Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife

Chapter 360: Chapter 360: Mother-in-law Complains, Father-in-law Protects

Cheng Su hadn’t miscalculated; as soon as Mother Qi returned to their rural home, she complained to Father Qi like an agitated cat about the couple’s decision to postpone having children.

Father Qi was also quite surprised. To say he wasn’t disappointed would be a lie; after all, he was getting on in years, and when he saw others playing with their grandchildren, he naturally longed for one himself.

But he was, after all, more open-minded than Mother Qi. After thinking it over for a bit, he realized that although he was approaching sixty, he was still in good health, so waiting a few more years would be feasible.

Moreover, if his son and daughter-in-law had made such a decision, they must have their reasons.

The ideas of the younger generation nowadays were something that their older generation simply couldn’t keep up with; they could only let them be.

”You tell me, what kind of woman is she if she doesn’t have children? Isn’t every girl expected to have babies once she gets married, even more so today? Had this been ancient times, not to mention postponing, if a bride didn’t show signs of pregnancy within a year of entering the family, she would have been drowned in spit,” Mother Qi was still indignant.

As Father Qi worked on the bamboo basket he was weaving from strips he had whittled himself, he asked, ”So, did Taiguo mention any of their reasons?”

Mother Qi was taken aback, pouting, she said, ”He did mention some.”

As she spoke, she relayed Taiguo’s reasoning.

Upon hearing this, the slight disappointment Father Qi felt vanished completely. He nodded and said, ”It looks like they have their plans, and I think it makes sense.”

”What does that have to do with having children? Back in our days, didn’t we raise all four children just the same? Not to mention, conditions are better now; wouldn’t that make it easier to feed another mouth?” Mother Qi was still unconvinced.

Without lifting his head and his wrinkled hands continuing their work, Father Qi responded, ”It’s not about being unable to feed another mouth, but as parents, who doesn’t want to give their all to their children?”

Before Mother Qi could speak, he paused his movements and said, ”Taiguo is also right. Right now, Jianguo and Fengping are still in their second year of high school. If both get into university, the costs will be significant. You and I are incapable of providing for both, aren’t we? Unless we tell them to quit school.”

”How could that be acceptable? Our family must produce a university graduate!” said Mother Qi without hesitation.

”Exactly.” Father Qi’s hands picked up pace again as he continued weaving the basket, saying, ”Our family’s hope lies with Taiguo.”

Looking somewhat deflated, Mother Qi sat down and sighed, ”What do you know? Your daughter-in-law is ambitious. It’s enough that she’s doing business, but now she’s emulating others and studying for a university degree. Could she be any more troublesome? That’s going to cost money, isn’t it?”

”That just proves that our daughter-in-law has foresight. There’s no comparison between having an education and not having one,” Father Qi retorted.

”Hmph, just keep taking their side. If she surpasses your son, let’s see if you still talk the same way!” Mother Qi snorted coldly. Frankly, she was just worried that the daughter-in-law, being too smart and capable, might overshadow her son— that would be unacceptable!

With an exasperated look, Father Qi glanced at her, ”I think you’re just old-fashioned, never hoping for their best. If the daughter-in-law is capable, she can also support the son from behind, allowing Taiguo to strive forward with a peace of mind!”

Mother Qi was momentarily stunned.

”Also, you should interfere less in the couple’s matters. If you get them to the point where their relationship suffers and they end up divorcing, it would be a real blow to Taiguo. In the military, is divorce easy or pleasant?” Father Qi added.

Mother Qi completely deflated, mumbled with a smirk, ”As if I could interfere in their business. They have their own firm ideas!”

Father Qi shook his head; his wife could be rather unreasonable at times, but fortunately, she hadn’t done anything too disgraceful yet.