A lifetime of peace and care

23

LTPC Chapter 23: Becoming Closer

Yi Ran always felt that her mother-in-law’s actions were not done with goodwill.

She came out of the bathroom absently. As she was washing her hands at the washstand, Sheng Ru came up right beside her. At first, they were both silent. Sure enough, Sheng Ru said, “Of course, we know that Tingchuan likes you very much.”

Yi Ran paused and wasn’t quite sure how to properly respond. Sheng Ru wiped her hands and said, “Linfeng and I both acknowledge you as our daughter-in-law. Regarding the matter that we talked about last time, we know that Tingchuan is a bit stubborn. So, a few days ago, I asked the lawyer to draft an agreement.”

She took her mobile phone out of her handbag, and looked at Yi Ran with a kind expression, “I’ll send it to you. You can read it first.”

Yi Ran: "...… ”

What kind of routine was this? Generally, in a TV show, the strong mother-in-law would hand out a check, saying, “Take this money and leave my son”, and then she can say indignantly, “10 million is too little, right? Who do you think I am?”

But, there was no precedent on transmitting WeChat files, ah!!

Yi Ran was a little embarrassed, but Sheng Ru nevertheless acted as if she was not willing. She tried to placate her by saying, “Ran Ran, you see, we didn’t mean to guard against you, nor did we want to destroy your relationship with Tingchuan. But, with our type of family, everything must be doubly protected. Not to mention, as someone who married into the family, we also don’t want you to be treated unfairly. 

Yi Ran thought about how best to respond. She deliberately softened her voice and said, “This way... wouldn’t Tingchuan be upset?”

Sheng Ru didn’t have time to answer. Before they realized it, Gu Tingchuan, who must have been nearby, suddenly appeared and took away Yi Ran’s cell phone. He immediately deleted the file she had just received and then looked up at his mother with a frown. 

"I knew you would do this."

Seeing that her son was unhappy, Sheng Ru's momentum softened a little. "Tingchuan, I know you care about Yi Ran's feelings, but Yi Ran didn't say that she didn’t agree."

Gu Tingchuan heard this sentence and, without looking at his wife, said in a bad tone, "No matter what she agrees or disagrees with, I said it's not necessary."

He didn't like others doing small actions behind his back. What he said was enough. Moreover, he disliked it when others disobey him.

This discord allowed Yi Ran to realize that when Director Gu was angry, his forehead would wrinkle with displeasure, his aura would turn grave and stern, and his eyes would be like the raging seawater from the Arctic Ocean. Even the surrounding area would freeze. 

Gu Tingchuan lowered his voice and said impatiently, "Mom, I still haven’t even bought her a wedding ring yet. Such an industrious and thrifty wife, did you really want me to find me a second?"

Yi Ran heard this. In her heart, there was an infinite ridicule. Who said I didn’t want it? It was you who didn’t ask me at all. My skin is not that thick!

Sheng Ru was embarrassed. With an awkward expression on her face, she said, "I didn't want you to change to wife ..."

"Well, today we're having a happy meal. Don’t do this kind of disgraceful thing." Gu Tingchuan no longer listened. After he said this, he grabbed Yi Ran's wrist and left with her.

His pace was steady, his steps neither too fast nor too slow. He turned his face to see her silent and his eyes suddenly displayed a smile, similar to floating layers of bright water. "There is a Beijing Opera Theatre next to this restaurant. I used to go there after I eat. In fact, compared to dinner, the restaurant's morning tea is more special. The shrimp noodles here are also very good. It’s dry and delicious. In a moment, I’ll have them make it for you. ”