"In-laws, you can't say that. As the ancient saying goes, if love can last for a long time, why worry about being together day and night."
"Our Zhengpeng has a chance to get a state-sponsored study abroad opportunity. After returning from studying abroad, his future achievements will be different. Chen Juan can also live a better life by his side, do you understand?"
Lou Xiaohui's distinctive Shanghai accent grated on Chen Yang's ears as he heard her from the kitchen.
He untied his apron and was about to go out, but Shen Xue tugged at his sleeve.
"Think about what you want to say before you go out. No matter what, we are the juniors. This is about your elder sister's happiness. Don't ruin the marriage because we don't say the right things."
Shen Xue knew that her husband was extremely protective of his family. Although they hadn't interacted much, she could feel that her elder sister-in-law was a good person and she didn't want Chen Juan to suffer any grievances.
But she was afraid that Chen Yang would be too impulsive and, by saying the wrong thing, strain the relationship, which would be counterproductive.
"I know, I won't be impulsive."
Chen Yang took a deep breath. At this moment, Qin Lifen glanced at the embarrassed Li Zhengpeng. It was clear that her eldest son-in-law hadn't expected his parents to bring up this matter right away.
"In-law, it's good for young people to strive for progress."
"But we also need to consider their own thoughts. Have you considered Zhengpeng's own plans and ambitions for the future?"
Qin Lifen did not show any displeasure. State-sponsored study abroad opportunities were highly sought after in those days, and many people would break their heads to get a chance to go abroad.
What parent wouldn't want their children to be more accomplished? She understood the intentions of Li Zhengpeng's parents.
However, understanding was one thing, but when it came to her daughter's happiness, she would not back down on this issue.
"Mom and Dad, there aren't many quotas for state-sponsored overseas study, and it's not certain that I'll get one."
"Besides, Chen Juan and I are getting married tomorrow. I don't want to go abroad so soon. There will be opportunities in the future. We are still young."
Li Zhengpeng knew that his mother-in-law was putting pressure on him. If he didn't step up now, he wouldn't be a man.
Hearing Li Zhengpeng's words, Chen Yang silently gave his elder brother-in-law a thumbs-up. In his previous life, his brother-in-law had chosen not to study abroad and instead pursued further studies at a domestic university, specializing in his field.
Even as a worker-peasant-soldier university student, he had made significant contributions in the field of geology and later served as the dean of the School of Geology at Jinling University for one term.
In those days, many people who studied abroad at the country's expense would try their best to betray their motherland, preferring to work in restaurants as undocumented immigrants in the United States rather than return.
Compared to them, his brother-in-law's achievements and the treatment he enjoyed in the end were far superior.
"Zhengpeng, when adults are talking, it's not your place to interrupt. What do you know?"
Lou Xiaohui glared at Li Zhengpeng. China was still very backward in this era, and there were countless people in the country who were blindly admiring foreign things and envying the superior living conditions abroad.
In the eyes of many, studying abroad meant being superior. If one could stay abroad, their life would be completely different.
The daughter of the neighbors next to Lou Xiaohui's parents' house had gone abroad to study and was reportedly staying in the United States, even sending US dollars back home.
"Mom and Dad, I'm not a child anymore. I'm 25 this year. I'm an independent adult with my own ideas and plans. I ask you to respect me."
"Furthermore, I love my motherland. Perhaps our country is very backward now, but our people are diligent, brave, and hardworking!"
"Our country will one day reach, and even surpass, those developed countries."
"Perhaps their technology is more advanced, and worth our learning and reference, but how can we learn things from others for free?"
"We all have two eyes and one brain to think. I also don't believe that Chinese people are inherently inferior to others. Without going abroad, I can still grasp the principles, survey land for the country, search for resources, and understand the intricacies."
Li Zhengpeng was a very amiable person. Neither Chen Juan nor Chen Yang had ever seen him with such a firm and resolute attitude.
Perhaps many people could not imagine that in this era, when people went to university, they chose their majors not based on their preferences, but according to the needs of the country.
This impoverished country, desperately lacking talent, they studied and explored with all their might to fill in the gaps in the country's scientific indicators.
When Li Zhengpeng chose geology, he had only one goal: to understand the underground strata and find oil fields for the country!
"Zhengpeng, I support you. Whatever decision you make in the future, even if you want to go to the Gobi Desert, I will go with you."
"Someone has to do practical work, and someone has to make sacrifices. I, Chen Juan, may not have such high academic knowledge, but wherever you go, I will not be a burden to you."
"I'll do the laundry, cook, and take care of the children. I'll be with you."
Chen Juan hugged Li Zhengpeng's arm and said firmly.
Looking at the two of them, Li Zhengyang and Lou Xiaohui were crestfallen and silent. Sudancdn.com
"Sister, brother-in-law, I support you."
"I was originally planning to give this to you as a wedding gift tomorrow, but I'll give it to you now. I hope you will always be united."
Chen Yang took out the watches he had prepared for his elder sister and brother-in-law from his bag. In the old days, watches were called "zhong," and "zhong" sounded like "zhong" (loyal), symbolizing loyalty.
He hoped that the feelings between his elder sister and brother-in-law would always be loyal and steadfast, no matter how time passed.
"Yangyang, this, this is too valuable."
Looking at the two "Baoshihua" brand watches Chen Yang took out, Li Zhengpeng and Chen Juan were both surprised.
Shanghai Baoshihua brand watches were not cheap in those days.
They were planning to buy the "three turns and one sound" (bicycle, sewing machine, watch, and radio). Buying bicycles alone had cost them a lot of money, and the sewing machine had also cost a lot. They still had to pay for the wedding banquet.
Therefore, the couple had planned to buy watches and radios slowly after the wedding. Now, Chen Yang had given them two watches at once, which was not a small gift.
"Sister, brother-in-law, this is nothing."
"I won't be able to be filial to Mom and Dad for five years in Anhui Province. When I return, you'll have to take care of Mom and Dad more. You've sacrificed much more than I have."
"Don't worry about the house. Whether my sister can exchange a quota from her colleagues at the Education Bureau or not, I will find a way to get it done."
"Uncle and Aunt, look at my two little ones, such adorable grandchildren. Don't you want to dote on them?"
Chen Yang smiled and carried two charming and naive babies to Li Zhengyang and Lou Xiaohui.
His brother-in-law had already argued what needed to be argued, and there was no need for him to play the villain.
He could tell that his brother-in-law's parents were merely displaying a bit of Shanghai arrogance, thinking that their family's conditions were poor and his sister was not good enough for his brother-in-law.
So now he would tell them: the "three turns and one sound" that your family didn't pay for, our family is paying for; the house that your family can't secure, our family will secure.
Only when everyone is on equal footing can this family have a foundation for happiness.