Rebirth Counterattack with Space

"As long as it makes you satisfied and happy, that’s fine."

Lu Aiguo did not have the same intense affection for Zhao Xuan as he did for his darling daughter, Xia Yuan. In his view, Zhao Xuan’s existence was only to steer the misguided lad at home back on the right track and successfully bear him a descendant, be it a grandson or granddaughter; that would qualify her as adequate.

The longer he stood at the pinnacle, the more confident Lu Aiguo became. Families like theirs weren’t afraid of daughters-in-law from their sons’ marriages acting like domineering queens and causing chaos, as occurred in some ordinary households.

Even if the daughter-in-law had already birthed ten sons before she married in. Even if her family was powerful and her temper was big, she couldn’t turn the heavens upside down. No matter how big of a temper she had, she’d have to keep it in check in front of him and his wife. If she wasn’t obedient, he had plenty of tactics at his disposal.

Of course, the current daughter-in-law was naturally well-behaved and, unexpectedly, truly got along well with his wife, which pleased Lu Aiguo even more for managing to win his wife’s favor.

Since he was satisfied with Zhao Xuan, he naturally did not mind being generous to her and her last remaining relative, her grandfather. His quick agreement to allow Zhao Xuan’s grandfather to join them for medicinal baths was proof enough.

"The girl has a one-track mind; once she takes to someone, she will treat that person with utmost sincerity. It’s very relaxing to be around her; you don’t need to overthink. Whatever she’s thinking, she won’t hide from you. She doesn’t play games or beat around the bush; she lays everything out in front of you."

Xia Yuan, quite contentedly smiling, immediately gave a preemptive warning, "A person’s character is mostly innate, though postnatal influences definitely play a role, but it’s limited. Her straightforwardness is good, but sometimes it’s too direct, which might cause misunderstandings or make others uncomfortable with what she says.

Anyway, just remember that I like her as much as Xiaoyun. Sometimes you can be petty to the extreme, especially when it comes to matters concerning me. Anyway, just don’t be vengeful and play dirty tricks behind her back because some word of hers pricked your heart; I won’t allow it."

Lu Aiguo listened and nodded, "Alright, don’t worry about it. She’s already entered our family; why would I use the same tactics on her that I do on outsiders? But you’re not afraid Xiaoyun will get jealous when you say you like her as much as you do Xiaoyun?"

"Xiaoyun isn’t as petty as you," Xia Yuan said, secretly relieved and smiling.

The corners of Lu Aiguo’s mouth lifted slightly; his wife enjoyed watching their daughter-in-law’s happiness, and he actually liked seeing his wife so pleased. Even if he sometimes found Zhao Xuan’s chatter annoying, he could still barely tolerate it.

After the meal, Lu Aiguo accompanied Xia Yuan in the yard as she fussed over the vegetables and fruits she had planted, as a way to aid digestion. Xia Yuan’s hobbies and interests changed every few years, and now she had taken up gardening.

As they were busy, Zhao Xuan walked in, greeted them with a "Dad, Mom," and naturally went over to help.

"Are you in such a good mood because something happened?" Xia Yuan asked when she saw the smile on Zhao Xuan’s face.

"Mhm."

Still riding the wave of excitement, Zhao Xuan chattered away about what had happened. She was particularly thrilled when talking about her classmates standing up for her, "It’s my first time realizing that my classmates can differentiate right from wrong and have a strong sense of justice. Especially the male classmates who were so rational and not dazzled by beauty, they used the lower half..."

Suddenly remembering that her father-in-law, Lu Aiguo, was present, Zhao Xuan abruptly stopped, embarrassed to continue. She paused before smiling and saying, "It really took me by surprise." Then she wrapped it up.

Listening to her, Lu Aiguo couldn’t help but secretly scorn. If it weren’t for the arrangements he had made in advance, after being reminded by his wife, Zhao Xuan might not have been excited upon her return, but instead, more likely to have been crying.

Tsk, tsk, to think she still hasn’t snapped out of it this late, her son’s taste in choosing a partner is really... She also wondered if her own lack of intelligence might one day affect her grandson or granddaughter.

Lu Aiguo suddenly became deeply worried, and with a stifled voice, said, "I should head out too." After saying that, he went over to the nearby well, drew some water, and started washing his hands.

Xia Yuan was amused and quietly made a mental note of Liu Yongqiang, Ma Qisheng, and Ye Hongbo.

Zhao Xuan saw Lu Aiguo’s actions: "..."

She blinked, looking at Xia Yuan questioningly and somewhat anxiously. She wondered if she had somehow upset her father-in-law? She was a bit nervous around him, always feeling that he seemed too serious, not given to smiling, and not easy to get close to, especially with the scar on his face which looked scary when he wasn’t smiling.

It was only when she was with her mother-in-law that she dared to speak freely in front of her father-in-law.

Xia Yuan: "..."

She used a whisper, "What’s wrong with you now, acting all grumpy, you know you’re scaring Xuanxuan, right?"

"How did Jinsheng end up with someone so dumb? What if it affects the intelligence of my grandchildren?" Lu Aiguo also whispered grumpily.

"You, you really like to worry about needless things," Xia Yuan helplessly continued whispering.

"Mom, what’s wrong with Dad?" Seeing Lu Aiguo turn to leave, Zhao Xuan asked Xia Yuan in a worried whisper.

"It’s nothing, he’s just feeling inferior. He didn’t go to university himself, and he really admires educated people. So when he heard you talking about your interesting experiences at university, his inferiority complex kicked in."

"..." Zhao Xuan’s face went blank, not knowing what to say. She found it hard to believe her mother-in-law’s words. Hehe, her father-in-law seemed to be a person with a very strong presence, how could he possibly be associated with the words "inferiority complex"?

As Lu Aiguo reached the doorway, he stumbled, almost tripping over his own feet. He worried about his image – he suddenly feared that if by any chance his slightly silly daughter-in-law actually believed this, the "legend" of him would end up being passed down to his grandchildren. By then, he wondered if even jumping into the Yellow River would be enough to clear his name.

Only Xia Yuan was snickering to herself.

Seeing Zhao Xuan’s face clearly expressing ’I don’t believe it,’ she patted her hand, "Don’t overthink it. Your father-in-law probably just remembered something upsetting at work today. You’ll get used to it if you stay longer. That’s just how he is, too emotional. Anyway, I got used to it a long time ago—it doesn’t surprise me anymore."

After finishing her words, she glanced sideways at Lu Aiguo.

Zhao Xuan suddenly understood.

Lu Aiguo steadied himself, the bitter smile on his face as he consoled himself: All right, being emotional and unpredictable was still somewhat better sounding than "inferiority complex."