Chapter 209 I Don't Believe the Rumors
She accepted all the conflicts between her mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, the disputes among relatives, the ups and downs, the quarrels and cold wars.
She is willing to be patient and tolerant in this marriage.
But she knew very well that just because Fu Li'an was a good person, kind and considerate, did not mean that his family members were necessarily reasonable and respectful.
She never imagined that married life would be smooth sailing, nor did she expect that everyone would genuinely accept her.
Reality is complex, and all she asks for is a clear conscience and upholding her principles.
but--
If your mother-in-law ever dares to lay a finger on your child, don't blame her for turning ruthless and showing no mercy or consideration!
"Ophiopogon japonicus".
She suddenly raised her head, her gaze sharp and unwavering, as if piercing through all suppressed emotions. "I understand that you're in a difficult position right now, caught in the middle, torn between two options."
"On one side is your beloved wife, and on the other is your biological mother. No matter which side you choose to stand on, it will hurt the other person's heart."
“I am indeed sad. My aunt dislikes me from the bottom of her heart and is even hostile towards me. But this is not my fault, right? I have not done anything to wrong your family, nor have I disrespected my elders.”
Fu Li looked quietly into her eyes, his eyes filled with heartache and undisguised self-blame. "Qingqing, I'm sorry... I didn't handle this relationship well, and you had to bear so much all by yourself."
"It's not your fault."
She smiled gently, a smile tinged with bitterness and a hint of stubbornness. "Throughout history, there have been very few mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law who truly get along. Some say that the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is one of the most difficult in the world, and I know that."
"What I want to tell you is that I can choose to back down for you, and I can be humble, because she is your mother. She carried you for ten months and raised you with great difficulty. I respect this kindness."
"But you also have to understand that I love our child deeply. He is the baby I carried for ten months, enduring pain and risks to bring into the world. For this little life, for his safety and happiness, I can also give it my all, tear off all pretenses, and become incredibly tough!"
She must clearly state her bottom line; she can no longer be ambiguous or tolerate things.
She loves Fu Li'an; it's a choice she made willingly, and the most important decision of her life.
But this does not mean that she would unconditionally sacrifice everything, including her dignity, principles, and even her child's safety!
Fu Lian was stunned, his pupils trembling slightly.
He never expected that Qiao Wanyin, who was usually gentle and restrained, would say such resounding words at this moment.
Although he had long known that she was different from other girls—calm and rational in the face of adversity, never easily bowing her head, and never showing weakness.
Just like back then, with her head wrapped in thick bandages, her face pale but stubborn, she stormed into his house, tears welling in her eyes, and said, word by word, "Fu Li'an, you have to take responsibility."
Now, she has so frankly and clearly expressed her true feelings, which shows that her mother's behavior has really crossed the line and touched her last bottom line.
Otherwise, given her personality, she would never have spoken so harshly, nor would she have displayed such a sharp attitude in front of him.
"Qingqing".
He took a deep breath, gripped her hand tightly, his palm burning hot, and said in a low, hoarse voice, "I understand what you mean. I haven't been by your side these past few days and haven't been able to protect you, which has caused you to suffer."
Qiao Wanyin pursed her lips, a hint of tears welling up in her eyes, but she ultimately did not shed a tear or reply.
But she knew in her heart that he had finally understood the warning behind her words—not a threat, but a declaration.
To avoid being misunderstood as being stubborn or throwing a tantrum, she quickly added, her tone gentle yet firm: "Mai Dong, I cherish our time together now, and I remember every single day. You are the most important person in my heart, and that has never changed."
Seeing his wife speak candidly from the bottom of her heart, Fu Li'an finally felt a little relieved.
He knew she wasn't being unreasonable; she had been cornered.
He secretly resolved to find an opportunity to have another good talk with his mother as soon as possible, to clear things up and draw clear boundaries.
*
In the hospital's small garden, the afternoon sun filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows, and a gentle breeze blows.
Fang Xiaoju "coincidentally" turned a corner and saw Fu Lian leaning against a pillar, a cigarette between his fingers, his expression cold and stern.
"Brother Maidong".
She walked quickly closer, a sweet smile on her face, her voice soft and charming, "Why are you here all alone? Are you tired? Is Sister Wanyin feeling better?"
Fu Lian slowly raised his eyes, his gaze indifferent and his expression somewhat cold. "I'm much better now. Thank you for your concern. You don't need to come here again; I'll be enough here."
Fang Xiaoju paused for a moment, the smile still on her face, but it seemed a little stiff.
She lowered her eyes slightly, her fingertips unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, then raised her head and continued softly, "Brother Maidong, there's something I don't know if I should say... it's about Sister Wanyin."
Her tone was hesitant, as if she had struggled with her thoughts for a long time before finally mustering the courage to speak.
Upon hearing this, Fu Li'an immediately frowned and his eyes became serious.
He straightened up, looked directly at her, and said in a deep, firm voice, "What is it? Speak."
His tone was flat, yet it conveyed a sense of unyielding pressure.
"I went to the mutual aid center to help out a couple of days ago. I was there to register medicines..."
She paused, lowering her voice even further, as if afraid of being overheard, "Then while I was waiting outside the nurses' station, I overheard several nurses whispering behind my back..."
As she spoke, a troubled and conflicted expression appeared on her face, her brows furrowed slightly, as if recalling the scene at the time. "They said that Sister Wanyin always appeared and disappeared mysteriously. She was often nowhere to be seen during working hours, and then she would suddenly reappear from some corner. Her whereabouts were very strange. Some people even said that they saw her wandering around the black market area, wearing ordinary clothes and talking to some strange men."
Fu Li'an's face darkened instantly, his previously calm expression turning icy cold.
His fingers tightened slightly, his knuckles turning white, and his eyes stared sharply at Fang Xiaoju: "Xiaoju, you can't just spread these kinds of things. You could have just heard them, why did you have to tell me specifically?"
"Of course I don't believe these rumors!"
Fang Xiaoju quickly waved her hand, her tone urgent, a hint of grievance flashing in her eyes, "I've worked with Sister Wanyin for so long, I know she's not that kind of person. But I think you have the right to know these things, what if someone deliberately spreads rumors to try and sow discord between you two? I don't want to see you kept in the dark."
"I see."
He finished speaking coldly, then raised his hand and stubbed out the cigarette butt in the metal ashtray by the wall, sparks flying everywhere.
His tone was harsh and devoid of any warmth.
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