As soon as Shen Qiqi finished speaking, the atmosphere in the whole room seemed to have pressed the pause button.

Her bright eyes sparkled with excitement, as if hiding a secret that could light up the night.

However, before this sense of anticipation could ferment, it was killed by a cold snort from Old Lady Lu.

"What's going on again?" Old Mrs. Lu put down her chopsticks. Her originally kind face suddenly became covered with gloomy clouds, and wrinkles were deeply imprinted on her face as if they were carved with a knife.

"Just eat, don't dwell on those nonsense things all day long!"

Shen Qiqi had expected this reaction. After all, the old lady was known for her stubbornness.

She smiled slightly, like a little pride before unleashing a big move in a game: "Mom, this isn't some weird trick, it's a good way to keep our family warm through the winter."

"Stop playing dumb here!" Old Mrs. Lu's voice rose eight octaves, so powerful that it shook the dust on the roof.

"Our ancestors have been burning firewood this way for generations, so why is it that it's no longer possible for you? Let me tell you, those fancy new gadgets are just not reliable!"

Shen Qiqi felt like she was standing on the opposite side of "truth", while the other party was holding a book of "rules of our ancestors" in his hand.

She tried to explain: "Mom, this method I'm talking about is not a random trick, it can really improve the heating effect. We can..."

"Improve your ass!" Old Lady Lu interrupted her rudely, her voice crackling like beans frying in an iron pan. "I've eaten more salt than you've eaten rice. What do you know? You're just showing off your little cleverness in front of me? I tell you, burning firewood honestly is better than anything else! Stop messing around with that useless stuff!"

Shen Qiqi felt as if her enthusiasm was poured with a basin of ice water, chilling her from head to toe.

This old lady is simply a "nitpicker"!

She looked at Lu Qing, trying to seek some support, but Lu Qing just shrugged helplessly, signaling her not to argue.

There was a tense atmosphere in the air, and the originally warm dining table seemed like a battlefield.

Shen Qiqi took a deep breath and prepared to try to explain again. She knew that she had to win this "warming battle"!

At this moment, my eldest uncle's wife, Mrs. Li, suddenly put down her chopsticks and said in a slightly sarcastic tone, "Mom is right. This new thing looks mysterious. The old way is better and more reliable!"

Shen Qiqi's eyes instantly locked onto Li, this fence-sitter who always goes where the wind blows.

Li's words were like adding fuel to the fire, directly extinguishing the little flame in Shen Qiqi's heart.

She glanced around and met Li's evasive gaze, like a guilty little mouse.

This woman usually doesn't dare to say a word, but now she has learned to adapt to the situation.

Shen Qiqi sneered in her heart, "If the old lady doesn't show her power, you think I'm easy to bully!"

The atmosphere in the room suddenly seemed to freeze, and it was so oppressive that it made people breathless.

Shen Qiqi felt like she had punched cotton and couldn't exert any strength.

She put down her chopsticks silently. Her stomach felt like there was a stone blocking it, and she had no appetite.

This meal was more painful than chewing wax.

She got up and went back to her room. The moment she closed the door, the world seemed to become quiet.

There was only the sound of the wind whistling outside the window, as if mocking her arrogance.

Shen Qiqi sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly ahead. The dim light in the room added a touch of loneliness.

She felt like she was trapped on an isolated island, surrounded by sea water and without a glimmer of hope.

Suddenly, a slight knock on the door broke the silence of the room...

“Qiqi…” Shen Qiqi was immersed in her own thoughts when suddenly, a slight knock on the door broke the silence of the room.

"Qiqi..." Lu Qing's low and warm voice came from outside the door.

A warm current instantly surged in Shen Qiqi's heart. She stood up, wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, walked over and opened the door.

Lu Qing stood at the door, his gentle eyes full of concern. He reached out and gently held her.

Shen Qiqi was pulled into his arms. His embrace was warm and powerful, as if it could dispel all the haze.

His body temperature penetrated her clothes and reached her skin, and Shen Qiqi felt a long-lost sense of security.

She closed her eyes tightly and slowly exhaled, as if releasing all the grievances and unhappiness.

"Don't be sad, Qiqi, I'm here." Lu Qing said softly, with kindness and determination in his tone.

His hand gently stroked Shen Qiqi's hair. The touch was gentle and delicate, which slowly calmed Shen Qiqi's heart.

She raised her head and looked at him. Their eyes met at this moment. Shen Qiqi's face flushed slightly, and an ambiguous atmosphere filled the air, as if the whole room had become warm.

"Qiqi, listen to me," Lu Qing said in a low and gentle voice, "The heating plan you proposed is indeed a good idea. Don't be discouraged by what they say. We will take it slow and eventually we will convince them."

Shen Qiqi felt a surge of strength in her heart. She took a deep breath, and the light of hope rekindled in her eyes.

"You're right, Lu Qing, I can't give up easily. But this time, I have to try a different approach and not argue with them first." She said softly, with a firm tone in her voice.

Lu Qing nodded and kissed her forehead gently. "You are the best, Qiqi. No matter what happens, I will support you."

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!