Back to 1984: Earning Money, Raising Kids, and Keeping the Household Busy

Chapter 276 Recognition
"And also," Old Madam Xiao looked at the Chen family members and said sincerely, "their marriage is entirely up to you. Just ask for the betrothal gifts and such."

With just a casual remark, Old Madam Xiao sold out Xiao Jinlin.

His posture was so perfect that Zhao Dongling couldn't find any fault with it.

She smiled and gently held Chen Xinyue's face, "Listen to this, your Grandma Xiao has already said it all: just say what you like!"

Chen Xinyue smiled shyly and didn't say anything.

Zhao Dongling's eyes darted around, and she added, "That's right. Your family isn't short of money, and your godfather is even more so. He tries to give you money every year, but you've always refused. We're not greedy people, so let Mr. and Mrs. Xiao make the decision, shall we?"

The two nodded quickly and were about to go back to discuss it.

Before leaving, he invited Lin Qin's family to have a meal together.

Zhao Dongling quickly stopped them, "It won't work today. They're here to have dinner with me. Let's do it another day."

Distracted by Zhao Dongling from such a distance, the matter had to be dropped.

As soon as the Xiao family elders left, Zhao Dongling immediately smiled and whispered to Lin Qin's family, "I must say, the Xiao family is indeed a good family. I just said that on purpose to let them know that Xinyue also has a powerful backer, so that they will value this marriage even more."

Zhao Dongling then revealed the Xiao family's background in detail.

Lin Yi then learned that the Xiao family's ancestors had all fought their way up through real battles, especially Old Master Xiao, who had participated in several major battles and was an absolute hero who defended the country.

He wasn't too happy about his granddaughter marrying so far away before, but now he's given up on that idea. Putting everything else aside, the descendants raised by such a family that serves the country and its people are unlikely to have any major problems. Besides, he feels proud that his granddaughter is marrying into such a family.

To put it bluntly, my granddaughter's future children will all have different family backgrounds than ordinary people.

After careful consideration, Lin Yi's attitude towards the marriage gradually changed.

If he could think of all this, Chen Wenjun and Lin Qin must have already considered it. Now that the Gao family is willing to support them, they are just waiting to see the Xiao family's attitude.

Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Xiao returned home and immediately called Xiao Bai and Mu Qinglian over.

As is customary, the old man and woman would not contact them unless there were special circumstances. The fact that they called both of them at once means something serious must have happened.

The two entered the old house, their expressions extremely solemn.

Seeing the elderly couple sitting there drinking tea, I hurried over, barely daring to breathe.

"Dad, Mom!"

Xiao Bai called out cautiously, and Mu Qinglian followed suit.

The elderly couple had sullen faces and wouldn't even look at them directly.

Xiao Bai grew anxious, carefully sitting down, feeling a cold sweat even in the freezing weather. "Dad, Mom! Is there something we did wrong? Please tell us, we'll definitely change!" Old Mr. Xiao slammed down his teacup and asked expressionlessly, "How long has it been since you last contacted Jinlin?"

Xiao Bai paused for a moment and looked at Mu Qinglian.

Mu Qinglian's heart tightened, and she quickly smiled apologetically, "Dad, because the eldest son's wife offended Miss Chen before, Jinlin has been dissatisfied with his elder brother and sister-in-law. Every time he calls, his tone is very harsh, and he criticizes the eldest son's wife after only a few words. You know that the eldest son's wife is pregnant, so I was afraid that the brothers would really fall out, so I didn't dare to contact him again."

Mr. Xiao smiled sarcastically and remained silent.

Anyone with eyes could see that he was angry.

Xiao Bai panicked and quickly tried to salvage the situation, "How about this, we'll go see Jinlin in a bit, and no matter what he says, we promise we won't get angry, is that alright?"

Mr. Xiao waved his hand, “You are father and son, it has nothing to do with me. I just want to tell you that we are very satisfied with Jinlin’s partner. That child has always been indifferent to everything since he was a child. It’s rare for him to meet someone he truly likes. This marriage must go through. Do you understand what I mean?”

"I understand, I understand." Xiao Bai nodded vigorously.

Mr. Xiao continued, "The Chen family came to the capital yesterday. Jinlin invited his second uncle and aunt to entertain the guests. Asheng and Axue handled the matter very well. In addition, Xinyue's godfather is that little tyrant from the Gao family in the compound. Madam Gao openly defended him in front of us today."

This marriage requires sincerity; you two should weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Xiao Bai's face turned pale, and he looked somewhat surprised and embarrassed.

Mu Qinglian, standing beside him, had her head bowed and her eyes reddened.

Mr. Xiao completely ignored his eldest son and his wife's feelings and said everything he needed to say.

Seeing this, Madam Xiao felt relieved and added, "Also, Jinlin can't tolerate any nonsense. Guo Lingyue shouldn't interfere in his affairs. Let him do whatever he wants, as long as he's happy."

Mu Qinglian suddenly looked up, a tear flying out of her eye. "Mom!"

Seeing her like that, Old Madam Xiao felt no pity whatsoever, but was so angry that she gritted her teeth. "I told you before, the child is innocent, the child is innocent. No matter what the reason, since you gave birth to him, you have to take on the responsibility of being parents. But you are selfish, taking advantage of having another son to neglect your younger son."

Whenever it comes to the two children, you instinctively favor Jinchen, and sometimes I can't stand it! Since you're the ones who act first, don't blame the child for acting second. Stop using your parental authority to pressure him; that will only make him hate you more!

The Chen family is aware of Jinlin's situation. It's fine for Asheng and Axue to handle the arrangements for this marriage; if you don't want to get involved, then don't interfere.

Mu Qinglian broke down in tears, “Mom! You’re tearing my heart out! We regret what we did back then, but our child is grown up now. We want to win him back, but he’s unwilling. It’s not that I haven’t tried to care for him all these years, but he always pushes me away coldly.”

I urged him to go into politics, but he refused and insisted on going into business. We couldn't help him with that. We also scolded the eldest son and his wife for what Lingyue did, and even wanted to let the eldest son find a new wife according to his wishes. But you know that the eldest son found his wife himself, and he is happy to be with Guo Lingyue. We can't force the eldest son to get a divorce!
Now that the eldest son's daughter is unwell, and things are already messy enough for them as a couple, wouldn't bringing up old issues just exacerbate their conflict?

Madam Xiao waved her hand impatiently, "In the end, it's all because you spoiled her! I never thought much of Guo Lingyue in the first place, and sure enough, she can't impress me!"
"Fine, since we've already separated the family, you're responsible for your own choices. I'm just informing you that my wife and I are very satisfied with this marriage to the Chen family. Don't cause any trouble for us, and Jin Chen and his wife, if you cause any more problems, don't blame me for turning my back on you!"

Madam Xiao's words were particularly harsh.

So much so that Xiao Bai and his wife felt utterly disheartened and could only nod and agree.