Chapter 28: A Visit to Her Parents' Home

Chapter 28: Visiting the In-Laws

As they were halfway through packing their things, Lin Wanqiu looked up at Chen Jianghai, her lips parting as if she had something on her mind.

Seeing this, Chen Jianghai asked, "What is it, Wanqiu? Do you want to watch TV? That’s fine, go ahead; I’ll finish packing."

Touched by his consideration, Lin Wanqiu shook her head with a warm smile. "No, it’s not that, Jianghai... It’s just that my parents can be a bit sharp-tongued. If they start nagging tomorrow, please, don't take it to heart."

Chen Jianghai chuckled. "Don't worry, I’m not a child. I won't hold it against them."

In his previous life, every time Chen Jianghai visited Lin Wanqiu’s parents, they would end up arguing over one thing or another, leaving Lin Wanqiu caught in the middle and deeply distressed. In this life, Chen Jianghai was determined not to put her in that position again.

What did a few sharp words matter? It wouldn't cost him a limb. And even if it did, for the sake of the woman he loved, he was more than willing to endure it.

"I’ll tell them tomorrow that you’ve turned a new leaf and are making money now," Lin Wanqiu added. "They definitely won't nag you anymore."

Chen Jianghai understood her worries. He took her hand and looked at her earnestly. "Wanqiu, don't worry. I don't care how they view me. We are the ones living this life. As long as you are willing to stay by my side, no matter how hard or tiring things get, I am happy."

"Mm!" Lin Wanqiu’s face flushed slightly as she looked down, a sweet warmth spreading through her heart.

...

The next morning, Lin Wanqiu changed into a fresh outfit and had Chen Jianghai wear the new clothes and shoes they had bought. As the saying goes, "fine feathers make fine birds"; dressed in their new attire, the couple’s demeanor was noticeably transformed. With the recent improvement in their diet—regular, balanced meals of fish and meat—combined with her uplifted spirits, Lin Wanqiu looked radiant and even more vibrant than before.

Seeing his breathtakingly beautiful wife, Chen Jianghai couldn't help but lean in and say, "Wanqiu, you look truly beautiful."

Lin Wanqiu blushed, feeling a bit shy. Her reaction only made Chen Jianghai’s heart race all the more.

"Alright, let's hurry, or we won't make it in time for lunch," she said, flustered by his intense gaze and eager to change the subject.

Chen Jianghai took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to linger, and picked up their bags. "Right, let's go!"

Lin Wanqiu let out a sigh of relief and nodded quickly.

Her parents lived in the countryside, a journey of over an hour by bus from the county seat of Linghai. As they sat on the bumpy bus, Chen Jianghai found himself longing for the convenient transportation of his past life.

Noticing his grim expression, Lin Wanqiu asked with concern, "Jianghai, is something wrong?"

"It's nothing," Chen Jianghai said, shaking his head with a reassuring smile.

The wretched dirt road was so bumpy it made him question his sanity. Lin Wanqiu, thinking he was still anxious about the visit, comforted him, "Now that you have a job and are earning money, my parents will definitely be happy."

Chen Jianghai wanted to tell her that wasn't the reason, but looking at her expression, he knew she wouldn't believe him. "You’re right, I was just overthinking it." He decided not to explain further.

Lin Wanqiu held his hand and said gently, "It’s okay, we can just leave after lunch."

"Aren't we supposed to stay the night?" Chen Jianghai asked, puzzled.

Lin Wanqiu shook her head slightly. "If you don't like being there, we’ll just make an excuse and leave early."

"Mm." Chen Jianghai felt a surge of happiness at her thoughtfulness. Truth be told, he really didn't want to spend the night in that house. Getting back to their own cozy little home early would be ideal.

After getting off the bus, Lin Wanqiu started to walk, but Chen Jianghai stopped her. It was still a half-hour trek from the station to her parents' house. Before, when his pockets were empty, he had no choice, but now, there was no need to suffer. He hailed a pedicab, loaded their bags, and insisted that Lin Wanqiu get in.

"Jianghai, we’re almost there, there's no need to waste the money," she protested, unable to refuse him.

Chen Jianghai smiled. "We have so many things to carry; it’s too tiring to walk. I don't want you to suffer."

Lin Wanqiu tried to argue, but Chen Jianghai cut her off. "That’s enough, listen to me on this one. Just sit back and relax."

His tone was firm, yet Lin Wanqiu didn't feel angry; instead, her heart felt light and happy. After ten minutes of bumping along in the pedicab, they arrived at their destination. Chen Jianghai grabbed all the bags and let Lin Wanqiu lead the way.

"Oh, Wanqiu is back!"

"It’s been a while, Wanqiu!"

The neighbors greeted her warmly, but their eyes grew cold when they looked at Chen Jianghai. As soon as they passed, they began to whisper.

"A flower stuck in cow dung, truly."

"Isn't it? Such a lovely girl, such a pity she married a good-for-nothing!"

"I heard the son-in-law is lazy and doesn't even have a real job!"

"And buying so many things? I bet ten to one he borrowed the money."

"Ten to one? I say he definitely borrowed it, just puffing himself up to look rich!"

Chen Jianghai ignored the sneers and sarcasm. They were looking down on the old Chen Jianghai, but he was no longer that man, and he had no interest in bickering with such people.

Lin Wanqiu, however, bit her lip, her heart aching. She wanted to tell them that Chen Jianghai had changed, that he was now a man who could earn a living and cherish his wife. Seeing her distress, Chen Jianghai smiled at her and shook his head slightly, signaling her not to take it to heart.

When they reached the doorstep, Lin Wanqiu hesitated, afraid to go in. Chen Jianghai understood her fear, so he gently pushed her forward and guided her into the courtyard.

"Mom, Dad, we're home!" Chen Jianghai called out loudly before they even entered.

It was a local custom to announce one's arrival when visiting family. Normally, the hosts would have already come out to offer a polite welcome, but after Chen Jianghai’s shout, there was no movement from inside.

That didn't seem right. Lin Wanqiu frowned slightly and whispered, "Maybe... they aren't home..." It was clear she didn't believe it herself.

Sure enough, before she could finish, her parents appeared. They were sitting in the courtyard, their eyes fixed on Chen Jianghai with looks of disdain and cold indifference.