Chapter 1381: Unable to Fit In
Xi Dong nodded, "I understand."
His mind was also in turmoil, and now he didn’t understand what he was thinking at the time. But since things are this way, he would apologize to Dad tonight and explain it.
Li Yunqiang came over to cook after washing up.
The dough was left to rise after noon, ready to be made into steamed buns at night.
Xi Dong sat by the stove to make a fire. "Dad, I’m working overtime during the New Year."
Li Yunqiang nodded indifferently. He had come to terms with it. Without expectations, there would naturally be no disappointments.
"You ran into Chaoyang in the city?"
"Yes, he was driving Jing Chu to the building to buy things, and I ran into them.
Dad, when did Chaoyang come back?"
"He returned together with Wei Kaiyun and their family. Guodong’s Dad is now also living in the village. They all came back together.
Oh, right. Xue’er is getting married on May 1st."
"Getting married? Aren’t they too young?"
"They registered the marriage over at Guodong’s place."
"Then I need to take leave to go back."
"Hmm, if you don’t have time, then just don’t return."
"I’ll take leave; how can I not come back for my sister’s wedding?"
So now he knew why Jing Chu was buying so many things.
"Dad, do you know that Chaoyang and Jing Chu are dating?"
Li Yunqiang paused for a moment. "I don’t know; I haven’t had the time to visit your second uncle’s house lately. How did you find out?"
"Chaoyang and Jing Chu told me."
"Then it’s true." He now understood his son’s thoughts. However, he disliked the idea of marrying a ’zhiqing’ lady.
But in the future, he wouldn’t be meddling in Xi Dong’s affairs anymore. So he could do whatever he pleased.
The four sat down for dinner. "Dad, I’m going to Wei Master’s house."
Li Yunqiang nodded.
Xi Dong arrived at the Wei Family home where they were eating, and Chaoyang was also there, having come over with Lv Beiguang.
"Master Wei, Teacher Jiang."
"Ah, Xi Dong is here? Have you eaten? Want some more?" Jiang Xinyu asked with a smile.
"Teacher Jiang, I’ve already eaten." He noticed three strangers.
Wei Kaiyun finished eating and put down his bowl and chopsticks. He sat across from Xi Dong.
"Why did you come back this time?"
Xi Dong had genuine respect for Wei Kaiyun, but the question made him feel embarrassed.
"Master Wei, I didn’t come back during the New Year."
Wei Kaiyun nodded and said no more.
Xi Dong was still waiting for him to ask about his life outside, so he could express his desire to quit his job and return home.
But the man showed no interest in Xi Dong’s affairs, not asking a single question, and Xi Dong felt deeply hurt. Dejected.
By then the children had finished eating and stacked their stools to one side.
They greeted Xi Dong and three of them then joined Yang Yujie and the others to play with the three smaller kids.
Chaoyang finished eating; he whispered a few words with Lv Beiguang and Jing Chu and then sat down.
All being acquaintances, they spoke more casually. "Master, I’m going to propose to Uncle Lv tomorrow, will you join my parents?"
"Me? I should be on the bride’s side."
"Master, shouldn’t you be on my side?"
Wei Kaiyun shook his head with a smile, "I’m family to the bride. If you ever mistreat Jing Chu, it’ll be easier for me to deal with you."
Chaoyang looked at Wei Kaiyun with a bitter face, "Why would I do that?"
"It’s best you don’t. Otherwise, you’ll get a taste of the bride’s family’s ways."
Xi Dong watched the two chat freely, feeling deeply unbalanced.
Wei Kaiyun noticed his demeanor but said nothing. This attitude really wouldn’t do.
They had started clearing the table, and Xi Dong felt uncomfortable, like a complete outsider.
Unable to stay any longer, he stood up. "Master Wei, I’m heading back."
"Alright." Wei Kaiyun nodded with a smile.
Xi Dong left the Wei Family with a somber expression. Why was it like this? Why was he not given a chance?
He stormed off to Li Yungui’s house.
"Xi Dong is here? Have you eaten?" Qu Xiaoli asked with a smile; she was in a good mood.
"Second Aunt, I’ve already eaten. Where’s my second uncle?"
Li Yungui came out from inside and sat directly in the courtyard.
"What do you want?"
"Second Uncle."
Li Yungui was expressionless as he looked at his nephew, who he used to think was good, but after one thing after another, he grew increasingly disappointed, so he was unwilling to engage.
"Second Uncle, I want to sell my job and come back to live in the village."
"Discuss it with your Dad." Meaning he wouldn’t get involved.
"Second Uncle, why are you treating me like this?" Xi Dong’s voice unconsciously grew louder.
At this moment, Changhe came out. "Shout at your own house, this is mine." Why take anger out on his dad?
Xi Dong realized his mistake, his face flushed with embarrassment.
"Second Uncle, I was just anxious."
Wang Menglin also came out, expressionless, sitting nearby, making it very clear — she didn’t trust Xi Dong and feared her father-in-law would suffer losses.
"Xi Dong, what are you thinking?"
"Second Uncle, I’m very unhappy outside; I don’t want to continue."
"Do you know how many people compete for just one job spot like yours? You’ve thought about selling it, but you need to understand why would anyone buy it?"
Xi Dong was indeed reluctant, which is why he came to talk, hoping others would make the decision for him.
Qu Xiaoli came over, also looking unhappy. "Xi Dong, take your matters home to discuss with your family. Your second uncle has been busy all day; he’s older and needs to rest quickly."
Xi Dong lowered his head, stood up, said nothing, and left.
Qu Xiaoli pulled Wang Menglin to stand up. "Why are you outside?"
"Mom, it’s okay; I just came to get some fresh air."
The older couple understood her intentions and were moved; this is how a family should be, extremely satisfied with such a daughter-in-law.
Qu Xiaoli advised Li Yungui to wash his feet and truly rest, as he was indeed getting older and couldn’t continue this way.
"Honey, why is Xi Dong acting like this?"
"His ambitions are too high."
Regarding his nephew turning out this way, Li Yungui felt uncomfortable inside. This wouldn’t do for the kid; he had to talk to Old Fourth.
Li Yungui sighed; Old Fourth’s parents passed away when he was young, so the three brothers had taken good care of him, thereby fostering selfishness in him.
His children were raised the same way. Truly, there was no solution. What would happen in the future? Even the previously best Xi Dong was like this. How would Old Fourth cope with old age? No one could be relied upon.
"Xiao Li, keep an ear out for suitable matches, still introduce someone to Yunqiang, so he’ll have companionship in old age."
"Yes, I’ve got some people lined up. Yunqiang hasn’t refused."
Li Yungui nodded, indicating there was still some clarity left.