The next morning, after finishing breakfast, Meng Luosheng was on her way to work with Wang Xiaoli when they encountered a young woman she had never seen before.
She appeared to be in her thirties and was very beautiful.
Her skin was fair, and her demeanor gentle and graceful.
Meng Luosheng nodded slightly to her and brushed past.
A soft voice came from beside her.
“Meng Zhiqing.”
It was the young woman calling out to her.
She and Wang Xiaoli stopped and turned, looking at her with curiosity.
Chen Xiue smiled lightly at her.
“I haven’t introduced myself yet. I am the team leader’s wife, Xu Qingyan’s mother.”
Meng Luosheng immediately understood.
“So it’s you. Pleased to meet you, Aunt. My name is Meng Luosheng.”
She smiled and extended her hand.
Chen Xiue nodded, offering her hand symbolically.
They touched briefly and she quickly withdrew.
“I know you are the one my son likes, and also my not-yet-married daughter-in-law.”
Her words were plain, without beating around the bush.
Meng Luosheng was momentarily stunned, withdrew her hand, then let out a light laugh.
Her eyes curved in a smile, truly charming.
She didn’t hesitate, openly acknowledging it.
“Aunt, you’re so straightforward.”
Chen Xiue took a lunchbox from her hands and handed it to Meng Luosheng.
“Rural folks are used to hand-me-downs. Qingyan had something to do and couldn’t meet you, so he asked me to give you this.”
Meng Luosheng took it.
“What’s this?”
Chen Xiue spoke casually.
“Some flatbread and steamed buns. Simple fare, just a little snack.”
Looking at her, Meng Luosheng realized she was an interesting person.
Though she was from the countryside and had a gentle demeanor, there was a subtle air of superiority in her.
Every gesture didn’t show direct disdain, yet it made you feel that she looked down on you.
If this was a warning, she admitted it was well done.
She felt no offense, smiling as she praised.
“Simple food, but delicious enough. I like it very much. Thank you, Aunt.”
Wang Xiaoli’s face showed a flash of displeasure but quickly returned to normal.
She followed Meng Luosheng in praising.
“Aunt, you’re beautiful and kind-hearted. If Shengsheng has a mother-in-law like you in the future, I’ll feel at ease.”
Chen Xiue’s face briefly showed some awkwardness.
“It’s getting late; I won’t hold you up from work.”
Meng Luosheng understood her intentions.
“Aunt, please tell Qingyan for me—it’s okay if he doesn’t come. I miss him very much.”
Chen Xiue nodded stiffly.
“Mm.”
She turned and quickly walked away.
To be honest, like her husband, she didn’t approve of this marriage.
But since her son wanted it, she had no choice.
The Meng Zhiqing in front of her also brought some pressure.
Was that radiant, bright smile really from someone who belonged here?
Could her son really keep such a person?
She wasn’t sure, and lacked confidence.
But on the surface, she showed no fear.
The more so, the more she had to act gracious and composed.
Overdoing it turned into coldness, indifference, and a hint of snobbery.
Meng Luosheng didn’t care about this.
Or rather, she didn’t care about the Xu family’s opinions.
She just wanted to live peacefully in the village each day.
After the woman left, Wang Xiaoli spoke indignantly.
“What’s so impressive? Do you think we care about her little treats? It’s just flatbread and buns! Ugh!”
Meng Luosheng frowned, stopping her from making a rude scene or giving the wrong impression.
“Xiaoli, we’re outside. Don’t say things like that. If possible, I hope that no matter when or where, you never show your thoughts or opinions so openly.”
Wang Xiaoli dejectedly nodded.
“Got it.”
She resented anyone acting superior in front of Meng Luosheng.
But the situation was beyond her control; for now, she had to endure.
Seeing her obedient, Meng Luosheng comforted her.
“Some small matters aren’t worth worrying about. We both got a good job—that’s better than anything, isn’t it?”
Wang Xiaoli’s face brightened with understanding and a smile appeared.
“You’re right. From now on, we’ll only get better.”
She linked her arm with Meng Luosheng’s, resting her head on her shoulder and whispered softly.
“One day in the future, we’ll return to the city. Don’t fall in love with him. Better yet, after marriage, don’t even have children.”
Meng Luosheng nodded.
“Mm.”
But in reality, none of this was within her control.
Especially having children.
It wasn’t just about not wanting to get pregnant—it wasn’t that simple.
If possible, she wouldn’t want to have children.
Once there were children, there would be ties.
Even if she and Xu Qingyan separated in the future, the child would create entanglements.
A complex expression flickered in her clear eyes.
Wang Xiaoli noticed and realized her request had been excessive.
She pressed her lips together and softened her demands.
“Even if you have a child, don’t get attached to it.”
Meng Luosheng paused slightly, shaking her head with a wry smile.
Easier said than done.
How could someone not feel affection for their own child?
That wouldn’t be cold-blooded; that would be impossible.
She was still human—her emotions would fluctuate.
“I’ll try.”
That was all she could say.
Wang Xiaoli knew she couldn’t force it, so she said nothing further.
Meanwhile, Chen Xiue pushed open the door, her expression complicated as she looked at her son lying in bed.
“Qingyan.”
Xu Qingyan looked up, his eyes filled with hope.
“Mom, did she say anything?”
Chen Xiue choked slightly on her words, took a deep breath, and forced her complicated emotions under control.
“She said…it’s okay if you don’t come. She misses you very much.”
Hearing those words, Xu Qingyan finally felt relieved.
Even the intense pain in his legs no longer seemed so unbearable.
His hoarse voice carried a trace of lightness.
“Mom, thank you.”
Chen Xiue lowered her head in guilt.
“Ah Yan… does it really have to be her?”
Xu Qingyan’s pale, sweat-soaked face instantly showed a guarded expression.
“Mom, what are you trying to say? Or… did you do something?”
Chen Xiue immediately raised her head and shook it hard.
“I didn’t do anything to her, and I don’t want to do anything to her.”
A sigh escaped her lips.
“She’s too beautiful—so beautiful that she doesn’t belong here. You two shouldn’t be together.”
Xu Qingyan gave a bitter smile at once.
“I know everything you’re saying. But now that I finally have a chance, I have to try. What if… what if it works?”
He clung to hope.
“What if we really can be happy? What if she truly comes to love me?”
Then he would die without regret.
Chen Xiue was left completely speechless.
She didn’t want to shatter her son’s beautiful dream.
Smiling, she stepped forward, wiped the sweat from his forehead and face, and asked gently,
“How is it? Do your legs still hurt? Should I call your grandpa over?”
Xu Qingyan forced himself to sit up a little and shook his head.
“No need. I’ll be fine if I lie down for a while.”
In truth, even that small movement made cold sweat break out all over him.
At that moment, he suddenly wasn’t sure whether marrying her was right or wrong.
Could he really… take good care of her?
The loneliness on his face was obvious.
Noticing his low spirits, Chen Xiue felt a deep bitterness in her heart. She forced herself to cheer up and comfort him.
“Meng Zhiqing seems to like you very much. When she talked about you, her eyes were shining.”
“Really?”
Xu Qingyan asked absentmindedly.
“Yes.”
Chen Xiue nodded.
“She said she really liked the food I brought, and that she missed you very much. You could tell she was disappointed that you didn’t come, but she still forced a smile and told me it was fine. She’s an exceptionally gentle and considerate girl.”
Xu Qingyan immediately lifted his spirits.
“Mom, you’re right. She truly is an exceptionally gentle and considerate girl.”
That night, he developed a high fever.
In his daze, he seemed to see the person he longed for.
He reached out, wanting to touch her, and finally spoke the name he had hidden in his heart for so long, a name he had never dared to say aloud.
“Shengsheng…”