Mother Qi really did leave as she said they would. Although Cheng Suxin was angry with Mother Qi’s actions from the day before, she wouldn’t completely ignore the matter. She felt mad, yet she had prepared various gifts and local specialties for them to take back, just without speaking to her mother-in-law.
Qi Fenglian couldn’t help but play peacemaker, tirelessly talking about their mother’s wishes and hopes that Cheng Su would understand and not hold a grudge against an old traditionalist.
Cheng Su smiled faintly and said, "Elder sister, I too am someone who responds to gentleness rather than force. I have my plans and intentions. I will have a child, but not now. I’ve made it clear to avoid any future misunderstandings that might hurt our relationship."
"I know, I know all of that. You’re a sensible person, and clever too. It’s the Qi family’s good fortune to have a daughter-in-law like you. Don’t worry, I will talk to Mom and persuade her," Qi Fenglian hurriedly said.
Cheng Su smiled noncommittally.
Qi Fenglian glanced once more at Qi Taiguo who had looked over several times and continued, "Taiguo, he’s someone who values face and has a strong sense of pride. I’ve known it since he was little. He joined the army at a young age, living with many a rough man, influenced by their crude ways. He’s a bit of a brute himself, not good with words, nor with sweet nothings. Don’t hold it against him."
Cheng Su smiled without a word.
"Although he’s a bit of a brute, he has a good side— he doesn’t scheme or play games. You can get cross with him if you need to, but as your elder sister, I’m hoping that you’ll live in harmony. Family unity is the key to prosperity, right? Just forgive him this time, okay?"
To ensure harmony between her younger brother and his wife, Qi Fenglian put forth every effort. Cheng Su smiled and changed the subject, "Elder sister, Mom mentioned having you come to Qing City for work. What do you think about that?"
Qi Fenglian was startled and quickly said, "Mom was just talking. Don’t take it to heart, I..."
"Elder sister, I’m not one for empty talk. Just tell me what you really think— whether you want to come here to work or prefer staying closer to home?" Cheng Su cut her off, "Qing City definitely offers more opportunities than Flower County. If you’re willing to leave your child behind, coming here wouldn’t be a problem. But as for working, in the end, it doesn’t lead to much. Maybe you could consider starting some kind of business for yourself?"
Qi Fenglian gave a wry smile, "The Zhang family isn’t wealthy, we just have those few acres of land, and my husband does some sporadic carpentry. How could we have the money to start a business?"
"Then it’s about looking for work."
"That’s what I’m thinking. As for where to work, I’ll have to discuss it with your brother-in-law first. As for Taiguo’s wife, you don’t need to feel troubled, elder sister won’t make things difficult for you," Qi Fenglian said.
Cheng Su laughed, "Elder sister, there’s nothing difficult about it. I’m also considering opening a branch. If you’ve discussed it and you don’t mind the hardship, you could start by learning at the restaurant, and then help me manage the branch? As for your husband, since he’s used to woodworking, I have a friend who’s setting up a decoration team. If he’s interested, could I connect them?"
Qi Fenglian was delighted, "That would be wonderful." And she asked Cheng Su, "You’re opening another branch?"
Cheng Su nodded, "That’s the plan, although the specifics and when it will happen haven’t been decided yet. There’s no rush; in two or three months it’ll be the New Year, so planning after that won’t be too late. Discuss it with your family, and once you have an idea, just call me."
Qi Fenglian nodded gratefully, truly not expecting Cheng Su to be so generous.
During their conversation, the attendant announced that the bus to Flower County was about to depart. Qi Fenglian and her family quickly said their goodbyes to Cheng Su and left on the bus.