Cheng Su had transmigrated, and although she had taken over the body of the original owner who had parents and siblings, to be honest, because they were not her biological parents and she hadn’t spent much time with them, she lacked a sense of belonging with them.
It was only now, watching her protective Father Cheng and her Mother Cheng, who looked at her son-in-law with complaints in her eyes, that Cheng Su felt a sense of belonging, and the warmth and love of parents.
It was only just now that she felt that she was not alone in this world, that she too had parents and family. Although Mother Cheng could sometimes be quite harsh with her words, her intentions were always for her good.
Cheng Su was moved. She wiped the corner of her eye and a smile curled up at the corners of her mouth.
Qi Taiguo’s scalp exploded, and he hastily made his position clear, "Father-in-law, I dare not fail to protect her. It’s just that I haven’t done well normally, but I truly want to spend my life with Susu. I’ve never thought about divorcing her. I—I love her!"
Cheng Su was stunned for a moment, then glared at Qi Taiguo. She had never heard him say that before!
"Taiguo, just saying you love her is not enough; it’s about how you act. I understand that a wife can be changed, but a mother cannot. It’s right for you to be filial to your parents. But between your mother and Susu, I hope you can stand more on her side. You should know that in the eyes of the Qi family members, Susu is just an outsider. She can only rely on you, and you alone," Father Cheng said, shaking his head.
Qi Taiguo’s face was full of guilt, and he nodded, "Father-in-law, I understand."
"Your mother-in-law and I, naturally, also hope that you two can live together for a long and happy life, but our daughter is our own flesh and blood. Even if she is married, she is still our daughter; that can’t change. If one day you fail to protect her, the doors of the Cheng family will always be open to her. Even if the two of us old men are gone, she still has her brother." Father Cheng looked at Cheng Zhi.
Cheng Zhi then said, "Brother-in-law, I’d like to side with you, but this time, my dad is right." So, that’s where he stood.
The Cheng family’s united front made Qi Taiguo feel like he was on the verge of a great battle, pouring wine for his father-in-law with trembling hands while seeking Cheng Su’s help.
But Cheng Su acted as if she didn’t see it.
Qi Taiguo’s face crumpled with distress.
At the Qi family, the mood was also somber. Father Qi was very uncomfortable inside; who would feel good after such discord during the New Year festivities?
So, after barely touching his food, he retreated to his room.
The great-aunt’s face was unpleasant as she said to Mother Qi, "He better not be showing his displeasure with me!"
Mother Qi forced a smile, "Big sister, how could that be? Old Qi has always respected you the most. He’s probably annoyed with Taiguo’s wife. We can’t even have a peaceful New Year." Upon hearing this, the great-aunt snorted, scoffed, and said, "Your daughter-in-law really needs to be dealt with properly. Otherwise, sooner or later, she’ll turn the Qi family upside down, and it’ll be renamed the Cheng family!"
"I’d like to see her try!" Mother Qi slammed the table.
Not far away, Zhang Jisheng took Qi Fenglian by the hand and said, "Let’s go back tomorrow. We’d better not get involved in the muddy waters of your maternal family."
"But, Taiguo’s wife has already gone back to her parents’ home; how can we just leave now?" We should at least coax Cheng Su back home first!
Zhang Jisheng said, "Are you being foolish? If we don’t go back, and things get even more chaotic, who are you going to support here? No matter whom you support, it won’t end well. It’s better to leave cleanly, and no blame can fall on you. Besides, you’ve already arranged the time to start work with her." He paused, then added, "At most, before we leave tomorrow, we can visit the Cheng family as relatives!"
He rarely had constructive suggestions, but this one made sense. Qi Fenglian thought for a moment, then agreed. Moreover, she felt that the great-aunt was somewhat unrelenting.