Chapter 20 Then you're not allowed to lay a hand on me.

After work, Cheng Cheng took Xiao Xiao to the supply and marketing cooperative.

I didn't see Sister Xiaojuan at the supply and marketing cooperative. After asking around, I found out that Sister Xiaojuan had taken the day off and didn't come. I wonder how things went with the Zhuang family's matter.

"Xiaoxiao, do you want ice cream or popsicle? Which one do you want? Tell the saleswoman yourself!"

"Mommy~"

Xiao Lingxiao held his mother's hand tightly and snuggled against Cheng Cheng, hesitating to walk to the wooden box.

With encouragement, the little girl gradually became more cheerful and outgoing around familiar people, and was no longer shy. However, when dealing with strangers, she would immediately retreat into her shell and refuse to look up.

Cheng Cheng squatted down and continued to encourage the little one, "Xiaoxiao, look at that saleswoman auntie, haven't we seen her often at the supply and marketing cooperative? Xiaoxiao is familiar with her, right?"

The saleswoman immediately knew what the mother and daughter were up to, and gave them a warm smile: "Little girl, Auntie isn't a bad person, I won't eat you!"

Xiao Lingxiao pursed his lips, then looked at the saleswoman, gave her a sweet smile, and nodded in greeting.

My mother taught me that it's impolite not to respond when someone greets you!

"Alright, Xiaoxiao, don't you like the Monkey King Sun Wukong the most? Then shouldn't you learn from the Monkey King and be a brave child? When the Monkey King Sun Wukong made havoc in the Heavenly Palace, he wasn't as cowardly as you."

Cheng Cheng patted the little guy on the shoulder, "Go on, you are the Great Sage's soldier, brave Xiaoxiao, don't be afraid of difficulties!"

This time, Xiao Lingxiao didn't hesitate. He nodded and mustered up his courage to step forward.

Little Lingxiao imitated his mother's greetings, saying in a childish voice, "Hello, Auntie!"

Hello, little friend.

The sales clerk had a gentle smile and was always very patient with the children. "Little friend, which kind of popsicle would you like? We have red fruit popsicles, red bean popsicles, cream popsicles, and double popsicles. Which one would you like? Auntie will get it for you."

Little Lingxiao stood on tiptoe, his big, round, black grape-like eyes staring intently at the wooden box wrapped in a quilt.

Seeing this, Cheng Cheng stepped forward, picked up the little girl, and made sure she could see more clearly what popsicles were in the wooden box.

"Thank you, Mom!"

Little Lingxiao turned around and smiled at his mother, then turned to the saleswoman and asked, "Auntie, could you tell me their prices?"

"Of course!"

"Red fruit popsicles and red bean popsicles are 3 cents each, cream popsicles are 5 cents each, and double popsicles are 10 cents each. Which one do you want, kid?"

The saleswoman talked as she pointed to the popsicles and introduced them to the child. This little girl was so cute, fair-skinned, and polite. Although she was a bit timid, it was clear that her mother had raised her very well.

Xiao Lingxiao's gaze lingered on the popsicle, and he bit his lip in thought. "Auntie, I want a hawthorn popsicle."

"Mom, do you want some?"

The little girl said she wanted a hawthorn popsicle, but her eyes were fixed on the one-cent double popsicle. Cheng Cheng teased her, "Xiaoxiao, have you thought it through? Are you sure you want to buy the hawthorn popsicle?"

Even the sales clerk noticed the child's thoughts, and her eyes showed even more affection. This child is so sensible!

Xiao Lingxiao nodded his chin, shifting his gaze from the ice cream. "Mom, I've made up my mind."

"Alright then, comrade, I'll have a red bean popsicle."

Cheng Cheng took out six cents from her pocket and handed it over.

Little Lingxiao, holding two popsicles, said in his childish voice, "Thank you, Auntie! Goodbye, Auntie!"

Goodbye, kids!

Cheng Cheng led the little girl, walking and slurping popsicles as they went. Occasionally, the mother and daughter would share a bite of each other's popsicles, their similar faces showing expressions of contentment and comfort, before leisurely heading back.

Cheng Cheng had no idea that a huge bombshell was waiting for her at home. She asked the little guy how about having cold noodles for dinner.

The weather is getting hotter and hotter, and I have a poor appetite. I just want to eat something cold.

Little Lingxiao nodded, "No matter what Mom makes, it tastes delicious!"

-

"Alright, let's stop here."

Xu Fengying, who was agile, jumped off the tractor, put on her bundle, and said to her second son, "You can go back now, no need to see me off."

The tractor stopped at the crossroads; one road led to the eldest sister's house, and the other to the youngest sister's house. Cheng Xiangming wasn't sure which house his mother wanted to go to first.

Regardless of whether he is certain or sure, in the end his mother will definitely live with his younger sister. His younger sister's house is spacious, while his older sister lives in a tenement building, with the whole family crammed into a small space, and his parents-in-law also living there.

Watching his mother leave in a huff, Cheng Xiangming thought to himself, "Little sister, take care!"

His intuition told him that the one who could make his mother so angry was definitely not his eldest sister. His eldest sister never caused his mother any worry. The ones who caused his mother the most worry were his younger sister and younger brother. His younger brother was away in the army, so it could only be his younger sister.

Cheng Cheng ran into her mother on the way. Little Ling Xiao shook her hand and said, "Mommy, Grandma~"

The word "娭毑" (ai jie) is pronounced with the first and third tones and means maternal grandmother. Cheng Cheng followed the little guy's gaze and saw a powerful, brisk middle-aged woman striding towards them.

They've come with ill intentions!

Cheng Cheng had a bad feeling. Judging from her mother's posture, it seemed like she was coming for her!

She quickly feigned innocence and took the initiative: "Mom, what brings you here?"

"What? You're not welcome?"

Xu Fengying glared at her with her phoenix eyes, her tone chilling. She glanced at her daughter, then fixed her gaze on her little granddaughter, her eyes softening with affection.

"Grandma~"

Little Lingxiao looked up at his grandmother with a smile on his face, seemingly very happy about her arrival.

Xu Fengying looked at her granddaughter and examined her carefully for a while. The little girl's face had become much rounder, and she seemed to have grown a bit taller. Her expression softened.

He bent down, picked up his granddaughter, and walked straight home without even glancing at his daughter.

Cheng Cheng: ...

Being ignored isn't scary, but what's scary is that her mother really came for her!

When they arrived home, Cheng Cheng was very attentive and considerate. She proactively poured water for her mother, busied herself with chores, and asked how her mother had gotten there, if she was tired on the way, and what she wanted to eat for dinner so she could cook.

"By the way, Mom, you're staying tonight, right?"

"There's a bamboo bed at home, but it hasn't been used for a long time and it's covered in dust. We need to find it, wash it, and let it dry quickly."

As Cheng Cheng spoke, she turned around to look for it, but Xu Fengying stopped her, saying, "No rush, leave it for now."

Xu Fengying patted her granddaughter's head and said, "Xiaoxiao, go play in the yard for a while."

The little girl looked up at her grandmother and then at her mother, understanding that the adults had something to discuss. She nodded sensibly and ran out.

Daughter, don't go!

Cheng Cheng screamed inwardly, her brain racing, wondering what her mother wanted so late.

After her granddaughter left, Xu Fengying's face immediately turned cold. She gave a sneer, stared sharply at her daughter, and asked, "Is there anything you're hiding from me?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Cheng racked her brains trying to figure out what her mother had discovered.

Urgent!

Stop being so dense, think faster!

Suddenly, Xu Fengying asked again, "Do you know Chang Wenbin?"

Before giving her daughter any time to react, she unleashed her ultimate move.

"ah?"

Did she hear that right?

Cheng Cheng was dumbfounded. How did her mother know about Chang Wenbin?

However, now was not the time to think about this. He reacted quickly, immediately concealing his expression and feigning ignorance, saying, "No, I don't know him."

"Smack—"

Xu Fengying slammed her palm down on the table with a loud bang, causing the enamel cup on the table to jump up and spill most of its water onto the table.

"You dare lie to me?!"

Xu Fengying's phoenix eyes glared, her eyebrows shot up, and she was so angry that she grabbed her ear and twisted it. "Still trying to hide it from your old mother? I've eaten more salt than you've eaten rice! You think you can fool me? You're too green!"

"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!!"

Cheng Cheng never expected her mother to resort to violence so suddenly; her ear was almost twisted off!

"Mom, Mom! It hurts! Be gentle!"

Xu Fengying remained unmoved, twisting her ear with one hand and slapping her bottom with the other, patiently pleading, "Speak up! I want to hear the truth! Don't try to hide it from me anymore!"

Cheng Cheng originally covered her ears with both hands, but her mother's grip was really strong, making her wince in pain. She tried to reduce the pressure a little, but then her mother suddenly slapped her on the buttocks, causing her to jump up.

She... she got spanked?!

Cheng Cheng is unbelievable!

Then, another slap.

"You stubborn brat, still trying to deny it? Speak up! How long are you going to keep this from me?!"

"I'll talk! I'll talk! Mom, please stop hitting me!"

With tears in her eyes, Cheng Cheng quickly begged for mercy, "Mom, please let me go!"

Xu Fengying released her daughter, knowing she wouldn't dare to run away!

Cheng Cheng immediately rubbed her ears, "Ouch, ouch!"

"Now you know what pain is! If you don't honestly tell me the truth, I'll make you feel even more pain!"

Cheng Cheng: ...

She asked cautiously, "Mom, how did you find out?"

"Stop talking nonsense and tell me honestly, how far have things progressed between you and Chang Wenbin?"

Xu Fengying went straight to the point, her sharp eyes fixed on her daughter, warning her not to try anything funny again!

"Just, just a pen pal..."

Cheng Cheng carefully considered her words, trying to lessen her guilt.

As soon as Xu Fengying raised her hand, Cheng Cheng trembled involuntarily and shrank back.

"come over."

"Then you're not allowed to lay a hand on me, or I'll come over."

Xu Fengying gave him a single glance, and Cheng Cheng obediently went over.

Her mother is really fierce!

It's terrifying, sob sob...

"Have you kissed him? Hugged him? Slept in the same bed with him?"

So direct?

Cheng Cheng immediately raised her hands and swore, "No! None of it!"

Xu Fengying stared at her for a moment, and seeing that the expression on her face did not seem fake, her livid face softened a little, and she sat down on the bench.

“You tell me the whole story from beginning to end.”

Cheng Cheng breathed a sigh of relief and immediately recalled the events of her "outing the wall," but this was a embellished version of the events, trying to minimize her presence.

Xu Fengying's face was as black as the bottom of a pot. After scolding her daughter, she started scolding Chang Wenbin, that little slut, for seducing respectable women and committing immoral acts.

Xu Fengying cursed in a low voice, muttering and cursing. Cheng Cheng breathed a sigh of relief, thankfully she had finally gotten past her mother.

Cheng Cheng deliberately tried to please him by showing off her skills. She made cold noodles for dinner, cooking a pot of noodles and rinsing them in cold water.

Remove the ends of two cucumbers and cut them into thin strips. Then prepare chili powder. I made two bowls, one with half a bowl of chili powder and some small red chilies, and the other with just a tiny bit of chili powder for my little Xiaoxiao.

Heat oil in a wok, pour it into the prepared chili powder, mix in minced garlic and chopped green onions. Cheng Cheng first mixed a bowl for her mother, then a bowl for Xiao Xiao, and finally it was her turn.

Xu Fengying heard Xiang Ming say yesterday that his youngest daughter is very talented in cooking and has taught herself by following recipes. She didn't believe it at the time!

My little girl is lazy and greedy. As her mother, I know her own limitations. She took a bite without much expectation, then a second bite, and a third bite. She's good at cursing, but she's even better at slurping noodles!

Cheng Cheng put a lot of chili powder and cucumber shreds in the cold noodles she made for herself. She loves cucumber shreds in cold noodles the most. It's a pity there was no cilantro or peanuts, otherwise it would be even better!

Little Lingxiao held the bowl, his mouth stained bright red from eating, his eyes sparkling, "So delicious~"

Cheng Cheng smiled and asked the little girl, "Is it spicy?"

"It's not spicy! Mom, we'll have cold noodles again tomorrow!"

"Okay! Then we'll ask Grandpa Wang for some of his treasures tomorrow."

It seems like Grandpa Wang has cilantro in his potted plants. I'll go check on them tomorrow!

A huge bowl of noodles, and the three of us finished it all!

Cheng Cheng consciously went to wash the dishes and pots. It was still early, the sun had just set, and the yard was filled with the afterglow of the setting sun.

Cheng Cheng and Xu Fengying brought out the bamboo bed, washed off the dust, and put it in the yard to dry. It would definitely be dry before they went to bed.

Cheng Cheng didn't know how long her mother would stay here, nor did she dare to ask her when she would leave.

When she went to bed at night, Xu Fengying would stand guard at the door. The bamboo bed, as her mother had requested, was placed in the main room, right next to her bedroom door.

After telling Xiaoxiao her bedtime story and putting the little guy to sleep, Cheng Cheng got up to go to the bathroom.

She feels uneasy if she doesn't go to the toilet before going to bed, always feeling like she'll be looking for a toilet in her dreams at night.

Where are you going?

In the darkness, Xu Fengying's voice suddenly rang out.

Cheng Cheng was startled, her heart pounding, and she clutched her chest, gasping for breath, "Mom, you're still awake? You scared me to death!"

"What are you doing out so late? Why aren't you asleep yet? Where are you going?"

"I just need to use the restroom!"

Cheng Cheng immediately said that there was no need to stare at her like she was a criminal.

Xu Fengying didn't say anything, but sat up in bed and watched her leave, and she did indeed go into the bathroom.

Xu Fengying left the main room door wide open at night, but the courtyard gate was locked.

After Cheng Cheng finished using the restroom and washed her hands, she hurried back. As she passed Xu Fengying, she said, "I'm going to bed now, Mom. You should get some rest too."

Heavens above, earth below, alas…

Cheng Cheng cursed Cheng Weihong to death in her heart. Besides her cousin who seemed to have been reborn, who else would tell her mother?!

Cheng Cheng didn't think twice; it must have been Cheng Weihong who told her mother. Damn it!

Her plans were completely disrupted!

Cheng Cheng fell asleep fuming, dreaming of beating up her cousin Cheng Weihong!

-

Xu Fengying had something on her mind and didn't sleep much all night, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

I got up as soon as it was light, cooked some porridge, and then started cleaning the yard and tidying up the house.

Cheng Cheng was awakened by the noise outside. Sigh, she didn't dare to open her eyes, hoping it was just her imagination.

"Good morning, Mom!"

No matter how much she didn't want to face it, Cheng Cheng still cheered herself up, bravely took on the challenge, and wasn't afraid of difficulties!

Xu Fengying hummed in response, exhaling through her nostrils, clearly still angry.

For breakfast, Xu Fengying ate porridge and pickled vegetables. After breakfast, she personally saw her daughter off to work and watched her daughter and granddaughter go into the library.

Xu Fengying stood outside for a while before turning and leaving.

"Comrade, I'd like to ask you about someone."

Xu Fengying took out a handful of salted peanuts from her pocket and asked the gatekeeper about Chang Wenbin.

Xu Fengying thought about it all night last night. According to her temper, she should put the concubine Chang Wenbin in a sack and beat him half to death to see if he still dares to seduce a good woman!

But as the saying goes in operas, "When you're catching a mouse, you might damage the jade vase." Seeing that his daughter had already realized the truth, and for the sake of her reputation, this matter couldn't be made public, so everything had to be done in secret.

Xu Fengying pretended to be a member of her family visiting to find a suitable son-in-law. She said that a matchmaker was there to arrange a marriage for her daughter, and the matchmaker was Chang Wenbin. She was there as the future mother-in-law to inquire about her future son-in-law.

The old man happily accepted the peanuts, saying, "Young lady, you've come to the right person!"

"Let me tell you, this Comrade Chang is something else! He's incredibly handsome! He's also very talented and highly valued by the leadership. Plus, he's gentle, and quite a few female comrades have their eyes on him."

After saying that, the old man looked around and lowered his voice, saying, "Young lady, let me tell you something. This Comrade Chang is probably not a good son-in-law. It's not a good thing for a man to be too popular with women. It's not good for family harmony. Don't you think so?"

Even before Comrade Chang came to the Bureau of Education, he had already been working as a gatekeeper there. After all these years, although his position was not as good as those public officials who sat in offices, it was very easy, and nothing that happened in the unit could escape his eyes.

He kept a close eye on everyone coming and going. Every few days, female colleagues would come to see Comrade Chang or wait at the door for him to get off work. According to his observation, Comrade Chang treated every female colleague equally and was very kind to them all!

Although he kept his distance from every woman he interacted with, he was just too popular. Even the old man couldn't figure out which woman Chang preferred, but he liked them all!

"Brother, you're right! Men being too popular with women is too likely to cause family conflicts in a marriage, and that won't do!"

As Xu Fengying spoke, she frowned and shook her head.

"That's right," the old man wanted to say something more, but suddenly stopped and whispered to the young lady to look behind her.

Xu Fengying turned around and saw a handsome, delicate-looking man wearing glasses walking with a woman with braids. The two were not far apart, chatting and laughing as they walked towards them.

Xu Fengying stared at the man and looked him over carefully for a few moments. This man looked too pale and useless. It was better for a man to be tall and strong so that he could work!

However... this is indeed the type her daughter would like, no wonder this look could bewitch her daughter.

Once everyone went inside and disappeared from sight, Xu Fengying asked the older brother who the woman next to her was and what her relationship was with Chang Wenbin.

The old man lowered his voice and said, "Oh, that's Comrade Yan Xue, an officer in the propaganda department. Young lady, this girl has quite a background; she's Director Wang's niece, and she hasn't been working here long!"

...

After finishing her morning study plan, Xiao Lingxiao looked at her mother with her bright, watery eyes. Cheng Cheng has never been able to resist the little girl's coquettishness and cuteness, so she had to hide her melancholy and draw the birth of the Great Sage for the little girl—a stone monkey jumping out of a rock.

The morning passed quickly. Cheng Cheng led the little girl out of the library and saw her mother already waiting at the door.

"Grandma~"

When Xiao Lingxiao saw his grandmother, his face was filled with joy. He pulled his mother and ran towards his grandmother, holding her hand in his own. He looked up at his mother, then at his grandmother, his two dimples appearing and disappearing.

Xu Fengying smiled and said, "Is Xiaoxiao hungry? Come on, let's go back to eat with Grandma."

Cheng Cheng lowered her eyelashes and followed.

I need to find some time to have a proper talk with her mother when I get back. There's no need to treat her like a prisoner!

What about trust between people?

Fortunately, apart from being less free, Cheng Cheng felt much more relaxed after her mother came. At least her mother helped with the housework, and she could come home to a hot meal without having to do anything herself.

Cheng Cheng took the initiative to wash the dishes, sent Xiao Xiao to take a nap, and said with a serious face, "Mom, I swear I have absolutely, positively realized my mistakes and will never do them again! I really swear! I'm not lying to you!"

So, can you please stop guarding her like a prisoner?

Can we give each other just a little more trust?

Cheng Cheng blinked her watery, peach-blossom eyes at her mother, trying to soften her heart.

As a result, Xu Fengying simply glanced at her daughter with indifferent emotions, hummed in agreement, and indicated that she understood.

Cheng Cheng: "..."

"Oh, right, Mom! I want to make two outfits for Xiaoxiao. I've already drawn the draft, but I don't know how to sew. I was planning to wait until the weekend and have my older sister come over to teach me how to sew, and I would learn from her."

As Cheng Cheng spoke, she affectionately linked arms with Xu Fengying, "Mom, your cooking is so good, can you teach me?"

She took out the three pieces of flawed fabric she had bought from Sister Juan, and went back to her room to show her mother the several dress designs she had drawn for the little girl. She added, "Mom, why don't you make a dress for yourself and Dad too?"

Xu Fengying accepted the flawed cloth; it was a gift from her daughter to the elderly couple, and there was nothing she couldn't accept.

As for saving money for their children and grandchildren, Xu Fengying had no such idea. She and Aiguo had worked hard to raise their four siblings, providing them with food and clothing. They had fulfilled their responsibilities as parents. As for their grandchildren wanting food and clothing, they could ask their own parents for help.

Of the five children, only Xiangyang is still unmarried. Once Xiangyang gets married and has children, her and Aiguo's mission will be complete.

Raising a child is a lifelong worry, even for a hundred years. What parent doesn't have to worry?

In the afternoon, Xu Fengying still escorted her daughter to work. Under the scorching sun, Cheng Cheng sighed helplessly. Fine, let her mother do whatever she wants. There's nothing she can do about it.

However, Xiaoxiao went back with her mother, who was going to take her measurements.

Cheng Cheng rested her chin on her hands, wondering how things were going between Ding Manman and Chang Wenbin, and how far they had progressed.

Unfortunately, she's being watched by her mother and doesn't have time to go find Ding Manman.

-----------------------

Author's Note: Updates will resume at 9 PM starting tomorrow. I will post a leave notice if there are any special circumstances, but otherwise it will be 9 PM. Goodnight! [pink heart][purple heart][blue heart][green heart][yellow heart]