Chapter 424: Chapter 424

Song Moting and Qin Ming heard the laughter and came over, so they were assigned to watch the three children play indoors while the three women went to the kitchen.

Jiang Yue and Jiang Xin were already scrambling to do the work, leaving Jiang Xiaoxiao as a decorative piece.

She could only move a small stool and sit there cracking sunflower seeds.

Pretending to ask Jiang Xin nonchalantly.

"Second sister, why did brother-in-law go back? Leaving you and your daughter to return to your hometown alone, don’t you have any thoughts?"

Jiang Xin lowered her head, washing vegetables as she spoke.

"My mother-in-law isn’t well and wants to visit relatives back home. They haven’t seen each other for so many years, and who knows if they’ll have the chance again. It’s only right for your brother-in-law to accompany her."

"Second sister, is it because Zhaodi and Ladi dissatisfy brother-in-law?"

Jiang Xiaoxiao completely tore away the fig leaf.

Jiang Xin’s hand paused, "Your brother-in-law isn’t a bad person, he just wants a son. In a way, he isn’t wrong. Who doesn’t want a son in every household? It’s just that I lack the ability, unable to give him a son. It’s no wonder he’s always upset."

Speaking of this, Jiang Xin felt guilty. After all, every household places importance on having a son.

The preference for sons over daughters isn’t just a single family’s issue.

The wish of her husband and mother-in-law to have a grandson is understandable. That’s why she works tirelessly, without complaint, enduring both hits and scolds.

It’s simply because she lacks the ability to give birth to a son.

"Second sister, what if brother-in-law still wants you to have more children?"

The one-child policy was about to begin soon, and with Jiang Xin and Qin Dazhuang both being factory workers, having more children then would risk not only fines but also losing their jobs.

Jiang Xin’s face turned pale, "Your brother-in-law asked their workshop director. The director said that while the one-child policy is starting, it’s not strictly enforced yet. If we hurry, we might still have a chance."

"But what if this child is another daughter?"

Jiang Xiaoxiao’s words weren’t without basis. Her sister indeed gave birth to three daughters in her past life.

Jiang Xin looked distressed and shook her head, "It won’t happen. We’ll surely have a son."

She dared not think about this outcome and was a bit resentful towards her sister for suggesting it.

Knowing how difficult it is for her in her in-law’s house, without a son to rely on, how could her mother-in-law and husband treat her kindly? She didn’t dare imagine how she’d continue living without one.

This was rubbing salt in her wounds.

"Xiaoxiao, how could you say that to your second sister? Second sister, don’t listen to her, it’s New Year’s. Who talks like that? It’s just bringing bad luck. Rest assured, just looking at your face, you seem destined for both sons and daughters.

If you have another child, it’ll surely be a boy."

Fang Xiaohui, unwilling to be left out, followed them into the kitchen.

Jiang Xin originally didn’t have much affection for this supposed younger sister, Fang Xiaohui.

After this sister returned, they hardly interacted. Even when she visited her parents, she didn’t see her sister.

She only heard her mother continually grumbling about Fang Xiaohui frequently returning to ask for money and other things.

In her mind, this sister was not as genuine as Jiang Xiaoxiao.

Now, when Fang Xiaohui suddenly spoke up for her, Jiang Xin was momentarily stunned. Although she felt somewhat comforted knowing people were hoodwinking her, she liked hearing good things. However, when these words involved Jiang Xiaoxiao, Jiang Xin felt displeased.

"What’s all this talk about bad luck? Xiaoxiao was just telling the truth for her sister’s sake. I don’t care what she says, so you shouldn’t jump in with these unpleasant words, especially during the New Year. It’ll upset mom if she overhears."

Fang Xiaohui was stunned.

Is Jiang Xin not thinking straight?

She was wholeheartedly defending her, and now Jiang Xin was turning on her, siding with Jiang Xiaoxiao. Trying to be nice was truly thankless.

The whole family was unappreciative.

"No matter what, second sister, I’m your sister, your real sister. Everything I said was meant to defend you, but in your eyes, I seem like an outsider, and I end up stuck in between."

Alright, you two are the real sisters, and I’m merely an outsider.

Fang Xiaohui threw down the curtain and went back inside.

If it weren’t for considering the time, barely past noon, and not leaving her parents’ house after lunch, heading back to the in-laws would be hard to explain.

She would’ve left immediately.

Fan Xiuying noticed Fang Xiaohui looking upset as she came out of the kitchen. She understood that something must have gone wrong there.

She also worried that with Fang Xiaohui’s temperament, causing a commotion during the New Year would be embarrassing for everyone.

Especially since there was a son-in-law present, seeing his daughter having conflicts with her sisters at her parents’ house would be disgraceful in front of the in-laws. It wouldn’t reflect well on Fang Xiaohui.

She hurriedly took out a red envelope, "Here, here, here’s a token of appreciation from dad and mom for your first visit. Please accept it."

Fang Xiaohui reluctantly took it, whereas Song Mohuan remained calm, continuously offering polite words.

"Dad and mom, please visit us sometime. My mom mentioned it was a pity she couldn’t meet you at the wedding. After all, you are Xiao Hui’s biological parents; our families should always keep in touch."

Fan Xiuying smiled and replied.

"Understood, son-in-law, tell your parents we’ll go visit when we have time."

Just as she said that, there was chaos in the yard.

Fan Xiuying was startled, hoping nothing serious had happened.

She hurriedly went out.

She saw Jiang Xiaoxiao being supported by Jiang Yue, looking pale.

Fan Xiuying got a shock.

She hurriedly rushed over and held her daughter, asking repeatedly.

"What’s happening? Didn’t I tell you all that your sister just got out of the hospital a few days ago, don’t let her do any work at home. Why did you let her exert herself? Look how pale she’s become. Come, come, let’s go inside quickly, and rest in mom’s room for a while."

She lifted the curtain and helped Jiang Xiaoxiao inside.

Jiang Yue looked worried too.

"Xiaoxiao, did you eat something that upset your stomach? Look how bad you’re throwing up. Here, have some water first."

She wasn’t at all concerned about her mother’s favoritism.

Fang Xiaohui scoffed, Jiang Xiaoxiao always plays this card.

She covered her mouth and rushed out too.

It’s not like she isn’t expecting either!

Song Mohuan quickly followed.

Fan Xiuying helped Jiang Xiaoxiao sit, arranging a pillow for her, but Jiang Xiaoxiao firmly grasped her wrist.

"What’s wrong? Are you still feeling unwell? If it’s serious, we’ll go to the hospital."

At hearing this, Jiang Laoshi said, "I’ll get the bike, Xiaoxiao! Hold on!"

The daughter’s health was crucial.

Jiang Xiaoxiao quickly stopped them, "Dad, Mom, I’m fine! It’s just... it’s just..."

"Child, what ’just’? Tell us quickly, you’re worrying us to death."

Jiang Xiaoxiao leaned to Fan Xiuying’s ear and whispered a few words.

Fan Xiuying’s face lit up with joy, and she clapped her thigh.

"You silly girl, knowing such good news since yesterday, how come you didn’t tell mom sooner? Little rascal, sit there honestly."

Happily stepping out, Jiang Laoshi was fretting, rubbing his hands together, "What’s with your sister? I didn’t hear anything."

"Dad, you’re going to be a grandpa. Xiaoxiao is pregnant!"

Jiang Yue patted her father’s shoulder.

Jiang Laoshi was so flustered he almost stumbled.

"What? What? Xiaoxiao is pregnant!"