Chapter 17 On the Fighting Power of the Future Mother-in-Law

After leaving the supply and marketing cooperative, Shi Qingqian sped off on her newly purchased bicycle like a cheerful little bird. The wind whipped through her hair, and her face was lit up with a radiant smile. She looked back at Xu Huaian and shouted, “Come catch me!”

Xu Huaian watched her playful antics, shaking his head helplessly, though his eyes were full of adoration. He got on his bicycle and began to chase her, calling out, “Qingqian, slow down! Be careful not to fall!”

Shi Qingqian paid him no mind, speeding up even more, humming a little tune. At times, she rode with one hand on the handlebar; at other times, she swayed her body freely, enjoying the wind on her face. Xu Huaian’s heart leapt into his throat as he nervously followed her, ready to catch her if she stumbled.

They rode like this along the country paths, their laughter leaving a trail behind them, drawing glances from passersby.

When Shi Qingqian and Xu Huaian returned to Xiangyang Village on the new Phoenix-brand bicycle, its shine gleamed under the sunlight. Villagers peeked out of their homes, and when they saw Shi Qingqian riding that beautiful bike, expressions of shock and envy spread across their faces.

Bicycles were rare; among the dozens of families in Xiangyang Village, only the team leader’s household had one. It was hard to believe that Xu Huaian, who had just brought home a new wife yesterday, now had a bicycle—and a Phoenix-brand at that.

“Oh, this bicycle is beautiful! Has Huaian been promoted?” someone whispered.

Xu Huaian shook his head. “No, I didn’t buy it. My wife did.”

The villagers were even more astonished.

“What? Your wife bought it?”

“Yes,” Xu Huaian nodded proudly.

Everyone’s perception of Shi Qingqian changed instantly. When Xu Huaian had brought her back yesterday, people thought she was too delicate and incapable of managing a household. They even murmured that marrying her would be like marrying a frail ancestor into the house, and that having her as a daughter-in-law would make life difficult. But now, seeing her buy a brand-new Phoenix bicycle without hesitation, they realized her family must be well-off. A wealthy daughter-in-law like this—who wouldn’t want her?

“Oh, the Xu family is really lucky to find such a rich daughter-in-law!”

“Right? A Phoenix bicycle isn’t something ordinary people can afford. This new daughter-in-law didn’t even blink before buying it!”

“This isn’t just marrying a wife; it’s like marrying a money god!”

Xu Huaian and Shi Qingqian ignored their comments. After returning the bicycle to Xu Huaian’s second uncle’s house, they went straight home. By then, Xu Huaian’s father and the others had already returned from work. Seeing Shi Qingqian riding the bicycle with Xu Huaian behind her, Zhang Lanxiang rubbed her eyes, astonished.

Shi Qingqian’s petite frame could barely hold Xu Huaian, but Zhang Lanxiang felt a strange impression, as if her son was being carried by a delicate little wife.

“Oh my goodness! Qingqian, get off! He’s so big—you’ll tire yourself out.”

Shi Qingqian laughed, stopping the bicycle. “Auntie, it’s fine. I can carry him.”

Xu Huaian got off the back seat, slightly helpless, and said, “Mom, I’m your son, not dog poop!”

Zhang Lanxiang ignored him, walking around the bicycle. “This bicycle doesn’t look like it belongs to your second uncle’s house.”

“It’s Qingqian’s purchase,” Xu Huaian explained.

Hearing this, Zhang Lanxiang was furious. “You silly child! What did I tell you to do? Even if you want a bicycle, it should be bought by our family. How can you let Qingqian spend money? You’ve been single for 27 years because of this lack of sense.”

Xu Huaian was at a loss for words, but Shi Qingqian quickly pulled Zhang Lanxiang aside and whispered something in her ear.

“That’s more like it,” Zhang Lanxiang nodded, satisfied, then curiously touched the handlebars. “I didn’t think our family would have a bicycle! Old man, come see!”

Hearing the commotion, Xu Huaian’s father hurried out of the kitchen. The children rushed out too, crowding around the bicycle, their eyes shining with curiosity and excitement.

“Wow, such a beautiful bicycle!” Big Kid exclaimed, reaching to touch the seat.

“This is amazing! Our family has a bike now. I want to ride it!” Little Kid wriggled, pushing past Big Kid, trying to hop on.

Zhang Lanxiang immediately picked him up. “It’s not ours—it’s your third uncle and third aunt’s bicycle.”

“I want a bike! Mine! I want mine!” Little Kid kicked and twisted in Zhang Lanxiang’s arms.

Xu Huaiguo quickly grabbed Little Kid from Zhang Lanxiang and smacked his bottom. Startled, Little Kid froze, then burst into loud crying.

Eldest sister-in-law Li Guihua came out of the house, speaking sarcastically, “Why are you hitting your son? What did he say that’s wrong?”

“All parents treat their children the same. Some even secretly give money to the eldest or buy bikes for women from elsewhere,” she continued. “You, the eldest, have nothing but age. You hit your own son, and people look down on you even more.”

“Stop talking nonsense!” Xu Huaiguo angrily raised his hand.

Li Guihua puffed out her chest. “Go on, hit me if you dare! You have no guts, hitting your son and daughter-in-law at home. If word gets out, your family will be ashamed.”

Zhang Lanxiang was red with anger, pointing at Li Guihua. “You’re just jealous that Qingqian bought a bicycle. If you wanted one, go buy one yourself. Don’t forget—you demanded to split the family property back then. Stop making snide comments.”

“You said I gave money? Fine, I gave money to the third son so he could buy a watch for Qingqian. When you married in, why didn’t we give money to your parents?”

“Don’t forget—the 100 yuan betrothal gift to your parents was sent by the third son. Without him, you wouldn’t have what you have today; your parents would have sold you off to some mountain long ago.”