I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 192: Wanting to Slap Oneself in the Heart

Li Qianqian spoke only the truth. She was the love at first sight for Hu Biao, the one he always yearned for. It was not easy to marry her, and she went through a great deal of suffering. Plus, now that they have a son, she feels like she’s living a life no different from the immortals.

He had thought that since Li Qianqian gave birth to a son for the Hu family, even if his mother didn’t like her, she would treat her better for the sake of the child. Besides, when he was home, Granny Yang did indeed take meticulous care of Li Qianqian, so when he was assigned away for work, even though he somewhat fled from his mother’s control, he was still at ease about Li Qianqian and his son.

Returning from a business trip after a week, he had expected to be greeted by his gentle wife and obedient child, or perhaps his scolding mother. But he never expected that before he even got home, he’d be informed that his wife and child had been abused. It was only after her family stepped in and confronted the situation that his wife and child were rescued. When he arrived at the Li family’s place, his mother-in-law threw a pile of photos in his face, and that’s when he realized how foolish his previous beliefs had been.

"At that time, when he saw me, he knelt down in front of me and our child immediately, crying a river. I knew he was regretful, saddened, and more than anything, he felt sorry for me and the child. From our time together up till our marriage, a lot of things happened, he also sacrificed a lot for me. I understand what his mother thinks; she believes the Li family’s social status is higher than the Hu’s and always tries to control me as if to show off Hu Biao’s capabilities. In the two years since we got married, every time his mother caused trouble, Hu Biao always stood by my side. Otherwise, I don’t see what the point would be in continuing to live this life."

"That’s for sure, what do we women look for if not a man who treats us well? Hu Biao did well this time. His mother did deserve a lesson. But after all, she’s Hu Biao’s mother. You and Hu Biao are a couple. If his mother stood guard every day, over time, it might be too much for her body, and it could damage the affection between you and your husband."

When Shen Meng said this, in her heart, she wished she could slap herself. How could she say such things aloud, especially in front of the person who suffered? Damn, she should’ve insisted that the Old Witch keep standing until she fainted, to get a taste of what Li Qianqian had suffered.

"My parents advised me similarly. They said even though Hu Biao’s mother isn’t nice, she still has nothing to do with Hu Biao and my father-in-law, so I shouldn’t take my anger out on them. They told me to think carefully, not to fight so hard for the upper hand, causing trouble for the whole family, and ending up with everyone getting hurt."

"What do you think then?"

Shen Meng asked nonchalantly and then kept her gaze on Li Qianqian.

"If it weren’t for my mother-in-law, my life with Hu Biao and Bao Guo, just the three of us, would be so comfortable. It’s enough for my parents and my father-in-law to come and check on the child from time to time. Without all these other issues, it would be good. In such cold weather, if my mother-in-law stood out there every day, any actual harm coming to her would upset Hu Biao, even if he didn’t say it. But to just forgive her, I can’t accept it. Sister Meng, I really can’t accept it. You have seen for yourself the harsh life my child and I endured."

"Exactly. If we were to let this go, your mother-in-law won’t learn her lesson. Even if you agree, I won’t. Otherwise, I won’t come to visit you again. It’s like openly telling your mother-in-law you’re easy to bully, and she might bully you again since there would be no consequences, right? Qianqian, don’t worry. Later during the meal, I’ll ask your parents what they think. You still have to live with Hu Biao, and you’ll need to return home eventually, but you can’t go back without a clear plan. You need to think of a proper solution."

Li Qianqian was deeply moved, and Shen Meng took the opportunity to hold her hand and said, "Qianqian, I’ve always thought that women, even with children, need to have their own lives. That’s why I asked someone to get you those skincare sets. I wanted to remind you that once the child gets a bit older, you should go back to work. You absolutely cannot think of staying at home as a freeloader, because over time, even if Hu Biao and the child don’t mind, you’ll start loathing yourself."

Li Qianqian used to work at the bookshop, but after marrying Hu Biao, she transferred her job. Lin Rong always caused trouble; at that time, she had just gotten married and didn’t want any conflict in the family to put Hu Biao in a difficult position. She thought perhaps her mother-in-law just felt insecure, after all, she was the only country person in a house filled with educated people, and it was inevitable for her to feel inferior. So, she simply chose to stay at home.

But every time she stepped out and saw the vivacious young ladies, how could she not feel envious? Yet with so many youths unemployed, even if she wanted to work, she needed to find something suitable.

"Sister Meng, although my family and the Hu family can arrange some job if I wanted, it would be unfair to others. I’ve learned so much, not to be a frontline factory worker. I believe I can make the most of what’s inside my head, so I need to think it through."

Shen Meng understood, she didn’t want to do heavy labor at the factory but was okay with lighter, more mentally or physically demanding jobs.

"Qianqian, I have this idea. In Lu Family Village and Shenji where my mother’s family is from, the villagers live tough lives, solely depending on their crops. The adults manage, but so many children have never worn new clothes, and some wear the same piece of clothing from winter to summer. Their shoes are another story, with toes sticking out and swollen in the cold to the point they can’t be taken off. I want to help them, but my power alone is limited. Are you willing to lend a hand, Qianqian?"

A woman who had recently given birth has a heart full of compassion—not to be underestimated. Didn’t you see her eyes welled up with tears?

Li Qianqian immediately said she was willing to help, ready to contribute in any way she could.

"I will discuss this matter at lunch with Mr. Li and Director Qi. If they have no objections and think it’s feasible, then we can proceed with the plan. Trust me, Qianqian, I will ensure you return to the textile factory’s family courtyard in glory."

"I believe in you, Sister Meng."

The two sisters finished their conversation, and Qi Mingyue was almost ready with the meal. Mr. Li, listening to Lu Zhenping sharing some embarrassing stories of his son who had just joined the military, laughed and swore intermittently, then shook his head. After all, his son hadn’t disgraced him and had been brave in the military. He had even earned a third-class merit last year, a fact that the young rascal hadn’t mentioned to him.

At the dining table, everyone was jubilant, except Hu Biao, whose mind seemed elsewhere, glancing outside again and again. Just when he entered, he thought he saw his mother’s shadow sway—perhaps she fell ill from the cold wind.

Li Qianqian was feeling joyful, but seeing Hu Biao’s distracted state was hard to stomach.

"What are you looking at? If you’re so concerned, go and see your mother off instead of being absent-minded here. You might end up choking on your food!"