Drama Couple in the 80s

Chapter 45

The introduction of  watermelons sparked excitement throughout the village. However, despite the envy it generated, everyone had to wait until next spring for their chance.

Following the usual routine, they harvested wheat, planted summer crops, bid farewell to the scorching heat, and welcomed the autumn coolness. After the fall harvest, the fields and villages finally relaxed, entering a period of agricultural downtime.

Before winter set in, the Shao family, who spent over half a year on this endeavor, completed building a house for Shao Chunlai. To save money, they rarely hired workers and instead relied heavily on their own efforts as a family. Initially, they planned to construct four rooms, but due to financial constraints, they ended up building three stone-brick houses.

Jiang Ya vaguely heard that Bao Lanxiang borrowed significant amounts from various villagers. She couldn't secure large sums from any single household, nor did anyone dare to lend her too much, so she approached numerous families while tearfully lamenting about her ungrateful eldest son. She also claimed that He Cheng and Jiang Ya were heartless, refusing to help her.

Such accusations never bothered He Cheng and Jiang Ya,  simply let her say what she wanted. It was hard to imagine living just one wall apart with such strained relations. The two separate courtyards saw almost no interaction between them, and when they did meet, at most, there would be a cold, indifferent greeting. As for the Shao family, sometimes encounters passed without even acknowledging each other, pretending not to see one another - a convenient arrangement for all involved.

Their relationship was even worse than that of ordinary villagers, the most common villager would still greet each other with smiles upon meeting.

Jiang Ya genuinely couldn't comprehend Bao lanxiang's mindset but had to admire Shao Baokui's persuasive skills. How did he manage to sway Bao lanxiang for all these years, making her unquestioningly listen to him? To the point where she prioritized his affections, even towards her own biological son.

On the day of the Shao family's new house beam raising ceremony, Bao lanxiang and Shao Baokui hosted two tables, primarily inviting village officials and those assisting with the construction. They didn't invite He Cheng, so naturally, he didn't attend.

That evening, as Jiang Ya stepped out from her parents' home, she overheard Bao lanxiang speaking with Granny Wu near the gate.

Bao lanxiang lamented, "Granny Wu, just look at it - raising this son has been utterly pointless. Even when his brother is building a house, he doesn't bother to come by. All he cares about is his father in law, spending every day there and siding with him on everything. It's like our son belongs solely to his in laws now. As his mother, I feel completely ignored."

He Wu asked, "Did you call him?"

Bao lanxiang replied that she hadn't. Granny Wu suggested, "Then why don't you invite him? You're hosting a feast at your place, after all."

Bao lanxiang retorted, "Even if his father in law doesn't call, he'd run over eight times a day! Married and already forgotten his mother, only caring for his wife and father in law."

In response, Granny Wu said, "Isn't his wife pregnant now? Her maternal family is taking care of her, and I've noticed their fields being tended by her father's side too. Since he's your son, if you wish to maintain a close bond with him, as the mother in law, it's crucial to support your daughter in law during her pregnancy. Prepare some delicious food and drinks, and make sure to serve Erya occasionally. By doing these small gestures, you can strengthen your relationship with both your son and daughter in law."

Left stammering, Bao lanxiang couldn't muster any further reply.

Jiang Ya found this amusing inwardly - expecting Bao lanxiang to take care of her? Spare me! Previously, Bao lanxiang feared her eldest son would burden them financially but now, she worried Jiang Ya might ask her to help with childcare. She was overthinking - there was no way Bao lanxiang would willingly assist.