Zuo Cao said she would return soon, and she kept her word. After enjoying a delicious meal outside, her mood had improved considerably.
She strolled leisurely back to the Wei household.
However, in just that short while, the atmosphere in the Wei home had grown tense.
Zuo Caiyun had prepared dinner and originally intended for Zuo Cao to wash the dishes and tidy up the kitchen.
That would free up her hands to spend some time with the child.
As a mother, her instincts made her wish she could be with her child every moment. Yet, for the sake of work, she had returned to her job even before finishing her postpartum confinement.
In the evenings, there were always chores to handle, so she could only snatch moments here and there to be with her own child.
But Zuo Cao had vanished in a flash, leaving the kitchen work for Zuo Caiyun to handle alone.
Just as Zuo Caiyun had finally finished cleaning up, Wei Mu ordered her to go wash the pile of dirty clothes that had accumulated since yesterday.
“And those diapers—they’ve been piled up all day. Can’t you smell that stench?” Wei Mu commanded imperiously.
Zuo Caiyun said, “Mom, let’s take care of these during the day. I want to spend some time with Zhuangzhuang.”
“During the day? Who will do it then? That wretched freeloader of yours?”
That wretched girl used to be obedient, but who would have thought she was just putting on an act? Now her true colors are showing.
Zuo Caiyun fell silent.
The child was even blocked firmly by Wei Mu.
“Dad, baby says papa, say daddy—oh daddy—when will our Zhuangzhuang learn to call daddy?”
Zuo Caiyun, holding a basin piled with dirty clothes, saw Zuo Cao return and looked at her with pleading eyes.
Under normal circumstances, Zuo Cao would have instinctively taken the basin of clothes to wash.
But now, Zuo Cao remained silent.
She wasn’t born to be subservient, nor did she enjoy seeking out chores.
Zuo Caiyun’s eyes dimmed.
The System suddenly spoke up: “She is your aunt and has always been good to you. You should help share her burden.”
Zuo Cao had already taken a step into her own storage room but paused upon hearing this.
The System thought its words had finally moved Zuo Cao and felt deeply gratified, ready to press the advantage while the iron was hot.
But Zuo Cao had already turned back. “Uncle.”
These past two days, it was the first time Zuo Cao had called him “uncle.” Wei Changzhi was playing with his son, his heart softened, and he immediately responded.
“Uncle, today I heard people outside say that Aunt’s work as a fitter is extremely exhausting, and she should rest well when she comes home. Why don’t you help her and wash these clothes?”
Wei Mu was furious. “What kind of woman complains about washing clothes? So what if she works? Go ask around—how many in-laws can find their daughter-in-law a proper job?”
Zuo Cao couldn’t be bothered with Wei Mu. The woman was delusional, like a relic from the last century.
“Uncle, you’ve done fitter work before. You know how demanding it is. Even a big, strong man like you couldn’t handle it, let alone my aunt. People outside are saying that my aunt is like a laborer for the Wei family, working herself to the bone day and night.”
Wei Mu sneered sarcastically. “If you feel sorry for her, go help her yourself. What’s the point of just talking?”
Zuo Cao grinned at her. “I’m not part of the Wei family.”
Wei Mu choked on her words, nearly dying of anger.
Wei Changzhi, embarrassed by Zuo Cao’s remarks, went to find Zuo Caiyun. “Caiyun, let me handle this. You take a break and spend some time with the child and Zuo Cao.”
Zuo Caiyun refused. “Oh, this isn’t work for you. Go rest. There are walnut cookies in the cupboard. I’ll be done here soon.”
“Caiyun, don’t overwork yourself.” Wei Changzhi felt awkward about returning to face Zuo Cao just yet, so he crouched down beside Zuo Caiyun.
As a young couple, their relationship had been quite good when Wei Mu didn’t interfere.
Wei Changzhi whispered something into Zuo Caiyun’s ear, making her laugh uncontrollably.
In the end, he managed to let Zuo Caiyun finish washing the entire basin of clothes.
Zuo Cao stood behind them, watching Wei Changzhi’s pampered, useless demeanor and found it utterly incomprehensible.
Well, as long as her aunt was happy.
Zuo Cao returned to the storage room, found a chance to wipe herself down, and changed into clean old clothes.
Passing by the bedroom, she overheard the couple discussing her.
“Zuo Cao’s temperament has somehow changed completely, as if she’s a different person now.”
It was Zuo Caiyun who said this.
Wei Changzhi thought for a moment. Although Zuo Cao was constantly in his sight, she remained a vague figure in his mind, blending into the background.
She rarely spoke, but he remembered her as quite sensible.
Comparing this to the recent chaos at home, Wei Changzhi nodded. “Maybe she’s just growing up, being a girl.”
Zuo Caiyun worriedly said, “In the past, I never had any concerns about her, but now, for a young girl, her temper is so stubborn.”
“Yeah, my wife is still the best.”
“What are you talking about?”
Well, it takes two to tango.
Zuo Cao took a deep breath, returned to the storage room, and fell asleep immediately.
The next day, Zuo Caiyun woke up early, cooked vegetable porridge in the pot, and fried a few pancakes.
Wei Changzhi even got an extra bowl of steamed egg custard.
Luckily, the child hadn’t been fussy the previous night, and Wei Mu had slept through the night.
Now, both Wei Mu and Wei Changzhi were seated at the dining table.
No one mentioned Zuo Cao in the room, and Zuo Cao didn’t come out either.
After the three finished eating, Zuo Caiyun looked at the nearly empty plates. “I’ll call Zuo Cao out to eat something.”
Neither Wei Mu nor Wei Changzhi responded.
Although Wei Mu wasn’t too pleased, she couldn’t let someone starve to death in her own home.
Zuo Caiyun went to knock on the door.
Zuo Cao opened it, listened to the request, and politely declined. “Aunt, I’m not hungry. You all eat, no need to worry about me.”
Zuo Caiyun’s next words—that she had to go to work and wanted Zuo Cao to help clean up—got stuck in her throat.
For the first time, she found Zuo Cao irritating.
Zuo Caiyun said, “You didn’t eat last night either. Why are you still throwing a tantrum?”
Zuo Cao replied, “Since I didn’t eat last night, why didn’t you leave any food for me then?”
Were you trying to teach me a lesson too, Aunt?