The Stunningly Beautiful and Delicate Darling in the 1980s Military Compound - Chapter 81

Song Mingyue had never imagined that after Zhou Fang’s arrival, managing her relationship with her mother-in-law would become such a headache.

Because of past events, Zhou Fang already had a poor impression of her. Now that she was here and saw Song Mingyue doing nothing while having Chen Che handle all the chores, her disdain only deepened.

The social climate of this era was such that a new daughter-in-law was expected to pass a test set by her mother-in-law—or, to put it bluntly, she was expected to be “tamed” into a submissive, family-oriented housewife.

However, Song Mingyue was not one to play by those rules, nor was she someone who would let herself be a pushover. She only tolerated Zhou Fang out of respect for Chen Che. Since she had no intention of separating from him for the time being, she knew she couldn’t let the tension with his family reach a breaking point. Even if things did become strained, she was determined not to be the one to play the “villain.”

That evening, when Chen Che returned home, he noticed that Song Mingyue was in low spirits.

Several dishes were laid out on the table. Seeing him, Grandmother said happily, “Little Che is back! Go wash your hands and let’s eat.”

From the other side, Zhou Fang chimed in, “Mingyue, go help Chen Che serve the rice.”

Song Mingyue hadn’t cooked these dishes; she had pleaded that her health hadn’t fully recovered, spending most of her time resting in bed. Yet, Zhou Fang insisted on finding every opportunity to “order” her around, all while feigning that she was looking out for her.

Before Song Mingyue could move, Chen Che replied, “No need, I’ll do it myself.”

Zhou Fang’s eyes darkened, clearly displeased. She had originally expected that since Song Mingyue had lost her pregnancy, she would have returned home with her mother after a few days. She never expected that Chen Che and his wife were living like this, and she now planned to stay a while longer.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was suffocating.

Suddenly, Zhou Fang said, “Chen Che, have Manman over for dinner tomorrow. I’ve been here for a few days and haven’t seen her yet.”

Chen Che continued eating in silence.

Zhou Fang asked, confused, “What’s wrong?”

Song Mingyue spoke up. “Mom, perhaps you aren’t aware, but Jiang Manman has confessed her feelings to Chen Che several times. She said she came here specifically for him.”

Song Mingyue stated this calmly, as if discussing the weather, despite the scandalous nature of such a taboo. Both Zhou Fang and Grandmother were stunned.

Grandmother was the first to scold, “You shouldn’t speak such nonsense. They are like brother and sister; how could they be together?”

“Grandmother, if you don’t believe me, just ask Chen Che if it’s true.”

Zhou Fang remained silent. While they were not blood-related, they were raised as siblings. In the past, when Chen Che refused to marry, she had even teased her sister-in-law about the two of them. She had a high opinion of Jiang Manman—the girl was quiet, beautiful, and excelled in her studies. Most importantly, her father held a high-ranking position.

But it was too late to talk about that now, and she had never imagined that Jiang Manman harbored such feelings for Chen Che. She could only conclude that the two were fated not to be together.

Regret filled Zhou Fang, which colored her words toward Song Mingyue with sarcasm. “Now that Chen Che is already married to you, there is nothing to be done even if others have thoughts.”

Song Mingyue refused to let this slide and was about to retort when Chen Che grabbed her hand under the table.

He said sternly, “Mom, Yueyue is my wife. She has every right to act on my behalf and block anyone who tries to get close to me. I have already told Jiang Manman that she is not to set foot in this house. If you want to see her, I will take you to my workplace tomorrow. I’ve finished eating; you two continue.”

He turned to Song Mingyue and asked, “Yueyue, have you had enough?”

Song Mingyue nodded and followed him to their room.

So, this is what it feels like to be protected.

Song Mingyue gripped Chen Che’s hand tightly. She had intended to talk things over with him, but before she could say a word, Chen Che had already made a firm choice to stand by her. It was a wonderful feeling.

Back at the dining table, Grandmother was indignant. “You’ve finally come to visit Little Che; can’t you two mother and son be a bit more civil?”

“Mom, you saw it yourself. I didn’t even say anything, but it’s clear he’s been bewitched by that woman.”

“When he wasn’t married, you were worried he wouldn’t find a wife. Now that the couple is living happily, you say these things. Fang, one shouldn’t be too greedy. I’m going back in a few days—whether you come with me is up to you.”

Zhou Fang sat at the table, bewildered by how things had devolved. She had never been treated with such disrespect in her life.

Inside the room, Song Mingyue was still a bit worried. “Your mother rarely visits. Is it really okay to leave them alone like that?”

“It’s fine.”

If he had backed down today, there would be a second and third time. He wanted to make his stance clear once and for all so Zhou Fang would know exactly where his boundaries lay. Chen Che didn’t want it to be this way—when he visited the Song household, her parents treated him with nothing but warmth and affection. Seeing his own mother treat Song Mingyue this way broke his heart.

He stroked Song Mingyue’s hair. “Don’t pay them any mind. Do whatever you want. Grandmother and my mother won’t be staying here for long.”

Song Mingyue did, in fact, have work to do. She and Zhang Jingjing had found a storefront, but the owner demanded annual payments, and they were still negotiating the price.

Zhou Fang, having been rebuked by both her mother and her son, was in a foul mood. However, being a woman of high standards, she went through her usual grooming routine before heading to bed, though she couldn’t fall asleep.

Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door. It was Chen Che. “Grandmother, Mom, are you asleep?”

At that moment, she didn’t want to deal with her son. Chen Che knocked softly a few more times. Just as he was about to leave, Zhou Fang opened the door.

“What is it?” she asked coldly.

“Mom, could we talk for a moment?”

This surprised Zhou Fang. Since childhood, Chen Che had always been taciturn; this was the first time he had taken the initiative to talk to her. The two went out into the yard, and Chen Che pulled up a chair for her.

“Well? What do you want to talk about?” she asked.

“I wanted to apologize for my attitude tonight.”

Zhou Fang turned to look at him, stunned. This didn’t sound like her son at all. Previously, whenever he angered her, he never apologized; she always had to find a way to reconcile with him herself. She felt that her son had changed immensely.

Chen Che continued, “I know you have my best interests at heart, but I am an adult now. I understand many things. I know clearly who treats me well and who truly loves me.”

Zhou Fang understood. “You’re saying all this because of Song Mingyue, aren’t you?”

“Not just for her. Mingyue is my wife, and you are my mother. I just want you two to get along peacefully.”

Zhou Fang smiled faintly. “Chen Che, this is the first time I’ve realized you actually have a way with words.” She could see that Chen Che was truly happy now; his aloofness had faded, replaced by a touch of warmth.

Zhou Fang stood up. “I will consider what you said.” She sighed, “Truly, a son grows up and leaves his mother behind—once he has a wife, he forgets his mother.” But she said it with a smile.

Chen Che laughed softly, knowing she had heard him.

When he returned to his room, Grandmother was still awake. “What did Little Che say to you?”

“What else could he say? He was just speaking up for his wife.”

Grandmother had long since realized that her “silly” grandson was completely wrapped around his wife’s finger, but she didn’t see that as a bad thing. Before arriving, she had worried that he wouldn’t treat his wife well, but seeing them together had put her mind at ease.

“Fang, children have their own fortunes. You can’t control everything. Let’s go back in a few days; don’t interfere with their way of life.”

Zhou Fang protested, “Mom, do you really think it’s right for his wife to boss him around all day?”

“It’s not ‘right,’ but does interfering help? Does your son listen to you? When a couple lives together, what matters most is living well. The fact that Mingyue can make Little Che so devoted to her—that’s her talent.”

“I just feel sorry for my son.”

“Does your son feel sorry for himself? Besides, how do you know he doesn’t enjoy it? You can’t micromanage your children’s lives.”

Zhou Fang was rendered speechless. Back when Chen Che didn’t want to marry, she would always say that if he did, she would be an enlightened mother-in-law who wouldn’t interfere. How had she become such a nuisance now?

Early the next morning, the first thing Zhou Fang said to her mother was, “Mom, let’s go back to the provincial capital quickly. Daoyuan is at home alone, and I’m not at ease.”

Grandmother was happy to hear this. “Let’s have Little Che buy the tickets today so we can leave tomorrow.”

Zhou Fang nodded, feeling a sense of relief. However, she still felt a bit awkward facing Song Mingyue.

At breakfast, when Song Mingyue heard that they were planning to leave, she took the initiative to persuade them to stay. “Why not stay a few more days? I heard there’s a beautiful waterfall nearby; I can take you to see it in a couple of days.”

Grandmother smiled, “Your mother misses your father and wants to go back to take care of him.”

Zhou Fang blushed and immediately retorted, “I’m not familiar with the place here, it’s not as comfortable as being at home. I don’t want to stay here.”

Grandmother laughed. “Look at you, you really can’t say anything nice even when you mean it. She’s just clearing the way for you two, hoping you’ll give her a grandson soon.”

The remark made everyone laugh. Zhou Fang finally let go of her grudge. So be it, she thought, my son’s happiness is what matters most.

With Zhou Fang’s attitude softened, and Song Mingyue not being a difficult person, she managed to set aside time to take them out for the day, since it was their last.

Grandmother asked with concern, “Are you sure your health is okay? You need to recover properly.”

“I’m fine, I don’t feel anything anymore.”

Grandmother felt a pang of guilt. “Mingyue, you’ve really suffered. If you get pregnant again, and this boy doesn’t want it, you tell me—I’ll teach him a lesson for you.”

It wasn’t that Chen Che didn’t want it; it was that she didn’t want to give birth. And the pregnancy hadn’t been terminated; it was still quietly resting in her womb. These were all lies, but Song Mingyue had no intention of exposing them.

Sometimes, a family needs its secrets.