Chapter 194: “I, Sheng Xinhao, would rather die than ever come begging to you in this lifetime!”

Sheng Xinhao, comparing things in his mind, grew even angrier when he thought about how his eldest brother had married that country bumpkin.

No, he couldn’t let that village girl ruin his brother’s future.

Sheng Xinhao thought, Sheng Zexi was a stubborn one.

Since persuading him was useless, maybe he should go talk to that village girl instead.

He’d heard that his brother seemed to have already returned to the Northwest Military District, while that village girl was still staying at the Sang family’s house. He didn’t know why, but at least his brother wasn’t by her side.

Maybe he could go see her and convince her to leave his brother.

With that in mind, Sheng Xinhao decided to go find her first thing in the morning.

—

Gu Jianing had no idea Sheng Xinhao was planning to come see her. Since she had a lecture to give the next day, she went to bed early.

The next morning, she got up bright and early and had breakfast with Grandpa Sang and Grandma Sang.

After breakfast, Grandpa Sang left for work at the weapons research institute.

“I’ve already told Xiao Zhang to drive you both to Jing City High School a bit later,” Grandpa Sang said before heading out.

Since it was still early, Gu Jianing and Grandma Sang hadn’t left yet.

Just then, the guard came in to report that Sheng Xinhao had arrived.

“What’s that old man doing here?” Grandma Sang was clearly displeased by Sheng Xinhao’s visit.

Though she didn’t like him, she still let him in.

Soon, Sheng Xinhao entered.

He greeted Grandma Sang, but completely ignored Gu Jianing standing to the side.

Grandma Sang looked at him coolly. “What are you here for?”

Sheng Xinhao was already used to Grandma Sang’s coldness, so he didn’t take it to heart. He got straight to the point. “I’d like to have a word with Comrade Gu.”

With that, he looked at Gu Jianing.

“No,” Grandma Sang refused flatly.

What good could come from this old man wanting to talk to Ning alone?

Before Xiao Xi left for the Northwest Military District, he’d specifically asked the two of them to take good care of Ning. How could she let this old man cause trouble?

“If that’s all you came for, then you’d better leave,” Grandma Sang said coldly, showing him the door.

Sheng Xinhao fixed his gaze on Gu Jianing. “Comrade Gu, what do you say?”

He thought that, since he was her elder—her father-in-law, no less—Gu Jianing would at least agree. But to his surprise, Gu Jianing blinked and said, “I’ll listen to Grandma. Commander Sheng, I really don’t have anything to say to you.”

Since Sheng Xinhao was clearly unfriendly and dissatisfied with her, why should she acknowledge him as her father-in-law?

She knew nothing good would come from talking to him, so why bother?

Grandma had already refused, so of course she wouldn’t go against her.

Besides…

“Commander Sheng, we have important things to do and need to head out soon, so I’m afraid we don’t have time to chat.”

She was about to leave for Jing City High School. She didn’t have time to waste on Sheng Xinhao.

Sheng Xinhao didn’t realize this. He just thought this country girl was rude and ignorant. He’d already said he wanted to talk, and she dared refuse him? Even lied about having something important to do—what could a village girl possibly have to do in Jing City?

Since he couldn’t talk to her alone, he might as well say it directly. After all, he’d already said these things to his former mother-in-law before.

So Sheng Xinhao said, “Comrade Gu, you should know the difference in status between you and my eldest son. It’s not that I look down on you, but you have neither background nor ability. What help can you possibly give Sheng Zexi?”

“If you truly care about him, then leave him.”

“Your presence will only hold him back and ruin his future.”

“He’s capable and has great ambitions. I’m sure you don’t want to see him lose his future because of you.”

Sheng Xinhao didn’t feel he was belittling Gu Jianing. He thought he was just stating the facts.

He was simply laying things out as they were.

“Sheng Xinhao, what nonsense are you spouting? Get out of here right now!” Grandma Sang was furious at his words. He was clearly here to ruin Ning and Xiao Xi’s relationship. How could he be so malicious and say such hurtful things?

“Ning, don’t listen to him.”

Gu Jianing, however, remained calm. She didn’t argue directly, but asked, “Then, Commander Sheng, what do you think I should do? I’m pregnant with twins right now.”

Sheng Xinhao, hearing this, thought Gu Jianing was agreeing with him.

“As long as you’re willing to leave my eldest son, divorce him, and stay far away, I’ll let you keep the children. They won’t be recognized as members of the Sheng family, but the Sang family can raise them. However, you won’t be allowed to see them.”

“Of course, if you’re willing, I can find you a good man to marry and even give you a dowry.”

Sheng Xinhao thought, with his son’s stubbornness, even a divorce might not be enough.

So having her remarry would be best.

It would cost some money, but at least it would cut off his son’s feelings completely.

Gu Jianing smiled and said, “I’m sorry, Commander Sheng, but I can’t do what you ask.”

“I love Sheng Zexi, so no matter what, I won’t divorce him.”

“I also love my children, so I won’t leave them either.”

“Xi-ge said he doesn’t need to rely on anyone for his future. Whatever he wants, he’ll earn it himself.”

“As for me, yes, I was born in the countryside. But my parents love each other, my siblings are close, and my family is harmonious. They all love and protect me, and I’m proud to call them my family.”

“So I’ve never been ashamed of my rural background, nor of my family’s origins.”

“But I suppose, Commander Sheng, you’ve never felt the warmth of such family affection.”

“And besides, why do you think that just because someone comes from the countryside, they’re destined to be useless or incompetent?”

“Even the Sheng family, if you go back three generations, weren’t you all peasants too?”

“Or do you look down on your own ancestors, Commander Sheng?”

Gu Jianing’s words were calm, but every sentence refuted Sheng Xinhao.

The more Grandma Sang listened, the brighter her eyes became.

At first, she’d worried Ning might be hurt by this old man’s insults, but now she realized her granddaughter-in-law was strong at heart.

Sheng Xinhao, on the other hand, was so infuriated by Gu Jianing’s words that his chest heaved with anger.

“Fine, fine! I never expected a village girl like you to be so sharp-tongued.”

Gu Jianing rested one hand on her waist and the other on her belly, smiling serenely. “Thank you for the compliment, Commander Sheng.”

“I may just be a village girl, but who’s to say I’m completely useless? Maybe one day, Commander Sheng, you’ll find yourself coming to me for help.”

Sheng Xinhao felt like Gu Jianing had just told the world’s biggest joke. “I, Sheng Xinhao, would rather die than ever come begging to you in this lifetime!”"