Chapter 93: Previously, I Wanted to Be a Kind Father

Shen Meng felt her temples throbbing. She clutched her forehead, feeling dizzy, her vision blurring, and a tightness in her chest. Turning to look at Lu Zhenping, whose face was equally grim, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Thankfully, there’s someone to share this burden with me, or I might just die of anger.

She’d already said her piece to Mingliang last night, but he hadn’t taken it to heart. She’d been trying to steer them away from trouble, and these two seemed well-intentioned, but they’d given her quite a surprise.

Lu Zhenping felt equally miserable. Such outrageous behavior—he wouldn’t have dared do anything like that as a child. These two rascals are truly bold!

Seeing the distressed expressions on their faces, Uncle Guai quickly stepped in to mediate.

“Oh, thank goodness their grandfather didn’t take it personally. He just scolded them and sent them back. However, things aren’t looking good for Jiaxuan. His wife’s hair is in a terrible state, like a dog chewed it. No wonder Jiaxuan is upset. And I heard his wife is pregnant and causing a commotion at home. What a mess!”

Shen Meng’s heart tightened at Uncle Guai’s words.

“Uncle Guai, what does it mean that Jiaxuan’s situation isn’t looking good? What about Mingyang and Mingliang? Were they beaten? And how did we find out about this?”

Lu Zhenping cleared his throat, “You wouldn’t know the sound of an iron pot shattering. These two boys must have been caught red-handed.”

“Well, Jiaxuan did get involved, but it wasn’t a serious beating. Changzhu intervened and stopped Jiaxuan from going too far.”

Shen Meng glared at Lu Zhenping, as if he were the one who’d beaten the children. She was frustrated. Ever since this man returned home yesterday, there had been no peace. It was truly a miserable situation.

“They’ve already been disciplined. You can’t beat them again when you get home. Deep down, these children care about you and Mingfang. Yesterday, you were so harsh with their grandfather, and Jiaxuan’s wife pulled a lock of Mingfang’s hair. It’s understandable that they’re upset.”

Shen Meng knew these children truly cared about her and Mingfang. But that only made her more distressed. Adult problems should be dealt with by adults, not children. She absolutely wouldn’t let these children repeat the mistakes of their past life.

“We understand, Uncle Guai. Don’t worry.”

Lu Zhenping finished speaking, and Uncle Guai turned to drive the ox cart. He had spoken up to prevent Jiaxuan from coming looking for trouble. The children had been disciplined by their parents, and he didn’t want them to get hurt again.

Mingyang, Mingliang, and Mingfang have been through so much together. How could their older brothers not defend their sister?

As the ox cart drew closer to home, the anger inside them intensified.

“I think we shouldn’t rush things. Teenagers are bound to have their rebellious moments. After all, their mother and sister were wronged. Don’t you agree?”

“Yes. I just got back from the army, and it’s been three years since I last saw them. We shouldn’t be too strict, or they won’t feel close to me. The army ways won’t work with children. Previously, I wanted to be a kind father.”

Their conversation ended, and a quiet descended upon the ox cart. In the quiet corners, the couple held each other’s hands tightly.

Upon arriving home, Uncle Guai quickly led his ox away. Though worried about Mingyang and Mingliang, he was relieved that Lu Zhenping was back home. He would surely discipline the children. There were enough problems at home already. He needed to go back.

Lu Zhenping reached out to help Shen Meng, but before he could, she strode into the hall, her earlier dizziness gone. It reminded him of when Ma Xiang’s son had been scolded by his wife, and the wife had been just as agitated.

He reached the doorway, saw a broom lying on the floor, glanced inside, then kicked it far away.

◈◈◈

The couple sat on stools, silent for a while. Lu Zhenping watched Shen Meng, breathing heavily on the stool, and swallowed nervously.

Indeed, an angry woman is as formidable as a tiger.

“It’s not yet time for school. Why don’t you go lie down inside? Haven’t you heard the doctor’s advice? You need to rest more. Let me handle the children. You’ve always taken care of everything. Let me take the lead this time.”

“You can consider my previous words as if they never existed. I shouldn’t have gotten so angry at them before. They really crossed the line today. Whether their father or Zhou Jiaojiao did wrong, they’re adults. This is an adult matter. They shouldn’t have interfered. If we don’t teach them a lesson today, it’ll only get worse. I tell you, I want to give them a complete childhood. I’ll find you a suitable weapon. Wait for me.”

Lu Zhenping: “. . .”

No need to be so harsh. Discipline is necessary, but if we can avoid physical punishment, it’s better.

Shen Meng was furious. A beating now would be better than facing a worse fate later. Zhou Jiaojiao is the protagonist, and she likely has some kind of protagonist aura. I’m not afraid of that, but the children might not be able to withstand it.

She went inside, pretending to search through the drawers, but actually retrieved a red five-pointed star box from her space. Inside was a belt with a buckle.

She came out, placing the box on the table and sternly said, “You’d better not try to be a kind father. This was bought for you from the Supply and Marketing Cooperative some time ago. It’s useful now. Go ahead and show them your authority.”

Lu Zhenping’s eyes lit up at the sight of the box on the table. A wave of emotion washed over him. He opened it to reveal a black belt with a silver five-pointed star buckle. It was quite beautiful.

“You bought this for me? When did you buy it? Why did you think of buying this for me? Is it expensive?”

“This isn’t the time to talk about that. Did you hear what I said?”

Lu Zhenping wasn’t listening. He was focused on the belt. It wasn’t cheap, about five or six yuan. It felt like genuine leather. It was quite good.

“Shen Meng, you are a good comrade, a good wife.”

“Huh?”

Lu Zhenping smiled. The anger he’d felt about his sons had vanished. Though his sons were a bit rebellious, his wife was thoughtful. His previous rash thoughts were unfounded.