Madam Zhou became even more dejected as she sensed Old Lady Zhou’s indifference, her smile on her face faint and uncertain.
"Second sister," Lady Liang squeezed her hand in a comforting gesture.
Madam Zhou shook her head, indicating she was fine.
At that moment, Madam Lu entered, welcoming her own family members, and Old Lady Zhou stood up with a smile.
Old Lady Lu, beaming, congratulated, "My dear in-law, congratulations, your patience has finally paid off, your patience has paid off indeed."
Old Lady Zhou took her hand and replied, "We share the joy."
The one who had succeeded was her son, but Zhou Xuennian was also her son-in-law, and as the saying goes "A son-in-law is half a son," so when the son-in-law flourishes, the daughter also benefits; thus, Old Lady Lu also had reason to celebrate.
"I always said our son-in-law was bound to achieve success. I did not observe a half-month of vegetarianism and prayers for nothing. Look, it’s worked," Old Lady Lu exclaimed dramatically, "It just shows that fortune takes its turn, and this time, it was our turn."
Lady Liang, impatient with her elder sister’s in-laws, quietly tugged at Madam Zhou, intending to sneak out with her.
Madam Zhou, too, didn’t want to be with Old Lady Lu and her group, so she stood up, intending to leave.
"Oh, is this the auntie? Look at this demeanor, you appear even more radiant than when your Xueli got married," Old Lady Lu caught sight of Madam Zhou, squinted her old eyes slightly, and scrutinized her from head to toe.
Indeed, as Zhen Zhu had said, Zhou Yingmei was well-hidden; looking at her attire, one would think she was some noble young mistress.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t a phoenix but merely a wild fowl.
"What’s this? Why does the auntie walk away as soon as I arrive? Are you showing us disdain?" Old Lady Lu laughed mockingly, though her words were unpleasant.
Madam Zhou’s face turned red, and, pressing her lips together, she stammered, "No, it’s not like that."
Lady Liang stood up, smiling as she smoothed things over, "It’s not that we disdain our in-law, I’ve made two sets of baby clothes, and I wanted my second sister to take a look." As she spoke, she touched her belly, which had not yet fully shown.
Old Lady Lu retorted, "When is there not time to take a look? Today is your uncle’s big day; staying with the guests is what matters."
Lady Liang, already displeased, now felt even more so, but her face revealed nothing as she responded, "With my elder sister here, that’s enough. Besides, my mother-in-law is here overseeing everything. I, being the junior, should go outside and see if there’s anything that needs to be taken care of, shouldn’t I?"
Without waiting for Old Lady Lu to respond, Lady Liang again pulled at Madam Zhou, "Second sister, come help me."
With that, she tugged at Madam Zhou to make a bow, and the two of them walked out the door.
Old Lady Lu huffed but knew that today was her daughter and son-in-law’s special day, so she did not say anything else, and instead forced a laugh and began to exaggerate her merriment.
Outside the door, Madam Zhou and Lady Liang exchanged looks, both revealing a bitter smile.
Due to Old Lady Lu’s interjection, Madam Zhou dared not linger longer, lest she further offend someone or give them reason to gossip, displease her mother, and so she decided to avoid further conflict.
As a result, after the meal, Madam Zhou informed Lady Liang that she would take her leave.
"Second sister, I really did not host you well today," Lady Liang said with an expression full of contrition.
Madam Zhou patted her hand and replied, "What are you saying this for, we’re family? No need for you to see me out, I’m leaving."
Lady Liang nodded and watched her leave.
With her head lowered, Madam Zhou walked out of the Old Zhou family home, and not paying attention, bumped straight into someone.
"Watch where you’re going," Hongyu said, supporting Madam Zhou from behind and glaring at the person in front.
Zhou Dajun looked at Madam Zhou in a daze, then at his hand, his ears flushing red.
Madam Zhou didn’t seem to mind and simply smiled at her nephew before walking away.
Zhou Dajun watched her retreating figure disappear, and thinking of the soft sensation his hand had just encountered, as fluffy as cotton, his face grew hotter.