It wasn't that Chu Yunli was afraid of this old woman.
Lu Xiaoqing herself is not afraid. She rarely gets along with her mother-in-law and usually lives in her own home. She only goes back during the New Years and holidays when she meets the Zhou family’s birthdays, or when there is a happy event for the Zhou family.
Among the several daughters-in-law in the Zhou family, Lu Xiaoqing has the most money, and she takes home the most to honor her. Therefore, the elders of the Zhou family are also the most polite to her, which is obviously different from the other two daughters-in-law.
Chu Yunli would pull Lu Jiaojiao and leave quickly, mainly because he didn’t want to start a dispute on the street. People who do business can’t become someone else’s talking point, as that would affect their own business.
Lu Jiaojiao was a little confused. She finally met her grandmother. Although her mother didn't like to get along with the Zhou family, she didn't hide away from people.
Grandma told them to wait here, just wait, why should they run away?
"Mom, I won't be able to find anyone for a while, so I'm going to be angry."
"It's not such a trivial matter, let's go shopping first." Chu Yunli dragged her to Cloth Village.
When the little girl saw this, she immediately threw all her worries away, her heart already focused on the new material.
Lu Xiaoqing is doing business and is a person who knows how to live a good life. Before her mother left, the family was in a tight situation and had to save money. But after Lu's mother left, she would make her daughter a new dress every year when the season changes.
, In this Hulu Town, she is considered a generous mother to her children. But for the little girl, a new set of clothes is still a bit missing. Now that Chu Yunli is here, she is particularly generous and chooses three sets for her at once
, I also picked out all the hair flowers again, bought one of the exquisite ones, and picked two pairs of embroidered shoes.
Lu Jiaojiao held a lot of things in her hands and felt like she was in a dream, not real at all.
Arriving at a place with fewer people on the street, Lu Jiaojiao asked tentatively: "Mom, are you going to tell me we're going to kiss you?"
In her impression, when a girl is about to get married, her family will go to great lengths to help her dress up. Even a poor family in the village who has not made new clothes for their daughter for several years will still squeeze out some new materials at this time.
I came here just to show my daughter a good family.
Chu Yunli curled up her index finger and tapped her forehead: "I'm overthinking you. If you don't want it, just leave it. Anyway, I just left the house, so I can definitely leave it."
"I don't want it." Lu Jiaojiao shrank her neck, and after receiving the exact answer, she happily ran ahead with her things in her arms.
The mother and daughter stayed here for a while, and when they returned to the shop, Zhou's mother was already waiting.
When she saw the two coming over, she didn't look very good. When her eyes fell on the thing in her granddaughter's hand, her face instantly turned a little ugly.
"Why did you buy so many?"
Chu Yunli opened her mouth and said, "Jiaojiao likes it."
Just buy it if you like it, what other reason is there?
Mother Zhou glared at her: "No matter how much money you have at home, you can't waste it like this! I think you just haven't lived a hard life and don't know how to save money..."
While she was talking, Zhou Xingwang caught a glimpse of his wife's disapproving face from the corner of her eye. Knowing that her daughter-in-law was already unhappy, he hurriedly interrupted her: "Why has my sister-in-law been gone for so long?"
This person couldn't bear to say anything. As soon as he finished speaking, his sister-in-law Yang came over from the alley opposite. She was still wiping her hands at the moment. Just by looking at her movements, it was known that she should have gone back to Lu's house to go to the latrine.
Zhou's mother clearly understood her son's thoughts and couldn't help but glared at him: "Just protect him."
Zhou Xingwang sneered: "Mother, you are so cute, you should wear something nice."
Yang just happened to hear this sentence and said with a smile: "Jiaojiao has a good life, she was born in the belly of her younger brothers and sisters. Da Ya is miserable, my mother is not capable, she has not made new clothes for two years. Same people have different fates."
Na."
It is worth mentioning that the Zhou family has not been divided into families. Today, the old couple of the Zhou family are still in charge. Not to mention buying new clothes for the family, even the food that they eat every day is collected by Zhou’s mother.
Zhou's mother didn't take this complaint to heart. Over the years, she had heard so many insinuations from her two daughters-in-law that she was almost angry because of this. She was afraid she would have died of anger long ago.
"Mother Jiaojiao, I have something to discuss with you. Here... you ask the sister-in-law next door to keep an eye on it, and we can go home and talk!"
Zhou Xingwang looked cautious and glanced at Chu Yunli's expression. His wife had just reminded him, so of course he knew what his mother wanted to discuss.
It's best not to talk about this kind of thing. Firstly, they have never thought about adopting a child from the Zhou family. Secondly, they are still young and have a long way to go to provide for themselves in old age, so there is no rush at all.
"There are many people buying salt today, it's a busy time. You go home and sit for a while. I'll close the shop in two hours and then we can discuss it carefully."
Before Zhou's mother could speak, Yang's eyes lit up: "Okay, okay!"
What she saw just now was that there were two huge pieces of meat in the basket that her siblings were carrying, both fat and thin. After waiting for a full two hours, they would definitely be able to eat together. It’s not that she has short-sighted eyes, it’s true.
The mother-in-law at home is so tight that she can't eat meat even once for ten and a half days. She has to have the opportunity during the holidays.
With the meat, the men and children in the family have to be kept close to them. When it comes to the mouths of their sisters-in-law, it is not enough to fill their teeth.
"What's so good?" Zhou's mother frowned and scolded: "It's getting cold, and the fields haven't been cleared yet. There's not enough firewood prepared, and there are still a lot of clothes that haven't been washed. There are so many things at home, how can they be so big?
How long do you have to wait?”
She became more forceful: "Mother Jiaojiao, this matter is very important and I must make it clear. In fact, it won't take long, it's just a few words, and it will be over in a quarter of an hour at most. Quickly pack up and follow me."
"
As she spoke, she was already walking ahead.
Yang was scolded in front of her sister-in-law, and there were so many people on the street. She was a little embarrassed for a moment, and her expression became unnatural: "Brother and sister, please hurry up, my mother's temper is not good."
"It doesn't matter whether she's good or bad, I don't get along with her every day." Chu Yunli shook her head: "Sister-in-law, you are about to be a grandmother. It's really inappropriate for my mother to scold her like this regardless of the occasion."
Yang's face showed annoyance: "What can I do? I've warned you before, but my mother has such a bad temper. You'd better hurry up, so as not to get angry at you later."
Lu Xiaoqing has been the daughter-in-law of the Zhou family for many years, and has only been scolded by her mother-in-law once or twice. And she yelled back in time, so she did not suffer any loss... Because of this, Zhou's mother only yelled at her twice.
If she had a soft temper, Zhou's mother would not be so easy to talk to.
Zhou Xingwang quietly tugged on Chu Yunli's sleeve: "Let's go over there. Anyway, we have to make it clear sooner or later. Don't worry, I will definitely be on your side and will never agree! Don't be afraid!"
Chu Yunli glared at him: "This kind of thing should have been made clear to your parents a long time ago, and you still have me to refuse, what do you do for food?"
Zhou Xingwang sneered: "Am I not free?"
The sister-in-law next door is very easy to talk to, and the two families only visit each other's shop once or twice. Asking for help is just a matter of words.
Lu Jiaojiao could see that the atmosphere between the adults was a bit tense, so she took her things and returned to the room.
The yard the Lu family bought is not big. Apart from three houses, it only has a kitchen and a toilet. There is only room for a few tables in the yard. There are many such yards in this town, but compared with the big yards in the countryside, the price is very high.
It takes several times to turn it over.
After entering, Zhou Xingwang quickly went to the kitchen to get some tea and moved chairs for a few people to sit on.
Chu Yunli's expression did not change. Even though it was not the first time for Zhou's mother to see her son so diligent, she still felt uncomfortable. She started repeating the same old tune again: "Xiaoqing, I'm not talking about you. Men outside have to support each other.
You are as busy as a spinning top, how can you still do these things at home? If someone sees you, you will be laughed at. Women can do things like making tea easily."
"There are no outsiders here." Chu Yunli looked disapproving: "Are you still going out to talk? Besides, he is usually not at home. He also thinks that I work too slowly and is afraid of neglecting you, so he went to pour tea.
You gave birth to him and raised him, you just poured a cup of tea for your own mother, how can you not drink it?"
He never mentioned Zhou Xingwang's situation, only saying that he was doing it to honor his mother.
Zhou's mother had said similar things in the past, and Lu Xiaoqing never politely found reasons to refute.
Zhou's mother was pushed back by her daughter-in-law neither softly nor hard, and she was not unhappy at all. She was actually used to it, but because of these few words, the atmosphere became more solemn.
Mrs. Yang came here today on business. Seeing her mother-in-law arguing with her siblings over such inconsequential matters, she couldn't help but cough lightly: "Mom, we have to rush home."
When you have time, speak quickly and don't waste time on small things.
Zhou's mother immediately came back to her senses: "Then what, you two have to have a child. You are almost thirty this year, so you probably won't be able to give birth to a child. As for this person, he has to plan for his old age when he is young. Maybe you still have a child."
You are young and can't think of so much. But you have entered the Zhou family and are members of my Zhou family. As an elder who has spent the rest of his life buried in the ground, I can't help but plan more for you."
Chu Yunli held the teacup, lowered her eyes, and did not answer the question.
Zhou Xingwang had known his mother's purpose for a long time. He became more and more sure when he heard this. Without waiting for his mother to finish her speech, he hurriedly said: "Mom, Jiaojiao is very good, well-behaved and sensible. You will definitely respect us both in the future, so please don't
Don’t worry about these idle thoughts. They say that one generation does not care about the second generation. You are old, so take a good rest..."
Mother Zhou glared back at these words: "Silly boy, who am I doing this for?"
Zhou Xingwang complained secretly in his heart.
Mother Zhou had been talking for a long time, but before she could say the most important words, she was blocked by her son. She no longer hesitated at this moment and continued on her own: "We don't have many other people in the Zhou family. We do have boys. Absolutely.
I don’t want you to grow up helpless, but the relationship between biological father and son still needs to be cultivated, let alone a nephew. I would say, while the child is still young, adopt the child as soon as possible and call you parents... That’s a bit
After a child becomes sensible, it is difficult to change his words. It’s not that people don’t want to change, but that they are used to it and can’t change it for a while.”
Mrs. Yang couldn't tell that the couple was unhappy, so she answered: "Yes, the Yao family in the village is an adopted child. When they took the child back, he was already over ten years old. The family relationship is very good. The child is here
When his adoptive father left, he cried so much that he fainted several times, but he kept calling him uncle and couldn't change his tune."
Chu Yunli kicked Zhou Xingwang under the table. He woke up from a dream and hurriedly said: "Mom, we won't continue!"
"It's not up to you." Zhou's mother scolded: "The fifth child in the family is six years old this year, which is just right. I'm not here to discuss with you today, just to inform you. I will send someone here tomorrow, and you can clean up a room and settle down.
Good luck to him!" She said earnestly and sincerely: "People are sincere for their sincerity. If you treat your children well, your children will remember your kindness and respect you."
"Don't you understand?" Chu Yunli's tone became more serious: "I have my own children and I don't raise them for others. Besides, there are no extra rooms in this yard."
"Who are you talking to?" Zhou's mother said angrily: "Lu Xiaoqing, this child doesn't have your surname Lu, so why are you worried? Besides, it's not like a country child has to live in a house by himself or with your father.
, just enough to cultivate feelings.”
Even the place to live has been arranged. Chu Yunli laughed angrily: "Then do you want our whole family to move out to make room for him?"
Zhou's mother frowned very tightly: "Do you think that the Zhou family fell in love with your Lu family's shop, so they decided to adopt the family?" She sighed: "I really do it for the good of you and your wife. As the old saying goes, okay
Men do not eat separate meals. As long as the boys of my Zhou family grow up, they have to beg for a meal for themselves. The Zhou family is not rich either. If they have to rely on the things passed down from their ancestors, they will probably starve to death.
"
She brought the matter of the shop to the surface and looked frank again. If Lu Xiaoqing were here, she would never get entangled in this matter. After all, the couple had a good relationship over the years, and Zhou Xingwang treated her like a
Be obedient and obedient. For the sake of the children and the relationship between husband and wife, you have to give him some face so as not to get into too much trouble with the elders of the Zhou family.
"We are busy all day long and have no time to help others take care of their children." Chu Yunli was just like Lu Xiaoqing in the previous life, her tone was gentler: "Jiaojiao's father will help others build houses when the weather gets better."
, my father is getting older, and he usually helps the teahouse to refill tea, so he really has no time to raise children. Furthermore, we live in a town, have no land, and have to buy even green onions. The shop is open, and we have so much income every day.
, it looks quite beautiful. But in fact, life is hard, and we have to save money to buy goods. Otherwise, we will not be able to do business, and the family will have to go hungry."
Chu Yunli's expression softened, and Zhou's mother's attitude also improved a lot. These were all difficult problems on the surface. She thought for a while: "You don't have time to raise me, so just send Lao Wu back when you are busy.
"
Lao Wu is Yang's youngest son, and it is because this matter is related to her that she can make this trip when her family is very busy. When she heard this, she immediately became anxious and couldn't help but said: "Send the child away."
It's just for cultivating feelings, so what's the point of sending it back? Besides, the child that the fifth child sent is the second brother's child, so it's not shameful for us to raise it."
"Why are you so anxious?" Zhou's mother glared at her daughter-in-law, looked at Chu Yunli, and said tentatively: "This makes sense. He is your child, and even if he is a biological brother, he must settle the accounts clearly. Lao Wu sent
When you go back, you can give me some food or some money."
Not to mention Chu Yunli, even Zhou Xingwang was stunned for a while. It took him a while to come back to his senses: "You want me to use money to support my eldest brother's son?"
"This is your son." Zhou's mother emphasized: "Actually, six years old is not too young. He can help with some work. You can ask him to go to the shop to see how high his eyebrows are and how low his eyes are, and count the copper coins. Anyway, sooner or later
You all have to learn.”
Zhou Xingwang stood up suddenly: "Mom, this can't be done!"
"It's just a lesson, I don't really want to take over your shop." Mrs. Yang looked unhappy: "You are not happy, but I am not willing to give up. That is the child I gave birth to after ten months of pregnancy.
If mother hadn't discussed it with me, I wouldn't have made any contribution to the family these years, and I wouldn't have agreed to send my son out."
"I don't want to give up." Chu Yunli also stood up: "Mom, since the sister-in-law doesn't want to, we are too busy here to help others with the children, so don't waste your time in the middle."
Yang was dumbfounded, so she just said it casually.
If you don't want to, you won't appear here.
Zhou's mother saw that the words were getting more and more stiff, and she said: "Your father and I are still alive, and we are the ones in charge of the family. This matter is settled."
"I can't decide." Chu Yunli said seriously: "I don't like children very much. Only my own children will be more patient. I especially don't like those skinny monkeys. If I can't stand it, I will beat them.
." Having said this, she got up and walked to the courtyard wall, and pulled off a bamboo whip placed there.
This was brought back when Lu Jiao was young, and has rarely been used in recent years. She held it in her hand and shook it, making a whirling sound: "If you are willing, then send it here, and I will teach you how to do it."
See you tomorrow!"
With that look, it was obvious that he did not intend to treat the child well.
Yang became anxious immediately. What she just said was not wrong. She gave birth to the child in ten months of pregnancy and kept her with her for so many years... If she didn't think about the good of the child, how could she be willing to give it away?
Is she crazy if she sends her child here to be beaten?
Zhou's mother did not believe that her daughter-in-law would kill an ignorant child, and her son was watching from the side. However, her daughter-in-law clearly did not intend to give face to her mother-in-law, and she was so angry that she said: "Xiaoqing, don't
To scare people. That’s settled.”
After saying this, she stood up and said, "There's no need to cook. We have things to do when we get home. You should clean up the house first."
Seeing this, Zhou Xingwang screamed inwardly. His wife obviously did not agree to what she said. He quickly said: "Mom, how come it's settled? I didn't even agree. Besides, this is the Lu family. Even if I don't marry into the family, this family
After all, I am not the one who makes the decision, you are just my relative, let alone the head of the Lu family. In this way, even if the matter is to be decided, I have to discuss it with my father first, since he is not here yet..."
Chu Yunli answered: "Actually, it's the same as what I told you. As long as it's something I want to do, my father usually won't object."
After hearing this, Mother Zhou's face softened and she was angry with her son: "Did you hear what your wife said? Get out of the way quickly. We have been delayed for too long. We can go home and chop more firewood while it's still early."
.”
Zhou Xingwang never expected that his wife would undermine him, and his face was full of surprise.
"I can indeed make the decision, but this matter still needs to be discussed." Chu Yunli pretended to be thoughtful: "Since we are asking children to help, six years old is too young. Why not call me the boss? He is thirteen this year, so he is suitable.
.He learns things quickly and understands words, so I don’t have to worry about teaching him.”
The eldest son was also born to Yang. When she heard this, she couldn't hide the surprise on her face.
The younger the adoptive child, the better. If you are not afraid of trouble, it is best to bring the child to your side when he is still in his infancy, and then ask people around him not to talk too much. Let the child completely think that the adoptive parents are his biological parents.
, only in this way can we be close to each other.
Six years old is already too old, and this child who is already thirteen years old... is just like the child from the Yao family, who may not be able to change his words.
Mother Zhou looked puzzled and reminded: "The boss is thirteen!"
Chu Yunli asked back: "Is he unwilling? That's just right, I don't want to either."
"Yes." Mrs. Yang answered hurriedly: "When we came, the boss was quite complaining. He had long wanted to live with his second uncle in the town, and said that we doted on the younger ones and were partial to them. Since you are willing to teach us,
, then we will send them here tomorrow."
As she spoke, she quietly tugged on her mother-in-law's sleeve.
I finally agreed, but don't make any mistakes again and send someone over quickly to finalize the matter.
Zhou's mother had mentioned more than once before that she wanted to adopt a child to the Lu family, but the couple never talked about it. Even if they put the words out in the open, Lu Xiaoqing pretended not to hear. It was obvious that she was not happy.
Now that she finally relaxed, she couldn't let her change her mind again.
"Then you clean up. We are busy at home, so we won't delay things."
With that said, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law ran away quickly, as fast as if they were being chased by a dog.
Although Lu Jiaojiao hid in the house, she kept listening to what was going on outside. She couldn't help it just now. She also knew that she couldn't change any outcome, so she didn't rush out. At this moment, she couldn't help herself: "Mom, you are really
You want to raise other people’s children?”
This is what Zhou Xingwang wanted to ask.
"No!" Chu Yunli said casually: "That's why I want a bigger one, easy to beat!"
As soon as she finished speaking, the bamboo whip in her hand hit the ground hard with a loud crack.
Lu Jiaojiao was startled and took a step back.
Zhou Xingwang's face was speechless: "Damn it, you have to be measured in your actions. You are still a child after all, and the grudges between adults have nothing to do with children."
Chu Yunli smiled half-heartedly: "Why, do you want to take good care of her?"
Zhou Xingwang waved his hands hurriedly: "No, no." He could see that his words had offended his wife: "You can beat her however you want, but don't do it in front of me."
Chu Yunli snorted coldly.
A little later, Father Lu came back and heard that the Zhou family was sending a child over. He immediately frowned: "Jiaojiao is fine."