Chapter 203: A Misunderstanding

At this moment, Lu Chuan spoke up. “The main thing is to let people know that Dad still thinks about things back here, so people will say our Fang family is kind and decent. We all come from the same village, so it shows we stick together. Dad does this to help us build up our reputation. But two or three times a year is enough.”

Then he added, “This is Dad doing people favors for us.”

Wang Cuixiang shot her son-in-law a sideways glance, thinking, Don’t go thinking you’re anything special. You’re all the same. Two or three times a year and a whole pig is given away each time.

Fang Daleng, on the other hand, was listening with satisfaction, grinning foolishly. “Did you hear that? No matter how much money it costs, it’s worth it.”

Wang Cuixiang glanced at her son and son-in-law. She thought to herself, We’d better not come to the provincial capital too often. With these two together, the whole house will be emptied out.

She turned to Wuhu. “Fang Yuan next door already has a car repair shop, and I heard there are two cars at the construction site. What about you? How much have you saved up?”

Why is she suddenly prying into my finances? That’s not fair, thought Wuhu. “Me? Mom, you know it’s not easy out there these days. Everything costs money. Otherwise, who would bother with us country folk? If I can get by with food and drink, that’s already good. How could I possibly save up any money?”

He sounded so pitiful that Fang Daleng was almost moved to tears. My son really has it tough.

Old Lady Lu looked at her nephew-in-law in confusion. You can’t say things like that—doesn’t that make it sound like my own son is taking advantage of him?

After all, her own son had managed to save up some money. If this wasn’t made clear, how could they stay relatives? Old Lady Lu was genuinely anxious.

But Wang Cuixiang wasn’t buying it. “Your mom doesn’t care about your little stash. Just don’t try to fool your dad in the future.” That’s what she was really after—she was just using this as a way to get at her husband.

Wuhu just laughed and didn’t dare say another word. His dad really had his back his whole life.

While they were clearing the table, Old Lady Lu was in the kitchen nagging Lu Chuan. “Second son, your cousin-in-law is a good man. For the sake of our Fang Yuan, you can’t take advantage of him financially. That’s not something we do. Besides, my grandson will need his uncle in the future.”

So no one took what was said too seriously, but the onlookers could tell there were some undercurrents. Honest people really do take everything to heart.

Lu Chuan almost laughed in exasperation. His mom really thought highly of him. “Mom, I’d have to be that capable first. Don’t pay attention to Wuhu and my mother-in-law’s little tricks. It’s got nothing to do with us.”

Just then, Wang Cuixiang overheard this from outside the kitchen.

Now she really understood what kind of in-law Old Lady Lu was to her daughter Fang Yuan.

That night, everyone was gathered in the courtyard of the house in the provincial capital. Not only was Fang Daleng feeling sentimental, even Old Lady Lu’s thoughts were drifting. Who would have thought they could all sit here in the provincial capital, chatting and with a place to stay—a home of their own.

Fang Daleng said, “Fifth, work hard and marry a provincial capital girl in the future. Then all the grandkids of our Fang family will grow up in the provincial capital.”

Then he grinned proudly. “My grandson is growing up in the provincial capital.”

Old Lady Lu didn’t say anything, but she couldn’t stop smiling, lips pressed together. That was her grandson. “Going to school in the provincial capital is really something.”

Wang Cuixiang looked at the two of them and couldn’t help but tease, “I never thought our two families would get along so well. No one’s shy at all.”

Old Lady Lu held herself back, then stood up. “I’m just happy, that’s all. My grandson is growing up in the provincial capital, going to school here, no need to get up at the crack of dawn to run to school. I’m really happy. I’m going outside to enjoy it.”

Fang Yuan pulled Old Lady Lu back. “Mom, what’s wrong with being happy inside? They’re already saying we’re not reserved.”

Wang Cuixiang watched her daughter and mother-in-law getting along and wasn’t the least bit upset. That’s just how clever her daughter was. She really wasn’t doing it on purpose.

Old Lady Lu looked at Fang Yuan, her eyes sparkling. “It’s all thanks to our Fang Yuan’s success. If this child had been born earlier, she wouldn’t have had this good fortune. Everything happened just right.”

Fang Daleng agreed, “You’re right, in-law, you really think things through. My daughter was born lucky. If her mother hadn’t insisted back then, my daughter’s name would have been Yuanman—Perfect.”

Wang Cuixiang found herself pushed out of the conversation and couldn’t stand it any longer.

She pulled Lu Chuan aside to talk privately. “It’s not that I don’t care about my grandson, or that I’m not happy for Fang Yuan. It’s just that I really don’t have the knack for flattery that your mom and your father-in-law have. I can’t even listen to it. Your dad and I are leaving tomorrow. Let your mom take care of things. When she can’t keep it up anymore, I’ll step in.”

Lu Chuan tried not to laugh. “Mom, honestly, it’s fine. My mom is still holding back.”

Wang Cuixiang snorted. Lu Chuan added, “Really, when Fang Yuan first came to our house, my mom would watch her every move.”

Wang Cuixiang didn’t like the sound of that. “Why does it sound like my daughter is so bossy?” If her son-in-law dared agree, she’d never let it go.

Lu Chuan said, “Not at all. My mom says our family was just missing a decisive leader, and Fang Yuan fills that gap perfectly. She’s the head of our family now, really.”

Wang Cuixiang glared over at Old Lady Lu. “I give up.”

Lu Chuan said, “Mom, Fang Yuan really appreciates you taking care of her. She feels most comfortable with you. She knows everything you do is for her own good.”

Wang Cuixiang, sharp as ever, immediately picked up on something. “So you all think I don’t take good care of her?”

Lu Chuan thought, Talking too much leads to trouble. The ancients were right. “No, nothing like that.”

Wang Cuixiang snorted again. As if she couldn’t see through their little schemes. They’re just afraid I’ll try to control everything about Fang Yuan.

But as long as you treat my daughter well, I’m happy as her mother. I won’t fuss over it.

Lu Chuan was a little intimidated by his mother-in-law’s snort. He decided he’d better keep his mouth shut in the future.

Still, Wang Cuixiang made sure to tell her son-in-law about pregnancy taboos. “It’s not about letting her eat whatever she wants. There are things she should avoid. She shouldn’t eat too much cold stuff. Your mom is great, but she spoils her too much.”

Lu Chuan patted his chest in assurance. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ve got it covered.”

Wang Cuixiang said, “Whatever she wants to eat, you can buy it here. If you can’t find it, let me know. Wuhu can ride back to get it, or I’ll come and make it myself.”

Lu Chuan thought having two mothers at home wasn’t so bad. “Mom, why don’t you just stay here too?”

Wang Cuixiang twitched her mouth. Two mothers-in-law fussing over one pregnancy—aren’t you afraid of using up all your good fortune? “It’s just a pregnancy, no need to worry so much.”

Lu Chuan was genuinely worried. “It’s our first child, Mom. Please stay.”

Wang Cuixiang said, “When I was pregnant with you and your mom, we still worked in the fields.”

Lu Chuan replied, “That’s true. You’re a real heroine, Mom. Fang Yuan can’t compare. She’s only spoiled because of you.”

Wang Cuixiang finally understood how glib her son-in-law was. Anyway, her daughter Fang Yuan was destined to be pampered.

She said, “Son-in-law, she’s my own daughter. You don’t have to back her up so much. I just want to say, now that there’s a child, you should live well together. Marriage isn’t a joke.”

Lu Chuan felt wronged. “Mom, marriage has never been a joke. Did you all not take it seriously?”

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