I am chasing a rough man in the 80s
Chapter 730 Losing Face is Better Than Losing Mouth

Chapter 730: Chapter 730 Losing Face is Better Than Losing Mouth

Back at the Yu Family’s home, Suizi was using a pair of pliers to crack hazelnuts, having already filled half a container.

"How did you know that Qian Jun’s mother would gossip behind your back?" asked Yu Jingting.

"A coward like her, so concerned with appearances. After taking such a big hit from me yesterday, she’s bound to want to save face. Even if she doesn’t say anything today, she will vent tomorrow."

Suizi deliberately orchestrated the situation so that Jiaojiao would hear, even though she didn’t know if Qian’s mother was gossiping behind her back. Still, the opportunity would eventually arise.

If Jiaojiao didn’t hear anything this time, Suizi would continue with her plan until she caught her fish.

"Even if Jiaojiao couldn’t hear it first-hand, the neighbors would eventually pass the word along. Adults seldom shield children from their conversations. As long as one of Jiaojiao’s classmates catches wind of it, it’ll eventually reach her ears."

Suizi had figured out human nature long ago.

A child like Jiaojiao, who is well-liked and generous, is sure to have supporters.

The clever schemes of Qian Jun and his mother couldn’t escape Suizi’s calculations.

"Although this method is a bit cruel, it’s lucky that Jiaojiao could witness the dark side of human nature so early on, even if her opponents are weak. It’s better than being taken advantage of in the future."

Experience accumulates little by little. No amount of preaching from Suizi could equal the educational value of Jiaojiao going through this experience.

"As long as we provide timely family care, we can minimize the harm to her. I will personally take her out in the next few days to distract her. The fact that Xiaopang and his family are coming over is great, as I can take the kids around town."

Suizi had it all planned out, she was also mentally prepared. Once Jiaojiao returned in tears, she would give the child the warmest of hugs.

However, Jiaojiao came back fuming.

"Sister-in-law, that family are a bunch of assholes!"

Jiaojiao sat on a small stool while Yu Jingting silently cut a piece of watermelon to cool her down. After taking a few bites of watermelon, she felt much better.

She recounted the entire incident, and when she got to the part where she had cursed that family as walking dung machines, both Yu Jingting and his wife fell over laughing.

"Swearing at people is exhausting work, it made me hungry. Sister-in-law, do you have anything tasty to eat?" Jiaojiao said, her heart finally at ease.

Suizi glanced at Yu Jingting with a slightly surprised expression before quickly regaining her composure.

Some things aren’t as complicated as they seem once they are openly addressed.

The worst scenario that Suizi initially anticipated was that Jiaojiao would be deeply hurt after discovering the family’s true colors, and she had prepared an entire series of remedial measures.

But after Jiaojiao finished venting, she let go of her anger and moved on.

It was like when Jiaojiao first asked her how babies were born, and Suizi used the analogy of a plug and socket. Once Jiaojiao understood, they moved past it.

It’s always the secretive parents who keep things back. The more they hide, the more curious the child becomes.

"Children from our family naturally don’t dwell on things, I told you, you don’t need to worry so much." Yu Jingting smiled at Suizi, then nudged Jiaojiao’s hair.

"You heartless little brat, your sister-in-law was worried sick, and yet you still have the mood to eat watermelon."

"Sister-in-law, I just realized yesterday that..." Jiaojiao put down her watermelon, deeply moved by her family’s care at that moment, but also ashamed of her emotional outburst yesterday.

As for whether it’s the Phoenix Tree or the Phoenix boy, it doesn’t matter.

"No need to discuss family matters here. Come with me." Suizi handed the spatula to Yu Jingting and led Jiaojiao inside.

They went to the study, where Suizi took down a painting from the easel to give to Jiaojiao.

"This is the Phoenix Tree, with its round crown and beautiful red flowers. Its seeds are poisonous, and it has a beautiful flowering period in the summer and a fruiting period in autumn. It’s a beautiful tree. The south has many different plants compared to the north. I hope you can see the beautiful landscapes of our country in the future."

"Sister-in-law..." Jiaojiao didn’t cry when she vented her anger, but she was moved by Suizi’s painting.

On her way back, she had decided that she didn’t want to see the Phoenix Tree anymore. She wanted to hate everything associated with it!

But this painting, signed by Chen Hansui, was so warm and beautiful. It had the power to touch her heart.

Maybe this is what family is. Maybe this is what love is.

"Different people come from the same world. You’ll see all kinds of people in the future, so there’s no need to unsettle your mood because of people who aren’t worth your time. My mood wasn’t great yesterday because you are one of my most important family members. But who are they? They’re not worth your time or worries."

Suizi gently wiped the tears from Jiaojiao’s face.

"You can’t despise a city because of someone, or hold an innocent plant responsible. The tree is still beautiful, the southern cities have their own charm. When you grow up and have seen the vast landscapes and diverse people, these past incidents will just be a joke."

By getting out there and seeing more, you won’t harbor resentment against those who have hurt you. This is the wisdom Suizi gained from her two lifetimes, and she hoped that the children she raised would have the same open-minded love for life.

"Mm, I’ll definitely go and see those places one day! I want to hang this painting above my piano!" Jiaojiao held onto the painting, unable to put it down.

Looking at the beautiful tree, she no longer thought of that annoying guy. Instead, she thought of her beloved sister-in-law, her impulsive but reliable brother, and her loving parents.

Suizi sighed in relief as she saw Jiaojiao walking out of this incident so quickly. She had indeed accompanied the child through this stage.

Parenting is like going through checkpoints — every milestone requires lots of prior preparation. So, when a problem arises, you can solve it easily.

"Let’s go, time for dinner. Let’s see how your brother will ruin the dishes...oh no!" As Suizi led Jiaojiao outside, she was interrupted by the unpleasant smell coming from the kitchen.

"Yu Jingting! I asked you to watch over the dishes, how did you manage to burn them!"

Chen Lijun locked the door and closed the curtains.

Having learned her lesson from being caught eating deep-fried stinky tofu after squatting on the large stone last time, she decided to eat at home this time.

Comrade Lao Fan was out at a meeting and wouldn’t be back until evening.

While resting at home, she really wanted to have some deep-fried stinky tofu.

"Add some cilantro, hmm, it smells and tastes wonderful." Chen Lijun opened the lunch box, her eyes almost gleaming with joy.

She opened a health milk drink and had chopsticks at the ready, all set to enjoy her treat, but then she heard a sound at the door. She thought it was just the wind.

"What did I tell you, it’s broad daylight and she’s got the curtains drawn and the door locked. She’s definitely up to no good!!" Suizi appeared at the bedroom door, staring fiercely at the chopsticks in Chen Lijun’s hand.

Yu Jingting was standing next to her, leading the children. Jiaojiao stood embarrassingly behind her elder brother and sister-in-law, probably being the only conscientious person of the group. After all, breaking and entering was not very decent.

"How did you get in here!!!" Chen Lijun looked as if she had seen a ghost.

"Hey, your door lock, a simple push with a wire and it’s unlocked." Yu Jingting showed off the tool he used to unlock the door.

Chen Lijun was near despair as she picked up the chopsticks. Since she was caught, she might as well get one bite!