unnoticed by the kids."

Lin Baohe nodded: "Yes, it was worth it."

Zhao Yulan nodded in agreement. She knew that although Luan Xiaoxiang said she was just walking with Lin Chuchun, in truth, she wanted to go and gather some information. In the past, she would have stopped her, but now that her daughter’s pregnancy was confirmed, she didn’t want her daughter to be disturbed. Still, she appreciated the gesture from both youngsters.

Lin Baohe no longer had any relatives in Dalin Village, and Zhao Yulan had already met all of her family, so even their other relatives didn’t need visits, making it clear that the couple was simply idly staying.

Considering their daughter’s health, the two had already emotionally decided to leave. Sharing a look, understanding each other’s thoughts, Zhao Yulan gazed towards Old Master Zhao and Old Lady Zhao: "Dad, Mom..."

Old Master Zhao waved to interrupt her: "No need to say more, you should hurry back tomorrow. Your mom and I understand. In a few days, once your brother and sister-in-law are free, we’ll all go to City A, and we can even visit Qiliang."

"Baohe, Yulan, this is the decision your dad and I just discussed, don’t delay a day, you’ll never untangle with these people.

If it were any other time, we wouldn’t rush you back, but for now, the less complicated, the better. The first three months of pregnancy must be well taken care of.

There are those with strong bodies who don’t have issues no matter what, but since Chuxia has always been weak, we can’t take any risks. If there were no conditions, we’d have to make do, but since conditions allow now, we must take good care of her.

Chuxia, listen to your grandmother, don’t rush to work or study when you return. At this moment, nothing is more important than the baby you’re carrying. After these three months, if your husband’s family agrees for you to go to work or study, then go; don’t contradict the elders, did you hear?"

After a slight hesitation, Chuxia said: "Grandma, I heard you clearly, but I want to have a thorough check-up when I get back. If all the indicators are normal and I’m physically okay, I still hope to have something to do.

At my age, staying cooped up at home every day will make me feel trapped and, catching up later if I fall too far behind would be troublesome.

Grandma, Grandpa, I really hope to make you proud through my efforts. It’s not that I don’t trust Zhou Mikang, but I hope to be somewhat useful and not rely on him for everything."

Her words indirectly rejected the old lady’s suggestion as she still wanted to study and didn’t want to waste time at home.

Old Lady Zhao looked helplessly at Old Master Zhao.

"Ah!" Sighing, the old man gestured to the old lady, "She’s already a grown-up, about to become a mother, she knows what she’s doing, let’s not worry unnecessarily."

Chuxia felt a warm and sour sense of gratitude in her heart, thinking herself truly lucky to have such understanding parents and such tolerant grandparents. With a serious look, she assured the two elderlies: "Grandma, Grandpa, don’t worry. I won’t act recklessly. Only if the doctor approves will I work or study. If not, I’ll definitely stay home obediently."

Zhao Yulan quickly added, "Dad, Mom, we’re still with her, right? If she gets too stubborn and doesn’t listen, we won’t just let her do as she pleases. Don’t worry."

"And I’m here too, keeping an eye on her." Lin Wenbin said, giving Zhou Mikang a pat, "Besides, we’ve got him here. He shouldn’t have any assignments for the next six months, so with him around, Chuxia won’t act out."

"Big brother, are you doubting me?" Chuxia pouted in dissatisfaction, "I’ve already promised, and you’re still saying this? Isn’t that being too distrustful?"

"My mistake, my mistake..." Lin Wenbin hastily apologized, "Of course I trust you. It’s just that I’m worried Grandma and Grandpa might get anxious. It’s understandable, right?"

"We’re relieved, we’re relieved." Old Master Zhao and Old Lady Zhao exchanged glances and smiled happily, nodding repeatedly. This time, they were truly at ease.

Now that everything was settled, Zhao Yulan felt a bit melancholic. Looking at Old Master Zhao and Old Lady Zhao, her eyes started to redden slightly.

The older they got, the more she wanted to spend time with them. But she couldn’t ignore her own daughter. This conflict in her heart made her feel quite unfilial.

No one understands a daughter better than her mother. Old Lady Zhao smiled at her, "Yulan, your dad and I are still healthy. Besides, traveling by car is convenient now. Whenever you have time, come back with Baohe. We’ll also visit you from time to time. It’s the same, isn’t it?"

"Mm." Zhao Yulan nodded with a choked voice. Just then, a commotion was heard from outside, and everyone inside turned to look; it was Zhao Yucui’s family.

Zhao Yulan and Lin Baohe rushed outside, followed quickly by Chuxia and the others. No matter what, it was their first meeting in the new year, and they had to maintain politeness.

Zhang Xiaoqing seemed even more robust than the last time they met. A thicker fuzz had grown above his lip, and his personality even turned a bit shy. When greeting Chuxia, Luo Xiaoqiong, and Luan Xiaoxiang, his face turned as red as an apple.

"Xiaoqing..." Chuxia looked at him with surprise, "It’s only been a few months, but you seem like a different person! We’re all your sisters, so why are you blushing?"

"He now turns red when talking to girls. It’s not just you all; even with his cousin, he blushes like a monkey’s butt. Your second uncle even took him to the hospital, afraid he had some kind of condition..."

"Mom!" Zhang Xiaoqing glared at Zhao Yucui in annoyance, "If you keep nagging, I’m going back."

"Alright, alright, I’ll stop." Zhao Yucui looked at her sister Zhao Yulan with a helpless expression, "Raising a son is like this; they’re mischievous when young and stubborn when older. Unlike daughters, who are worry-free. Yulan, compared to you, I really don’t dare compare."

"Sis, sons have their good points, and so do daughters. There’s no need for formalities between us sisters." Zhao Yulan replied as she offered seeds and peanuts. "Sis, it’s the New Year; keep your mouth busy."

"I heard you were back, and I was skeptical, so I first went to Xiaolin Village. Turns out you really are back. That’s why we rushed over..." Zhao Yucui looked at Old Master Zhao and Old Lady Zhao, "By the way, Dad, Mom, my elder brother and sister-in-law said you can stay here as long as you want. They’re taking care of things at home, so you two don’t have to worry."

Old Lady Zhao looked at her second daughter and son-in-law with a smile, "Yucui, National Army, there’s good news you might not know. Chuxia is going to be a mom."

"Ah?" Zhao Yucui paused momentarily, then exaggeratedly grabbed Chuxia’s hands, examining her from head to toe. "I was wondering why Chuxia looked a bit fuller, and her complexion was especially good. Turns out there’s such joyful news. That’s wonderful, truly wonderful!"

Chuxia was at a loss. Pregnant women do get rounder, but would her complexion really look that much better? Her second aunt had always had this mouth, even after what happened last time; she’d been sensible for a few days, but soon reverted to form.

Especially now that her second uncle had become the Town Secretary. People treated her second aunt differently than before. Expecting her to be down-to-earth again was probably impossible.

And people tend to remember the bad and forget the good. Back when Zhou Mikang helped rescue her second uncle, her second aunt was grateful for a while. But by now, she’d probably forgotten most of that gratitude. She might even think they didn’t help enough because they didn’t directly transfer her second uncle to the county.

It’s not being petty; it’s just that in this world, she’s seen many sides of human nature, both good and bad.

Moreover, she now feels a distinct difference in her second aunt’s attitude: when speaking to her family, it’s one way; with Lin Baojuan and Luan Qingshu, it’s another.

In her second aunt’s eyes, she and her family are blood relatives, while Lin Baojuan’s family, ever since Lin Baohe’s background was revealed, no longer counted as relatives.

Therefore, to Lin Baojuan’s family, who were just ordinary village folk, Zhao Yucui seemed to have a condescending attitude.

Lin Baojuan’s good nature didn’t mean she was push-over. Noticing Zhao Yucui’s differential treatment, her expression noticeably cooled when she looked at her. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please vote for it on Qidian (qidian.com), your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)