Drama Couple in the 80s

Chapter 25

"You little brat, you're asking for it! What's with all the shouting? Can't you just talk to me privately? It's not like she gets whatever amount she demands..."

"Mother! I'm only concerned about you. Look at what big brother is causing - getting you scolded by Fourth Uncle. Does he even consider us family anymore...?"

As mother and son continued their quarrel, He Cheng pushed open the door and entered. His face was expressionless, devoid of both joy and anger. Without uttering a word, he strode directly towards Shao Chunlai, raising his fist to strike.

Intent on leaving a mark, He Cheng aimed straight for Shao Chunlai's eye socket. Both Shao Chunlai and Bao Lanxiang let out simultaneous screams. Beside them, Shao Baokui frantically rushed forward, "How dare you hit someone!"

"Hitting him is mild," He Cheng stood unmoved, gripping Shao Baokui's arm and pushing him aside. "Uncle Shao, if you want any peace in this house, don't provoke me."

For several long moments, Shao BaoKui stood stunned, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

It had been nearly twenty years since he joined the He household, and this stepson before him had never once addressed him with any form of respect—until now.

When Shao BaoKui first arrived, the old patriarch of the He family was still alive. The continuous grief from losing his sons had taken a severe toll on his health. With the elderly man present, Bao Lanxiang refrained from instructing He Dacheng to call Shao Baokui "Father," leaving their relationship ambiguous.

Within two years, the old man passed away, and He Dacheng's mental state deteriorated, rendering him virtually non-verbal. Over time, neither He Dacheng nor anyone else bothered with formalities towards Shao Baokui. Only when addressing her son would Bao Lanxiang refer to him as "your father."

Shao Baokui should have realized that something about his stepson had changed.

"Dacheng, what are you saying... We're all family here..."

"Uncle Shao, I'm not one to be trifled with. If anyone insists on provoking me, there's no telling what I might do."

Standing half a head taller than Shao Baokui, He Cheng bristled with anger, exerting an overwhelming presence that left Shao Baokui feeling intimidated. Helpless, he shifted his gaze away and looked at Shao Chunlai instead.

Bao Lanxiang, heartbroken, examined her second son's injuries before turning to scold him, "Have you gone mad? No matter what, you shouldn't hit people! He's your brother; look at how badly you've beaten him! And he has a matchmaking meeting tomorrow..."

When striking Shao Chunlai, He Cheng hadn't given a thought to any matchmaking meetings. His sole intention had been to leave some marks on the boy's face, ensuring public embarrassment for him.

As He Cheng glanced at the rapidly swelling bruise around Shao Chunlai's eyes, he felt rather satisfied.

Just then, loud knocks pounded against the door, indicating forceful urgency. He Cheng's heart quivered, praying fervently that it wasn't his future in-laws coming to call off the engagement—especially since it hadn't even been officially arranged yet. After a moment's hesitation, he rushed out to open the door.

To his surprise, standing outside was Jiang Ya herself.

"Yaya, what brings you here?" He Cheng's tension eased, hastily managing a smile.

"Is your house some den of danger, barring my entry?"

Under the moonlight, Jiang Ya rolled her eyes at him. She reached out to push the door, leaving He Cheng no choice but to quickly step aside. Watching as his wife, exuding an even more unruly aura than himself, leisurely strode towards the main room, he could only follow obediently behind.