Chapter 1 Conflicts Between Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law
"Su Liang, you've been married to my son for nearly five years, haven't you?" Su Liang's mother-in-law, Li Mei, suddenly asked in a sharp tone over breakfast, her eyes carrying a probing and meaningful look, as though trying to uncover something.
After living with her mother-in-law for half a year, Su Liang had gained some understanding of her personality. Since Li Mei was her husband's mother and had raised him with great care, Su Liang always treated her with utmost respect. She endured whatever she could, never saying a word in protest. Even when something was unbearable, she wouldn't recklessly confront her elder. At most, she would vent her frustrations to her best friend, Zhang Yu.
All in all, Su Liang believed she had done quite well as a daughter-in-law. Even if she didn't score a perfect 100, she figured her efforts deserved at least an 80.
Su Liang was sipping her milk when the unexpected question caught her off guard, leaving her momentarily stunned.
"Su Liang, I'm talking to you! Didn't you hear me?" Li Mei's tone sharpened, her expression displeased as she shot a glare in Su Liang's direction.
"Yes, Mom, I heard you." Su Liang quickly smiled. "You're not mistaken; I've been married to Aze for four years, eleven months, and ten days."
"And when do you plan to give our family a son? Su Liang, you need to understand that Aze is our only son. As his mother, I'm counting on him to carry on the family line. He's almost thirty now. Back in our hometown, men his age already have kids in elementary school."
Hearing this, Su Liang immediately understood her mother-in-law's intentions—she was fixated on the idea of continuing the family line. Over the past few months, this had been Li Mei's favorite topic, often expressed bluntly: she wanted a healthy grandson.
Lowering her head, Su Liang forced a bitter smile. It wasn't as if she didn't want children. Heaven knew how much she loved kids, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't conceive. Maybe she'd never be able to.
She couldn't bring herself to admit this to her mother-in-law, fearing an outburst. Aside from Su Liang and Yi Ze, only her best friend Zhang Yu knew the truth. Even her own parents, who adored her, were left in the dark, as she couldn't bear to break their hearts.
Seeing Su Liang's silence, Li Mei sighed heavily, her tone becoming harsher. "Say something, Su Liang!"
"Mom, Aze and I have discussed this. We've decided we'll definitely have a child in a couple of years."
This was Su Liang's way of buying time. Ever since that incident, she had become highly sensitive about anything related to children. Fortunately, Yi Ze had reassured her: if she couldn't conceive, they would adopt and keep it a secret from their parents.
Su Liang had always believed Yi Ze genuinely loved her. That incident wasn't his fault—they were too young, barely able to support themselves, let alone a child.
Still, she regretted it deeply.
"A couple of years, a couple of years... That's all you two ever say to put me off. Do you know, when I was your age, Aze's older sister was already in elementary school? But you? There's not even a hint of progress!"
Li Mei's grumbling was filled with dissatisfaction, but there was little she could do. Her son adored Su Liang too much to tolerate her being upset.
Just then, Su Liang's phone rang. She glanced apologetically at her mother-in-law. "Mom, excuse me, I need to take this call."