For Lin Xiaoguai, being able to leave the hospital was a relief, as many things were inconvenient there.
However, considering her in-laws' character, Lin Xiaoguai didn't dare to hold out too much hope for grandma and grandpa, despite Shen Xiu constantly singing their praises.
"Sister-in-law, grandma and grandpa are really nice, don't worry, they'll definitely like you." Shen Xiu said a lot like that, but it didn't make her sister-in-law's expression relax at all.
With a sigh, Shen Xiu said, "Grandma and grandpa really like Mom, but they despise Wang Zhaodi. Back when they lived in the countryside, a lot of conflicts arose, and grandma was angered by Wang Zhaodi several times to the point of fainting, and even suffered a minor stroke. Grandpa was furious as well. Once, my brother came back and just happened to see grandpa working in the field while grandma, who was in bed, fell down trying to get some water. Wang Zhaodi stood by, doing nothing but watching as if it were a joke."
At this point, Shen Xiu paused, a smile playing on his features as he continued, "Brother immediately got angry, grabbed Wang Zhaodi, and threw her into the wash basin in the courtyard. It was in the dead of winter, and there she sat, soaked like a drenched chicken, screaming in fear. Dad also didn't fare well; brother was so angry, he closed the door and gave him a fierce scolding."
"Even though Dad and Wang Zhaodi promised again and again to treat grandma and grandpa well, my brother couldn't trust them anymore. He just decided to spend money to buy a small courtyard in the county for grandma and grandpa to live in separately."
Hearing this inside story, Lin Xiaoguai felt somewhat relieved. Although she couldn't determine grandma and grandpa's temperament from Xiuxiu's words, with Wang Zhaodi as a "precedent," she thought she might receive some leniency as a granddaughter-in-law, especially since she was pregnant.
Upon leaving the hospital, the pre-arranged tractor was already waiting there.
Lin Xiaoguai looked at the tractor before her somewhat emotionally. How many years had it been since she had seen this mode of transportation from her memories?
Shen Chi scooped her up with both hands before Lin Xiaoguai could react, and she found herself on the tractor. Shen Xiu followed, carrying two large bags.
"What are these?" Lin Xiaoguai asked, somewhat puzzled as she looked at the two sizable bags. If she remembered correctly, she hadn't brought any luggage when she came, and all she had worn in the hospital were patient clothes. At most, she could take a toothbrush, two towels, and a plastic basin.
"I made two sets of clothes for my sister-in-law," Shen Xiu said with a slight smile.
Lin Xiaogai's clothes were still in her old home in the countryside. Neither Shen Chi nor Shen Xiu had any desire to see that whole family at the moment.
Lin Xiaoguai didn't mind. Although her brother and sister-in-law had sold her, they had also provided her a dowry, including new quilts and clothes, everything a new bride would need, even adding better items out of guilt. Unfortunately for her, seeing those things only felt ironic. If she had a choice, she wouldn't want to use them at all.
The tractor moved forward with a rattling noise, and Lin Xiaoguai, unaccustomed to the swaying motion, was about to find something to hold onto when a hand reached out next to her and pulled her into a stranger's embrace.
The strong masculine scent hit her nose, and Lin Xiaoguai's body stiffened as she instinctively struggled, but her buttocks were suddenly lightly slapped, and a deep male voice sounded above her head, "Be good, don't move."
Lin Xiaoguai was utterly mortified and froze completely.
Shen Chi touched his nose, feeling a bit guilty as if he had just done something outrageous. He sneakily glanced at his wife, whose head was bowed in his arms, and couldn't help but recall the feeling of his palm just now, his ears discreetly turning red.
Feeling humiliated in her heart, Lin Xiaoguai thought of the instigator and felt somewhat injusticed, but she refrained from arguing over such a matter, considering her upbringing and with Xiuxiu watching.
Suddenly, she came up with a devious plan. A sly glint appeared in Lin Xiaoguai's eyes as she discreetly extended her delicate, fair hand and swiftly pinched the soft flesh around his waist, twisting it 360 degrees!
"Hisss—" Shen Chi inhaled sharply, his face contorting.
"What's wrong, brother?" Shen Xiu was startled.
"No, nothing," Shen Chi managed to control his facial expressions with difficulty, forcing a smile.
Shen Xiu was somewhat suspicious, but after watching him for a while and discovering nothing unusual, he didn't ask any further.
Throughout the event, Lin Xiaoguai kept her head down, silent, looking as innocent as possible.
Only when her hand grew tired did Lin Xiaoguai with reluctance retract it.