The growth system comes at the age of 30

Chapter 224 The Ugly Daughter-in-Law Will Eventually Meet Her In-Laws (4.2K)

"Is it because work is not going well or you're unhappy?" Chen Jingle asked.

Because my mother, Liu Yuehua, is a very content person, she wouldn't easily quit her job unless there were very special circumstances.

Then I heard my mom say on the phone, "Business at the store hasn't been good this past year, and we're almost at our breaking point. Except for a few people, the boss wants us to quit our jobs and then pay us half a month's salary in return."

That's it!

Chen Jingle suddenly realized.

His mother works as a kitchen helper in a Cantonese restaurant in the provincial capital, making soup. Her salary is not high, and the working environment is not easy.

However, my mother thought that she was too old and didn't know any other skills, so she was already grateful that a boss was willing to hire her, and she continued to do it.

She worked at that restaurant for more than three years. Except for holidays when she was busy, she was fine most of the time. After mealtimes, it was her break time.

It's definitely hard to leave a job suddenly.

Chen Jingle quickly comforted him: "It's okay, it's good that you resigned. Just consider it retirement. Your son can earn money now, so you and Dad don't need to work so hard. Just come back and enjoy life."

Speaking of which, many shops that did well in the past two years have closed down one after another in the last year and this year, and those that did not close down are not doing as well as before.

A poor economic situation does have an impact on ordinary people.

Putting aside other things, just based on Chen Jingle's observations, many of the villagers who went out to work have returned home much earlier this year.

In previous years, they would not return until the end of the twelfth lunar month.

My mother isn't the only one who's unemployed.

My mom sighed on the phone: "Work for a couple more years while you still can, otherwise when you get old, no one will want to hire you. Although I don't earn as much as you, I've saved some money over the years. If you want to buy a house or get married in the future, remember to tell me."

Chen Jingle sighed and said, “I have money, so I don’t need to worry about this. Besides, I’m living quite well at home, so why would I need to buy a house? Nowadays, houses are all off-plan, and they often end up being abandoned or poorly constructed. Moreover, the soundproofing is terrible, and the neighbors are noisy. It’s nowhere near as quiet as home. I don’t want to live there.”

My mom said, "Living at home is definitely more comfortable than living outside. It's just that many girls nowadays hope to have an apartment in the city so that it will be easier for their children to go to school in the future. It's better than living in the countryside."

Chen Jingle said helplessly, "Mom, people are abolishing school district housing now. If no one has children in the future, kindergartens will face a wave of closures. Apart from first-tier cities, houses in other places will only depreciate more and more. If you insist on having a house in the city before you're willing to get married, then you might as well not get married at all."

Every time he talks to his mother, she intentionally or unintentionally probes Chen Jingle about his love life.

Chen Jingle used to be very impatient.

The older generation simply cannot understand the plight of young people.

They only see that young people are unwilling to get married, but they never think about the reasons behind it, or they know them but are unwilling to accept them.

I'm hoping that while my child works like a beast of burden in a 996 work schedule, they can still buy groceries and cook for themselves after get off work to save money and eat healthily. They also hope that they'll have time to find a good partner in all aspects, and that they can't play video games, go out and mess around, or stay up late reading novels. They also hope they can exercise more to stay healthy.

what!
Chen Jingle's parents were actually alright. They urged him, but at least they had a limit. If his expression changed, they would immediately stop the conversation.

But not all relatives and elders are so understanding.

Now that Chen Jingle has Teacher Li, he is not as averse to these topics as before.

However, while he doesn't dislike it, he's still unwilling to be pressured.

In his view, the key to marriage is the two young people, and only secondarily the two families.

Because after marriage, life is lived by the two young people themselves, not by one of their parents.

Of course, this only refers to young people who get married independently and on their own merits; those whose families provide substantial assistance are not included in this discussion.

Chen Jingle never expected his parents to be of any help.

He knew that his parents were ordinary working-class people from the countryside, and that it was already very impressive that they had managed to raise him, keep him from going hungry, and provide him with an education.

Can't ask for too much.

As people say, when you're in school, you think 2000 yuan a month is too little for living expenses, but after graduation, you feel like it's your life to give your family 2000 yuan every month.

Money isn't so easy to earn in this society.

Sometimes, you can only understand the underlying logic by putting yourself in someone else's shoes.

"Who can say for sure what will happen in the future?" Mom kept nagging.

Chen Jingle had to change the subject: "So when exactly are you coming back?"

My mom said, "The 30th, I guess. My boss wants me to finish this month's work first. I'll take a bus back on the afternoon of the 30th and get back in the evening. It's not a major holiday, so there won't be any traffic jams, and I'll be home quickly."

Chen Jingle glanced at the calendar subconsciously: "That's still a long way off, several days away. Why don't you take the high-speed train? It'll be more comfortable that way. I'll pick you up at the high-speed train station."

My mom said, "No need, I'll just take a ride home. I have a lot of luggage, and I can't carry that much if I take the high-speed train."

Chen Jingle scratched his head: "We have everything we need at home, there's no need to bring everything back."

My mom laughed and said, "We've already given away quite a few to others; the rest are all useful."

He was truly a frugal and hardworking Chinese man throughout his life.

Chen Jingle simply said, "How about I just go to the provincial capital to pick you up?"

My mom quickly said, "No need, no need. The gas money is expensive for a round trip. I just don't want to drag my luggage on the high-speed train. You just do your thing."

Fine!

Seeing that he couldn't persuade him, Chen Jingle had no choice but to give up.

……

night.

After getting off work, Li Beixing, as always, went to Chen Jingle's place first.

The slight upturn at the corners of his mouth clearly indicated that he was in a good mood.

That's right. Now all the teachers and students at school know that she has a boyfriend, and he's a very handsome guy. Although there are all sorts of teasing, everyone sincerely wishes her well.

Of course I'm happy!
She walks lightly now, as if carried by the wind, and as soon as she gets back to Chen Jingle's house, she happily hugs him.

Chen Jingle was washing vegetables in the kitchen. She was used to this behavior. In front of outsiders, she was an elegant and dignified mature woman, but in private, she was a clingy person.

Seeing that she was in such a good mood, he immediately teased, "What? Are you so happy now that Teacher Li's relationship has been exposed?"

Li Beixing's face felt a little hot, but she still smiled and said, "I'm happy, I'm happy!"

"Okay, whatever makes you happy~ By the way, what if your classmates make fun of you about this when you go to class?"

"It's alright, they were just joking in good spirits, and they'll only laugh once."

"Your colleagues all know too?"

"OK!"

Chen Jingle sighed, "Alas, Teacher Li's scheme has succeeded. From now on, I can only go down this dark path."

These words made Li Beixing annoyed, and she punched him several times with her small fist.

Bah! You're the kind of person who gets the benefits but then acts innocent!

Chen Jingle remained all smiles.

As for my mom coming back, I've decided to tell her about it during dinner.

Around five o'clock, Chen Qiyun also came home from school.

Chen Jingle prepared dinner and announced that it was time to eat. The three of them took their seats.

Only then did he speak: "I have something to tell you, my mother will be back in a few days."

blah-

The ribs that Li Beixing had just picked up fell onto the dining table.

Following the three-second rule, Chen Jingle picked up a rib and stuffed it into his mouth. Li Beixing was stunned, somewhat at a loss.

It wasn't because Chen Jingle ate the ribs she dropped, but because she heard Chen Jingle say that his mother would be back in a few days.

"Why that expression?" Chen Jingle found it amusing.

I thought they were so brave, but they chickened out so easily?

An ugly daughter-in-law will have to meet her in-laws sooner or later, so what's the use of panicking!

As long as the two continue their relationship and it develops further, they will inevitably face this hurdle.

However, Li Beixing was truly flustered at this moment, unable to remain calm. He hesitated to speak, as if he had a lot to say but didn't know where to begin.

How to do how to do?
Is it time to meet Chen Jingle's mother?
What if his mother disagrees?
My mind is a complete mess, my heart is in turmoil, and I can't calm down at all.

Chen Qiyun asked cautiously, "How many days will Auntie stay this time?"

Chen Jingle said, "It wasn't just a few days, she resigned. The restaurant where she worked wasn't doing well, and the boss told everyone to quit."

Chen Qiyun was immediately troubled: "Then can I still come to your house for dinner in the future?"

Chen Jingle shrugged: "Come if you want. It's just a matter of adding a couple more bowls and chopsticks. My mom wouldn't have a problem with such a small thing."

After receiving Chen Jingle's assurance, Chen Qiyun finally felt a little relieved.

Her relationship with her aunt was definitely not as close as her relationship with Chen Jingle, even though her aunt seemed quite amiable.

Li Beixing, however, remained absent-minded.

Well, she was also troubled, it seemed that she wouldn't be able to eat Chen Jingle's cooking for a while.

Seeing this, Chen Jingle laughed and said, "Don't worry, there are still several days left. If you're embarrassed, you can just not see me for now."

Chen Qiyun's gaze swept towards Li Beixing, filled with anticipation, a mixture of delight and schadenfreude.

Oh dear, I never thought that Teacher Li would have a day when she would be at a disadvantage.

This is truly rare!

Li Beixing snapped out of her daze and asked hesitantly, "Don't you think I'm deliberately trying to avoid seeing your mother?"

Chen Jingle reached out and pinched her cheek, laughing, "Silly girl, don't I know your personality? We'll meet whenever we feel it's right. It doesn't have to be like this right now."

Li Beixing finally breathed a sigh of relief: "Then I won't come to your house first. Let's find another place to meet?"

"can."

Seeing that she still looked preoccupied, Chen Jingle smiled and added, "Don't worry, my mom is very easy to talk to. If she sees you, she'll be overjoyed. How could she possibly have any objections? You need to have confidence in yourself."

Li Beixing felt embarrassed by what he said, realizing that she had indeed been a little too nervous.

But which girl could remain completely calm in this situation?
Everyone says that an ugly daughter-in-law will eventually have to meet her in-laws, but for Li Beixing, there's a big difference between meeting her sooner or later.

She is not mentally prepared for this yet.

Chen Qiyun, who had originally wanted to watch the show, was suddenly forced to witness their public display of affection, leaving her speechless.

Oh~
Why does tonight's food smell sour and pungent?
……

Although Li Beixing and Chen Jingle have only been in a relationship for a short time, she has left many traces of her life at Chen Jingle's home during this period.

For example, her personal women's slippers.

There were also some small items she bought for Chen Jingle.

Then there was the bouquet of flowers Chen Jingle gave her. She didn't dare take it home, and she was too embarrassed to take it to the school office, so she naturally chose to leave it here.

I can't even imagine what Chen Jingle's mother would do if she came back and saw all this.

So Li Beixing's next task was to help him take away and dispose of everything in his house that was related to him.

"It can't be that bad, can it?" Chen Jingle said helplessly.

Li Beixing was packing her things when she heard this and muttered under her breath, "How could it not be? What if Auntie misunderstands?"

"What misunderstanding?" Chen Jingle looked at her with a half-smile.

Although Li Beixing was shy and dared not look Chen Jingle in the eye, she still stubbornly insisted, "Aren't we living together yet?"

Chen Jingle couldn't resist reaching out to pinch her cheeks, kneading them round and flat, and said with a smile, "I know, I know. Okay, fine, whatever you say goes. The problem is, where are you going to put all these things? You can't just throw them all away, can you?"

Li Beixing thought for a moment: "I'll put them in my car. Some in the trunk, some in the back seats, since no one else usually rides in my car anyway. Luckily, I don't have that much stuff, otherwise I might not have been able to fit it all."

Chen Jingle then asked, "If you don't come to my house, how do we usually see each other?"

Li Beixing was also hesitant.

After all, strictly speaking, Chen Jingle is busier than her. She only needs to go to work and can leave on time.

Chen Jingle has a lot to do every day, so if he were to go shopping with her after lunch or in the afternoon, the time would be very tight.

The time wasted just traveling to and from the destination would take at least half an hour.

I can't imagine how comfortable it would be to spend those half hours kissing and hugging.

I was immediately distressed.

You can't exactly book a hotel room, can you?

Seeing this, Chen Jingle smiled and comforted him, saying, "Forget it, if you can't think of anything for now, that's fine. There's always a way out. Don't rush it."

They spent every day together during this period, wishing they could be by each other's side 24 hours a day. As the saying goes, distance makes the heart grow fonder, so reducing the time they spend together might not be a bad thing.

Li Beixing suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "How about I set up a calligraphy and painting studio for you?"

Chen Jingle was slightly taken aback and asked, puzzled, "Isn't it fine for me to just write and draw at home?"

Li Beixing pouted and looked at him: "But if you're home, I can't come to see you on my own initiative."

Oh, so that's what you were planning.

Since the studio is located outside, you can come find me anytime, anywhere, right?
Chen Jingle chuckled to himself.

Having such a clingy girlfriend is really impossible to deal with.

However, he had another question: "The problem is that if we're going to renovate, we'll have to wait a while, right? Otherwise, if we move in right away, won't we be inhaling formaldehyde every day?"

Li Beixing waved his hand: "No need, no need. Just find a house or office building that is already decorated. At most, we can improve the soundproofing. After all, a calligraphy and painting studio doesn't need much furnishing. A big table, a few shelves, bright lighting, and some green plants are enough."

Chen Jingle thought for a moment and said, "That's true."

Li Beixing thought it over and found it more and more feasible, and said with great enthusiasm, "Leave this to me, I'll take care of it."

Chen Jingle shook his head: "I'll do it. After all, it's my studio, how can I let you spend money?"

Li Beixing was unhappy, put her hands on her hips, and stared straight at him.

Chen Jingle raised his hands: "Okay, okay, you come, you come."

"Hmph~!"

Li Beixing's expression softened slightly.

This calligraphy and painting studio will become their secret base from now on.

The thought of Chen Jingle telling his family that he was working in a studio while actually spending time with her and being all lovey-dovey was unbearable.

hiss~
Suddenly I feel so excited!

Thinking of this, Li Beixing felt even more motivated.

(End of this chapter)