Back to 1984: Let's Work Hard Together to Raise The Kids!-Chapter 281: A Stark Contrast

"I made some small pastries at home, using imported cream, real milk, with a light sweetness, and very fragrant."

She unpacked the pastries, and everyone went over to help.

Xiao Jinlin’s two cousins each eagerly grabbed one and nodded in unison.

"Second sister-in-law’s cooking is great, much better than the canteen in Britain!"

Chen Xinyue was amused, "Aren’t you tired of eating abroad?"

Xiao Jinxuan exaggeratedly shook his head, "Second sister-in-law, I don’t usually like sweet food, but abroad we all buy groceries and cook for ourselves. Hua Country’s cakes suit our taste better."

Chen Xinyue thought of the meal issues during her studies abroad and felt empathetic.

She conversed easily with the two brothers.

Old Mr. and Mrs. Xiao were delighted to see them getting along so well.

Especially seeing the rarely displayed peaceful smile on their second grandson’s face made them more satisfied with Chen Xinyue.

The meal was enjoyed by everyone happily.

Before Xiao Jinlin took Chen Xinyue back, Old Mrs. Xiao inquired, "Are you going to An City for New Year’s this year?"

They both nodded simultaneously.

Xiao Jinlin explained, "Next year, Xinyue will marry me, so this year is her last chance to spend New Year’s at her parents’ house as an unmarried daughter. She definitely needs to go back."

Old Mrs. Xiao immediately had the maid bring out the prepared items, "Take these; this is our New Year’s gift prepared for the in-laws."

Since it was for his in-laws, Xiao Jinlin did not refuse.

A few days later, Xiao Bai heard at work about the family dinner at the old house, which he wasn’t aware of, and had to find excuses to cover it up.

Returning to his office, he immediately called Xiao Sheng to question, "Why didn’t you tell us about having dinner at Mom and Dad’s?"

Xiao Sheng felt bewildered, "Brother, what are you asking? When Jinxuan and Jinheng came back, didn’t I tell you we should find a time to visit our parent’s place together?

Jinlin knew about it and brought Xinyue along, and since everyone was around, we just had a meal together. What’s the big deal to get so worked up over?"

"I...," Xiao Bai was speechless, and continued to argue, "But couldn’t you all have called us when you were together?"

Xiao Sheng also got upset, "Call for what? Mom and Dad didn’t mention anything; why should I deliberately go and complicate things for them? It’s New Year’s, and I’m supposed to make things difficult for them voluntarily. Do you want me to have a hard time too?"

"What are you talking about?"

Xiao Sheng didn’t want to argue anymore and pointed out directly, "Brother, it’s not that I’m criticizing you, but you’ve not done well as a father or a son. Mom and Dad have repeatedly told you not to be biased and to treat all equally, but you haven’t listened.

Because of your favoritism, you’ve raised Jincheng to think the world revolves around him. In his thirties, he’s still mentally and behaviorally immature, causing more dissatisfaction from Mom and Dad towards you. Otherwise, why didn’t they initiate inviting you over?

Also, knowing you’ve wronged Jinlin and can’t bring yourself to apologize, you choose to avoid it. So why bother when Jinlin is present? Think it over with Sister-in-law, I have to work, that’s all."

Xiao Bai, having been admonished, returned home despondent, and talked to Mu Qinglian about the old house dinner that didn’t include them.

Mu Qinglian, feeling upset, couldn’t even cry.

Xiao Bai pondered, "I’ve given it some thought, what Mom said makes sense. Jincheng isn’t a child anymore and should learn to stand on his own. We’ll let them move out after New Year’s, be their own masters, and avoid any gossip."

The youngest wasn’t living with them, and it’s inappropriate for the eldest to remain part of the family this way. Back when he and Xiao Sheng got married, they moved out right away.

Mu Qinglian realized this wasn’t a time to act emotionally and agreed after a moment of hesitation.

The couple left the study, and found a moment to discuss this with Xiao Jincheng and his wife.

Before Xiao Jincheng could say anything, Guo Lingyue shook her head in agitation, "Mom, Dad, did we do something wrong? Just tell us, we can change. Please don’t make us leave, boohoo..."

Mu Qinglian frowned instinctively, "Stop crying! I’m not dead yet! According to the Xiao family custom, Jincheng should have moved out when he got married. It’s our fault for not saying it earlier until now.

Your dad’s already arranged with Jincheng’s workplace, the previous housing allocation remained unused, and it will be renovated during this time. You can move after New Year’s; you can raise any requests."

Xiao Jincheng smirked mockingly, "Have you considered it all? Do we need to be consulted? Fine! We’ll move out after New Year’s, we won’t make it difficult for you."

"Talking like a woman, all sarcasm, this is what you learned in all these years of discipline and etiquette?" Xiao Bai scolded loudly.

He didn’t even realize how curt he’d become with his elder son recently.

Mu Qinglian was aware of this issue but couldn’t intervene or stop it.

Because of this matter, the Xiao family’s eldest branch had a particularly oppressive New Year. Coupled with the child’s incessant crying, everyone was driven to frustration and irritability.

Meanwhile, Xiao Jinlin and Chen Xinyue had returned to An City in Nanyu, enjoying the care of the elders.

The last time Xiao Jinlin visited, he was a guest and Xinyue’s boss, so everyone was very courteous. Now, his status changed, and naturally, everyone treated him as part of the family.

Both in words and actions, they were much more relaxed, and of course, the care they received increased tremendously.

Particularly Lin Qin, who, knowing about Xiao Jinlin’s irresponsible parents, wished to fill the void of motherly love he lacked. Whatever she prepared for her two sons would always include Xiao Jinlin.

When Xiao Jinlin mentioned he wanted to eat the seafood from last time, Chen Wenjun and Lin Qin immediately took a boat to South Port to stock up.

The favoritism was so evident that even Chen Xinyue felt a pang of jealousy.

Just as she was grumbling, Qu Zhiyang and Xue Lingxue arrived.

As soon as Xiao Jinlin saw Qu Zhiyang, he discreetly moved closer to Chen Xinyue, protectively shielding her like a husband.

Qu Zhiyang found it amusing and didn’t engage. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Everyone headed into the living room.

Xue Lingxue apologetically held Chen Xinyue’s hand, "I intended to attend your engagement, but the shooting of my crew’s film wrapped up just at that time, and the director wouldn’t let me take leave. If the director disagrees and I leave, everyone would say I’m being a diva."

Chen Xinyue shook her head, understanding, "Since you’ve chosen this path, you have to weigh the pros and cons, it’s impossible to be as carefree as before. Moreover, there’s the wedding; being there for the wedding will be enough!"

Xue Lingxue nodded.

Beside them, Qu Zhiyang joked, "To attend your wedding, she’s even cleared her schedule for February; this time there will definitely be no problem."