After confirming the size and location of the homestead the couple wanted, Liu Shouren hurriedly bade farewell.
No matter what, he didn’t stay for the lunch the couple planned to cook together.
Being inadvertently or deliberately shown off, he can finally say he’s moved on from initial gratification—habit—numbness, to the point of not wanting to see it anymore, right?
He’s not the teased single dog by his wife, so naturally, he has no interest in staying to be fed dog food.
With his brother-in-law gone, Lianshan naturally rejected Shuzhen’s idea of cooking together.
Are you kidding? Even if your body is very good and your appetite is healthy, you’re still pregnant!
Previously, she insisted on making the braised tofu she’s best at and his brother-in-law loves. Now that he’s gone, there’s no need to cook.
Shuzhen gritted her teeth. Compared to those in the village whose first child might get some attention but after the second or third there’s no special treatment, who still have to work for labor points just before delivering, and go back to washing clothes, cooking, and feeding pigs within a week postpartum, she’s fortunate. Although being banned from entering the kitchen, it’s because of his loving care.
He’s worried about you, scared you’ll bump or exhaust yourself, that’s why he’s doubly cautious!
But even knowing the reason, she isn’t pleased to suddenly find herself unable to do anything, right?
Lianshan sneakily glanced around. Great, the eldest son is at school. The twins are out playing, not home, and even little Xinyue has been taken out by the second aunt for a walk.
Seeing the great opportunity, he couldn’t resist pulling his coy wife into his arms, planting a deep kiss on her pouting red lips.
"Hey, hey you. Rogue! So shameless, what if second aunt suddenly comes back with the children?" Shuzhen’s pretty face blushed, her small fists tapping on someone’s chest like rain.
"Yes, rogue, exclusively yours. So, are you a bit happier? If not, your hubby can work harder!" Lianshan chuckled, unable to resist kissing her blushing earlobe shyly.
"Bah, who, who wants you to work harder? Shameless!" Shuzhen glared, like a cat whose tail was stepped on, puffing up immediately. Her small fists rose again, making a fierce gesture. Clearly telling Lianshan to shut up, or he’ll definitely get beaten.
But with the atmosphere just right, and feelings high, how could Lianshan think of stopping?
Not only did he continue, but his mouth became increasingly unstoppable: "Except for you, no one else has this privilege. After all, your husband is principled, determined to only be rogue for you, never wavering for a hundred years! My little Lianshan is also only responsive to you. Don’t believe it, try..."
Almost caught in the act as someone’s hand was about to test an indescribable place, the sound of the gate opening, the twins’ cheerful voices came in: "Mom, Dad, we’re back. We brought brother back too. What delicious food are you making?"
Shuzhen nearly caught by the kids felt like dying of shame but watched a certain mischievous rascal jump high as if jolted. Quickly grabbed her floral apron and awkwardly disguised himself as cooking. Resulting in cracking an egg straight into the slop bucket, leaving the eggshell in the bowl. The embarrassment flooded into laughter, well, good advice ignored led to a public declaration of some intimacy.
Now he’s frantic, isn’t he? Made a fool of himself, didn’t he!
"Mommy, Mommy, why are you laughing? Your face is red."
"Exactly, exactly, what’s so funny, Mommy’s crying from laughing!"
Chenchen and Xinzhi grabbed Shuzhen’s arms left and right, very keen to get to the root of it.
"Laugh, laugh at your stupid Dad! Just now he cracked an egg into the slop bucket, leaving the shell in the bowl. Tell me, isn’t that funny?" The best way to clear oneself is to find a scapegoat! For her innocent good mother image, Shuzhen unhesitatingly sold out a certain mischievous rascal.
"Hehe, really! Dad is even dumber than Zhi Zhi (Chenchen)!" Despite being born together, Chenchen and Xinzhi weren’t very loving, answering in chorus, easily comparing their clueless Dad with each other.
Then, the two little ones exchanged glances, snorted coldly, and turned their heads away in unison.
"Chenchen, Zhi Zhi, how can you say that about Dad? Quickly say sorry to Dad, say you didn’t mean it. Filial piety is our nation’s greatest virtue, it’s a lifelong lesson for us as children. How can you mock Dad? And Chenchen, how many times have I told you, you’re the eldest, it’s your duty to protect and care for your younger sister. And Zhi Zhi, as the younger sister, you should respect your brother.
Quickly apologize to Dad and then write a hundred characters of ’Filial Piety’ for me!" Lian En, just a few steps behind, having heard the twin’s words clearly, frowned and spoke.
Just short of those few minutes leading to a lifetime of supporting her, backing her, helping her out and wiping the slate clean or something. Lian Chen also endlessly regretted why he insisted on those few moments back then?
Of course, he didn’t dare say this to the eldest who loved teaching them to write and more loved punishing them with coping writing when they were wrong. Otherwise, Lian Chen was sure they’d have to write not just one hundred characters.
Seeing the twins wilt like eggplants after Lian En’s few words, Shuzhen couldn’t help feeling a bit sorry. Plus, it was she who started it!
She opened her mouth to plead for leniency when Lian En looked over seriously: "Magnifying others’ mistakes and making fun of them is really not right for Mom either. As your son, I wouldn’t dare say much to Mom, but I hope you won’t do that anymore in the future. After all, teaching by example, your every word and action influences us children a lot."
Being shielded by the son’s words against the wife again, Lianshan felt mixed delight and sorrow, delighted naturally that his eldest wouldn’t fear being punished by his wife to protect his dad.
Sorrow though, because this boy spoke up with justice.
Lian En’s words were justified, touching the core. Even if he pointed out inadequacies in his mom’s actions, Shuzhen didn’t think her son was rebellious or unfilial. She’d only be pleased that he’s principled, daring to speak, and good at pinpointing key issues.
But, but being the trigger for his wife being called wrong by the devilish son was unfortunate!
Afraid his wife might sympathize with the second aunt who’s busy for their family year-round and give her five to eight days off without a holiday. Then play boys with boys, girls with girls in one room. She’d sleep soundly cuddling her precious daughters, leaving him tossing with two boys unable to sleep, simply thinking about it makes Lianshan extremely opposed!