Chapter 135 Stirring
"That’s enough!" Another man’s voice echoed from the living room downstairs.
Su Rongcheng and Xin Wan had returned.
Shang Qingmei looked down at the couple below, who could be described as a perfect match. If there was anyone in the Su family that she was cautious around, it was Su Rongcheng.
These two children from Su Zhen’s previous marriage weren’t her own, so there was always a sense of distance, not to mention trying to use filial piety to coerce them. Su Rongxing was pampered and wouldn’t cause much trouble, but Su Rongcheng was different. He was groomed by Su Zhen to be the successor of the Su family. Although he appeared to be nonchalant and had playboy tendencies, he possessed a more controlling spirit than Su Zhen. After all, as Su Zhen’s wife, she could still use the wiles of a woman to deal with Su Zhen, but with Su Rongcheng, she always maintained a non-interfering attitude. She also knew that Su Rongcheng had a good relationship with her son. Was Su Rongcheng going to meddle now?
"Rongcheng, I was just educating Ronggui. You’re back? Wanwan, did you enjoy the banquet tonight?" She said with a smile, changing her tone, but the implication was clear: I’m educating my son, so you, young master, shouldn’t meddle!
However, Su Rongcheng didn’t take the hint, and simply laughed, "What’s wrong with Ronggui studying journalism? I think it’s great! Dad has said that our generation is living in the best of times, so we should contribute our small efforts to advance social progress. Among the few of us, it seems only Ronggui has achieved that as a renowned journalist. As for me, I’m far behind. Though I’m two years older than Ronggui, I’ve accomplished nothing and am full of faults. Isn’t everybody outside just laughing at me? All the gossip is about me. I’m a disgrace to the Su family—otherwise, Dad wouldn’t be forever threatening to beat me. I’m the one tarnishing the Su family name, so I deserve a beating, right?"
Shang Qingmei listened, her teeth clenched in anger. Su Rongcheng—this sly fox—no wonder people outside called him a smiling tiger! His self-deprecating remarks were nothing but an effort to support Su Ronggui, warning her not to cause a scandal that would embarrass the Su family, or else Su Zhen would blame her too!
"What are you saying, Rongcheng? You’re the most promising child in our Su family. When people outside speak of you, they only give a thumbs-up!" She maintained the demeanor of a kind and graceful stepmother and turned to Su Ronggui, "Ronggui, go back to your room."
But Su Ronggui, carrying his luggage, headed downstairs. "Mom, I’m leaving."
"Ronggui! Don’t forget that you’re my flesh and blood! Aren’t you afraid that others will criticize you for abandoning your mother like this?"
Su Ronggui still felt the heat on his face. He turned back, "Mom, I will always cherish the bond between us as mother and son. I hope you will too."