Chapter 126: I Answered Super Fast!

When Mrs. Meng saw that bright pink thing, why did she ask, “What’s this?”

It was because she was surprised.

Surprised to see a hair accessory that only little girls of a few years old would wear in the house.

There were no girls in the old Chen family, not even among the relatives who visited often.

So, to suddenly see something like that, before she could even finish her question, her heart started pounding wildly.

But before she had a chance to check Su Qinghu’s belly or face for any signs of pregnancy based on her suspicions, someone’s words left her stunned.

A birthday present?

No… it’s not what she thought?

Then—

“It’s your birthday today?” Mrs. Meng asked, suddenly turning to look at Erdan, then at Dadan. “When did you two prepare a birthday present?”

These days, the kids left for and returned from school at very regular times, never more than twenty minutes apart. When did they have time to prepare this?!

If she’d known they were getting a birthday gift for her younger daughter-in-law, she definitely wouldn’t have come empty-handed…

But—

She glanced up at the sun’s position and said directly, “After we eat some watermelon, let’s go to the department store and buy you a dress!”

Every time she’d seen her daughter-in-law, she was always wearing various shirts and loose pants.

She’d never seen her wear a dress.

But with her looks and figure, she’d definitely be stunning in one.

After saying this, Mrs. Meng grabbed the watermelon and bustled off to the kitchen, with Erdan following behind, chattering about wanting to help her cut the watermelon.

Su Qinghu didn’t even have time for pleasantries and could only watch her mother-in-law walk away.

Dadan stood where he was. “With Grandma here, it’s not convenient for you to go withdraw money, right?”

“It doesn’t have to be today. I’ll go to the bank during my lunch break at work tomorrow.” Su Qinghu reached out and patted his head, her tone earnest and her eyes gentle. “Don’t worry, and don’t stress about the business. Just focus on your studies—let me handle all the hardships of life~~~”

Dadan: “…”

Dadan really wanted to say: If only your eyes weren’t sparkling so much when you said that, maybe I’d believe your nonsense!

“Wow, Dadan, your eyes can talk!” Su Qinghu suddenly cupped Dadan’s little face, her exaggerated gestures and expression making her meaning obvious. “Let me guess, are you thinking I’m lying? That there’s no hardship here at all, only the joy of spending money?”

You know, so why even ask?!

Dadan kept a straight face. She was at it again! Teasing him again!

But if she asked, would he answer? What was she thinking!

“Wow, looks like someone’s angry.” Su Qinghu rubbed Dadan’s dark little face, grinning from ear to ear. After laughing, she didn’t forget to wrap up her earlier statement.

She said, “That’s right! There’s no hardship here, only the joy of spending money!”

Dadan nearly wanted to pound the floor.

Why? Why is it that even when he says nothing, she can still manage to tease him all by herself?!

Seeing Dadan about to bare his teeth in frustration, Su Qinghu let go of his face and strode off. “Come on, let’s go eat watermelon!”

Watching her carefree figure, Dadan ground his back teeth, stood there for a moment, then followed her, still sulking.

Mrs. Meng was quick with the knife, first serving the children, then Su Qinghu.

Su Qinghu took a slice but didn’t eat it right away. She waited until Mrs. Meng had put down the knife and taken a piece herself before smiling and taking a bite.

“Was it hard to get used to your first business trip?” Mrs. Meng sat down next to Su Qinghu with her watermelon, making small talk.

Southern weather is hot and humid—people used to the north often feel sticky and unclean when they go down there.

She herself had spent years in the south before she finally got used to it.

“It was fine,” Su Qinghu replied after swallowing her watermelon. “There’s a lot of good food there. I brought back some local specialties for you and Dad.”

With this weather, there weren’t many specialties she could bring—things like cakes or salted duck were out of the question. So she’d just bought some Yuhua tea and cured duck.

Mrs. Meng didn’t stand on ceremony. “Alright, when we get home tonight—”

She paused, and seeing Su Qinghu’s puzzled look, she continued, “Let’s have a meal together?”

Then added, “Invite your dad too?”

Were they going to celebrate her birthday?

Su Qinghu suddenly felt shy. Birthdays had always been optional for her—just something she’d do if she felt like it.

But to have it brought up so formally, and by her in-laws, who were such dignified, respected people—it made her blush a little.

She felt like she hadn’t really done anything that matched her in-laws’ values yet…

“Is Dad at the compound?” Su Qinghu asked, holding her watermelon.

Mrs. Meng nodded. “I was planning to take Dadan and Erdan out for a walk today. They said they wanted to come home and see if you were back, so I told your dad and brought them over.”

Once they got here, the two kids didn’t want to leave. Mrs. Meng figured since her daughter-in-law hadn’t called, maybe she was still on her business trip, and the kids might want to stay with her a few more days, so she let them stay a bit longer.

It was hot, and there wasn’t much to do at home, so she went out to buy a watermelon. When she got back, her daughter-in-law was already home.

“How about we go to the compound?” Su Qinghu took another bite of watermelon, her eyes squinting from the sweetness. “I’ll cook something delicious for you all!”

Mrs. Meng looked at her fair face tinged with pink and hesitated. “It’s really hot, though.”

“It’s okay,” Su Qinghu said. “In summer, home-cooked food always goes down easier.”

Withdrawing the money wasn’t urgent—it could wait until tomorrow.

Erdan hesitated several times, wanting to ask: Are we still going to get the money or not? If not, how would they pay for the ride home from Grandma and Grandpa’s later? Who would cover the fare?

Mom didn’t have money, neither did he. His brother—

Did his brother still have a few coins?

If they weren’t treating anyone, then his brother’s sixty cents could cover the fare.

That seemed fine. No need to worry.

“Mom, you and the kids sit for a bit. I’m going to wash up,” Su Qinghu said as she stood, speaking to Mrs. Meng. “I might take a shower—there were so many people on the train, and the ride was long. I just can’t get comfortable without a wash.”

Mrs. Meng waved her off, letting her go.

Su Qinghu went to the bedroom, but instead of grabbing clean clothes, she first rummaged through her bedside table and pulled out her marriage certificate. Seeing that the birthdate on it matched the one she’d just given, she let out a long sigh of relief.

Thank goodness—thank goodness Chen Lie hadn’t just confirmed her answer to save face!

She put the marriage certificate back, turned to get clean clothes, but as soon as she touched them, she froze!

She’d just blurted out that they should go to the compound—completely forgetting the real issue!!"