She Lives without Regret in This Life

Chapter 157: Chapter 158: In-Laws Compete

“Hehehe… I love my wife, what’s there to be ashamed about?” he boasted, feeling proud and honored.

“And you’re not afraid people will talk?”

“If anyone dares, I’ll punch them! They’re just jealous that I married such a virtuous, beautiful, intelligent, and kind wife.”

“…” Zhao Lanzi was speechless, not understanding how she ever ended up marrying such a ruffian.

It made her too embarrassed to go out. Last time, when they went to the Sheng family to discuss calling off the engagement, she was too embarrassed to go out. This time she had to go herself.

She decided she couldn’t let her son be disappointed.

Xu Xianxiong and his father packed up their belongings and left the village, coming across people at the village entrance who were returning from the market and stared at them in surprise.

“What are you two up to?” had they not known Zhao Lanzi’s family had long been killed, they might have thought they were returning to her parental home.

“We’re going to…” Xu Xianxiong was just about to speak when Zhao Lanzi kicked him and took over, saying, “We’re visiting relatives. Going home!”

Having said that, she pulled the person along and walked away, arriving at Sheng Ning’s house in less than half an hour.

It was just mealtime, and those working in the fields had also returned.

When the two entered, An’an was washing clothes in the courtyard, and Sheng Laosan was feeding the pigs. Shen Luhua was busy cooking in the kitchen.

Seeing the family, Zhao Lanzi nodded in satisfaction. Although it was a stepmother and stepdaughter situation, they seemed to get along well, and the entire family was very diligent.

This was good, this was good. Three generations of rascals in the Xu family needed such a household to properly correct their genes.

“An’an, your uncle has come to see you.” Xu Xianxiong’s voice boomed like a bell, causing even Shen Luhua, who was cooking in the kitchen, to run out wearing an apron.

When the two women met, their eyes locked in a moment that seemed to spark fireworks.

Even the slow-witted Xu Xianxiong could feel the tense atmosphere between them.

Zhao Lanzi was watching Shen Luhua, and Shen Luhua was also quietly evaluating Zhao Lanzi.

Hmm! After so many years in this village, I finally meet someone presentable.

Not bad! No wonder she managed to keep Xu Xianxiong, that old rascal, in line for so many years. Clearly, she’s an insightful and capable woman.

Absolutely not someone Second Aunt Qin or Widow Zhang could compare to.

After sizing each other up secretly, both approached with warmth and greeted each other enthusiastically.

“Sheng Ning’s mother, I’ve always wanted to meet you, and I finally got the chance today.”

“Oh my! You’re too polite. Coming here is enough, why did you bring so many things?” Shen Luhua ushered them into the main room and personally poured them some water.

Nothing brings people to the Temple of the Three Treasures without a reason; carrying so many things clearly showed they had a favor to ask. Surely they weren’t thinking of proposing marriage again? Ningning was such a good girl, not someone they could marry or not marry at their whim.

“You’ll eat lunch here; I was just cooking, and we’ll be eating shortly.” Since they started selling bean sprouts, the family’s living standards had improved, allowing them to prepare a couple of good dishes for visiting relatives.

Shen Luhua also felt more confident.

It was a good opportunity to see if the prospective mother-in-law knew how to cook, to judge her culinary skills! “I’ll help out.” Zhao Lanzi stood up, rolled up her sleeves, and followed into the kitchen.

The main room was left with only An’an and Xu Xianxiong, staring blankly at each other, completely confused about how things had developed this way.

And when had they become so familiar with each other?

“Old Xu, you’re here.” Sheng Laosan, carrying a pig bucket, arrived belatedly.

“Lao San, have a seat, I actually have something to discuss with you.”

After both settled in the main room, Xu Xianxiong repeated his purpose for this visit. He had never given up on this marriage, and the last time Sheng Ning had visited, he had spoken in front of him about wanting her as a daughter-in-law.

So, his statement this time was not sudden at all.

When Xu Xianxiong had finished talking, Sheng Laosan lit a tobacco pipe for himself and began speaking while smoking, “Does Qigang know about this?”