Chapter 40 - Will You Be A Good Wife And Take Care Of My Son?
Li Fu Tong glanced around and felt the history repeating itself. Because right twenty-seven years ago, Li Guang had also walked into the house in the same manner as Li Luxian with his commoner wife, Li Shanguan.
Li Fu Tong couldn't do anything to stop him at that time and he had to accept her. Li Shanguan was a woman of mild personality and Li Fu Tong hated such women. Though Li Fu Tong let her in, he had never been able to fully accept her.
Looking at Li Luxian now, he couldn't do anything to stop him either.
Was he an elder just by name?
"You guys do not take me in any respect. Is that so?" His voice was very grave this time.
Around him, everyone was having their head down.
Li Luxian eyes darkened. He didn't want to drag Chen Yi into it. His grandfather could be stubborn at times when his authority was challenged. What if he lashed at Chen Yi? Chen Yi wouldn't disrespect him in any way. She would have to suffer in silence. Because no matter what, he was still the elder of the Li family and couldn't be disrespected.
"Mother, take Chen Yi inside." He glanced at his mother.
Chen Yi looked at him with uncertain eyes; reluctant to let go of his hand.
"Everything will be alright." He gently squeezed her hand before letting her go. He faced his grandfather. "I have something to show you."
Li Shanguan was quick to grab Chen Yi and took her away. Her gestures were warm and eager to have her. Chen Yi was confused. Once they were away from everyone, Li Shanguan said.
"Poor child. That obstinate old man didn't scare you, did he?" Li Shnaguan inspected her with eyes as warm as soft butter.
Chen Yi was speechless. She didn't expect such warmth. "No."
"Good now." Li Shnaguaan guided her inside. "You do not need to be scared of him. He can get like this sometimes but inside he is a very gentle person and cares for his family. In time, he might get to like you. He was like this when I first came to this home."
Silence followed. Chen Yi didn't know what to say. The situation was a bit awkward. She wished Li Luxian was here.
"Um... Ms. Li? Where are we going?" Chen Yi was hesitant. She was considering the possibility that this warm Ms. Li might be taking her to an altar to butcher her.
She had a legit reason behind her reluctance. Mothers-in-law are supposed to be evil and averse to the unpermitted marriage of their sons. This was how it has always been since the beginnings of time.
According to the countless cliche dramas she had watched so far, mothers-in-law are gullible creatures easily persuaded by the evil one-sided lovers of the husbands and they are destined to fight by the side of those suitors to demand a divorce.
"To your wedding room sweety." Li Shanguan's voice was soft. "And why are you being so formal, silly. Just call me 'Mother'."
Chen Yi's head was numb; her brain inspected the situation to find some conspiracy.
Either this mother-in-law was overly cunning waiting for the right moment to strike while hiding behind an innocent mask.
Or... she was just a sweet gentle thing.
"Ms. Li." Chen Yi coughed."I mean mother. May I ask you a question?"
"Go ahead, sweety."
"Are you not angry at me?"
"Why would I be angry at you?" Li Shanguan was confused.
"Um...for marrying your son behind your back without even notifying you let alone getting your permission, perhaps?" Should she even be asking that?
Li Shanguan laughed while opening the door to a beautifully decorated wedding room. They both stood at the entrance. The interior was designed elegantly and meticulously. Red was used to decorate; rose petals scattered over the white sheets of the bed gave an aesthetic effect to the scenery.
When Yi glanced inside for some reason her heart thumped. Wait... How did she prepare all that if she didn't know? That meant... Chen Yi glanced at her mother-in-law.
"Who said I was not notified?" Li Shanguan winked at Chen Yi.
"Li Luxian told you?"
"You think your mother-in-law doesn't have other means to know?" she laughed lightly. From her manner, it appeared she was very happy to have Chen Yi.
Chen Yi fell to silence. She noted in her mind this mother-in-law couldn't be taken lightly too. "Does that mean you are not against us?" Chen Yi finally asked.
"Against you?" Li Shanguan couldn't understand. "Why would I ever be against you two? If not for you, I was afraid I would never be able to see any grandchildren."
Chen Yi coughed. "Well, Li Luxian was already engaged so, I think not."
"Yes, he was..." Li Shangua went inside the room to open the red decorated curtains. "But what use would it have? That old obstinate might have been able to get them married legally on papers but he wouldn't be able to force them into the process of making babies."
Chen Yi: "..." She was seeing from where Li Luxian inherited his certain antics.
"I'm grateful to you. Li Luxian has always been repulsed by females. But the way he looks at you... I know there s something. something his heart has been yearning for so long." Li Shanguan sighed. "And I wish for nothing more than my son's happiness."
Chen Yi had felt it too. He always looked at her differently. But she had always dismissed it considering that it was all the part of an act. But now that his mother said that, she was in a dilemma. Could he act so well that he even deceived his own mother? Or did he really like her that much?
"You trusted me so easily without even knowing me," Chen Yi said: "What if I'm a greedy person who married your son only for his money?"
Li Shanguan glanced at her. For a second, a worried expression appeared in her eyes. The next second she laughed. "I trust my son's choice." She grabbed Chen Yi's arms and looked into her eyes. "The girl he would choose would never be of this sort."
Being held and looked at her like that, Chen Yi felt a strange warmth surging in her heart. Her eyes almost watered witnessing the trust and love between the mother and the son. For someone who had never experienced parental love before, it was a sensitive topic for her.
"Tell me, Chen Yi." Li Shanguan's eyes looked deeply into Chen Yi's eyes. It felt like she could stare into her soul. "Will you promise to be a good wife and take care of my son?"
"I'll do my best." Chen Yi's lips curled up into a sincere smile.
Li Shanguan took a deep sigh like a great burden had been lifted off her shoulders.
"Now I can rest assured." She glanced at Chen Yi. A moment later, a mischievous smile appeared on her lips. "By the way this room is soundproof, so you guys don't need to worry about us hearing anything. Be wild. Be yourself."
Chen Yi: "...."