Mother Qi really did leave as she said they would. Although Cheng Suxin was angry with Mother Qiās actions from the day before, she wouldnāt completely ignore the matter. She felt mad, yet she had prepared various gifts and local specialties for them to take back, just without speaking to her mother-in-law.
Qi Fenglian couldnāt help but play peacemaker, tirelessly talking about their motherās wishes and hopes that Cheng Su would understand and not hold a grudge against an old traditionalist.
Cheng Su smiled faintly and said, "Elder sister, I too am someone who responds to gentleness rather than force. I have my plans and intentions. I will have a child, but not now. Iāve made it clear to avoid any future misunderstandings that might hurt our relationship."
"I know, I know all of that. Youāre a sensible person, and clever too. Itās the Qi familyās good fortune to have a daughter-in-law like you. Donāt worry, I will talk to Mom and persuade her," Qi Fenglian hurriedly said.
Cheng Su smiled noncommittally.
Qi Fenglian glanced once more at Qi Taiguo who had looked over several times and continued, "Taiguo, heās someone who values face and has a strong sense of pride. Iāve known it since he was little. He joined the army at a young age, living with many a rough man, influenced by their crude ways. Heās a bit of a brute himself, not good with words, nor with sweet nothings. Donāt hold it against him."
Cheng Su smiled without a word.
"Although heās a bit of a brute, he has a good sideā he doesnāt scheme or play games. You can get cross with him if you need to, but as your elder sister, Iām hoping that youāll live in harmony. Family unity is the key to prosperity, right? Just forgive him this time, okay?"
To ensure harmony between her younger brother and his wife, Qi Fenglian put forth every effort. Cheng Su smiled and changed the subject, "Elder sister, Mom mentioned having you come to Qing City for work. What do you think about that?"
Qi Fenglian was startled and quickly said, "Mom was just talking. Donāt take it to heart, I..."
"Elder sister, Iām not one for empty talk. Just tell me what you really thinkā whether you want to come here to work or prefer staying closer to home?" Cheng Su cut her off, "Qing City definitely offers more opportunities than Flower County. If youāre willing to leave your child behind, coming here wouldnāt be a problem. But as for working, in the end, it doesnāt lead to much. Maybe you could consider starting some kind of business for yourself?"
Qi Fenglian gave a wry smile, "The Zhang family isnāt wealthy, we just have those few acres of land, and my husband does some sporadic carpentry. How could we have the money to start a business?"
"Then itās about looking for work."
"Thatās what Iām thinking. As for where to work, Iāll have to discuss it with your brother-in-law first. As for Taiguoās wife, you donāt need to feel troubled, elder sister wonāt make things difficult for you," Qi Fenglian said.
Cheng Su laughed, "Elder sister, thereās nothing difficult about it. Iām also considering opening a branch. If youāve discussed it and you donāt mind the hardship, you could start by learning at the restaurant, and then help me manage the branch? As for your husband, since heās used to woodworking, I have a friend whoās setting up a decoration team. If heās interested, could I connect them?"
Qi Fenglian was delighted, "That would be wonderful." And she asked Cheng Su, "Youāre opening another branch?"
Cheng Su nodded, "Thatās the plan, although the specifics and when it will happen havenāt been decided yet. Thereās no rush; in two or three months itāll be the New Year, so planning after that wonāt be too late. Discuss it with your family, and once you have an idea, just call me."
Qi Fenglian nodded gratefully, truly not expecting Cheng Su to be so generous.
During their conversation, the attendant announced that the bus to Flower County was about to depart. Qi Fenglian and her family quickly said their goodbyes to Cheng Su and left on the bus.