Mini World Game Console-Chapter 641 - 642: It’s Difficult for Me Too When You’re Like This [Lantern Festival Special]

"Eat more. Want some pork knuckle? Here, try this one. I've stewed it until it's tender and flavorful..."

"Mmm, it's delicious, Auntie... Mom, your cooking is really good."

"Of course! How else could I have raised those two?"

At the Ren Family's dinner table today, five people were sharing a meal, a new record for the highest number of diners.

The Southern TV Station was airing the evening news, but the male anchor's voice couldn't drown out Ren's mother's. Ren's mother and Qiao Muyi sat together affectionately, their bond so strong that Ren Xingmei couldn't resist rubbing her bare foot against Ren Suo's calf. Her toes curled, forming a small pincer that pinched his calf muscle as she shot him a warning look—

I've only heard she wanted to take you from me, never heard she also wanted to take our mom!

While feeding the cat, Ren Suo silently circulated Gauze Clothing to suppress the pain, asking the Black Cat in a low voice what it liked to eat, his expression unchanged.

When Luna ate the spicy strips Ren Suo gave her, she had already been swept up in the wave of Spiritual Energy resurgence, becoming a partial Extraordinary Creature. Otherwise, she could never have withstood such a flavor.

Now, with the help of her Moon Chanter cloning, she officially began her transcendent cat life, complete with cheat-like enhancements. From the very beginning, she invested all her Upgrade Points into her eating Talent. Even though Ren's mother didn't use much salt in her cooking, Luna savored every bite, her dietary range almost catching up to Ren Suo's.

Her absolute favorite dish was the Stir-fried Diced Seafood with Egg, the one with the most salt. Ren Suo picked it up and placed it on a small plate for her to enjoy at her leisure.

Then he also began eating, extending his chopsticks—

Ren's mother was quicker, snatching the poached chicken wing Ren Suo had his eye on. She elegantly rolled it in the ginger and spring onion dipping sauce. However, she didn't hand it directly to Qiao Muyi but gestured instead, "Here, try the chicken wing. My son's favorite. This is local Baiyun chicken, fresh and tender..."

You know it's my favorite, so why did you have to snatch it!?

Ren Suo was exasperated. Qiao Muyi was also all smiles; however, this time she didn't take Ren Suo's side but picked up the chicken wing, took a bite, and nodded, saying, "Mm, it's delicious."

Ren's mother nodded in satisfaction. Then, seeing Ren Suo staring straight at Qiao Muyi, she immediately bristled and said, "What are you looking at? Yiyi has come all this way. What objections could you possibly have to her eating a chicken wing?"

"No objections, no objections..."

"I'm telling you, Little Suo, if you dare to bully my Foster Daughter, even if you live in Lianjiang, I will come over and beat you. Don't think I wouldn't dare to hit you with a feather duster just because you're grown up..."

「Two hours ago.」

Ren's mother had met Ren Suo and Qiao Muyi downstairs. After putting Auntie Ba in her place, she immediately pulled Qiao Muyi aside to establish an even closer relationship: that of sworn mother and daughter.

To clean up her son's mess, Ren's mother had indeed gone to great lengths. First of all, she didn't know what Ren Suo was currently thinking, but no matter his thoughts, she couldn't bear to let Qiao Muyi leave disappointed.

After all, it was clear her son was both the beneficiary and the root of all evil in this matter. Ren's mother found herself unable to choose righteousness over family ties, feeling as if she'd wasted years watching family soap operas for nothing.

Ren's mother had no interest in making decisions for Ren Suo, nor did she want to; after all, she wouldn't be the one spending her life with him. However, she was willing to help Qiao Muyi within her capabilities. Thus, the sworn mother-daughter bond seemed the best option she could devise. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Ren's mother brought the two of them home. When Ren's father and Ren Xingmei returned, she clearly stated her intention to recognize Qiao Muyi as her Foster Daughter, emphasizing it was a private relationship strictly between the two of them, involving no one else—including Ren Suo.

Thus, Qiao Muyi naturally became a part of the Ren Family, fulfilling her own needs while also leaving Ren Suo a tiny bit of room to maneuver—well, just a tiny bit.

Ren's mother didn't know how Ren Suo would handle the situation. However, by throwing her weight behind Qiao Muyi, she ensured it would be costly for him to have a change of heart. Besides, she knew she wouldn't be the one facing retaliation if things went south.

Of course, Ren's mother loved her son too.

She also knew Qiao Muyi was a very formidable Cultivator. Now that she had established a strategic cooperative relationship with her, if any troubles arose in the future, Qiao Muyi at least wouldn't be too harsh... At least she'd spare her son's hide, right!?

Moreover, Ren's mother quite admired Qiao Muyi, especially her daring, decisive character, which reminded Ren's mother of her own intense years. Most importantly, Qiao Muyi had such a hold on Ren's mother's son that he would rush to *her* the moment he woke up, and Qiao Muyi was willing to come over with him, proving she had complete control over him.

While Auntie Ba talked a lot of nonsense, there was one thing Ren's mother took to heart: as parents, all you hope for is a stable life for your children.

Ren Suo's temperament was clearly suited only for a peaceful life. Whether he could live *well*, however, was another question—his personality was too soft; he was the type to just coast through life, content with the bare minimum. Arguably, the greatest achievement of his life was the very emotional whirlwind he currently found himself in.

Ren's mother even wondered if he had used up a lifetime of luck to find so many good candidates for a wife...

Pairing him with a more dominant partner was exactly right for Ren Suo.

Of course, the other women also have very strong personalities... Ren's mother thought to herself, Maybe I should also work on building closer relationships with them. I'm not asking for much, just hoping they'll go easy on him when the time comes.

Ah, as the saying goes: raise a child to a hundred, worry for ninety-nine years.

Thus, seeing Ren Suo casually playing with the cat after a full meal, Ren's mother got so annoyed that she slammed her chopsticks down, drawing everyone's attention. Then, she calmly said, "Son, go wash the dishes."

Ren Suo blinked. "Didn't I buy a dishwasher..."

"Then deal with the leftovers, put the dishes in the dishwasher, and be quick about it. I bought the groceries and cooked the meal, do you expect me to do that too?"

Qiao Muyi started to stand up, but Ren's mother immediately rose and pulled her over to sit down on the sofa. "Come, let's watch TV."

Ren Suo pouted, put down the Black Cat, and obediently began to clear the table.

Ren's father, who had been eating quietly without a word, suddenly asked, "Miss Qiao, may I ask where you are from?"

"I'm from Jiangyang. I attended university in Lianjiang, so you could say I'm half a Lianjiang local," Qiao Muyi quickly responded.

"And your family, are they well?"

Qiao Muyi calmly said, "My parents passed away when I was young. Relatives helped me through middle and high school. In university, I supported myself through part-time work and scholarships…"

"Hey, hey, what's with that tone? Are you interrogating a student? This isn't a school!" Ren's mother waved her hand dismissively at Ren's father. "Go on, go watch your news. Why ask all these questions for no reason? You're scaring the poor girl."

Ren's father shrugged and indeed asked no more, playing with his phone while watching TV.

He played the bad cop, his wife played the good cop. He was used to it.

Ren's mother tenderly stroked Qiao Muyi's hand, her voice full of pity, "You've really had it tough… To go through so much at such a young age…"

"It's okay," Qiao Muyi smiled. "After graduating from university, things have mostly been good."

Ren's mother glanced towards the kitchen with a wry expression. "Not all good things, mind you. Hasn't she just run into a major disaster right here?"

Qiao Muyi just smiled, offering no rebuttal, but her eyes clearly conveyed to Ren's mother, You're spouting utter nonsense. Ren's mother, of course, wouldn't get angry at Qiao Muyi. She stored all her anger in the exclusive Rage Slot reserved for Ren Suo—a special container for unleashing her fury upon him.

"So, Sister Qiao, are you returning to Lianjiang tonight?" Ren Xingmei asked from the side. "Do you have to work tomorrow?"

Qiao Muyi glanced at Ren Xingmei and nodded. "I have to work tomorrow, so I need to go back to Lianjiang tonight. But I have my own car, so it's okay if I go back a bit later."

"Is the Tactical Bureau really so heartless? Not even giving you time off when it's almost New Year?" Ren's mother complained, then asked, "So, do you have to work during the New Year too?"

"Yes," Qiao Muyi laughed. "I have to be on duty throughout the New Year."

Like the railways, Public Security, and fire services, the Tactical Bureau also required personnel to be on duty during the Spring Festival.

Qiao Muyi had caused trouble for Yu Kuangtu many times, and it wasn't without consequences. At least in terms of attendance, Yu Kuangtu far surpassed her. So, during important holidays like the Spring Festival, Yu Kuangtu had the right to take extended leave. The responsibility of being on duty then naturally fell to Qiao Muyi.

However, Qiao Muyi hadn't planned to celebrate the New Year anyway, so she was indifferent to this. Going home to an empty apartment, unable to find Ren Suo, was far less appealing than working at the Tactical Bureau—at least there she would earn triple wages.

"I was thinking, if it's possible, you should come and stay with your Foster Mom for the New Year. I'll have Little Suo clear out a room for you."

Ren's mother thought for a moment, then suddenly bustled into the bedroom. She returned with two red envelopes. "Since that's the case, we'll give you your New Year's Money now. Wishing you a smooth and prosperous New Year!"

Qiao Muyi quickly accepted them. Ren's mother looked at her, growing fonder by the moment, and said, "There's a flower market tonight. Want to go see? The Baiyun Flower Market is quite nice, no worse than Lianjiang's."

Just then, Ren Suo came out from the kitchen after washing the dishes. Hearing this, he commented disdainfully, "What's so great about a flower market..."

"I'm not planning on taking you!" Ren's mother roared at him, then turned to Qiao Muyi with an expectant look. "Yiyi, shall we go?"

Although she knew these few hours were all the time she'd have with Ren Suo for the next ten-plus days, Qiao Muyi didn't hesitate. For the sake of a greater gain, she answered, "I'll go!"

Then Ren's mother looked at Ren Xingmei. "Xing Mei, are you going? Didn't you say yesterday that you wanted to go to Flower Street with me?"

Ren Xingmei immediately shook her head. "Not going, not going. I want to stay here tonight."

Ren's mother noticed Ren Xingmei sneaking glances at Ren Suo and sighed inwardly. Then, she changed her clothes and went out with Qiao Muyi to stroll through the Baiyun Flower Market.

As soon as the two left, Ren's father turned off the TV and gestured with his finger for Ren Suo. "Come to the study."

This is trouble, Ren Suo thought. Don't let Dad's usual silence fool you. Mom usually makes the decisions, but if Dad really puts his foot down, Mom can only stand by and cheer him on, not daring to interfere.

Ren Suo dutifully entered the study holding the Black Cat, with Ren Xingmei following.

Ren's father didn't mind the additional sister and cat. He cut straight to the point, "What do you plan to do?"

Ren Suo pondered for a moment, petted the Black Cat's head, and said, "Dad, first promise you won't scold me."

Ren's father thought about it and said, "Wait for me a moment."

Then he left the study and went into the bedroom. A moment later, the two siblings and the cat heard several whooshing sounds, and Ren's father re-entered holding a leather belt.

He sat down, looking at Ren Suo with a "caring" gaze. "I promise I won't scold you."

Ren Suo looked at the crumpled black leather belt in his father's hand. It had been used for over ten years without any sign of wear, guaranteed never to snap no matter how hard one was thrashed with it. Ren Suo had unfortunately experienced this firsthand as a child, personally attesting to the belt's quality.

It wasn't that Ren Suo was afraid of being thrashed by his dad. Even without activating Gauze Clothing, his dad couldn't really hurt him. But it was the humiliation! "Dad, can you promise not to hit me? I'm too old for this; it's so embarrassing."

Ren's father subconsciously raised his fingers to his lips, then lowered them upon realizing he wasn't holding a cigarette. Ren Suo had seen him make this gesture since childhood; his dad had quit smoking over twenty years ago but had never kicked the habit.

Ren's father gestured for Ren Suo to come closer, patted his shoulder, and said earnestly, "You want to be shameless but also keep your dignity? You're making things very difficult for me, you know."