I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 195: You Must Weigh It Carefully

Shen Meng glanced at Lu Zhenping when she left. He immediately understood, holding his wine glass and started drinking with Li Chuan and Hu Biao. He knew roughly what Shen Meng intended to do, and since it was something his wife wanted to accomplish, he was naturally willing to help. Should difficulties arise, as her husband, he was ready to support her and prevent her from stumbling.

"Uncle Li, Xiao Meng is inexperienced. As soon as she had an idea, she went around seeking validation, visiting craftsmen, fully committed to making this work. If something is overlooked, please don’t take it to heart."

After so many years as the County Party Secretary, having dealt with all manner of characters, it was clear to him whether Shen Meng’s intentions were genuine or not, and a look at the few samples showed how meticulous she had been.

"Zhenping, you underestimate Uncle Li too much. Xiao Meng, after all, is a rural woman. It is already extraordinary that she has managed this much. I just heard from Mingyang that she often takes Uncle to school to consult with Teacher Zheng from the big city, which clearly shows that she is an ambitious person, cares about her hometown and loves to learn. Such a commendable comrade deserves praise, why should I mind? You’re overthinking."

The two exchanged glances for a moment, then smiled and continued to eat and drink.

Crying sounds of a child echoed from inside the house, both Li Qianqian and Hu Biao immediately stood up and ran inside. Qi Mingyue stood, took a look, and then sat down again, letting it go; it’s up to the son-in-law and daughter to care more about the grandchild. Being over-involved might displease her daughter, who was very protective of her newborn, a natural motherly instinct.

When Shen Meng came out, she just saw Director Hu offering Lin Rong a bun and some hot water, encouraging her to eat something.

"Oh dear, I’ve already said I won’t eat. It’s all my fault, chose the wrong person, causing my daughter-in-law and grandson so much suffering. I don’t even know how they’re doing now; how can I eat? Just ignore me, let me stand here. I deserve to suffer the cold and hunger. As long as Qianqian and the Li family calm down, I’m willing to do anything!"

Hu Jinbu sighed, put the bun away, was about to drink some hot water when he saw Shen Meng walking out from the Li family, looking at them somewhat mockingly. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly screwed on the lid of the water bottle.

"Mr. Shen, is there something wrong? Or is the Li family willing to speak with us properly now?"

Lin Rong kept her head down sighing, yet the corners of her mouth curled into a slight smile.

These days, they had been playing the victim card. Although initially people in the government courtyard gossiped about them, from yesterday to today, people had started persuading them. Lin Rong believed that if they persisted for two more days and she fainted, the battle would be won. Hence, no matter how many nice things the Li family said, she wasn’t going to enter the house.

Thinking this, Shen Meng said, "How could that be? Uncle Li and Aunt Qi know you’re putting on an act. They sent me to check on you. If Aunt Lin faints, they’ve asked me to help shout for people to take her directly to the hospital, so they won’t come over."

"Snap!"

As some sympathetic residents of the family compound who were bringing out freshly cooked meals heard Shen Meng’s words, they abruptly closed their doors, one even gripping a kettle, hurriedly turning back inside, muttering under their breath, feeling sorry for such a good girl like Li Qianqian marrying into such a family.

Lin Rong and Hu Jinbu’s faces stiffened. They thought their method was clever, only to realize that others had seen through their intentions early on. Hu Jinbu lifted his eyelids, feeling as if everyone in the family compound was watching through the gaps in their doors and windows, laughing at him. Thinking that the opponent was the County Party Secretary, how could he not see through Lin Rong’s rural woman’s tricks? He really was blinded by pork fat, to still listen to this old wife at this point.

"Mr. Shen, this, this is not true, there’s no such thing. Hu Biao’s mother truly knows her mistake, she just misjudged people. Back in her days as a young woman, she was close with Granny Yang, thinking she was still the same as before. People’s hearts change easily. Hu Biao’s mother meant no harm; Granny Yang has already been taken to the Police Station, and the evil one has been punished. As long as Qian Qian and our family can calm down, we are willing to stand here as long as needed!"

Shen Meng shook his head and walked over to Hu Jinbu.

"Director Hu, I used to think you were a smart person, but I didn’t expect you to be this confused. I think it’s better for you all to just go back and let Hu Biao and his family follow the Li family from now on. It would be better for them and for you."

"What nonsense are you talking about? Isn’t this just another son-in-law situation? Li Qianqian married into our Hu family, she is our daughter-in-law. If she doesn’t want to go back, she can just stay with the Li family, but Hu Biao and Bao Guo will follow us."

Lin Rong couldn’t control her temper for a moment, and her voice carried distinctive power. As the most beloved young lady in the family courtyard, many people who were friends with Qi Mingyue heard and started knocking and banging after opening their windows.

"Really, I have never seen such shameless behavior, I actually thought she had realized her mistake these past few days, it was all an act."

"Exactly, our Qian Qian is so lovable, it’s unfortunate to end up with such a mother-in-law. If she doesn’t go back, then she should just get a divorce, I will definitely find a good man and a good mother-in-law for Qian Qian."

"Qian Qian is so good, the family she marries into won’t mind that she’s had a child, they might even be thrilled and would happily change the child’s surname, bringing joy to everyone."

"To have a connection with the County Party Secretary, that is a blessing earned from a past life. Some families are blind, they simply cannot see, acting as if they are of high status themselves, still picky about choosing a girl, pah, they’ve lost their sense early in the morning and still think they are the Empress Dowager!"

...

Hu Jinbu and Lin Rong’s faces turned pale then ashen, and they did not dare to speak randomly. Although he was the Director of the Textile Factory, the relationships within the large courtyard were complex, and offending someone could bring a lot of trouble.

Lin Rong was defiant within her own encampment, always considering Li Qianqian as her daughter-in-law, but she was the daughter of the County Party Secretary; even in front of her, some humility was required, it’s only right to show concern for one’s own children.

"Director Hu, you see, everyone understands what’s going on, and yet you’re still pretending to be blind. Since you’ve married into the Li family, you are all crickets in the same boat. How long do you plan to play dumb? Think about these past two years since Hu Biao and Qian Qian got married, how well your textile factory has developed, it’s now the most prominent one in the whole county. Last year, when other factories couldn’t get favorable policies, your factory almost got them all, otherwise you wouldn’t have expanded your recruitment. My man told me Qian Qian’s brother is about to be promoted in the army. Even if not for yourself, you must also consider Hu Biao. He is currently just a director at the textile factory, can he succeed your position, and could he perhaps step beyond Ning County, walk out of the Provincial City, and pursue greater opportunities? You really ought to weigh these factors in your mind. Bao Guo has both Hu and Li family blood running through him, his future prospects are boundless. You need to think through whether stepping on the Li family’s face to gain some prestige for yourself or your son’s and grandson’s future prospects is more important. You are a smart person, I won’t say much more."

Hu Jinbu suddenly looked up at Shen Meng, his thoughts whirling as he considered the possibilities of what she had said!