The air became silent.
Zhou Xiaomei gave Shen Qingqing an apologetic glance.
She knew her sister-in-law was sharp-tongued; no one in the compound dared to provoke her.
But she didn't expect her emotional intelligence to be so low.
Making stupid mistakes repeatedly, and still thinking she could outshine Shen Qingqing, is that possible?
Suddenly pinched by someone, Lin Fengmian asked irritably, "Sister-in-law, why did you pinch me?"
Lin Zhidong couldn't just smooth things over; he sternly criticized, "The matter hasn't even surfaced yet, and you're making random guesses. How is this any different from spreading rumors?"
Zhou Xiaomei chimed in, "Miss Shen has work, she's very busy. Do you think she's like you, only needing to do laundry and cook at home? This place is so far from Beijing, do you know how much effort it takes to come here?"
This remark hurt Lin Fengmian's feelings.
"What's wrong with doing laundry and cooking? I also contribute to this family; otherwise, how can you and my brother go to work with peace of mind?"
Zhou Xiaomei also had a temper.
She invited Miss Shen for a meal, but her sister-in-law kept undermining things. It was utterly embarrassing.
At this rate, people in the compound would soon cut ties with them!
"If you're not happy taking care of children, you can go back to your hometown."
Again being told to go back to her hometown, and in front of so many people, Lin Fengmian blushed red with embarrassment.
She stiffened her neck and said, "If you look down on me, you shouldn't have let me come in the first place."
"On one hand, you want me to do laundry, cook, and take care of children, on the other, you despise me for not working. You've said everything, do you have any conscience?"
Even though she sounded triumphant, she felt deeply embarrassed in front of a rival.
Tears fell down Lin Fengmian's face.
Dripping into the soup bowl, she looked pitiful.
The people at the dinner table felt awkward.
As the ones named, Chen Shaojie and Shen Qingqing were in a bind, neither wanted to leave nor stay.
Compared to them, Lin Zhidong and Zhou Xiaomei were even more embarrassed.
Rarely gathering with friends, the meal tickets were spent, yet they hadn't made everyone happy.
Really a big loss!
Chen Shaojie tried to smooth things over, forcing a couple of laughs.
"Xiao Mian treats me like a brother, that's why she's worried for me. She means well, there's no need for us to make a big deal out of it."
Finally, someone stood on her side, and Lin Fengmian's tears flowed even more.
Compared to Jiang Zhixun, who remained cold and indifferent.
Not at all afraid of her crying.
If the person aggrieved were Shen Qingqing, would he be so calm?
Lin Fengmian felt even more upset.
Determined not to like Jiang Zhixun anymore, she found him and Shen Qingqing equally distasteful!
Wiping away her tears with her sleeve, "Brother Chen, do you really want to date?"
Chen Shaojie had a bad premonition.
Stammered, "Currently work takes priority."
"Then why did you ask Miss Shen to introduce you to someone?"
"Isn't it just a conversation that led there? She's from Beijing, how could she be willing to come to the Northwest?"
Lin Fengmian took a deep breath, "Anyway, whether sooner or later you'll date, since we know each other well, it saves worrying about being deceived or having a long-distance relationship. How about we date?"
Shen Qingqing had already taken Jiang Zhixun away, and now wanted to introduce her friend to Brother Chen.
No way!
She'd marry Brother Chen, live a prosperous life, and Jiang Zhixun might regret it.
After all, his wife wouldn't come to the compound to accompany him or do laundry and cook for him.
He'll understand the importance of marrying a good and virtuous wife only after enduring tough days!
"Clink," went a sound.
Lin Zhidong's chopsticks slipped, bounced off the table, and finally fell to the ground.
The air seemed frozen.
A few seconds passed before Lin Zhidong came to his senses.
Helpless, he said, "Let's eat properly, the relationship stuff can be discussed later."
The words were already out, Lin Fengmian insisted on hearing Chen Shaojie's answer.
"Brother Chen, what do you think?"
Chen Shaojie's back went cold.
Fake smiled twice, "It's in order, I've agreed with Miss Shen, and should meet her colleague first; it's bad to go back on the promise."
Lin Fengmian admired Jiang Zhixun, but unfortunately, he and Shen Qingqing were already married, and she couldn't straightforwardly snatch him from Shen Qingqing.
But things were different with Chen Shaojie.
He was still single.
They, both unmarried.
If Shen Qingqing dared to snatch him from her, she had every right to scratch Shen Qingqing's face!
Finding herself a way to counter Shen Qingqing, Lin Fengmian wouldn't relent.
"Even in order, I should be ahead. Brother Chen, you can't just give Miss Shen face and not consider your lifelong happiness. Marriage is better suited with simpler women."
Chen Shaojie was sweating continually, looking for help from Lin Zhidong.
Lin Zhidong was helpless too; his sister wasn't listening to him at all!
No choice, Chen Shaojie could only look at Shen Qingqing.
The latter was still playing with Xiao Bao, calm as ever!
As if the person insulted by Lin Fengmian wasn't her.
"Ahem, Miss Shen, why don't you call Beijing today and ask the lady's opinion? If it's possible, I'll take vacation during New Year and go to Beijing for a date."
Chen Shaojie knew Lin Fengmian's temper.
He couldn't handle such a fiery woman.
Whether the date could work or not, visiting Beijing to see the country's beautiful scenery was good enough.
First, solve the current dilemma.
Being repeatedly mocked by Lin Fengmian, even a mild-tempered person would be upset inside.
Shen Qingqing curled her lip, "Alright, I'm full anyway. I'll go make a call, otherwise, it might be hard to reach them after work."
She only had a few sips of soup and half a bun, no one would believe she was full.
Zhou Xiaomei quickly held Shen Qingqing's hand, placing a drumstick and meat-filled chicken pieces into her bowl.
"Eat a bit more, today is Xiao Bao's birthday. He likes you so much, if you leave now, he'll surely cry."
The little guy babbled something in his own way, not wanting Shen Qingqing to leave.
Pursing his little mouth, eyes full of tears, looking entirely innocent.
Lin Fengmian cursed the thankless brat, without considering who takes care of him usually!
Also cursed Shen Qingqing as a vixen.
She hadn't been in the compound for long, yet not only were all the men siding with her, even such a small child was clinging to her.
Isn't she a vixen?
Putting down her bowl, she crossed her arms, arrogantly staring at Shen Qingqing.
"Miss Shen, I want to date Brother Chen, yet you introduce someone else to date him, isn't that a bit wicked?"
Shen Qingqing was amused by her words, "Once you've dated Mr. Chen, then talk to me about this."
If someone else wanted to pursue Chen Shaojie, regardless of the outcome, she wouldn't interfere anymore.
But Lin Fengmian was causing her displeasure, so she'd make sure everyone felt displeased.
Shen Qingqing placed the bowl of meat in front of Jiang Zhixun.
Whether he eats it or not, he should deal with this problem.
After all, being hassled by Lin Fengmian and having to consider Zhou Xiaomei and her husband's feelings, being caught in the middle of a dilemma was all Jiang Zhixun's fault.
Patting Xiao Bao's head, "Auntie wishes you a happy birthday, Xiao Bao should grow up healthy and happy."
The little one couldn't understand, but knew his favorite aunt was about to leave.
His mouth turned down, eyes shut tight, and he began to sob.
Shen Qingqing told Zhou Xiaomei, "You comfort Xiao Bao first, and take your time to eat. I'm going to make the call."
She smiled appropriately, yet Zhou Xiaomei and Lin Zhidong felt utterly ashamed.
When inviting someone over for a meal, how could one let a guest suffer indignation?
What a mess!