novelraw Chapter 474 "Seeing that they're not doing well puts my mind at ease"
Chapter 474 "Seeing that they're not doing well puts my mind at ease"
Chapter 474 "Seeing that they're not doing well puts my mind at ease"
Han Meng learned about these things when she returned to her parents' home. She didn't show any emotion at the time and even said a few good words for her husband.
"Zhili didn't mean anything by it, she just wanted to be filial to my parents on my behalf. Dad said it's convenient to have a cell phone, right? This one is black, perfect for you to use. Zhili also gave me a white one, here it is." Han Meng showed off her cell phone.
"Hiss." Old Han gasped. "This... what kind of person did you marry? How come they even have a phone that's supposedly hard to get even with extra money?"
Han Meng smiled and calmly said, "The person who came up with this phone is your son-in-law's cousin, the child of his third uncle."
"The youngest one? The one who didn't have time to come, but sent a big gift?" Old Han asked.
"Yes, that's him."
Upon hearing this, the elderly couple from the Han family stared blankly.
"Incredible, incredible! What kind of family did you marry into? Everyone here is so amazing! All the children of my son-in-law's third uncle are successful. It's truly remarkable," Old Han exclaimed.
Generally speaking, such families will produce a spendthrift son, but the third son of the Gu family is different from the norm.
“His cousin from his uncle’s family is no less impressive,” Han Meng said, showing that she didn’t have the bad habit of praising the powerful while belittling the weak.
As for my uncle's family, the child is still young, but he shouldn't turn out badly.
"That's wonderful. Meng'er, you must live a good life with your son-in-law. The Gu family has a good tradition, and you'll be very fortunate after marrying into the Gu family." Old Han was completely relieved and told his daughter and son-in-law to live a stable life.
Han Meng's sister-in-law looked indignant, her heart filled with jealousy.
She's got the looks, she's eloquent, and she's good at housework, but how come she can't compare to Han Meng, who's lazy and good-for-nothing?
Heaven is truly unfair.
Han Meng had no idea that her sister-in-law was secretly comparing herself to her and even mentally belittling her; otherwise, she would have felt disgusted and vomited.
I had a meal at my parents' house, and if you ignore my sister-in-law's disgusting expression, the meal was actually quite delicious.
Once outside the alley, Han Meng looked at her tall and imposing husband and asked, "Did you do this on purpose?"
"What?" Gu Zhili feigned ignorance.
His eyes were clear, and his demeanor was pure; whatever he said made people unconsciously believe him.
Han Meng couldn't tell for a moment whether he was genuinely stupid or just pretending.
"You did that phone on purpose, didn't you? Trying to get revenge for me, didn't you?" She nudged Gu Zhili.
“I didn’t mean that. That phone was a gift for Dad,” Gu Zhili said.
"Really? I think you're lying." Han Meng snorted twice.
“When have I ever lied? I’m an honest man, and honest men don’t lie.” Gu Zhili pulled his wife forward with quick steps. “Let’s not talk about anything else, I’ll take you out for Western food.”
"Great! I heard a new store opened on West Street..."
The two figures disappeared into the distance.
-
Gu Yu was overjoyed when she moved into the small villa, just like a fish released back into the sea.
He formed a band with several like-minded people.
Gu's mother had seen those children before. They were dressed in strange clothes and didn't look like good kids, but their eyes were clear and their gazes were unwavering. They were also polite and respectful to the elderly.
They are not bad kids.
After seeing the little girl playing with her granddaughter, Gu's mother didn't restrain her. She supported her in doing what she liked and even secretly gave her money.
Gu Yu was almost moved to tears. "Grandma, I don't want your money. My brother and the others have already helped me. We don't need anything."
"Take it!" Gu's mother insisted on stuffing the money into her hand.
"Milk~~" Gu Yu's eyes turned red.
"Alright, go ahead and do what you like," said Gu's mother. "But be careful, don't come home too late tonight, okay?"
"Know it."
Gu's mother wiped the sweat from her granddaughter's forehead and sent her off to play, to water the vegetables in the garden.
Yes, the elderly couple cultivated a vegetable garden.
Father Gu swayed over, leaning on his cane. "Is Little Fish happy now?"
"How could she not be happy to do what she loves?" Gu's mother said with a smile. "It's been a long time since I've seen Yu Yu so happy."
“My second son’s wife is too controlling of Xiaoyu. She won’t let the child do this or that. No wonder she’s unhappy. Luckily, she listens to advice,” said Mr. Gu.
Mother Gu smiled, "When the eldest son's wife and the third son's wife persuade each other together, it's bound to have some effect."
"Yes."
Gu Zhili married his girlfriend of many years, and the young couple lived separately, enjoying a harmonious and happy life.
They lived in the capital and would visit Lin Zhao on holidays. With Gu Zhili acting as a go-between, Lin Zhao quickly became acquainted with Han Meng.
That day, the couple came over for a free meal again.
They brought trendy fruits with them when they arrived.
"Third Aunt, I've brought Mengmeng here again to freeload a meal."
Lin Zhao was painting in her studio when she heard the noise and came out.
"Welcome, welcome. Zhiheng is away on a business trip, and Zhiyao is busy. You've come at the perfect time. Having someone to keep me company will allow me to eat more."
Gu Zhili seized the opportunity and said, "That's easy. I'll bring Mengmeng to have dinner with Third Aunt before Zhiheng comes back."
"That's great." Lin Zhao smiled.
"Third Aunt, you're drawing. Did I disturb you?" Han Meng said shyly.
"I won't bother you. It's just a way to pass the time. If someone talks to me after you arrive, what am I doing staying in the studio?" Lin Zhao comforted her.
"Is Uncle still busy?" Gu Zhili washed the fruit and brought it to the living room.
"When are you not busy?" Lin Zhao said casually, picking up a few blueberries to eat.
“It’s normal for Third Uncle to be busy with so many people,” Gu Zhili said.
Remembering the main purpose of his trip, he continued, "Third Aunt, I have some good news to tell you."
Gu Zhili kept Lin Zhao in suspense, not in a hurry to speak, her clear and bright eyes looking at Lin Zhao, waiting for her to ask.
Lin Zhao asked cooperatively, "What good news?"
“My older sister has a baby now,” Gu Zhili said in a light tone.
"Alan is pregnant, how many months along?" Lin Zhao asked with a beaming smile.
“It’s been three months.” Gu Zhili was very happy for her sister, and her smile was very bright.
"How did she react?" Lin Zhao asked with concern.
“She’s doing great, eating well and sleeping well. Even my mom says she’s never seen such a good pregnancy,” Gu Zhili said.
"That's good," Lin Zhao said. "I'll send her some of the pickled cabbage I made tomorrow."
"That's great! My sister loves Auntie's pickled cabbage the most. Thank you, Auntie." Gu Zhili thanked Lin Zhao on behalf of her sister.
"Don't mention it, we have plenty at home," Lin Zhao said. "If Mengmeng likes them, I'll bring you a few jars too."
Han Meng's eyes lit up, and she said softly, "Thank you, Third Aunt."
After the couple left, Lin Zhao called Gu Lan.
"Alan, I heard from Li Bao that you're pregnant?"
Gu Lan's face flushed, and her voice was tinged with shyness, "Yes, Third Aunt knows too. I was just about to call you to share this good news."
"As soon as I heard the news, I wanted to call and ask how you were doing."
Hearing her aunt's words of concern, Gu Lan felt a warmth in her heart and smiled, saying, "It's alright, there's no reaction yet."
“Our kids know how to care for their mother. I’m glad you’re okay. I’ll send you some things tomorrow, so please make sure you receive them,” Lin Zhao said.
"Thank you for your trouble, Auntie." "It's no trouble at all."
After hanging up the phone, Lin Zhao and Qiao Hui prepared a gift for Gu Lan.
"Sister Qiao must be very experienced. I feel much more at ease with your help." Lin Zhao watched Qiao Hui busy herself.
Qiao Hui glanced at her and said, "Once Zhiyao gets married, you'll soon be holding your grandchildren."
"...I need to prepare myself mentally." Lin Zhao felt a headache coming on when she thought of Qiao Hui's noisy son.
Qiao Hui couldn't help but laugh.
"You'll accept it once the baby is born."
Lin Zhao: "..."
Gu Lan received a generous gift package from the capital, which made her the center of attention in her husband's family, as Lin Zhao sent a complete set of high-quality items.
Her husband's family were intellectuals, and her husband was a boy she met in a math competition when she was in middle school. Neither of the two young people expected that they would meet again after that meeting, and even fall in love with each other in the future and become the most important person in each other's lives.
"Alan, your third aunt sent some pickled radishes that you like. I'll go get you some to whet your appetite..."
Gu Lan was placed on the sofa next to her like a protected animal. She urged, "There really is some pickled radish made by Third Aunt. Hurry up, I want to eat it."
"They're here, they're here."
Seeing their daughter-in-law's hearty appetite, Gu Lan's parents-in-law were very happy.
“A good appetite is important. A pregnant woman needs to eat for two. If Alan eats well, the baby in her belly will be healthy. Alan, take good care of yourself and hopefully have a daughter like you. Our family doesn't favor boys over girls. Compared to a naughty boy, your father and I like daughters much more,” said Gu Lan’s mother-in-law.
She and her husband had discussed it and decided that regardless of whether their daughter-in-law gave birth to a boy or a girl, they would transfer the house closest to the school where Gu Lan taught to her.
Childbirth is extremely harmful to women. Alan's willingness to bear children for her family is depleting her own energy and blood, and they must show some appreciation for her.
“I can’t guarantee that,” Gu Lan said with a smile. “Mom, you know my family…my mom, my second aunt and third aunt all had children before they conceived, so the chances of this baby being a girl are slim.”
Grandma Gu Lan wasn't going to spoil the mood, so she said, "A boy is fine too. He can take after his father. With proper upbringing, he can be raised to be well-behaved and adorable."
Mr. Gu Lan, a refined university professor, adjusted his glasses, disapproving of his wife's words.
Thinking back to when my son was little, did he seem like a well-behaved person?
That guy was a complete devil.
Next spring.
Gu Lan indeed gave birth to a little devil. The moment he was in his father's arms, just as Gu Lan's husband was beginning to feel a little bit of fatherly love, he peed in his father's arms and then burst into tears.
The feud between father and son began on this day.
The child, nicknamed Fatty, was born with a bad temper. He would burst into tears at the slightest thing and wouldn't give anyone any face.
Lin Zhao came to visit and stayed in the ward for half an hour. When she came out, her ears were ringing.
Their eyes were vacant.
She clung to Gu Chenghuai's arm, saying, "Now your grandson has the same temper. I can't handle him, I can't stand it."
Seeing his lover's lingering fear, Gu Chenghuai laughed and said, "Then we won't bring her. We'll hire someone to take care of her. If one isn't enough, we'll hire two. We'll make sure Yaobao is well taken care of and doesn't have to worry her."
Lin Zhao thought to herself, "That makes sense."
She has little patience and can't take good care of children.
Fortunately, we were able to hire someone.
"Why do I get the feeling that you seem to be looking forward to this?" Lin Zhao sized up the man.
"No," Gu Chenghuai denied. "I'm not that interested in those little things."
He imagined having grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and found it hard to accept, even unsure how to treat his grandchildren.
"Really? Maybe it's not the right time yet. Perhaps you'll be looking forward to it in two years," Lin Zhao said.
She felt that her husband looked at the chubby boy with a loving gaze.
"Who knows?"
Next month is Ning Xiao and Gu Zhiyao's wedding day. The third branch of the Gu family is very busy. After visiting Gu Lan and her son, they plan to return to the capital to continue preparations.
Just outside the hospital, I saw two people arguing not far away.
“This is my belly, whether I give birth or not is my business. Given our family’s current situation, this child shouldn’t exist…” The woman shook off the man’s hand, her eyes filled with anger.
The man's expression was restrained, but his eyes revealed impatience. "It is your belly, that's true, but the child in your belly is my child, Jiang Rong's child. I said I wanted this child, and I won't allow you to abort it!"
"You're trying to use this child to please your parents, aren't you? My child isn't a tool, and I won't let you succeed!" Lu Baozhen's expression twisted.
"Am I doing this for you too? This child is the bond; his existence is the key to breaking the ice between us and our family. Are we going to sever ties with our family forever? Lu Baozhen, wake up!" Jiang Rong tried to persuade her.
"I won't listen. I don't want this child. I'm going to abort it!" Lu Baozhen said firmly. Childbirth would deform her body, and she didn't want to have a baby.
"If you dare hit me, I'll divorce you!" Jiang Rong blurted out.
Over the years, he had long regretted it, regretting getting too close to Lu Baozhen, being abandoned by his family, and thus achieving nothing, remaining an ordinary clerk even in his thirties.
"Fine, let's get a divorce. You get the house and all the property, or don't even think about it..."
"Lu Baozhen!"
Upon hearing a familiar name, Lin Zhao and the others looked in the direction of the voice.
It turned out to be an old friend.
Because of the strange things that had happened to his body before, Gu Zhiheng had mixed feelings about Jiang Rong and Lu Baozhen, and couldn't help but silently keep an eye on the couple.
Knowing that they weren't doing well and were nothing like the triumphant figures in the original story, I couldn't help but feel a little sad.
Seeing the two of them tear each other apart, I felt a sense of relief wash over me.
He stood there tall and elegant, looking at me from a distance that was neither too close nor too far. He was wearing a shirt and trousers, his hair was neatly combed, and he exuded the aura of a social elite.
Jiang Rong noticed this, looked over, met Gu Zhiheng's gaze, her expression froze, and her nails dug into her palms.
"Zhi, Zhiheng..." He suppressed his shame and greeted Gu Zhiheng in a seemingly generous manner.
"Jiang Rong." Gu Zhiheng nodded, displaying impeccable manners.
"What a coincidence to see you here."
Lu Baozhen smoothed her long, brown waves with her fingers, stepped forward, and smiled gracefully, "Zhiheng, it's been so long! How about Jiang Rong and I treat you to a cup of coffee?"
Looking at Gu Erzai, who now seemed to be shining brightly, a wave of regret washed over her. If she had known Gu Zhiheng would be so successful, she should have tried to please him more when she was young. Perhaps she would be his wife now, living a life of comfort and ease, instead of like this...
Gu Zhiheng remained silent, and didn't even look at her.
He looked at Jiang Rong and said, "Jiang Rong, I have to go back to the capital first. We'll get together again when we have time."
After speaking, Gu Zhiheng smiled at Jiang Rong and turned to walk towards his car.
They got into the car and drove away.
Lu Baozhen stared at the exhaust fumes, her regret deepening.
Jiang Rong felt like he was being utterly cuckolded, and his anger flared up. He blurted out, "You bastard!"
These words made Lu Baozhen jump up and down.
The couple, whose relationship was increasingly falling apart, stood at the hospital entrance, hurling insults at each other, looking more like enemies than husband and wife.
Seeing that the two were having a hard time, Gu Zhiheng felt relieved and asked the driver to turn up the radio volume so he could hum along.
He sang Cantonese songs with very authentic pronunciation, and his smiling voice was inexplicably captivating.
Gu Zhiyao's lips twitched.
"..."
It's fortunate she was born with a pretty face, otherwise she would just look greasy.
(End of this chapter)