Director Ying lingered around Cheng Su for a long time, only deciding to leave after having a thorough chat with her.
"Youâre younger than Xiao Ya, but youâre much more mature and steady than she is. This girl, alas, has been spoiled by her father and me, she doesnât understand things." Director Ying said, holding Cheng Suâs hand. "Talking to you feels comfortable; you always hit the point. That girl, she said a couple of things last night, and then cried herself back to her room!"
"Xiao Ya has an outgoing, simple character. She just doesnât want things to be too complicated, but thatâs not bad. I actually quite like that," Cheng Su said with a smile. "You and Uncle Jian should first take a look at this Xiao Pinshan. Youâve traveled more roads than us; surely you have a clearer sense of a personâs character than we do!"
"Alright, Iâll talk to her dad when I get back. But I still donât like it, among all these choices, why insist on being a stepmother, whatâs so good about it? Definitely a lot of grievances in the future!" Director Ying said.
"Then it depends on how firm their hearts are. If the love isnât deep, you donât even need to hit them with a stick, theyâll separate on their own. But if the love is truly deep, even if you come at them with sticks and bats, or even ten-level hurricane, you canât break them apart," Cheng Su said playfully.
Director Ying laughed: "Look at you, this girl, you really know how to talk! Iâm leaving now!"
"Ah, let me see you out!" Cheng Su escorted her to the door.
By the entrance of the courtyard, they saw Qi Taiguo return. Upon hearing that Director Ying was going to catch a ride, without a word he accompanied Cheng Su on her way, since it was dark and coming back alone wouldnât be safe.
Director Ying felt delighted in her heart, praising them repeatedly before getting on the car: "Still, itâs people like you two who are good, huh." Her tone carried immense admiration.
After seeing her off, Qi Taiguo held Cheng Suâs hand as they walked back, asking her what was going on, why did her tone have a hint of melancholy about it?
Cheng Su then explained her purpose.
"Calling you a busybody is not wrong, are you meddling in this too?" Qi Taiguo poked her nose.
"Meddling in what? Simply empathizing with parentsâ hearts; theyâre all just being considerate for their sons and daughters." Cheng Su said: "I also understand her feelings, being a stepmother is hard, thatâs undeniable. If the elders dislike and donât support a marriage, surely they have their reasons. Those who sincerely think for their children definitely wish them to have better matches."
Qi Taiguo responded with a hum.
"Moreover, actually the issue Xiao Ya is facing isnât the hardest; the most difficult part will be after she forms a family with Xiao Pinshan, how she gets along with his child. Thatâs the real challenge. The child is already eight or nine, old enough to understand. Suddenly having a new momâis there going to be hostility? Will there be opposition to her? These are issues that will confront her daily life in the future."
Qi Taiguo said, "But Xiao Ya must definitely like him, then these will be her own choices, she should be aware of this."
Cheng Su let out a deep sigh, "Yes, itâs all about her own affection. Even Director Ying and them disagreeing with Xiao Yaâs choice, even I donât really approve of her choosing someone like this. She should have better options. Choosing Xiao Pinshan will definitely bring plenty of grievances and difficulties in the future. I just feel sorry for her!"
"Enough, each personâs path is theirs to walk; only they know if the shoes fit. What good is worrying on your part? Lay out the issues before her, letting her consider and choose herself, no matter what happens in the future, thereâd be no blaming." Qi Taiguo replied.
Cheng Su sighed: "We can only hope then that Xiao Pinshan cherishes her, thinks more considerately for her!"
Otherwise, without the support or caring of a husband, her days being a stepmother would be tough to bear.