In this life, Liu Dasheng finally straightened up!
Watching him fuss over his wife and stepdaughter, Xia Wei Liang could finally put her mind at ease about Sun Xiao Mei.
Aunt Qian couldn't sit still and came over that evening.
Not changing her usual style, she started wailing at the doorway, talking about how sons abandon mothers for their wives, and how she raised a son for nothing. A few villagers came out to watch the spectacle.
Hearing that Liu Dasheng had voluntarily left home and gone with his wife to Xiao Mei's place, even more people came to watch the commotion.
No matter how much Aunt Qian cried and argued outside, the gate remained firmly shut, and not a single person emerged from inside!
This enraged Aunt Qian. She stood up and started banging on the door, this time not cursing her son but Chen Zhi and her daughter, Sun Xiao Mei.
She had barely uttered a few curses when the door suddenly swung open, almost causing Aunt Qian to stumble inside.
Chen Zhi glared, her eyes spitting fire, "Who are you cursing? What did my daughter ever do to you that you're cursing her? You're already an old woman, can't you have some dignity as an elder?"
Aunt Qian was just hoping someone would argue with her and was about to curse back, hands on her hips.
Unexpectedly, Liu Dasheng also came out. He pulled his wife behind him, and in front of the entire village, showed a man's responsibility for the first time.
The villagers hadn't seen such a scene in a long time, and it was thoroughly enjoyable!
They weren't unaware of the life Chen Zhi had endured in the Liu family. And Xiao Mei, living alone at such a young age, only dared to secretly visit her mother when she missed her. Who wouldn't feel pity for her? And who among them didn't secretly resent the Liu family and Aunt Qian?
Someone nearby chimed in, "Everyone has their hardships, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't let a mother and daughter see each other!"
"Exactly! Xiao Mei is only ten, and her parents are gone. We all feel sorry for her! How can someone be so heartless?"
Aunt Qian's face turned pale, then red. She was truly in a predicament now.
Seeing her son's determined stance to stay with his wife, Aunt Qian began to panic. What if her son really left?
And her grandson, her Zhuang Zhuang!
Just then, Shen Chun Hua arrived.
She pulled Aunt Qian aside and advised, "Aunt Qian, why are you making things so difficult for yourself? Xiao Mei is already twelve, almost a young lady. In a few years, you'll be enjoying the blessings of grandchildren! You've gained a granddaughter out of the blue, and instead of being happy, why are you complaining?"
Aunt Qian's face remained grim, but she didn't refute.
"Raising sons is good, but how can they be as affectionate as daughters? If you and Xiao Mei get along well, your son will be happy, and you'll have someone to care for you. Isn't that wonderful? Why put yourself in such a state? Your son resents his wife, and you resent her too. Do you really want to find another woman for Dasheng? After today's scene, what girl do you think would dare to marry him?"
Liu Family Village was already sparsely populated. Finding a bride from another village required a substantial dowry, and the girls from their own village were out of the question. Aunt Qian wasn't completely foolish; she understood this logic, and deep down, she didn't want her son to divorce.
After all, the cost would be too high.
Shen Chun Hua's words had indeed struck a chord with her.
Looking at the timid little girl hiding behind Chen Zhi, Aunt Qian finally sighed deeply. She remembered attending a celebration when Sun Xiao Mei was born and holding her in her own hands.
Aunt Qian still remembered vividly how beautiful the newborn was. It was rare to have such a pretty baby girl, and it had made her so envious.
Back then, she had wished she had such a beautiful granddaughter.
Now, looking at the child, who was trembling with fear, she felt a pang of unease.
"Forget it."
She said weakly.
"From now on, you can live wherever you wish."
She bowed and slowly walked back.
Chen Zhi was stunned. What did her mother-in-law mean?
Her son understood Aunt Qian best. Liu Dasheng was overjoyed, "My mom has agreed for us to live with Xiao Mei."
"Really?"
Liu Dasheng turned to look at the little girl. It was evident he was genuinely happy. "Xiao Mei, do you want to come to our home? From now on, live with us! As long as your Uncle Liu has food, it will be divided into three parts for the three of you!"
Sun Xiao Mei stared at him, bewildered. Happiness had come too suddenly; she wondered if she was dreaming!
Chen Zhi, on the side, smiled through tears, "You... why are you suddenly so good to us?"
Liu Dasheng felt awkward and embarrassed, "I... I was just too much of a coward before. I want to make it up to you properly."
That evening, Liu Dasheng and Chen Zhi brought Sun Xiao Mei to the Liu residence.
Old Mr. Liu was simple and honest, not saying much. During dinner, he kept piling food onto Xiao Mei's plate, encouraging her to eat more.
Chen Zhi quietly observed her mother-in-law. After the commotion of the day, Aunt Qian seemed to be sulking, eating with her head down, not saying a word.
Sun Xiao Mei bit her lip, her small hands clenched tightly. After a long while, she looked up, "Grandma Qian, I will be filial to you in the future."
Her voice was very soft, almost inaudible if not listened to carefully. Her expression was still one of fear, and sitting between Chen Zhi and Liu Dasheng, the small figure looked heartbreaking.
Aunt Qian didn't look at her, her tone stiff and dismissive, "What do I need your filial piety for? I have a son and a grandson; I don't need you."
The atmosphere at the dinner table instantly cooled. Sun Xiao Mei had finally managed to speak after much effort, only to be rejected.
She lowered her head, tears welling up, her entire being seeming like she had done something wrong, feeling utterly inferior.
Chen Zhi felt distressed for her daughter, but considering her husband and father-in-law were present, she managed to suppress her anger.
Liu Dasheng watched, frowning, and looked at his mother, "Mom..."
Aunt Qian glared at him impatiently, "Shut up! I worked so hard to raise you, and you're abandoning your mother for a woman!"
Liu Dasheng lowered his head in silence, saying nothing.
Old Mr. Liu was about to intervene, but Aunt Qian's glare stopped him.
Aunt Qian lowered her gaze, her voice blunt and cold, "Since you're here in our home, you will listen to me from now on."
Sun Xiao Mei's lips were almost bitten through. She nodded softly.
"Also, that... you should continue your studies."
Aunt Qian's words stunned everyone.
Liu Dasheng was incredulous, "Mom, you..."
Aunt Qian glared at him again, impatiently, "Everyone in the village knows she's living here now. If she doesn't go to school, I'll be gossiped about to death!"
Chen Zhi was both surprised and delighted, "Mom, I... I don't know what to say. Thank you, Mom!"
Seeing the surprised and grateful expressions of her son and daughter-in-law, Aunt Qian suddenly remembered Shen Chun Hua's words from the afternoon.
She deliberately averted her gaze and said slowly, "If she can achieve something, and study all the way to university, I will support her through university."
Chen Zhi knew what that meant. It was as if Aunt Qian was willing to dip into her savings.
She suddenly pulled her daughter forward and knelt before her mother-in-law with a thud, "Mom, thank you, really, thank you."