Chapter 45

Lu Nong quickly picked up on the subtlety in Pei Ji’an’s words. He referred to “his parents’ home” and “our family,” indicating that in his view, the home made up of Father Pei and Mother Pei was not truly his home. That’s why he used “go” instead of “return.”

There were clues to this perspective. Pei Zheng had mentioned that Pei Ji’an was fostered by a family in the countryside when he was young and was only brought back after the liberation. In addition, he has a cold personality. If his family members are not close to him, he will probably not rush to get close to them.

Pei Zheng also noted that when it came to their parents’ divorce, everyone blamed Pei Ji’an, believing he had let down Shen Yimei. However, Pei Zheng hinted that it was actually their mother who had been unfaithful first.

Pei Ji’an’s parents and younger sister were closer to outsiders than to their son and brother, and he never bothered to explain himself. This highlighted the deep rift that existed between them.

Lu Nong herself had a complicated relationship with her own parents, and she was generally open-minded about family issues. She didn’t feel the need to force a connection between Pei Ji’an and his parents. She fully respected his approach and had no desire to interfere with his feelings toward them.

However, as the new daughter-in-law, Lu Nong knew she needed to understand Pei Ji’an’s family dynamics and important details. It was clear that Father Pei and Mother Pei did not like her. Lu Nong had no intention of trying to win their favor. She just wanted to get through the Mid-Autumn Festival smoothly.

Last time, when Pei Mingxia came over, she called Pei Ji’an “Second Brother,” indicating that he had an older brother. With an older brother comes a sister-in-law and their children. Lu Nong needed to be aware of all this so she would know who was who when they met.

“Who is in your family?” Lu Nong asked Pei Ji’an directly.

Pei Ji’an sat beside Lu Nong and began to explain his family relationships. “I am the second child. I had an older brother who passed away, and I have a younger sister named Pei Mingxia. You’ve met her and her husband and son.”

Lu Nong nodded, recalling that she had met Pei Mingxia’s family. She was surprised to learn that Pei Ji’an’s older brother had died. No wonder no one mentioned him. On the day when Pei Mingxia’s son was poisoned and rushed to the hospital, only Pei Ji’an, the second brother, was present.

Pei Ji’an continued, “My brother was married once, and my sister-in-law is named Feng Xiaoyuan. They have a daughter, Pei Su. After my brother’s death, my sister-in-law didn’t remarry. She will definitely come for this Mid-Autumn Festival. Pei Su is married and has moved to another city, so I’m not sure if she will return. Both my sister-in-law and Pei Su are sensible people, they won’t make things difficult for you.”

From his tone, it was clear that Pei Ji’an held great respect for his brother, and he spoke highly of his sister-in-law and niece. It was rare to hear him express such positive feelings.

Pei Ji’an was not one to easily judge others. He dismissed people he deemed unworthy, like Pei Mingxia, his own sister, whom he never mentioned voluntarily. Their sibling relationship felt quite distant. For Pei Ji’an to praise his sister-in-law and niece spoke volumes about their character.

“Besides that, it’s just my parents. You don’t need to worry, they won’t make things difficult for you,” Pei Ji’an assured.

Lu Nong wasn’t worried, she had never been one to let herself be taken advantage of. However, she did feel a little concerned. If Father Pei and Mother Pei were to put her in an uncomfortable situation, she might instinctively retaliate, which could upset the elderly couple.

She gave Pei Ji’an a shy smile, thinking, Brother, you have misjudged me.

Pei Ji’an noticed Lu Nong’s playful demeanor and gently patted her head.

Soon, the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived. Lu Nong couldn’t bear to leave Aunt Wu alone at home, so she wanted to ask Gu Huai to stay with her. However, the elderly lady refused.

“Today is the first time you and Xiao Huai are visiting your in-laws. They will surely want to see Xiao Huai. It wouldn’t be right to keep him at home. Don’t worry about me. I’m perfectly fine alone. I will make soup for you to drink when you come back. Now hurry and go.” Aunt Wu said.

Lu Nong hugged her tightly, feeling reluctant, and said, “I’ll be back soon.”

Aunt Wu shook off the goosebumps, joking, “Hurry up and go. When did you become so clingy?”

Huaihuai imitated his mother by going over to hug Aunt Wu first and then hugging Xiao Bai. With wide eyes, he said, “I’ll be back soon.”

Aunt Wu smiled happily and said, “Oh, Grandma will be waiting for you, my little treasure.”

Lu Nong: “…” Such double standards.

Father Pei and Mother Pei also lived in the compound. Compared to the small red building where Pei Ji’an lived, their home felt a bit cramped, which made sense given that it was in the city.

When Pei Ji’an’s family arrived at the compound, they attracted some attention. A few kind-looking elderly people noticed Lu Nong standing next to Pei Ji’an and expressed their surprise, saying, “Has Ji’an found himself a wife?”

Pei Ji’an: “…”

The old lady put on the glasses hanging around her neck and looked at Lu Nong carefully: “Not bad. This daughter-in-law is good. She has a kind look in her eyes, she’s a good match.”

Lu Nong sweetly smiled and said, “Thank you for your kind words.”

“Be good and take care of Ji’an. He is a good boy.” The old lady patted Lu Nong’s hand and pulled a one-yuan note from her pocket, handing it to Xiao Huai. “Here, take this and buy some candy.”

As she was about to leave, the old lady leaned in and whispered to Pei Ji’an, “I just saw the girl from the Shen family heading toward the old Pei home. Keep that in mind.”

Pei Ji’an’s expression changed slightly, a look of disbelief crossing his face. “I understand, Grandma Hou. You should hurry home for dinner, don’t keep Grandpa Hou waiting.”

Grandma Hou sighed at the sight. What a good boy. Why didn’t the Pei couple appreciate their blessings?

It was unfortunate. The Shen and Pei families had pressured Ji’an into marrying the Shen family’s eldest daughter. However, matters of fate could not be forced.

Now, the in-laws were not in-laws, friends were not friends, and the son was being pushed away without clarity.

After parting ways with Grandma Hou, Pei Ji’an, Lu Nong, and Pei Zheng fell into a heavy silence. Only Huaihuai, unaware of the situation, curiously looked around while holding onto his brother’s arm.

Shen Yimei had also arrived at the Pei family home, which was not good news. Lu Nong hoped she was just there for a brief visit to see Father Pei and Mother Pei. Otherwise, things would inevitably become awkward for everyone.

Unfortunately, Lu Nong was being overly naive.

The Pei family’s front door was wide open. Before they even entered, they could hear the lively chatter and laughter coming from inside.

As they walked into the Pei home, they saw Shen Yimei sitting on the sofa, chatting closely with Mother Pei. She was sweetly holding Mother Pei’s arm, saying, “Mom, I brought you some local specialties from Jiangcheng. I asked a friend to get them for you and Dad. They are suitable for older people and supposedly good for health. They say it can prolong life, so you and Dad should eat them every day. Once you finish them, I’ll ask him to buy more.”

Shen Yimei called them “Mom” and “Dad” so naturally, and other relatives were also present, sitting beside Mother Pei and Shen Yimei, praising her for her filial piety and complimenting Mother Pei for having such a good daughter-in-law. Mother Pei smiled in satisfaction, while Shen Yimei appeared shy, and no one denied the relatives’ praises of her as a good daughter-in-law.

Lu Nong: “…” Then I leave?

She turned to Pei Ji’an, feeling that she shouldn’t have to endure this humiliation.

She had anticipated feeling unwelcome at the Pei family home but never expected it to be this bad. Shen Yimei could call Mother Pei “Mom” at any time and play the good daughter-in-law, and Mother Pei could play along at any moment. However, this should not have happened during Lu Nong’s first visit.

They were clearly showing that they had no regard for Lu Nong.

Pei Ji’an’s expression was beyond unpleasant. He turned to Pei Zheng and said, “Take Huaihuai to your room.”

Pei Zheng had a room here. As the most awkward person in this situation, he didn’t even stop to greet his Grandma and quickly took Xiao Gu Huai upstairs.

Someone on the sofa noticed Pei Ji’an and Pei Zheng talking. “Ji’an is here?”

Someone suddenly shouted, and everyone on the sofa turned their gaze toward the door. When they saw Lu Nong standing next to Pei Ji’an, a chilling silence fell over the Pei family.

Mother Pei turned pale and abruptly stood up, wanting to explain something. She was caught off guard when Shen Yimei, who was holding her arm, lost her balance and fell, letting out a startled scream.

The scream startled Mother Pei awake. As she looked around, she realized that their relatives were all present, including Shen Yimei. She slowly sat back down and asked, “You’re here?”

“Now that you’re here, why aren’t you rushing to the kitchen to help your sister-in-law and Xiao Su cook? Can’t you see the guests are waiting?”

Lu Nong: “…”

She looked at the old lady in disbelief. Did she think she was here to be a kitchen maid for the Pei family?

Mother Pei didn’t intend to make things difficult for Lu Nong. Getting Lu Nong to retreat into the kitchen was the best excuse she could come up with to avoid embarrassment.

In the current situation, she couldn’t send Shen Yimei away, nor could she call Lu Nong over to sit with Shen Yimei. After all, everyone had just witnessed the harmonious relationship between her and Shen Yimei.

Lu Nong was a legitimate daughter-in-law. If she sat down, without saying a word, just calling out “Mom” would make Shen Yimei feel embarrassed.

For now, Mother Pei decided it would be best to inconvenience Lu Nong a bit, letting her voluntarily exit. She figured she could make it up to her later.

Mother Pei had planned this out well, but unfortunately, neither Lu Nong nor Pei Ji’an was willing to cooperate.

Pei Ji’an took Lu Nong’s hand and walked into the living room. He addressed the relatives, “Aunties, this is my wife, Lu Nong. Nong Nong, let me introduce you: this is Second Aunt, Third Aunt, Great Aunt, Third Aunt, and Little Aunt.”

Lu Nong followed Pei Ji’an and greeted everyone, “Hello, Second Aunt, Third Aunt, Great Aunt, Third Aunt, Little Aunt…”

The relatives exchanged glances, and Second Aunt, who had been the first to call out when Pei Ji’an arrived, was the first to respond, “Oh, good, Nong Nong and Xiangzhi are a perfect match.”

Pei Ji’an’s courtesy name Xiangzhi was given by his grandfather. When he was younger, the elders in the family always called him by that name, so it slipped out naturally from Second Aunt’s lips.

Following her lead, the other relatives quickly responded, “Yes, yes, Nong Nong, come over here and let us take a good look at you. You look like a fairy! Standing with our Ji’an, you truly make a perfect couple.”

For a moment, Mother Pei and Shen Yimei were left behind in the chaos. Mother Pei’s face darkened, feeling both angry and humiliated. Pei Ji’an had made her look bad in front of the relatives, acting like an unfilial son.

Shen Yimei’s complexion turned paler. Her lips trembled as she stared at Pei Ji’an, saying, “Ji’an, do you really have to treat me like this?”

Her voice was barely audible, almost a whisper, yet it managed to break through the lull in conversation, so everyone clearly heard her words.

The tension in the room was palpable.

Pei Ji’an ignored her and addressed the relatives, “Today is a holiday, and we should be celebrating together as a family. Unfortunately, we have some personal matters to deal with at home. If it’s alright with everyone, I’d like to invite you all to dine at a restaurant with my wife.”

“Dining out sounds good! I’ve been wanting to try the braised pork knuckle from Xide Lai. Ji’an, let’s go there, alright?” Second Aunt suggested enthusiastically.

Pei Ji’an’s expression softened a bit. “Alright, I’ll arrange it right away.”

Without wasting a moment, he promptly called to make reservations in front of everyone.

After he finished the call, Second Aunt went upstairs to summon the men who had been chatting with Father Pei in the study. The men were confused at first, but after a few whispered words from their wives, they roughly understood what was happening. It wasn’t wise for them to linger. Each family had some connection to the Pei family, and Pei Ji’an’s authority had grown over the past two years, even surpassing his father’s. If Pei Ji’an wanted them to leave, staying behind would only create further conflict.

One by one, they bid farewell to Father Pei, promising to gather again next time.

As the relatives gradually left with their families, Father Pei was left in bewilderment, having just been informed that his son was treating the relatives to dinner. Was he out of his mind with money? He followed them downstairs.

Pei Ji’an’s sister-in-law and niece also emerged from the kitchen upon hearing the commotion. When they saw Pei Ji’an holding hands with a stunning young woman and glanced at Shen Yimei on the sofa, they understood the situation without needing further explanation.

“Second Aunt, Uncle, and Little Aunt, why are you all leaving?” a voice from outside called out.

What a surprise! Pei Mingxia had arrived. Now, the family was gathered together, and it looked like the show was about to begin.