A Beauty in the 80s Goes on a Blind Date with Her Child, Captivating the Military Compound - Chapter 108

“You…” Gu Qingqian was so incensed she gritted her teeth. “We are the daughters, and you are the daughter-in-law—this is your duty. We are guests here, do you understand?”

Shen Sisi crossed her arms over her chest. “Oh, so Second Sister-in-law knows she’s a guest? Since you’re a guest, stop trying to run our household.”

Shen Sisi had made it clear before that she disliked washing dishes and would rather do any other chore. For today’s meal, she had been the one washing the vegetables and manning the stove; she hadn’t been idle for a second. On the other hand, Gu Qingqian acted as if she were physically incapable of basic self-care.

“In this house, excluding Niu Niu who isn’t even four yet, you’re the only one who hasn’t lifted a finger. If you truly felt sorry for your mother, you’d take the initiative to show some filial piety.”

Gu Qingqian glanced at her long, fair, slender hands. “My hands are for playing the piano. I can’t be doing such coarse labor.”

“Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. If you aren’t willing to do it, why are you ordering me around?” Having said her piece, Shen Sisi turned around and found a comfortable position to lie down.

“You… fine, Shen Sisi! Just wait until my brother Chengfeng gets back. See if I don’t tell him everything.”

“Suit yourself.” Shen Sisi simply closed her eyes, refusing to pay her any more attention.

All of this was witnessed by Gu Wanyin, who was sweeping the floor nearby. She pulled Gu Qingqian out into the courtyard. “I told you not to provoke her for the time being. Why can’t you hold your tongue?”

Gu Qingqian muttered aggrievedly, “I just can’t stand her arrogant ‘I’m-better-than-you’ attitude. I don’t know what kind of spell she’s cast on the old lady to leave her so dazed.”

“Didn’t Mom say she came to Jiangcheng to deal with Shen Sisi? She claimed she’d kick her out within three days. Look at her now—trailing after that woman all day to watch the kid, cooking for her, and even washing her dishes. Is that still our mother?”

Based on her understanding of her mother, Xu Hongying was not someone to be so easily tamed. Yet, upon arriving this time, she found her mother seemed like a completely different person.

“Before, she kept calling that Niu Niu a ‘little brat.’ Now, she holds her every day and calls her a ‘precious granddaughter.’ If Chengfeng hadn’t been stuck in the desert all those years, I’d almost suspect the kid was his own flesh and blood.”

Gu Wanyin listened to the complaints in silence, her eyes deep as she calculated something. Finally, she leaned in and whispered into Gu Qingqian’s ear.

After listening, Gu Qingqian nodded hurriedly. “Alright, I’ve got it.”

The two whispered in the yard for a while. By the time Xu Hongying finished the dishes, they had finished tidying the courtyard—or rather, Gu Wanyin had done the cleaning while Gu Qingqian stood by, offering nothing but commentary.

“It’s getting late. You two should head back to your aunt’s house!” Xu Hongying said, annoyed by their chatter. They weren’t helping with anything and were only causing her more trouble. Previously, she only had to cook for two or three people; now she had to prepare a full table, and she was exhausted.

“Mom, don’t overwork yourself at your age. There’s a daughter-in-law in the house—why not use her? She’s been with Chengfeng so long, and I haven’t seen her ‘hatch a golden egg’ yet!” Gu Qingqian yelled at the top of her lungs, making sure Shen Sisi would hear.

Shen Sisi heard it, but she didn’t take it to heart. Her main strategy was to ignore everything outside her immediate concern—she didn’t care, didn’t respond, and didn’t get angry.

Xu Hongying glared at Gu Qingqian. “You child, I’ve spoiled you too much. You have no sense of propriety. Sisi has her own business to attend to. Last night, when I got up to use the restroom, I saw her hunched over her desk writing things.”

Xu Hongying had suffered her whole life from a lack of education and a career. If she’d had her own path, she wouldn’t have been trapped in this house as a bitter woman. Seeing how hard Shen Sisi worked, she wanted to help where she could. Her two daughters would never understand that. They never even tried.

“Mom, why are you taking an outsider’s side? We’re looking out for you.”

“That’s enough. Go home. Early tomorrow morning, come with me to buy meat.”

Gu Wanyin obediently set down the broom, pulled Gu Qingqian along, said goodbye to Shen Sisi, and left.

Shen Sisi rose to see them off. Upon returning, she noticed a small bag hanging behind the door, likely belonging to one of them. She picked it up and chased after them.

After walking a few paces, she reached a corner and heard Gu Wanyin mention her name. However, the voice was too low to catch the details. Seeing they were gaining distance, she sped up. “Sisters! You dropped something.”

Her sudden appearance made them both jump, looking like criminals caught in the act. Gu Wanyin’s expression was unnatural as she stared at the bag. “Look at my memory. Thank you, Sisi, for making the trip to bring it to us.”

Shen Sisi didn’t know what they were plotting, nor was she interested. “Be careful on the road then.” After a pause, she cleared her throat with a touch of wicked playfulness. “You two should watch your step. When I was coming over just now, I thought I saw a dark shadow following behind you!”

“What?” Gu Qingqian shivered, looking behind her. “Don’t talk nonsense! What dark shadow?”

Shen Sisi smoothed her hair with a dazed expression. “Strange. I saw it just a moment ago.”

“Shen Sisi, that’s enough! Stop it!” Gu Qingqian was already starting to feel frightened.

Gu Wanyin’s face was also pale, but she steadied herself. “What is there to fear? If one does nothing shameful, one need not fear a ghost’s knock at the door.”

Shen Sisi patted Gu Wanyin’s shoulder with deep meaning. “Eldest Sister is right. If one does nothing shameful, one need not fear a ghost’s knock…”

She dragged out the last few words, making the atmosphere feel chillingly cold. Gu Qingqian hid behind Gu Wanyin. “Shen Sisi, stop with that supernatural talk! There are no ghosts in this world.”

Shen Sisi didn’t answer; she only gave them a meaningful smile. Though she wasn’t sure what they were discussing, she knew it wasn’t anything good, so she figured she’d give them a little scare. With a mischievous smirk, she turned and headed home to be with Niu Niu.

Over the next few days, Shen Sisi moved in a constant cycle between the oil mill, the docks, and her home. To her surprise, the laborers who came to help were Cao Hua’s brothers. They refused to accept any payment, insisting they were just helping out. This made Shen Sisi feel quite bashful, so she made sure to provide them with excellent food and wine every day.

As the mechanical oil extraction workshop neared completion, Shen Sisi used Wen Rong’s connections to import a set of fully automated oil pressing machines. It was a Hong Kong brand that could rival major international manufacturers, and she even secured a discount. This endeavor had not only emptied her pockets but also left her owing Wen Rong a significant sum for the equipment.

Wen Rong, with his vast family fortune, didn’t pressure her for the money. Instead, he constantly tried to invite her to dinner. After turning him down several times, Shen Sisi realized he had done her a massive favor and was now her creditor, so she reluctantly agreed.

She expected a simple meal in a private room at a state-run restaurant. To her surprise, he had booked a table at a high-end Western restaurant—the only one in Jiangcheng!

When Shen Sisi arrived, Wen Rong was already seated, holding a bouquet of flowers.

“Miss Shen.