The 70s Novel: The Supporting Character Just Wants to Lie Down-Chapter 221: Tit for Tat

Cheng Hongbing’s side, Cheng Xue resolved easily.

Xiao Xue encountered unexpected obstacles on Hui Lan’s side.

Cheng Xue was called to the Jiang Family by a phone call.

On the phone, she seemed to faintly hear Hui Lan’s crying, so she kept a calm heart throughout the journey.

Rushing hurriedly, she arrived at the Jiang Family just in time to see Wang Miaomiao and Jiang Yan also arriving in haste.

"Xiao Xue, brother-in-law."

"Auntie, uncle."

"Ah Yan, sister-in-law."

The few exchanged greetings, shared information, and knowing it was about the same issue, agreed to head straight inside to face it.

Upon receiving the news, Wang Miaomiao felt quite apprehensive. The three of them had discussed it thoroughly, but if the elders in the family disagreed and it couldn’t be done, she wouldn’t mind. She was just worried that if Hui Lan, who was determined, couldn’t handle it, it might cause trouble.

Clearly, there appeared to be some issues.

Pushing open the door to the Jiang Family, the sharp voices inside made them furrow their brows.

"What stench of money? Are you disparaging small businessmen, or are you indirectly insulting the Zheng family, looking down on me?" Zheng Zhen wore a dark face, little flames seemed to ignite in her eyes as she looked at her eldest daughter-in-law Bai Li.

"Hmm... You act noble, yet you married my son? Don’t you know your husband was born by me? Don’t you know he also shares the blood of our Zheng Family? At the wedding, I didn’t see you refuse any of the gifts my parents gave you, didn’t you? And the necklace you’re wearing around your neck, wasn’t it given by my mom? Ungrateful creature, now you look down on businessmen, but where were you when you enjoyed the benefits before? No complaints then." Zheng Zhen now stood tall, raising her head with pride.

Back then, her parents and brother received the message, leaving only her, hurriedly fleeing to Hong Kong. These ten years, she lived a suppressed life, maintaining an air of pride to avoid living too humbly.

Now, with the domestic situation thriving, after a decade, news had finally come from the Zheng Family. Her brother said he would return soon. They had left so hurriedly initially that some family assets hadn’t been settled. Upon returning, things need to be addressed.

"Mom, I didn’t. We’re talking about Hui Lan’s affairs now, why are you bringing up past issues?" Bai Li uncomfortably adjusted her collar, seemingly trying to hide the necklace on her neck. She regretted wearing this necklace today.

Regarding those ten years, they were truly stifling. Now, with favorable conditions in Beijing setting the national trend, aren’t all the young women and wives starting to dress up?

And as the wife of Mr. Jiang, she must also maintain her status, not allowing herself to be outshone by newcomers and her husband’s subordinates’ wives.

Therefore, driven by circumstances, she also started following the fashion. Besides, the love for beauty is universal. Previously, it was impossible, but now, who wants to be dull and lose face going out?

"Not bringing up the past, then what are you saying? What gives you the right to look down on merchants? Hui Lan wants to leave the army and start a business, I think it’s excellent. Why do you jump to oppose it?" Zheng Zhen was furious. Since she went to live at her elder son’s place, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflicts had slowly become evident.

Previously thinking she was honest and virtuous, it now seemed she merely hid well, pretending all along.

"I’m for her own good. Yes, no profession is high or low in dignity. But her current job is stable, protected by her father, not bullied. This time, another match was introduced, and the person sees her as gentle and kind. Staying at home steadily, being a good wife and mother, what’s wrong with that? Why must she set out and show such restlessness?" Bai Li didn’t understand, she was acting for her good, already arranging her stable future, what’s wrong with that?

"Is business so easy to do? She’s just a girl, lacking knowledge. What if she gets cheated, bullied outside? Abandoning good stable days for what reason..." Bai Li saw the few entering, her tone had clear displeasure and implications, "Not sure who she’s learned from, having ambitions greater than the sky, wanting to expand business nationwide... Hmm... A girl making public appearances, does she think it’s honorable?"

Wang Miaomiao couldn’t help but frown. That last sentence smacked of sexism, wasn’t she aware she herself is a woman?

"For her own good, respecting her decisions is truly for her own good." Zheng Zhen’s words made Wang Miaomiao view her with newfound respect, she realized she understood these principles.

Previously wasn’t she using the excuse of "for Jiang Yan’s good" to do things Jiang Yan disliked? Indeed, everyone knows the principles, they can talk, but behavior standards differ between oneself and others.

No matter the case, Zheng Zhen confronting Bai Li was a thrilling scene for her.

"Enough, everyone quiet down." Old Master Jiang spoke as they entered, urging, "You all come and sit first."

With Old Master Jiang chiming in, Bai Li, wanting to retort, unwillingly closed her mouth.

After greeting Grandma Jiang and others, they all sat down in sequence.

"Xiao Xue, are you planning to leave the army and go into business too?" Grandma Jiang’s expression remained consistently gentle, showing no outward difference.

"Yes." Cheng Xue nodded firmly, "We have already discussed it, aiming to achieve great things. I’ve talked with my dad, and he agrees and supports my decision." Saying this, a smile of happiness graced her lips.

Listening to her words, everyone’s gaze naturally shifted to Cheng Hongbing, observing him with varying emotions.

Under their eyes, Cheng Hongbing felt slightly uncomfortable, adjusting his posture slightly, "Yes, I agreed. The kids have ideas, they should venture out while young to avoid regret later in life. As for success or failure, haha... Isn’t the experience far more valuable? Besides, we are here, what’s wrong with letting them try it out..."

Cheng Xue watched her father with admiration, thinking he was simply amazing. "Dad, thank you."

Cheng Hongbing chuckled, affectionately patting her head, "Silly child, go do what you wish, Dad will always be your support."

"Mm..." Cheng Xue felt delight swelling within, "I’ll work hard to ensure I don’t let you down."

In contrast, with Cheng Xue and Cheng Hongbing as a father-daughter duo, Jiang Huilan was rather despondent, with red swollen eyes and a dejected expression.

Jiang Peng, silent amidst his wife’s arguments with his mother, saw the interaction between his brother-in-law and niece. His face showed signs of emotion as he glanced at his daughter.

Feeling a surge of impulse, he looked at Jiang Huilan and solemnly asked, "Hui Lan, have you truly made up your mind?"