Luo Xiaoqiong: "...Mother-in-law, it turns out you don’t really like me, you just want a grandson!"
Caught red-handed, Li Aiyuan also wore an embarrassed face. She wanted to remedy the situation but couldn’t find a suitable explanation. In a panic, a thin layer of sweat appeared on her forehead. Zhao Yushan glared at her, "Xiaoqiong has just started working, how can she have a child so soon? You’re making a fuss over nothing!"
"Hehe..." Li Aiyuan chuckled awkwardly, "I was just muddled and blurted out something foolish. Am I not a mother-in-law who considers her daughter-in-law’s welfare? After Xiaoqiong and Qiliang got married, I certainly think of Xiaoqiong’s future first."
Luo Xiaoqiong stood up, smiled at everyone, and excused herself, "I still have a rehearsal to attend, so I’ll be heading back."
Zhao Qiliang also stood up, "I’ll take you." Looking at Chuxia, who also got up, he said, "You stay here to keep your uncle and aunt-in-law company, I’ll take Xiaoqiong."
"Okay, okay, okay," Chuxia replied repeatedly as she sat back down. She chose to ignore the glare Luo Xiaoqiong threw her way.
"You..." Once the two had left, Zhao Yushan tapped Li Aiyuan lightly, his face showing helplessness, "Who speaks without thinking like that? Even if you’re crazy for a grandchild, you can’t spout nonsense like that, can you?"
"Sister-in-law, I know I’m just a junior sister-in-law and shouldn’t interject, but I really must say something. Xiaoqiong is a good girl, we can’t just ruin her future for the sake of carrying on the family line."
Lin Baohe didn’t voice his opinion, but his expression made it clear that he supported his wife’s point of view.
"You don’t have to tell me, I understand these principles..." Li Aiyuan sighed softly, "It’s our family’s gain that Xiaoqiong agreed to marry Qiliang. In terms of character, lineage, and prospects, she surpasses Qiliang in every way. But it’s precisely because of that, I feel even less secure. I just hope she settles down by marrying Qiliang and having a child. I’m really afraid this daughter-in-law might slip away if we’re not careful..." Li Aiyuan glanced at Chuxia and did not continue.
"You’re just worrying about nothing," Zhao Yulan understood her sister-in-law’s thoughts upon seeing her face. Chuxia had only been here for a little over half a month, and a leader had already taken a shine to her, wanting to marry her. It wouldn’t be surprising if Xiaoqiong also caught the eye of some leader at Unit 401.
If the person who took a liking to Luo Xiaoqiong was someone like Zhou Mikang, then it would be hard to predict whom Xiaoqiong would ultimately choose. In some respects, Li Aiyuan’s worries weren’t entirely without reason.
Li Aiyuan let out a wistful sigh, "Speaking of Qiliang’s qualifications, it wouldn’t be difficult to find a wife; if I were not extremely satisfied with Xiaoqiong as a daughter-in-law, I wouldn’t fret so much."
"With Chuxia here, aren’t all your worries unfounded?" Zhao Yushan glared at her, "Unless the two kids themselves want to split up, there’s nothing we can do."
"That’s true, look how bewildered I am..." Li Aiyuan suddenly burst into realization and laughed, "With Commander Zhou around, who would dare to coerce Xiaoqiong? If Xiaoqiong really took a shine to someone else, then it’s no loss if we let such a daughter-in-law go. Look at me, really worked myself into a corner."
On their way, Zhao Qiliang and Luo Xiaoqiong remained silent.
As they approached the women’s barracks, Zhao Qiliang gently tugged on Luo Xiaoqiong’s sleeve, "Are you angry with me?"
"Then it must be my mother you’re angry with."
"With your temperament, happiness and unhappiness are written all over your face, yet you won’t admit it?" Zhao Qiliang said with a bitter smile, "Xiaoqiong, you might think my mother doesn’t consider your feelings, only keen on you having a grandchild quickly. In fact, she’s just insecure and wants to use a child to bind you to the family."
"Ah?" Luo Xiaoqiong stopped in her tracks, looking at him in surprise, "Why would she think that? Why doesn’t she trust me? Haven’t I already given my word, why would she still doubt me?"
"She doesn’t not trust you; she lacks faith in where you are going. Some things can’t be as you wish them to be. Take my little cousin, for example, do you really think she willingly wants to marry Commander Zhou?"
"Exactly," Zhao Qiliang spread his hands, "Of course, from my perspective, I think the match with Chuxia is more than perfect. But I believe neither you nor Chuxia feel that way, right?"
"Yes," Luo Xiaoqiong nodded, "I concede, Commander Zhou is truly accomplished and young. Good-looking and from a good family background, he’s the ideal husband for many girls."