"Yes, I was really worried after being away for so many days," Lin Xue said with a smile, tucking her hair behind her ear.
Then, Song Lili and Zhang Shengtian both felt uncomfortable. What did this mean? Did he not trust them?
Or were they afraid they would cause trouble for her shop? Both of their expressions changed slightly.
Song Lili's smile only froze for a moment before returning to normal. Having gained more experience outside, she naturally had better control over her emotions.
Zhang Shengtian's expression clearly softened as he looked at Lin Xue with a somber expression.
Lin Xue didn't notice, but Zhang Qingguo did.
"Boss, you don't know, those older women in Lin Xue's shop are known for their cunning and slyness. If you suddenly show up, Lin Xue is afraid you won't be able to handle them," Zhang Qingguo quickly explained, not wanting to upset his boss.
Song Lili smiled, it seemed that Zhang Qingguo had truly matured over the years. Her words were comforting to hear.
Zhang Shengtian's expression improved considerably, and he nodded in agreement. "Indeed, those ladies in the shop aren't very good." Seeing that Lili wasn't around, they took advantage of him, an old man, being difficult to manage, and started acting recklessly.
Of course, Zhang Shengtian only said that one sentence and then stopped. He was angry with Lin Xue and naturally didn't want to be treated coldly.
That's Lin Xue's own shop. Let her discover it on her own. Besides, what if he tells her and she thinks he's meddling?
Although Zhang Shengtian felt better after hearing what Zhang Qingguo said, he was unwilling to say anything more and sighed to Lin Xue once again.
This daughter-in-law used to seem quite nice, but she's changed. She's been blinded by the allure of the outside world and can no longer see herself clearly.
Turning his head, Zhang Shengtian's gaze fell on Song Lili, and he was immediately happy. Thank goodness, Lili was there; she hadn't changed.
She is still the same person she was in Hongqi Village. Even if she goes to university and starts a business, she is still the same Song Lili.
Now Zhang Shengtian was happy. "Alright, you guys sit down. My old bones are tired, I'm going to rest."
There's no point in sitting here any longer.
Zhang Shengtian left, but Song Lili and the others remained seated. After all, Lin Xue and her husband were still there, and they dared not leave.
Lin Xue still hadn't realized that Zhang Shengtian was upset, nor did she notice that Zhang Qingguo had made amends for her.
She was still talking to Song Lili about her feelings and her future plans.
Song Lili listened, but she had the same thought as Zhang Shengtian and didn't want to say anything more. She wanted Lin Xue to handle the matter herself.
"Lin Xue, these are the shop's accounts for the past few days. Take a look when you get back; all the expenses are recorded here."
The initial bookkeeping was simply to make it easier for Lin Xue to check when she returned. Song Lili didn't want this to cause any resentment or create a rift between them.
Now, she's somewhat glad she did that, otherwise, things would have been really difficult!
Song Lili didn't consider the money she spent on employee uniforms, masks, and gloves; she thought of it as a gift for Lin Xue.
Lin Xue took it and casually put it aside. "No need to keep accounts, I still trust my sister-in-law."
"You should still take a look. I don't know much about your shop, and I'm just afraid there might be some things that aren't done well. This way, you can make some corrections."
Most importantly, don't let money make you feel uncomfortable.
"Okay, I'll take a look when I get back." Lin Xue smiled and took the ledger in her hand. Song Lili smiled but didn't say anything.
Lin Xue and Zhang Qingguo sat for a while longer. Lin Xue talked a lot before leaving at Zhang Qingguo's urging.
After a long pause, Wang Daming shook his head and said, "This Lin Xue, she's become a bit unrecognizable, much more sensitive." She always thinks too much.
Yang Mei couldn't help but nod, "Yes, it feels different from before. It feels a bit unfamiliar, and I can't feel close to it."
When they were in Hongqi Village, the two families were very close and intimate because of the relationship between Zhang Shengtian and Li Weiguo, and between Zhang Qinghua and Daqing.
But after arriving in the capital, he gradually drifted apart from Lin Xue. Zhang Qingguo, on the other hand, didn't change much.
"Forget it, why think so much? People always change, don't they? This is a good thing. Don't overthink it, go and get some rest. We have things to do tomorrow," Song Lili urged.
Some things are better left unsaid; it's better to keep them to yourself. Sometimes saying them can make you feel bad.
Besides, Song Lili had already accepted Lin Xue's changes, so she naturally didn't want to discuss them any further.
After the couple returned to their room, Song Lili finally relaxed completely. Lying on the bed and looking at the ceiling, she thought, "I've finally completed my mission. I can rest at home tomorrow."
Most importantly, she no longer needs to worry, and her mind can finally relax completely.
Zhang Qinghua walked over and sat down in front of Song Lili. "If you don't want to, then don't agree to it in the future. It makes me feel uncomfortable just looking at you like this."
Even though they went to help and should be the ones being thanked, they acted extremely cautiously, afraid of doing something wrong.
Zhang Qinghua felt sorry for Song Lili; she shouldn't be so cautious and prudent, she should live freely.
Just like always, do whatever you want, and don't put up with any mistreatment.
To be honest, Zhang Qinghua wasn't entirely satisfied with Lin Xue either.
Since they no longer lived in the same house, and it was his younger brother's family matter, he simply treated it as nothing that had happened.
But when it came to Song Lili and Zhang Shengtian, whom he cared about, Zhang Qinghua wasn't so easily let go.
"This should be the last time. I won't do this thankless task again next time."
Song Lili also felt that this kind of thing was not easy to do, and if not handled carefully, it would make both parties unhappy.
So, I'll just refuse from now on and let Lin Xue make her own arrangements. Even if something goes wrong, it won't be her problem.
Seeing Lin Xue's current state, Song Lili was genuinely afraid something bad might happen to her.
"Okay, that's how it should be. If you don't want to, just say so. If Lin Xue has any objections, tell her to come to me." Then we can have a proper talk with her.
Song Lili's lips curled up. "Okay, if Lin Xue insists next time, then I'll tell her this. You'll have to stand up for me then." Song Lili leaned on Zhang Qinghua's shoulder.
Zhang Qinghua nodded, "Okay, I'll tell her." As the eldest brother, he felt he could say such things.
Even if Lin Xue was angry, he was her brother-in-law, so he could only keep his anger inside and it would all end inconclusively.
Things can get complicated between sisters-in-law; they might even end up arguing or fighting.
Zhang Qinghua said this because he had these considerations in mind, fearing that Song Lili would be put in a difficult position and thus suffer injustice.
He certainly didn't want to see that happen.
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