Chapter 60: On Having Children

At breakfast, Xiao Huishu was nowhere to be seen.

“Did my brother go to work?”

“He only took one day off, so he left early this morning,” her mother replied.

As is common among people of a certain age, the conversation naturally drifted to marriage and children.

“Huishu and Xiaozhou are the same age. When does he plan to settle down and get married?” one of the mothers asked.

Mother Xiao sighed, “No plans in sight yet. If we bring it up, he just gets annoyed, so I’ve stopped mentioning it.”

Mrs. Xu gave her son a knowing look, remembering how he’d once found these conversations irritating, too. Now he was the poster boy for marriage’s blessings, grinning like a fool. She shook her head with a smile, “It’s all about timing. Once the right person comes along, things change. Xiaozhou used to be the same way like a stubborn block of wood until he met Qingru. Then he was all eagerness, and we didn’t even have to push him.”

Xu Muzhou, slightly embarrassed, laughed, “We were talking about Huishu, weren’t we? Why’s this about me now?”

“Can’t I talk about you a little?” she teased.

He chuckled, serving each mother a bowl of chicken soup.

“Trying to butter us up with food now?” Mrs. Xu joked.

“You’re such a sweet kid, unlike my Huishu. He’s not as attentive as you are,” Mother Xiao remarked with a sigh.

“Oh, Huishu’s temperament is better. This boy here can be so stubborn sometimes makes you want to pull your hair out,” Mrs. Xu commented with a touch of pride. “He does have principles, though.”

Over the past few days, everyone had become comfortable enough to speak openly.

Xiao Qingru quietly ate her meal, staying out of the discussion to avoid any sudden shift toward herself. She was particularly anxious when the conversation turned to the topic of having children.

Knowing there would be concerns, Mrs. Xu decided to clarify their stance on grandchildren, to prevent anyone from pressuring them in the future.

“We pushed Xiaozhou to get married because we didn’t want him here alone. But when it comes to having children, that’s entirely up to you two. We’ll support whatever decision you make.”

Xu Muzhou and Xiao Qingru exchanged relieved glances. It wasn’t that they didn’t want children but having their families’ support would make things easier. Having the final say would give them the space to decide when the timing was right.

“Mom, Qingru’s still young. We’re thinking of waiting a few years before we start thinking about kids,” Xu Muzhou added with confidence.

“Take your time. There’s no rush. If you ever need extra hands, just let us know. You could keep the child here or send them back to Beijing, whatever works best.”

Qingru was only nineteen and just starting to make a name for herself in the performing troupe. Now was not the time for kids. Not only did Xu Muzhou want to make sure his wife had a supportive home, but he also wanted to ensure they were financially prepared for a family, maybe even have a bigger house by then. And above all, he wanted her to reach her potential in her career.

She squeezed his hand in understanding.

After breakfast, Xu Muzhou drove his parents to the station, with Qingru by his side as his wife.

“Take care and visit again soon,” her mother called out as they prepared to leave.

“Come visit Beijing when you can. We’d love to host you,” Mrs. Xu responded.

With a smile, Mrs. Xiao handed them some local specialties. “Have a safe journey!”

Reluctant to refuse their generous farewell gifts, the Xu parents promised to return the favor once back in Beijing.

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Meanwhile, at the family housing compound, memories of Jiang Chuan and Du Wanqiu’s dramatic wedding still lingered. The contrast between Jiang’s departure, full of quarrels, and Xu’s dignified farewell didn’t go unnoticed.

“Yesterday, Du Wanqiu looked like she’d just been wronged at her wedding. You’d think Xiao Qingru stole her man or something!” someone whispered.

“That woman really thinks everything good should go her way. Watch out, she’ll end up with nothing at all.”

The gossip grew as they discussed the relationship between Jiang Chuan and Du Wanqiu, who had no romantic foundation to begin with. The slightest tension seemed to tear them apart.

It wasn’t long before Jiang Chuan, exhausted by her behavior, volunteered for an assignment just to escape, leaving Du Wanqiu feeling betrayed and angry.

Taking her frustrations out on her child, Du Wanqiu berated him in anger, “It’s all your fault! You can’t even keep your father around. What’s the point of you?”

As the toddler’s wails filled the room, she only grew angrier.

“All you do is cry! Useless, absolutely useless!”