Chapter 204: Perfect

Wang Cuixiang: “Son-in-law, you and Fang Yuan are really worlds apart in terms of conditions. You haven’t been in a hurry to have kids for so long—of course as a mother, I can’t help but wonder.”

Lu Chuan had no idea his mother-in-law could misunderstand him like this. “Mom, I’m not rushing to have kids because it would be hard for Fang Yuan to raise a child alone. I thought I’d wait until I finish college, so I can help her more when the time comes.”

These days, men don’t even want people to know they cook, let alone help their wives take care of kids.

Wang Cuixiang: “You’re actually thinking about helping Fang Yuan raise the child?…”

This really surprised Wang Cuixiang. Fang Daleng was good enough, but he hardly ever helped with the kids.

Wang Cuixiang glanced at her daughter in the room. How much good karma must she have accumulated to land such a son-in-law?

College graduates aren’t rare anymore, but a man who’s considerate and cares for his wife—her daughter really found a treasure.

Looking at Lu Chuan, Wang Cuixiang felt he was truly different. This was her son-in-law, her own son-in-law.

Lu Chuan: “Mom, you’ve really wronged me here. From the very first time I came to your house, I knew this marriage was set—I wasn’t getting away.”

Wang Cuixiang couldn’t help but laugh. He was being honest. Out of all her sons, only this one had that kind of presence.

Lu Chuan: “It’s not like I don’t know what’s good for me. After spending time together, I can see how wonderful Fang Yuan is. Ever since I started coming to your house, I’ve always been the one chasing after this marriage.”

Wang Cuixiang: “As long as you know what’s in your heart, that’s enough. I was just overthinking.”

Lu Chuan: “You really were. With Fang Yuan’s carefree personality, I’m actually the one who feels insecure.”

Wang Cuixiang pretended not to hear that. Isn’t that just playing the victim after getting the upper hand? When it comes to this, women always get the short end of the stick.

But Lu Chuan genuinely felt he was the one lacking stability. He even complained on his own behalf: “Mom, do you know how hard this past year has been for me? Fang Yuan isn’t easy to win over.”

Wang Cuixiang felt a headache coming on. “Son-in-law, go get some sleep. You’ve had a long day.”

Lu Chuan: “For Fang Yuan, I think I can keep going. I’m not tired.”

Wang Cuixiang: “I am.” Her ears were tired, her heart was tired from listening.

Fine, the mother-in-law had had enough of her chatty son-in-law. If she’d known, she wouldn’t have gotten into such a deep conversation with him.

Lu Chuan was in a good mood too—now they were having a child, soon they’d be a family of three. His mother-in-law seemed to be at ease with him now.

Meanwhile, Fang Daleng, Fang Yuan, and Lu Chuan’s mother were chatting away without a care in the world, saying whatever they wanted. Their relaxed attitude made Wang Cuixiang a little jealous—maybe being carefree wasn’t so bad after all.

The next day, Wang Cuixiang pulled Fang Daleng to leave. If they stayed any longer, she’d start to feel unwelcome—she really couldn’t get used to these people.

Fang Daleng was reluctant to go. “If I’d known, I would’ve closed the butcher shop in the village and come to stay with our son-in-law. Wouldn’t that be great?”

Wang Cuixiang thought to herself: “Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Just because you want to stay doesn’t mean your daughter and son-in-law want you to. Time to go.”

Besides, she really couldn’t get used to her son-in-law’s way of doing things. Watching too much of it just made her anxious.

Fang Yuan was reluctant to see them go too. “Dad hasn’t even seen my two cars yet.”

Fang Daleng turned to Wang Cuixiang: “Why don’t we stay one more day?”

Wang Cuixiang’s face darkened. “You stay in the city if you want. I’m going home.”

Seeing his wife’s face, Fang Daleng knew better than to argue. He turned to his daughter: “I’ll come see them next time. I know my daughter is capable. I’ll go home with your mom first.”

Fang Yuan: “Dad, take care of yourself. Don’t argue with Mom for no reason—just listen to her for now.”

Wang Cuixiang snorted. “‘For now,’ huh? Planning to settle accounts later?”

Fang Daleng nodded. “Dad knows.”

Lu Chuan quickly chimed in: “Mainly because Mom is so thoughtful. Listening to her is never wrong. She cares about Dad—everything she does is because she loves him.”

Fang Daleng and Fang Yuan looked at Wang Cuixiang and nodded in perfect sync.

Wang Cuixiang thought to herself, “This son-in-law isn’t so innocent either, always smoothing things over for the men.”

Fang Yuan wanted to see them off at the station, but Wang Cuixiang wouldn’t let her. “You’re having a baby—no need to run around.”

Lu Chuan said, “I’ll go, I’ll go. You all stay home and rest, so Mom and Dad don’t have to worry.”

Wang Cuixiang nodded. Her son-in-law really was thoughtful—she felt even more at ease going home.

Lu Chuan’s mother and daughter-in-law went home, while Lu Chuan took his father-in-law to the station. Fang Daleng pulled him aside: “Son-in-law, I’m leaving my daughter in your hands.”

Lu Chuan: “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll take good care of Fang Yuan.”

Anyone who knew would realize Fang Yuan was pregnant. Anyone who didn’t would think they were parting for a long time—what was all this fuss about?

Wang Cuixiang, embarrassed by the scene, dragged Fang Daleng onto the bus. Lu Chuan followed, carrying a net bag full of fruits you couldn’t find in the village.

Lu Chuan: “Dad, I bought some for Fang Yuan too. These are for you to eat on the road. Don’t worry, I won’t let Fang Yuan go without.”

Fang Daleng was satisfied. This son-in-law was filial and cared about his daughter—he thought just like him. “If you need anything, call your fifth brother.”

At times like this, sons are like bricks—move them wherever they’re needed.

As the bus finally pulled away, even the driver couldn’t help but comment: “You’re such a rough guy, but so fussy. That’s your son-in-law, not your son. You’re giving him so many instructions—aren’t you afraid he’ll get annoyed?”

Fang Daleng: “What do you know? I’ve only got one daughter.”

The driver was familiar with Fang Daleng. “You’ve got five sons too! With that many sons, who’d dare treat your daughter badly? Stop worrying.”

Fang Daleng: “My daughter is so sweet.”

Wang Cuixiang retorted, “She’s not sweet—she’s just on your side.”

Fang Daleng: “You’re just jealous. My daughter is my little cotton-padded jacket.”

Wang Cuixiang couldn’t be bothered to argue. But after this trip, seeing how her son-in-law treated her daughter, she was truly happy. The butcher shop didn’t need to be a dowry—it could support their retirement instead.

Meanwhile, Fang Daleng was already bragging to the driver: “My son-in-law is really something. He’s only been in the city a short time, but he’s got a big house and a car. Sure, it’s a bit old, but it makes money. He knows how to live, better than my sons. My sons just buy cars and drive around wasting money.”

The driver had heard of Lu Chuan—plenty of workers who rode his bus were heading to work for Wu Hu and Lu Chuan.

He’d heard those two names plenty, but he didn’t really want to listen to Fang Daleng brag. Was he showing off his son-in-law or his sons?

Drivers see and hear a lot, and this one was sharp: “Old buddy, your son-in-law is impressive, and your sons are great too. But why didn’t your eldest come to the city? Honestly, the city is better for development. The village is just too small.”

Fang Daleng didn’t feel insulted at all. He sighed, “That useless one—I can’t control him anymore. The brothers have split into several groups, but at least they all have work, so I don’t have to worry. You have no idea—having lots of sons is a headache too.”

205."