Leaving the Phoenix Street Police Station, Chen Xiao immediately asked Luo Dali to drive.
Luo Dali's car was a valuable Santana that his father gave him on his twenty-fourth birthday.
In 2006, if a family owned a Santana, they were definitely not ordinary; they had some financial resources.
Driving Luo Dali's Santana, Chen Xiao headed to the train station as quickly as possible.
Upon arriving at the station square, Chen Xiao had to search for a while before finding his mother-in-law, Han Meixiang, sitting on a stone post.
Han Meixiang wasn't fond of talking and was a very honest person.
But people like her have a very distinct characteristic: they're agreeable about everything, except when they've set their mind on something; then, not even nine oxen could drag them back.
So, facing his mother-in-law again, Chen Xiao felt a bit guilty inside.
He knew that Han Meixiang's visit this time was for one purpose: to take Lin Xi back to her family home.
She was already dissatisfied with Chen Xiao, the son-in-law.
Approaching Han Meixiang, Chen Xiao smiled and called, "Mom, sorry to keep you waiting."
Han Meixiang merely glanced at Chen Xiao before standing up.
Perhaps from sitting too long on the stone post, Han Meixiang's legs went numb and she almost wobbled.
Chen Xiao quickly supported her and asked worriedly, "Mom, are you okay?"
Han Meixiang pushed Chen Xiao away: "Just numb legs, it's nothing."
Chen Xiao nodded, turned around, and picked up all the luggage. Luo Dali then smiled and said, "Auntie, you've been on the train a long time, right? How about I take you to a diner for some food first?"
Han Meixiang knew Luo Dali. Neither Lin Xi nor Han Meixiang had a favorable opinion of Chen Xiao's friends, except for Luo Dali, who they tolerated a bit more; because the guy didn't have any particularly bad habits—just one that couldn't be known to the ladies.
"Why waste money going to a diner? I brought some ingredients; cooking at home won't take long."
Knowing his mother-in-law's temperament, Chen Xiao nodded repeatedly: "Mom is right, we'll cook at home, just in time for Xiaoxi to get off work soon."
The three of them stopped talking and rode back to the apartment in Luo Dali's Santana.
On the way, Han Meixiang didn't say a word, but Chen Xiao knew she had something to say but kept silent because of the outsider, Luo Dali.
Finally back home, perhaps sensing the tension, Luo Dali found an excuse and slipped away.
As soon as Luo Dali left, Han Meixiang called out from the kitchen, "Chen Xiao, come in and help me."
Chen Xiao quickly went to the kitchen and asked with a smile, "Mom, what do you need me to do?"
Han Meixiang didn't look at him; she just said softly, "You know why I came to the city this time, right?"
In his past life, Chen Xiao didn't see his mother-in-law that day, which led to his divorce from Lin Xi, and he never communicated with Han Meixiang.
He remembered the day he went to the Civil Affairs Bureau, Han Meixiang was waiting outside. Without saying a word, she took Lin Xi away as soon as they came out.
At that moment, Han Meixiang was picking vegetables and gritting her teeth.
Chen Xiao knew that for Han Meixiang, who was conservative and somewhat stubborn, saying such words required determination.
She didn't want "divorced" marked in Lin Xi's personal records, but Chen Xiao had disappointed her too much.
Chen Xiao took a deep breath, knowing that he had to face what was unavoidable; otherwise, Han Meixiang wouldn't be in such a hurry to speak right after Luo Dali left.
"I understand, Mom, but can you give me a chance? I don't want to give up on Xiaoxi; our relationship hasn't reached a dead end yet."
Chen Xiao's tone was sincere, without any temper.
This surprised Han Meixiang, who looked up at him.
In her memory, her son-in-law, Chen Xiao, was impatient and had a bad temper.
Especially when discussing his marriage with Lin Xi, Chen Xiao would visibly react.
For Chen Xiao, marriage to Lin Xi was taboo. Anyone who brought it up would trigger an absurd sense of pride.
Reflecting on his past life, he never spoke to Han Meixiang so gently. He always felt the world thought him unworthy of Lin Xi.
Han Meixiang regained her composure, her expression still indifferent: "What chance can I give you? Opportunities have always been in the hands of young people. Everyone wants a good life. But look at Xiaoxi, has she had a good life? Is there anything in this house that you earned with your hands?"
For a moment, Chen Xiao was speechless, finding nothing to say.
Han Meixiang, usually quiet, spoke more coldly: "Chen Xiao, I really don't want my daughter to become divorced. But I see clearly now—with you, she's jumping into a pit of fire. As a mother, I can't watch her do that."
If it were the old Chen Xiao, he would have jumped and accused Han Meixiang of materialism.
But really, was Han Meixiang materialistic?
No, Han Meixiang was a good mother-in-law. Even on the day of the divorce, she didn't demand division of assets from Lin Xi, only telling Chen Xiao's father they didn't want anything and they both must survive after separation.
Thus, regarding Lin Xi and her family, Chen Xiao felt guilt.
Bastard!
How did he live so foolishly before!
Seeing Han Meixiang's increasingly cold demeanor, Chen Xiao took a deep breath: "Mom, I understand how you feel, and I admit I've been a complete jerk. But can we postpone this decision until Xiaoxi returns?"
Han Meixiang hesitated a little before nodding. Even after nodding, she couldn't help but sigh.
Waiting for Lin Xi to return was silent and unbearable.
During this time, Han Meixiang didn't speak much, only silently cooking.
When all the dishes were served, Chen Xiao guiltily found half were his favorites, and the rest Lin Xi's.
Finally, Lin Xi opened the door with her keys.
Entering, Lin Xi changed shoes: "Honey, Mom hasn't been waiting long, has she?"
Hearing Lin Xi's term of endearment, Han Meixiang paused briefly. But Lin Xi came over, joyfully hugging Han Meixiang.
"Mom, I missed you. I'm so glad to have you staying here again."
Faced with her daughter, Han Meixiang rarely smiled. She treated both her daughters as precious.
Soon after, mother and daughter released their embrace, and Lin Xi spotted the sumptuous meal.
"Wow, so many delicious dishes! Mom, you're wonderful. I haven't eaten a hot meal in days."
Lin Xi spoke absent-mindedly, but her comment soured Han Meixiang's expression.
Thinking about how her daughter works tirelessly, while her son-in-law, who should be supporting them, fails to provide even a hot meal, firmed Han Meixiang's resolve.
However, Lin Xi quickly realized and apologized to Chen Xiao, pulling Han Meixiang closer.
After her mother sat down, Lin Xi proudly said:
"Mom, Chen Xiao did something amazing! Our district leaders couldn't praise him enough!"
Han Meixiang was stunned.
Chen Xiao did something incredible?
Even the district leaders praised him?
Is this… possible?
Before Han Meixiang could speak, Lin Xi took out a document from her bag and slapped it onto the table.
The header had only three words—[Letter of Gratitude!]