When Cheng Su called to invite them to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival in Qing City, Mother Qi was overjoyed and immediately began preparing her clothes and belongings. She planned to stay for a long time this time.
"Our in-law has helped us take care of Xiao Qi for a year. She’s worked hard and deserves a break. You see how lonely our father-in-law is by himself. Now that my leg is much better, taking care of Xiao Qi won’t be a problem. Let me take over," Mother Qi said happily.
Father Qi watched her with her high spirits and wanted to say something. But the words got stuck in his throat, and after a long while, he finally said, "You talk about our father-in-law being lonely, but what about me? Won’t I be lonely if you go to Qing City, leaving this old man behind?"
Mother Qi was taken aback and teased, "You old coot, are you really jealous of your own grandson?"
"I’m just saying," Father Qi replied, "in fact, our in-law is doing a great job taking care of Xiao Qi. If she’s willing, let her continue. You suddenly going over there, who knows if the child would want you to take over!"
Mother Qi was a bit displeased, saying, "How can we let our in-law care for our own grandson? It’s not like we’re too old to move around. As for whether he’s willing or not, what does a kid that small know? He’ll get used to it."
Father Qi laughed, "He didn’t want you to hold him when he was little. Wasn’t he small enough back then?"
Mother Qi choked, "You old coot, you just can’t stop poking at me, can you?"
"I’m just giving you a heads-up so you won’t get upset later, thinking if they’re talking behind your back," Father Qi said, taking a puff of his cigarette.
Mother Qi sat down with the clothes in her arms and spat at him, "You never think of me in a positive light."
Father Qi smiled without saying anything.
"Actually, Xiao Qi will have to be taken care of by us sooner or later. Isn’t this his mom’s last year in college? Didn’t they say they’re moving to Guangcheng next year? We all have to move there together. Then won’t it be us taking care of the grandson? It’s better to get used to it earlier than later, right?" Mother Qi said.
"We’re going, their family is going too," Father Qi said, "Aren’t they talking about looking at houses over there?"
Mother Qi’s expression changed several times, asking, "Have they bought it?"
"That I’m not sure of. They probably haven’t. Buying a house in a big city isn’t like buying a cabbage," Father Qi replied.
Mother Qi pursed her lips and asked, "Where does their family get the money to buy a house? Do you think the house is paid for by the daughter-in-law from Taiguo?"
Father Qi glanced at her, saying, "What are you trying to say now?"
Mother Qi felt a bit guilty and said, "Nothing really, just that since she married into the Qi family, it’s a bit much to help her maiden family buy a house, isn’t it? How much money would that take?"
She felt it was unfair, thinking this meant the Qi family was buying a house for the Cheng family.
"If you have thoughts like that, you might as well not go to Qing City and avoid causing trouble every day," Father Qi said coldly, "Once she’s married into the Qi family, she’s not the Cheng family’s daughter anymore? Even if she buys her maiden family a house, it’s all money she earned herself. Don’t go claiming it’s the Qi family’s money, or I’ll feel embarrassed for you."
Mother Qi’s face flushed with heat, "I’m just saying."
"Just saying is not acceptable," Father Qi said firmly, "The money she earned is for her to decide how to use, and it’s none of your business. You better behave, or don’t go at all."
Mother Qi was indignant, grinding her teeth, "Alright, alright, I can’t even say a word. I won’t talk about it, okay? She can spend it however she likes; I won’t make a sound."
Father Qi snorted.
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