Upon hearing what Cheng Su said, Mother Cheng’s eyebrows knitted together. Although the words seemed to make sense, on the other hand, being married and living with one’s husband is quite normal. Not to mention that Qi Taiguo is a military man who scarcely gets a holiday to come home. If they don’t live together, when in the world would they be able to have a child?
Moreover, having children is what’s important. Since ancient times, a woman gains confidence and secures her place in her husband’s family only after giving birth to a son!
Now, although it’s not the old times anymore, given Taiguo’s military status, it’s still sensible to have a son sooner rather than later.
"What you said is right, but it’s not completely right. Your in-laws are still young, not at the age where they need you to take care of them at home. But what about Taiguo? Should a grown man have to wash his own clothes and cook for himself when he comes home from the military?" Mother Cheng said, "Let me tell you, mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law are natural enemies. If you stay in your hometown, it’ll only lead to your mother-in-law’s displeasure, which is not good for you. Out of sight, out of mind, you understand that principle, don’t you?"
"I know, and it’s not that I will never go there, just not for the time being. I have my own judgment!" Cheng Su replied, showing rare patience.
Third Aunt also spoke up, smiling, "That’s right, sister-in-law, don’t worry. Su Girl’s idea is also correct. Staying home for a while before heading there, no one can find fault with that!"
Cheng Su looked at her with gratitude.
"But Su Girl, before you got married, didn’t you clamor about staying with Qi Taiguo? Now that you are legally husband and wife, you’re not in a hurry?" Third Aunt teased her, "Could it be that you’re playing hard to get?"
This puzzled Mother Cheng too, who looked at Cheng Su with suspicion, "Right, before getting married, you were always talking about getting married every three days, and now that you’re married, why aren’t you following Taiguo?"
Cheng Su coughed and touched her nose, thinking to herself that of course it was because she had become a different person, this Cheng Su was not the same as the other Cheng Su!
Of course, these were thoughts she could not voice out loud. Cheng Su smiled and said, "Third Aunt is right, I’m just playing hard to get. You see, the more anxious you are about someone, the more they take you for granted. On the other hand, if you are indifferent, they start to get anxious!"
What a skewed theory. Mother Cheng scoffed lightly and said, "Just go ahead and play your games, but Taiguo’s temper, can it really tolerate your antics? Be careful not to end up crying!"
Cheng Su shrugged her shoulders.
She wasn’t really concerned. After all, relationships are about give and take. If they get along, they stay together; if not, they part ways. She had made an effort, and if it still turned out that they were not destined to be together, then it was what the heavens had decreed.
"Your mother has a point, Su Girl. You’ve always been sharp and competitive by nature. But as the old saying goes, ’Softness overcomes hardness.’ Now that you’re married, you’re an adult and you need to learn to temper your own character, not to wear out someone’s patience!" Third Aunt advised softly.
This was Third Aunt’s heartfelt concern for Cheng Su. Cheng Su was not unappreciative and responded with a smile, "Third Aunt, I understand, don’t worry!"
"Exactly, getting married means you’re an adult now, and you’ve become sensible!" Aunt Cheng smiled with relief.
Cheng Su bowed her head with a suppressed smile, offering no explanation.
However, Mother Cheng, seeing her demeanor, said, "I see she’s good at pretending and acting all earnest." She then seasoned the just-fried peanuts, which had already cooled down somewhat, with salt and handed them to Cheng Su, "Take them up front. I reckon the men have started drinking; give them something to snack on with their liquor!"
Cheng Su cheerfully accepted and carried the peanuts out.
Mother Cheng sighed.
"Sister-in-law, you shouldn’t worry. I think she really is beginning to understand," Third Aunt said reassuringly.
Mother Cheng replied, "Sigh, being a parent’s daughter and being a parent’s daughter-in-law are ultimately different. Her temper worries me. But let’s just wait and see. Life is lived one’s own way. Only if she stumbles will she learn what’s good and bad!"
Aunt Cheng smiled quietly. Having a daughter is just like this; even after she gets married, the mother still worries. This is the difficulty of being a mother.