During the meal, Gao Lang had been extremely considerate toward Bai Duoduo, taking good care of her. Although Bai Duoduo was a little embarrassed, she also took good care of Gao Lang in return.
No one cared about these two people’s attitudes.
Now, although Li Huaiqing was not as still as water, she was also much calmer. She smiled throughout the whole process, taking care of Papa Gao, Mama Gao, and Li Huairou.
[At peace]
Especially Li Huairou. Basically, when her eyes stayed on a dish for more than three seconds, that dish would appear on the plate in front of her in the next moment, with the prawns all peeled, the bones in the ribs all removed, the fish bones all picked out, and the pepper and other ingredients in the dishes also picked out.
Gao Lang had originally intended to stimulate Li Huaiqing. But as a result, he didn’t get the chance and found it meaningless, so he gradually became less diligent.
Bai Duoduo was a little angry, but she felt more sad. Pregnant women had many mood swings and were prone to thinking wildly; somehow, her eyes suddenly reddened.
She was afraid that she would begin to cry in public, so she hurriedly lowered her head and stood up. “Mom, dad, I’m a little uncomfortable, so I’m going to the bathroom.”
Mama Gao nodded. “Go, A-Lang, follow along.”
Gao Lang nodded and quickly followed Bai Duoduo.
Mama Gao counted the time elapsed and muttered, “Really, how long does he have to take to react?”
Of those present, Papa Gao was a man, and Li Huaiqing and Li Huairou were still yellow flower girls. They didn’t know much about pregnancy, so no one could answer Mama Gao’s words.
[Not married yet/virgins]
Li Huairou guessed something and smiled slightly. What she wanted was such a result. She knew that Bai Duoduo was actually very sensitive, deep down. In addition, this time period with her and Gao Lang had gone too smoothly. They had not started a business together, experienced wind and high water, or understood and trusted each other better, like in the novel.
Let’s put it this way—Bai Duoduo and Gao Lang had feelings between them, but they were not as strong as in the novel. Therefore, situations similar to today’s would happen from time to time.
After a long time, Gao Lang and Bai Duoduo came back while holding hands. At first glance, they knew that Gao Lang had been placating her.
Li Huairou put down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth.
Mama Gao immediately asked with concern, “Huairou, are you full? Have a bowl of soup; this is a soup specially made for you to rejuvenate your body.”
“Thank you, Auntie, but I’m really full,” Li Huairou replied with a smile.
Li Huaiqing also nodded and added, “Huairou really ate a lot tonight. A few days ago she wouldn’t eat dinner, or else just made do with two mouthfuls.”
Mama Gao immediately became anxious. “It’s not good for your health if you don’t eat. Huaiqing, you too, why don’t you pester her?”
Li Huaiqing smiled bitterly. “Auntie, you don’t know Huairou. She’s so stubborn—how could I move her?”
“I can’t rest assured while you two are living outside! The older one is too soft, and the younger one is too stubborn!” Mama Gao glared at Li Huairou. “Or else, you should move back to live with us!”
Gao Lang wanted to object. Bai Duoduo pulled his arm under the table.
“No need. It’ll be inconvenient for my sister to go to work if we move back. Auntie, I promise that I will eat dinner obediently in the future, and my sister can supervise me!” Li Huairou immediately assured. Although moving back was beneficial to her plans, it also did not allow for as much freedom.
As soon as Mama Gao spoke, she saw Gao Lang’s wanting to speak but stopping himself. She was unhappy, but she also feared that if they really moved back, Huaiqing would be embarrassed. “It’s okay if you don’t move back. Then, you have to eat well, and don’t be headstrong!”
Mama Gao couldn’t do anything; there was also a pregnant woman at home, with her own grandson in Bai Duoduo’s belly, and she couldn’t stay at the Li house every day, like before.
Li Huairou was not disappointed either—she had expected Mama Gao’s words. It was human nature to choose close relatives.
“I know. Don’t worry, Auntie, I will have dinner on time. At the very worst, I can have a video call with you then!” Li Huairou replied.
“This is a good idea—why didn’t I think of that? I’ll video call you at 6 o’clock every night to check whether you have dinner on time,” Mama Gao said with a smile.
Li Huairou smiled bitterly. “You don’t have to be so troublesome, alright?”
“It has to be like this! You—someone has to watch you, or you’ll make trouble. Your sister’s heart is too soft when you behave like a baby, so I still have to pay attention. That’s a big deal!” Mama Gao felt that she had a great responsibility and was very energetic.
“Auntie, I’m already an adult—I know how to take care of myself. There’s no need to be so troublesome. You should take care of Bai Duoduo. She’s pregnant, so this is the time when she needs someone to take care of her,” Li Huairou deflected.
“If it weren’t for her pregnancy, I would personally go over and stare at you until you eat dinner. Others are more obedient than you are—how come you are a grown up and you still didn’t want to eat dinner?” Mama Gao said.
As the object of praise, Bai Duoduo was not actually happy. It could be said that today, she’d witnessed the squeaky wheel getting the grease. Obviously, she was today’s main event, but after the meal, her limelight had been robbed.
[Meaning that the most noticeable (loudest) problem is the most likely to get attention]
Why in the world did Li Huairou have to go and become a cripple?
As soon as this thought came out, Bai Duoduo suddenly felt that it was too inappropriate. But she couldn’t deny that it balanced out her emotions.
Yes, Li Huairou’s best years could only be spent sitting in a wheelchair, which was indeed pitiful. Why did she need to bother with Li Huairou?
Bai Duoduo looked at Li Huairou with compassion and a slight pridefulness in her eyes.
This look made Li Huaiqing very uncomfortable—her sister didn’t need anyone’s pity.
Li Huaiqing took out her cellphone and sent Zhou Minglang a WeChat message. He responded in mere seconds: “I will be there soon.”
Li Huaiqing put the phone away and raised her head. “Auntie, it’s late. We should go back.
“Ah? Did you have to go back so early? Or, don’t go back tonight!” Mama Gao urged.
“Mom, did you forget that there are still people waiting outside?!” Gao Lang angrily interjected.
Mama Gao remembered, and there was a smile on her face. “Yes, I forgot. Then hurry up, don’t let them wait for too long. Wait a minute and I’ll pack something for you to take on the road.”
Mama Gao hurriedly took a lot of things.
Gao Lang was a little unhappy; he didn’t care about these small things, but he was simply dissatisfied with Mama Gao’s attitude. Bai Duoduo looked at his being this way and tugged at his sleeve. For these little things, no wonder his parents were upset. With this kind of mindset as a big brother, it would be strange if they could rest easy.
Li Huaiqing looked at her phone. “Auntie, he’s arrived. We’re going!” She pushed Li Huairou and prepared to go out.
Bai Duoduo pushed at Gao Lang. “Hurry up and send them out!”
Unwilling, Gao Lang had to carry the things and give them out.
Outside the door, Mama Gao was already chatting with Zhou Minglang, Li Huairou was already sitting in the car, and Li Huaiqing stood awkwardly on the side, listening to Mama Gao speaking to Zhou Minglang as an elder.
Gao Lang frowned slightly and interrupted Mama Gao’s eloquent speech: “Mom, we haven’t checked the horoscope yet. What are you doing?!”
Mama Gao turned around and glared at Gao Lang. “If you can’t hold your tongue, then shut up!” When she turned her head to look at Zhou Minglang, she put on a smile again. “Minglang, the first time this Auntie saw you, she felt that you were a person worthy of trust. Auntie gave Huaiqing to you—you must be good…”
Li Huaiqing interrupted as soon as she saw that the more Mama Gao talked, the more outrageous she became. “All right, Auntie, it’s time for us to go.”
Mama Gao glanced at Li Huaiqing and smiled.”Shy? Okay, okay, Auntie will stop. You all, quickly get in the car and drive carefully. Next time you have time, Auntie will invite you to dinner. Drive slowly while on the road!”
Mama Gao stood at the intersection and watched the car leave, and then returned with a smile.
Turning to see Gao Lang still standing there, she was shocked; when she saw her son’s expression, she was stunned. This child, wouldn’t it be just what she thought it was! “You—you—what are you doing?” Mama Gao demanded, clutching her chest. When she looked again, his expression had disappeared, replaced by his familiar expression of impatience and even a little disgust.
“It’s fine. Go home!” Gao Lang turned around first and entered the door.
Mama Gao followed behind Gao Lang, but her eyes were filled with hesitation when she looked at him. That expression just now was jealousy, right? Had she seen it wrong? Did this child just realize that he actually liked Huaiqing?
No, he’d just married Bai Duoduo, and Bai Duoduo was pregnant. He couldn’t be this much of a scumbag, could he?
When Mama Gao saw Gao Lang and Bai Duoduo being lovey-dovey together, she began to doubt herself. It must have been a mistake. She must have been confused. Besides, even if Gao Lang really regretted it, it was too late! He was married, and Huaiqing had a new love—even if Gao Lang wanted to look back, it was impossible! How unfair would it be to Huaiqing! Mama Gao would not allow such a thing to happen!
She made up her mind to separate Gao Lang and Huaiqing. She must never give A-Lang another chance to hurt Huaiqing.
In the car, Li Huaiqing was a little embarrassed, and she hesitated for a long time before saying, “Today is really troubling you.”
“No, it’s my honor.” While driving, Zhou Minglang quietly looked at Li Huaiqing in the rearview mirror.
“About Auntie’s words—you don’t have to take them to heart. Auntie is just like that, and she’s too enthusiastic…” Li Huaiqing said in a slightly embarrassed manner.
“No, Auntie is very cheerful and enthusiastic,” Zhou Minglang assured with a smile. “Huairou seems to be asleep. There’s a blanket next to her. Would you like to cover her, or shall I turn on the heater?”
Li Huaiqing turned to look. Huairou had really closed her eyes and shrunk in the seat; she quickly took the blanket to cover her younger sister.
“Huairou was very happy today,” Li Huaiqing softly remarked.
Zhou Minglang thought for a while. “You should take her out more, have some time to relax.” Then he looked at the rearview mirror. “If you want, you can contact me at any time. I have time.”
Li Huaiqing sighed. She also wanted to take Huairou out to relax, but she was too weak to carry Huairou in and out of the car, and Huairou refused to trouble other people except for herself, even Auntie Zhang. She refused to let her touch too much. But today, Huairou hadn’t seemed to mind Zhou Minglang’s touch.
Although it wasn’t right, and she knew that it was troublesome to others—especially when she knew the other party’s intentions and could not respond to those intentions at present—her love for her younger sister had the upper hand in the end. Li Huaiqing did not hesitate too much, and she agreed.
“Then, I’m sorry to trouble you. Of course, this has to be done without delaying your work.”
Zhou Minglang was very happy and couldn’t wait to say, “Okay! I have great flexibility in working hours, and I always have time. You decide on the time—just tell me. I shall arrange everything else!”
Li Huaiqing blushed slightly and replied, “Thank you!”
I take bqcn whaf I said but still. Thsi Gao Lang is stilm very much a scumbag.