Chapter 360: You Want Her to Be Dongzi's Wife

Seeing the old man angry, Ge Pozi fell silent for now, but still asked, "Old man, give me the straight truth—what exactly are you thinking?"

The old man Liu let out a long sigh: "Since we've cut ties, let it be. The people that day weren't sent by anyone; if the past is dug up, at least we won't be utterly destroyed. But if we continue to bully the Second Branch under the guise of being elders afterward, we'll have no defense. Better to leave ourselves a way out."

Hearing this, Ge Pozi shivered. Thinking of that day's events, she was now terrified: "Alright, I'll do as you say."

Meanwhile, back in their room, the couple from the First Branch looked very displeased. Ge Xiulan spoke first: "So they don't plan to take care of Dongzi?"

"Didn't my father say to let him think it over?"

"Are you a pig-brained fool? Can't you tell that was just an excuse?"

"This matter was difficult for anyone to handle. Even if my father's words were an excuse, that's understandable."

Seeing her husband angry, Ge Xiulan dared not say anything else.

Though he said that, a flash of hatred passed through Liu Shangan's eyes, quickly suppressed.

Then he spoke leisurely: "What do you think of Ding Zhiqing next door?"

"Ding Zhiqing?"

Realizing what he meant, she exclaimed in surprise: "You want her to be Dongzi's wife?"

"Keep your voice down! Do you want everyone to know what you're thinking?"

Ge Xiulan waved her hand: "No, no. Ding Zhiqing earns only a few work points a day. Dongzi would have to support her. I won't agree."

Liu Shanliang glanced out the window, then lowered his voice: "Setting aside the fact that she rents a place to live, the aroma of her meals drifting over every day shows her family's conditions aren't bad."

Ge Xiulan had reservations: "Now that she's unmarried, her family will surely give her some support. But once she's married, will her natal family still subsidize her?"

But as she spoke, she suddenly thought of something: "Do you know something?"

Liu Shanliang didn't hide it: "I've noticed Dongzi paying special attention to Ding Zhiqing these past few days. Moreover, I saw them talking together the last time."

Ge Xiulan looked utterly unconvinced: "Given Dongzi's current situation, how could Ding Zhiqing possibly take a liking to him?"

A calculating glint flashed in Liu Shanliang's eyes: "If the son wants it, nothing is impossible."

Birds of a feather flock together. After living together for so many years, Ge Xiulan knew her husband better than anyone: "You wouldn't be thinking—"

She didn't dare finish the sentence, staring straight at the man.

She only heard Liu Shanliang say: "Dongzi's leg still needs time to heal. If someone takes care of him, we can save ourselves some trouble. Besides, the way Dongzi looks at Ding Zhiqing is clearly different from how he looks at others. Moreover, a few days ago, Ding Zhiqing's father came to the village. He didn't look like an ordinary person. I even heard Ding Zhiqing's father tell her to endure a bit longer; in a while, he'll find a chance to get her back to Huicheng."

"Dongzi isn't bad-looking, and he's good with words. Let him interact more with Ding Zhiqing recently. Try to solidify their relationship before she returns to Huicheng. Beijing isn't far from here. Even if she goes back, Dongzi can go find her."

Although Ge Xiulan wanted her son to enter the city, she didn't want to become like Peng Ailan. Her son now lives at his father-in-law's house, no different from being a matrilocal son-in-law, unable even to decide when to return home.

Now that the eldest is somewhat estranged from her, caring for her in old age will likely depend on the second son. She truly fears that one day her own son will end up like Peng Ailan's son. If that happens, wouldn't she die of frustration?

(End of chapter)