12: Chapter 7 Grandpa Grandma_2 12: Chapter 7 Grandpa Grandma_2 Shen Chi let out a gentle sigh, unaware where Wanwan had learned such tactics, which were truly vexing.
Nonetheless, a trace of pleasure rose from the depths of his heart.
Compared to the indifferent Wanwan, he preferred her getting angry at him, as it made her seem more lively and vibrant.
Before long, the tractor stopped in front of a house with a small courtyard.
“Chi, Xiuwa.” Before they could get off the tractor, the courtyard gate opened, and an old lady hobbling on a cane stepped out, quickly focusing her gaze on Lin Xiaoguai, “This must be Wanwan, come in quickly, come in, the sun is too harsh outside.”
“Hello, grandma and grandpa.” Behind the old lady, an old man with a worried face followed, who Lin Xiaoguai assumed to be Shen Chi and Shen Xiu’s grandpa.
Shen Zhangming and Luo Yufang had actually met Lin Xiaoguai before, and recalling the little girl who was red-faced and fainted during the wedding ceremony made the elders sigh.
Their eldest grandson always did as he pleased, and now that the only daughter-in-law who could mildly persuade him had passed away, they couldn’t bear to say anything, considering the hardships this child had endured over the years.
With such a useless father, this child had shouldered the livelihood of the whole family at a young age; in matters of life, they selfishly always wanted to grant him his wishes just this once.
Yet, regarding Wang Zhaodi, that troublemaker, the elders felt resentment every time they thought of her.
What great sins must they have committed in their past lives to have the heavens send such a scourge their way?
Under the care of Spiritual Water, Lin Xiaoguai’s health wasn’t that big of a concern anymore; at least, she was much better compared to when Shen Chi first saw her upon his return, although to the elderly couple, she still looked frail and weak.
“My dear, you’ve had a tough time,” Luo Yufang grasped Lin Xiaoguai’s hands with tears in her eyes, “Stay well here, grandma will definitely take good care of you.”
After many years, Lin Xiaoguai, unaccustomed to such direct warmth, smiled awkwardly.
Thinking she was just shy, Luo Yufang didn’t mind and pulled her inside the house; Shen Zhangming followed silently, while Shen Chi and Shen Xiu settled the carriage fare and brought in the luggage.
In just a short while, Lin Xiaoguai could somewhat discern the nature of the elderly couple; without mentioning other traits, they were at least not mean-spirited, especially showing uncommon kindness towards her.
Although Luo Yufang had suffered a minor stroke, thanks to the good care of her spouse after moving to town, apart from a slightly unclear speech, she appeared nearly normal; her actions, particularly swift.
She soon poured a glass of sugar water for Lin Xiaoguai.
“You’re in a special condition now; don’t be too polite with grandma.”
In those times, guests were usually served plain boiled water; sugar water was indeed a treat of the highest standard.
“Grandma, sister-in-law doesn’t like drinking this; please give the sugar water to me instead,” seeing Lin Xiaoguai looking troubled, Shen Xiu hastily spoke up.
Just as Lin Xiaoguai was about to take the glass, she immediately felt uneasy; it was their first meeting, and to respond to an elder’s kindness so “choosily” might make anyone think the younger generation lacked manners.
Luo Yufang was also startled, glanced at the awkward-faced Lin Xiaoguai, but didn’t get upset as anticipated; instead, she asked, “Then what do you like, Wanwan?”
“Sister-in-law loves eating leek pockets, and that’s grandma’s specialty; you must show your skill today,” Shen Xiu cheerily said.
Though introverted and shy outside, Shen Xiu was quite spirited among the limited few relatives.
“Alright, but there’s pork rib soup simmering on the stove, let’s have the leek pockets for dinner,” Luo Yufang chuckled.
Just seeing the granddaughter and granddaughter-in-law getting along so well filled her with joy.
“By the way, grandma and grandpa, how is elder aunt doing?” Shen Chi interjected.
Shen Zhangming and Luo Yufang only had one son but six daughters, the reason for their trip was due to Aunt Shen’s severe illness; they had gone to visit and had just returned two days ago.
While Father Shen cherished his burdensome son as a treasure, the aunts genuinely adored Shen Chi.
“She’s managing,” Luo Yufang sighed, “Minjuan has always been strong-willed, overworking for work points when young, even skimping on food to feed the children.
Now, wanting her body to recover is hard; her stomach bleeding is severe, she can only drink porridge, and she’s so emaciated.”
Tears welled up in Luo Yufang’s eyes as she spoke.
“Why are you so worked up, the doctor said she could recover, didn’t he?” Shen Zhangming frowned and comforted.
“It’s just heartbreaking, the suffering she must endure,” Luo Yufang, wiping her tears, said, “That entire household, so many mouths to feed, so many things to handle, how can she possibly relax and recuperate?”
Lin Xiaoguai sighed inwardly; during the 80s, even basic sustenance was a struggle, let alone convalescence.
Noticing the mood dampened by his wife’s words, Shen Zhangming changed the subject: “This time, your aunts are all aware of Wanwan’s situation; although they couldn’t come personally, they’ve sent us back with quite a few things.”
Luo Yufang, realizing the earlier inappropriateness, quickly nodded, “Yes, indeed, thankfully Min Shu’s Jianguo caught a pair of wild chickens, even bringing us the eggs, and Min Ying and the others also stuffed us with quite a bit, just the brown sugar and eggs weighed several pounds, I guarantee to nourish our great-grandchild well.”
By the end, Luo Yufang was all smiles, and Shen Zhangming’s expression also softened.
Previously, their focus was entirely on the mistreated granddaughter-in-law; only now did they shift their thoughts to realizing they were about to have a great-grandchild, their excitement was indescribable.
“Really?” Shen Xiu exclaimed in delight, “That’s wonderful; the hospital, although Second Brother Ma has been helpful, is still somewhat inconvenient, sister-in-law hasn’t been able to get much for nourishment.”
Luo Yufang continued with a smile, “And your little aunt also sent back two pieces of new fabric; I was thinking, once Wanwan shows a bit, I’ll make her two new sets of clothes.
Other households might make do with the men’s clothes, but our Chi only has his military uniform, which is too rough for a pregnant woman to wear.”