I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 154: If Mother Won’t Eat, You Eat

After returning home, Yu Xueli cried non-stop in Shen Meng’s arms, as if she wanted to let out all the grievances she had accumulated over the years through this weeping session. Daya and Xiao Ya didn’t know what had happened, only that their mother left the house in a huff and came back crying incessantly. The two children looked at Shen Meng and Lu Xiangxiang with teary eyes.

Shen Meng: "..."

It wasn’t me who hit her!!!

"Don’t be afraid, kids. Your mom is just feeling down. She’ll be fine after a good cry. Nothing’s wrong, alright!"

Shen Meng didn’t try to console her; after repressing her feelings for so many years, a good cry might do her some good. Lu Xiangxiang was somewhat anxious when she looked at Shen Meng. She cared about Shen Xiaobin and was thinking about having a good life together in the future. If the marriage were damaged by rumors and gossip, she would slaughter Lai Zi herself!

Yu Xueli’s crying subsided, and she shakily got up, noticing the area on Shen Meng’s clothes that got wet from her tears, feeling quite embarrassed. She raised her hand and wiped Shen Meng’s clothes with her own sleeve.

"Really sorry for making you a laughingstock."

"What’s so funny about this? You were very brave today. So many women who suffer domestic abuse never dare to fight back. Not only were you able to divorce Lai Zi, but today you were courageous enough to defend Xiangxiang and strike back. You don’t know how charming you were in that moment, absolutely stunning."

Yu Xueli blushed crimson at Shen Meng’s compliments, then turned to look at Xiangxiang.

"Girl, I made a scene today, and the whole village knows it was Lai Zi’s scheme. If anyone talks behind your back, just hit them squarely. You need to be tough now, it’ll be good for you. Once you’re married, you’ll understand that if you don’t stand up for yourself, your in-laws will just see you as weak and easy to bully. Look at your Sister-in-law Meng, how satisfying it is for her to live her own life with her partner."

Lu Xiangxiang looked both nervous and blushing at Shen Meng, not knowing how to explain. After all, the Shen Family were all good people, and both sisters-in-law were easy to talk to. Meeting such a family, even an iron lady could turn into a delicate woman.

"This morning, Xiaobin came by. He went up the mountain with Zhenping and Jia Sheng to hunt wild game. If he catches something good, I’ll send some your way later. Xiangxiang, come to my place tonight and help with cooking!"

Lu Xiangxiang’s breath caught and her face flushed a deeper red as she softly agreed.

Yu Xueli didn’t say much. They really had received a decent share of food. Daya and Xiao Ya had two full meals and ate dumplings so savourily the night before. Feeling bliss in bed with her daughters was like being in a bubble of happiness.

"I won’t be polite with you. If there’s extra, think of it as pity for the two children and give us some. If it’s less, no need to worry about us. This year, we’ve been living the best we’ve ever had for many years. Ming Fang came by the other day, suggesting that Daya go to school. I received a sixty-plus dollar red envelope, so I’ll definitely send the kids to school next year. When Xiao Ya is older, I’ll send her too. As long as they’re willing to learn, I’ll do whatever it takes to support them."

Shen Meng was somewhat surprised. She hadn’t expected Ming Fang to not only bring meat but also to suggest that Daya go to school. She felt a bit of pride; these were the children she had educated.

"It’s really good that you think this way. In our village, most of the children who go to school are boys. Girls usually get married when they grow up as their only option. Education makes them wise, sensible, and knowledgeable. Nurture them well, Daya won’t let you down."

"Mm!"

On the way back, several times Lu Xiangxiang looked like she wanted to say something to Shen Meng but hesitated. Just before reaching the entrance to the house, Lu Xiangxiang finally called out to her.

"Sister-in-law, about what happened today, will you mind it? Will you tell Xiaobin?"

"We’ve walked such a long way, if you wouldn’t say it, I thought you could keep it in!"

Lu Xiangxiang’s face turned red, and she lowered her head.

"What is there for me to mind? It’s not true anyway. Lai Zi is just trash; every dog in Lu Family Village knows it. Nobody would care about him unless they’re short of a few brain cells. As for whether I’ll tell Xiaobin, Xiangxiang, this is your business. Even if I don’t say anything, he often comes to Lu Family Village. Do you think you can keep it a secret? It’s best he learns some things from you rather than from others. Think about it yourself. I’m going home to cook. Remember to come to eat tonight. Xiaobin won’t leave."

"Okay, I’ve got it, Sister-in-law Meng."

Shen Meng felt somewhat mentally exhausted; she had played the role of an emotional mentor all morning. With Lu Zhenping not at home, she decided to treat herself well at noon.

She noticed that Mingyang’s children hadn’t come home and hurriedly entered the kitchen, straight into the space, where she took the soaked soybeans and blended them with the broken wall machine to make tofu. Suddenly, there was the sound of the door opening, so she hastily jumped out of the space, pouring the blended soy milk into the pot. In a bit of a rush, she accidentally spilled half of the pot, leaving her somewhat flustered.

"Mom, are you home? Ming Kai’s shoes are wet; he ran into the snow water, Mom~"

"I’m home. Ming Fang, take him to the room, I’ll pour some hot water for him to wash. This child is always causing mischief every single day."

It’s true that children are obedient and lovable, but being stubborn and mischievous is also true.

After dealing with Lu Mingkai, Shen Meng returned to the kitchen to start making tofu pudding. After the pot boiled, she ladled out a kettle of soy milk onto the coal stove, giving Ming Fang and Ming Kai a small bowl each.

"Have some first, Mom will make you tofu pudding to eat soon. For lunch, let’s have buns!"

"Mom is so good."

Shen Meng looked at the children’s innocent brows and couldn’t help but chuckle: "Mom’s goodness is all to come later!" freeweɓnovel.cøm

By the time Mingyang and Ming Liang returned, Shen Meng had already prepared the meal. Three large basins were filled with tofu, four big bowls of seasoned tofu pudding were ready, and ten hot buns were all placed on the square table.

"You guys eat first. When I was making tofu, there wasn’t enough tofu pudding, so I won’t have any. I’ll just have a bun and some soy milk later. Hurry up and eat, then read some books, do your homework. Don’t just run out to play during the holiday. I’m going to bring this kettle of soy milk over to your Fourth Aunt, have a chat with her, and you can just leave the used dishes here. Got it?"

Ming Kai and Ming Liang saw that Shen Meng herself didn’t have any tofu pudding and hurriedly pushed their bowls toward her.

"Mom, you eat mine, I’m not hungry. I’ll have a bun."

"I’ll give mine to Mom, too."

Although Lu Mingyang and Lu Mingfang didn’t speak, their intention was obvious; they also wanted to offer their portions to Shen Meng.

Shen Meng gazed at the four children with shimmering eyes and uttered that classic line.

"You eat, Mom won’t eat. Mom doesn’t care for this."

After saying this, she picked up a bun, took the kettle, and walked out of the main house’s door, leaving the four children so touched, Ming Fang completely let down her guard.

"Mom is so great. When I earn money in the future, I will definitely let Mom live a good life, eat whatever she wants."

"Me too."

The children looked at each other, nodding solemnly, swearing to remember the words their mother said today and cherish the generous heart that let them have the good food.