I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 188: The Only Sister

Even without Li Qianqian mentioning it, ever since she entered the door, Shen Meng could already imagine how much negligence Granny Yang would show her. Yet she knew it wasn’t enough for her to know alone - Director Hu and Hu Biao needed to know, as well as Mr. Li and the others. Otherwise, they might think Li Qianqian was just being melodramatic based solely on her word.

As for Li Qianqian calling her "sister", she naturally went along with it.

"Qianqian, what a coincidence. When I came over today, I asked your brother-in-law to borrow a camera from a friend. But you must keep it a secret because it’s quite special. Originally, I wanted to take some photos of you and your baby as keepsakes for the future. But I didn’t expect you to suffer this much. Granny Yang is from the countryside; you can tell there’s something fishy going on just by looking at her. I guess it’s your mother-in-law’s idea. Otherwise, why would she go to the countryside at this time? It must be because she wants to dominate you while you’re in confinement. All of this must be made known to your husband, your father-in-law, and your parents. But words alone aren’t enough; we need evidence."

Li Qianqian, spoiled since childhood, initially thought it was Granny Yang’s own doing. But considering her status - the daughter of a Secretary, the daughter-in-law of a factory director - it’s unlikely that an ordinary old lady earning thirty yuan a month would dare to treat her and her child this way during their confinement. Sister Meng is smart; she hit the nail on the head. Isn’t this exactly what her mother-in-law intended?

She really didn’t understand. With plenty of excellent young men to choose from, why did she end up with Hu Biao? Her father-in-law and Hu Biao had always treated her well. Why did this rural old woman have to cause so many problems? Couldn’t they live a peaceful life without resorting to the old-fashioned mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dynamic, forcing her to obey blindly? Was she out of her mind?

"Sister Meng, take the photos. I know you mean well, and you want to help me. I’m not afraid of losing face, and you do not need to worry about keeping it a secret. I will definitely not tell anyone."

Shen Meng pulled out a black Polaroid camera from the bag she brought, set it to the vintage black-and-white mode, and then said to her, "I’ll step outside first. From the moment you enter, just start taking photos. Just behave normally, and don’t be nervous. Qianqian, you’re a good girl. Since you’ve called me sister, I will do everything I can to help you. From today onward, I’ll make sure your mother-in-law comes begging for you to return, begging to take care of you. She won’t dare neglect you again; otherwise, these photos will end up with her precious grandson. When the child grows up, he’ll know how his grandmother treated him and his mother at the time of his birth."

After hearing what Shen Meng said, Li Qianqian’s eyes brimmed with tears - an especially good material for the scene.

Shen Meng turned and left the room. Granny Yang, who was outside, immediately stood up from the sofa, about to ask something, but then saw Shen Meng raising her arm and stepping back in again.

"What’s wrong with her, going out and in again, as if she doesn’t mind the trouble."

Granny Yang was just a rural old woman. After Shen Meng had entered, she had lingered by the door, trying to eavesdrop. The young man next to her started asking all sorts of questions and even pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. Although she didn’t smoke, the cigarettes could be exchanged for money. At this moment, she felt that the two people who came today were quite astute, and she wasn’t the least bit afraid.

A woman in confinement - isn’t it all the same? With food and drink, with chicken and eggs, what more could she want? If she makes a fuss beyond that, then she’s being capricious and causing trouble. That’s what Granny Yang had always said; who wouldn’t listen to that!

From the moment the door opened until the photo captured the baby’s gaunt, crying figure, along with Shen Meng’s deliberate composition, it really looked as though the mother and child had been abused. Just by looking at the photographs, one could tell how miserable their lives were.

After the pictures were taken, she let Li Qianqian have a look and then carefully wrapped all the photos in a handkerchief and placed them in her pocket. freeweɓnovel.cѳm

"Qianqian, actually, today besides coming to see you and the baby, I’ve also brought someone over. He’s the son of a sister of mine, a really good kid. You know those two jobs Hu Biao gave you? I gave one to my brother and the other to my nephew. In a moment, I’ll have him stand by your door for a bit so you can recognize him. I made sure he’ll personally deliver the photo to your mother. Your father can’t handle this matter, so your mother has got to step in. This way, they’ll be caught off guard tomorrow."

"Okay, Sister Meng, thank you so much, really thank you. With the photo, even if Granny Yang spins tales, my family can’t possibly believe her."

Shen Meng sighed. Granny Yang, an outsider, could deceive people just by playing the victim. Qianqian was too domineering normally, which made it easy for her to be taken advantage of. And her parents were always so busy, they often neglected her.

"Qianqian, listen to me, your mother will come around noon tomorrow. I want you to neither make a scene nor argue, don’t say anything, just cry your eyes out. You’re always so strong and uncompromising when you speak, but this time, don’t say a word. Everyone will definitely think you must have suffered a great injustice to be left speechless."

"That won’t do, Sister Meng. You don’t know my mom; she cares about her reputation and is easily swayed. It might end up with her playing peacemaker between me and my mother-in-law!"

Shen Meng chuckled and said, "It’s simple. Before your mom comes over, think of a way to infuriate Granny Yang, come up with some cutting remarks. Also, make your room even messier tomorrow, and a bit dirtier won’t hurt either. Let your mother see what kind of life you’re living and hear how others are mistreating you. She’s still a mother; when faced with the bloody truth, I refuse to believe she can remain soft-hearted."

It is indeed heartrending that a daughter has to prove her woes to her own parents, and has to prepare to such an extent. It’s truly pitiful.

Li Qianqian nodded, taking it all to heart.

"This bag has things I’ve prepared for you and the baby, including pure cotton clothes for the baby and a stack of diapers, all boiled and sterilized by me. These two bags of adult milk powder are for nursing mothers. The Five Red Soup was secretly made up by a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine; you’re all set, just brew it once a day, in the morning, afternoon, and evening as if it’s water. It’s great for nourishing the body. This is a belly wrap; let me tie it for you – it’s good for your recovery. And I’ve got two sets of skincare products for you. It’d be best to do a full forty-two days of postpartum care for your bones to recover. You’re looking at me so surprised-- what do I know? Dr. Cheng instructed me about all of this. These four large bags are all baby formula, and here is the baby bottle, all bought by someone I asked from Sea City. You make sure to look after yourself properly, and the baby will surely grow up plump and healthy."

Li Qianqian looked at the items laid out on her bed; she was so moved she could barely contain herself. Ever since she’d had the baby, most of the people around her were only concerned about the child; no one thought of her in the least. It seemed, apart from Hu Biao, her brother, her mother, only Shen Meng wholeheartedly cared for her.

"Be good, don’t cry. After today, you’ll have good days ahead. I promise you," Shen Meng assured her.

"Sigh, I believe you. I’ve always believed you. Sister, from now on you’re like my real sister, my only sister. I’ll definitely take good care of our brother and our nephew, rest assured."

Shen Meng: "..."

Such familiar words, as if I’ve heard them somewhere before!!!