After washing her face, she glanced at the long braids hanging on her chest. They were too long and hard to care for, especially given her dry and yellowish hair. Luckily, she found a pair of scissors and cut her hair to shoulder-length, combing it up into a bun. She left a few strands on either side of her forehead and cut them to an appropriate length. She looked much fresher. She examined herself again and again. Yes, she was quite satisfied with her new image.
Just as she finished grooming herself, she turned to see Han Dongchen standing in the door, wearing his military uniform, standing straighter than ever. He looked somewhat darker in broad daylight, his face expressionless, cool and unapproachable. However, that didn't deter her appreciation for his attractiveness.
His full forehead, thick eyebrows, deep-set eyes, high nose, and sexy lips, wow! His features were perfectly proportioned and well-defined. And his physique, he was as upright as a pine. Su Xiaowan was smitten.
However, recalling yesterday's embarrassing incident, she felt a little shy, her cheeks flushed. She walked towards him, flashing a bright smile and greeted, "Good morning."
Han Dongchen was slightly stunned by Su Xiaowan's new hairstyle, a pleasant surprise indeed. He hadn't realized before how pretty she was. Her sparkling eyes were crystal clear; her smile was sweet and genuine, radiating warmth.
Unconsciously, his stony face softened and he said, "Alright, let's have breakfast now that you're ready." He turned around and walked away, with Su Xiaowan hurrying to follow.
When they arrived at the dining room, everyone else had begun to trickle in. Two little boys, one about five or six and the other around three or four, were running around the dining table. The older one kept taunting, "Can't catch me, can't catch me," while the younger one was pursuing him crying.
The old man from yesterday was seated at the head of the table, watching the boys run around. Su Xiaowan figured out that he was likely Han Dongchen's father, her father-in-law. Seems like she misunderstood things yesterday.
Upon closer inspection, she noticed that Han Dongchen somewhat resembled his father. Her father-in-law didn't look too bad (he must have been quite handsome in his youth), he was just too skinny, a bit dark, and with a face full of wrinkles. Most importantly, he had a stoop, which made him appear much older.
Just then, Han Dongchen introduced the man, "This is our father." He then turns to his father and said, "This is Su Xiaowan." Su Xiaowan smoothly greeted, "Hello, father." The Old Master Han only nodded and ignored them.
Seated beside Old Master Han was a man in his late twenties. He looked honest, but he didn't resemble Han Dongchen much. He looked a lot like their mother — big eyes, double eyelids, a bit dark, with a robust physique. Han Dongchen introduced his older brother, Han Qiushou, and the two little boys were his children.
Just then, the two children who had been chasing each other began to fight. Both were crying, each trying to outdo the other in volume. Their grandfather and Han Qiushou stepped in to separate them, attempting to soothe the crying children.
Suddenly, a sharp voice rang out, "Are you all dead? Can't you see the children crying? You ought to be soothing them!"
They looked in the direction of the voice, only to see a slightly chubby woman trotting towards them. As she ran, she scolded, "Daughter-in-law, are you dead? Can't you see your children crying? Can't you soothe them? Have you been slacking off again, you good-for-nothing?! All you do is eat, can't even take care of your own children."
She came to a halt near the boys and started dusting off their clothes. All the while, her mouth never stopped moving, "Oh my, my precious grandchildren, were you hurt? Does it hurt? It will be fine. Grandma will rub it better." She also glared at the two men, "Just look at you two, what can you even do? You can't even manage two children properly." It took a while before she managed to quieten the children and get everyone settled for the meal.
At this point, Han Dongchen stepped forward, introducing, "Xiao Wan, this is our mother," "Mother, this is Su Xiaowan." Su Xiaowan felt a little nervous, unsure whether she could win over her mother-in-law. Nevertheless, she obediently greeted, "Hello, mother! I'm Su Xiaowan, you can call me Xiao Wan. I apologize for my behavior yesterday. I didn't realize that it was you. I hope you won't blame me for yesterday's incident."
Just as she finished speaking, her mother-in-law stepped forward, her face flushed with anger, she shouted, "I'm not your mother! I don't have a daughter-in-law like you! You lay in bed till noon, don't cook, are lazy, and even dare to hit me! I've never seen such audacity in my life. Our Han family cannot afford to keep you. I'll send you back home right now. We need to talk to the old lady Su and our neighbors about how you were raised."
She tried to grab Su Xiaowan's arm, but Su Xiaowan quickly ducked behind Han Dongchen, holding onto his coat fearfully. Under the influence of masculine pride, Han Dongchen instinctively shielded her.
Su Xiaowan was sobbing softly, "Mother, I was wrong. I promise not to do it again. If you're still angry with me, you could hit me to relieve your anger. Don't stay angry. I'm a part of the Han family now. If you send me back, what will I do? My aunts and grandma will kill me. Please, I beg you, don't send me back."
Her words were both humble and pitiful. However, she kept backing away. She was not about to go out and get beaten.
Han Dongchen then chimed in, "Mother, Xiao Wan knows her mistake. She won't repeat it. Please forgive her, don't be so hard on her."
Finishing his words to his mother, Han Dongchen turned to Su Xiaowan and threatened her, "Su Xiaowan, if you dare to oppose my mother again, next time I'll break your legs myself as a reminder for you."
Su Xiaowan was secretly relieved and quickly nodded, replying, "Okay, I won't do it again. I've learned my lesson. Mother, please forgive me this time."
Having said that, he turned to his mother and said, "Mother, look at her, she really knows her mistake. I punished her last night. I guess everyone heard her crying."
Good, Su Xiaowan thought, the crying yesterday wasn't for nothing. Now, it's being put to use.
Her mother-in-law saw Su Xiaowan was sincerely sorry, and considering the severity of her words, she decided to forgive her this time. After all, they had already consummated the marriage, it was impossible to send her back. Furthermore, she understood that even if they did, Su's old lady would be even more troublesome to deal with.
After giving Su Xiaowan a searing look, she warned, "Remember what you said today, you must obey and work diligently. If you defy me again, I'll have you sent back to the Su family!" She then turned and sat next to her grandchildren, busying herself with pampering them.
Su Xiaowan and Han Dongchen heaved a sigh of relief. As their eyes met, Su Xiaowan couldn't help but break into a smile. That was a close shave. They had managed to pass this hurdle.