Although Qi Taiguo had told Cheng Su not to worry about his mother staying in the old house, Cheng Su still secretly made a phone call to Father Qi back in her hometown.
Father Qi was relieved to hear that the couple was together. As long as the two of them were doing fine, the family hadn’t fallen apart.
"Taiguo’s wife, your mother-in-law is a bit confused. Marrying into our Qi family has been tough on you, but rest assured, Dad will take care of it," Father Qi promised confidently. "Just focus on living a good life with Taiguo and don’t worry about the family. I won’t let her bother you two."
Cheng Su said, "Dad, it’s really not so bad. Taiguo treats me well and so do you. Dad, now that the punishment is done, let Mother come back. The old house is so remote and it’s been unoccupied for quite a while. It would be bad if something happened and no one was there to help."
Father Qi sighed. "Don’t worry about her. Let her reflect on her mistakes first before we talk about it."
Cheng Su urged, "Dad, that’s enough. We can’t leave you folks without anyone to look after you."
"Alright, alright, I know you are filial. Dad has his own judgment. Ah, you two just live your lives peacefully!" Father Qi felt reassured in his heart.
Cheng Su gave a few more words of advice before hanging up the phone.
Father Qi put down the phone, thanked the village secretary, and walked away in a pleasant mood.
Now it was good. His daughter-in-law had cooled down, and for sure she and Taiguo could live a happy life together!
As for the wife at home, she still hasn’t admitted her wrongs. Hmph, truly unrepentant.
Father Qi shook his head. He had been wronged before too. How could he not empathize?
Mother Qi had no idea that Father Qi was scolding her; she was delirious with a fevered brow!
As for Qi Fengping, after breaking up with Brother Qiang, she returned home with a face full of sweetness, her mind filled with his flattering sweet nothings.
These college students are different. Everything they say sounds so nice.
"Where have you been?" Upon arriving at the doorstep, Qi Fengping ran into her father. Father Qi glared at her disapprovingly, looking like a glamourous mess, not at all proper.
Qi Fengping uttered an "Ah" and dodged the question, "I went to play with my younger sister."
Father Qi huffed, pointing at her mouth, "What is that ghoulish stuff on your lips? Looks like you’ve eaten blood. It’s hideous. Take it off already! What kind of appearance is this?"
Qi Fengping pursed her lips. Such an old fogey, just like what mom says.
Mom... Oh no!
Qi Fengping’s face drained of color, and she turned and ran.
"Where are you off to now? Aren’t you going to cook dinner?" Father Qi shouted.
"Dad, I need to ask mom about something. I’m heading over to her place," hollered Qi Fengping.
Father Qi’s face darkened.
Qi Fengping, breathless from running, reached the old house. It was deathly silent. She let out a breath and called, "Mom, I’m here!"
Silence. No response.
Qi Fengping panicked and hurriedly strode forward, pushing open the decrepit door while calling for Mother Qi as she made her way to her room.
"Mom, where are you?" Qi Fengping entered and immediately saw Mother Qi lying on the bed under a blanket, life and death unknown.
Qi Fengping turned pale, let out a piercing scream, and trembling, went to check on her.
Mother Qi’s face was flushed, her brow deeply furrowed, breathing rapid. Qi Fengping put her hand to her forehead; it was so hot it could fry an egg. She couldn’t help but cry out.
She hadn’t meant to forget on purpose; this wasn’t her fault.
What to do, what to do? Right, find Dad. This ploy should work now!
Qi Fengping ran out again, not even thinking to provide a cold compress for her mother’s fever, truly failing her mother.