Chapter 19: The First Meeting of the In-Laws

Su Jinyan carefully considered her words. “Mom, last night, when Aunt Liu was pouring me water, she had one hand on the teacup and the other protecting her belly.”

“I initially thought she had a stomachache, but when I took a quick look, I noticed she was very likely pregnant, and it’s at least about two months along.”

“If she had admitted she was in a relationship earlier, it would have been easier to handle. But now, given the situation, we can’t keep her around.”

Xin Huimin frowned and looked at Su Jinyan. “It’s generally too early to tell if someone is two months pregnant.”

“How did you figure it out?”

Su Jinyan smiled calmly and replied, “Mom, it’s been a long time since you were pregnant with me. Being pregnant isn’t just about the belly; there are many physical signs, and sometimes you can tell from subtle, unconscious actions.”

“Even if she is pregnant, we just need to clarify the situation. Why do you want to drive her away? After all, Aunt Liu has been working with us for so long.”

“Just kicking her out feels a bit harsh, especially since she is a martyr’s family member. It wouldn’t reflect well if word got out.”

“Mom, we have to take precautions. Once she’s pregnant, we must think about the implications.”

“If she doesn’t say anything, what is she planning to do with the baby? Does she intend to keep it or not? They aren’t even married; how can she keep it? If she doesn’t keep it, who will support her through an abortion?”

“Also, she has been working in our home. Once the news about her pregnancy spreads, how will we explain it? You have been away from home for so long; what if she tries to pin it on my dad? Have you thought about the consequences?”

Upon hearing this, Su Chengguo, startled, couldn’t sit still.

“Yanyan, don’t speak recklessly!”

“Hui Min, you can’t listen to Yanyan’s nonsense. I have absolutely no relationship with her! When you aren’t home, I don’t come back! The gatekeeper has it noted!”

Is this girl someone else’s?

Xin Huimin gave him a sidelong glance, unamused.

Su Jinyan chuckled lightly and said, “Dad, just an example!”

“I’m just listing what she might do.”

“Look, Aunt Liu has no man in her life right now. What is she supposed to do about her pregnancy? This could lead to legal trouble.”

“If she gets found out, and she insists the child is yours, what should we do? Or, what if, in order to secure a stable source of income, on a dark night, she takes her clothes off, climbs into your bed, and shouts that you must marry her?”

As Su Jinyan continued to list potential scenarios, both the upright Su Chengguo and Xin Huimin grew uneasy.

Xin Huimin said, “You’re getting more far-fetched; we don’t even know if Liu has a child yet.”

Su Jinyan shrugged. “Anyway, unless we figure this out, she can’t come back. One must always guard against others; you cannot be too trusting. This is the experience I’ve gained from years in the countryside.”

“If she wants to return to work, she needs to clarify things on her own or go to the hospital for a check-up.”

“Moreover, we need to guard against her throwing accusations back at us. What if we don’t allow her back, and she spreads rumors saying that my dad did something to her, and that our family wants nothing to do with her?”

Su Chengguo felt his heart race, wanting to argue that it was impossible, but he couldn’t shake the idea that if that day ever came, he wouldn’t be able to explain himself regardless.

Naturally, Xin Huimin also considered this outcome.

“Until we confirm that she’s pregnant, we shouldn’t speak further on this subject.”

Su Jinyan raised her eyebrows, “Then, Mom, just be prepared.”

After a brief discussion, the conversation came to an end. She had done everything she could. If the author’s influence wasn’t something she could change… then she would have to find a way to adapt!

The Zhao family was arranged to stay in a very nice guesthouse, resembling the predecessor of hotels in later times, with a restaurant downstairs and accommodations upstairs.

By the time the family of three and one small child arrived at the guesthouse, it was already past eleven o’clock.

Despite her reluctance and dissatisfaction with the Zhao family since her daughter had married into it, Xin Huimin maintained her politeness upon seeing Zhao Zhengjun and his wife.

“So, is the accommodation to your liking?”

She directed her question toward Zhao Zhengjun and his wife. Upon seeing Xin Huimin, who exuded a strong presence, Mrs. Sun felt tense and nervously replied, “It’s, it’s quite comfortable.”

Zhao Zhengjun, who usually didn’t say much, didn’t want to embarrass his son and softly replied, “This place is great, thank you.”

Xin Huimin nodded, “Let’s go downstairs for a meal.”

The older couple nodded in agreement, even though they wore the new clothes Su Jinyan had bought for them, they still huddled and slumped forward, feeling quite inferior.

They were intimidated by the presence of their in-laws and hardly dared to make a sound.

“Are you Grandma?”

A sudden voice broke the heavy atmosphere as Xin Huimin turned to see a child on the bed staring at her curiously.

She had noticed the child staring at her for a while now.

Su Jinyan handed the child, Zhao Hua, over to Zhao Yuan Yi, and then called out to Zhao Qi with a smile, “Qi Qi, come over and greet Grandma and Grandpa.”

Zhao Qi hesitated for a moment before jumping down and rushing to Su Jinyan, clinging to her leg.

“Mom, where did you go last night?”

Su Jinyan ruffled his hair and smiled, “Mom went to see Grandma. Didn’t you want to meet Grandma? Go ahead and call her.”

Zhao Qi shyly ducked his head, but after a moment, he poked his head out and quietly called, “Grandma.” Then he looked at Su Chengguo and added, “Grandpa.”

While speaking, his hand kept fiddling with his pocket. Su Jinyan glanced over and chuckled, “What do you have in your pocket? Is it a gift for Mom?”

Zhao Qi shook his head, “No! This is candy I brought for Grandma and Grandpa.”

As he said this, he finally pulled out four pieces of crinkled fruit candy from his pocket and handed them to Xin Huimin. “Grandma, this is candy I specially brought for you; it’s really sweet.”

Xin Huimin’s heart softened at the sight of the small hand offering the crinkled candy. Her initially polite smile became sincere, and her eyes reflected a touch of tenderness. “Thank you, Qi Qi.”

After saying that, she took the candy and held Zhao Qi’s hand, “Come on, Grandma will take you to get some delicious food.”

A large table filled with exquisite dishes sent Zhao’s elderly couple into shock, and they were hesitant to even pick up their chopsticks.

Everything looked so beautiful and smelled wonderful, with many dishes they had never seen before.

They found out for the first time that fish could be made to look so fresh and appealing, with its head still up (squirrel fish), and the meatballs were almost as big as a child’s fist. That chicken, served whole, seemed extravagant…

The amount of meat on the table would take them years to consume in their rural home.

“Okay, let’s eat.”

Xin Huimin was considerate and had requested meat porridge and steamed eggs specifically for the children.

Watching the elderly Zhao couple hesitate to start eating, Xin Huimin didn’t feel good inside.

Her daughter, who was doing well, had married into a family that felt beneath her; seeing it firsthand made her heart even heavier.

She glanced at the child next to her and sighed…

They were so timid… Luckily, he was still young.

However, seeing Zhao Yuan Yi’s looks and calm demeanor eased her worries slightly.

With such looks, he would be considered good in the capital.

Women typically look for certain qualities in men; her daughter initially was drawn by his appearance, not placing demands on wealth.

Fortunately, this son-in-law seemed acceptable for now.