161— Madam Gao Shows Her Backbone, Shocking News (1)

If he had to become inlaws with such a family, even if it was just for convenience, he would go crazy.

The father kept his head down throughout, as if he was a mere servant and not the father of the bride to be, while the mother's eyes shone with greed as she kept talking about the amount of betrothal gifts that would be proper, as well as how she was counting on her new son-in-law to help her stand proud in the Han family.

He sneered as if he could see them sitting down across from him. He was not stupid, there was no way he would willingly put himself into such a cesspit.

His mother had better forget it. The only reason he didn't state his mind clearly and walk out there and then, was because his mother was begging him with those teary brown eyes of hers.

He decided it wouldn't be too late to cancel it later.

His thoughts were interrupted by a message from his mother, reminding him of the family dinner. It was then he remembered that the dinner that had been postponed was finally holding today.

He sarcastically wondered why that woman let his father go today. She should have just held him back and saved everyone the unpleasantness of gathering in one place.

For his mother's and sister's sake, he hoped nobody would provoke him today, because he was in a very terrible mood. Else, whatever happened, is what they would have to endure.

*****

Due to Qiao Mingran's repeated efforts and pestering, the family of four were finally going to be having a family dinner.

It would be the first time they gathered to eat together at home in almost two years.

As a result, Qiao Mingran was very excited as she planned for it, personally choosing the menu and supervising the kitchen personnel to prevent mistakes.

By six o'clock, everything was set. She herself had changed her outfit and was patiently waiting for the rest of her family members.

Her daughter, Gao Tingxiu was the first to arrive. She greeted her mother perfunctorily and went to her room to change.

In her opinion, coming back home was nothing to be excited about. Qiao Mingran sighed sadly as she watched her receding back. She then tried to cheer herself up. Today had to go well.

Gao Zhipeng came in next. Although he was in his early sixties, he didn't look like it. It was obvious he usually invested a lot of time into his health and looks.

He was like a more matured version of Gao Tinghua, both in looks and character.

"Zhipeng, you're here." Qiao Mingran said softly, her eyes lighting up when he appeared.

Slightly embarrassed by her enthusiasm, he walked closer and kissed her on the cheek. "How have you been?"

"Fine, thank you." Qiao Mingran answered, collecting his suitcase and coat. "How's the company? Are there any problems?"

Gao Zhipeng knew she was trying to ask why he had not been coming home often. He replied with a hint of guilt, "No, but the company has been very busy lately. Once I round up a few things, I'll have some more time to spend with you. We could go to Country S. What do you think?"

Qiao Mingran's eyes dimmed, but she still nodded, "alright. We can plan it properly, and maybe even go with the children."

Gao Zhipeng nodded, acquiescing.

A while later, the three of them came downstairs to the dining hall. The workers began serving the dishes one by one.

Soon it was time to eat, but Gao Tinghua had still not arrived.

After ten more minutes of waiting, Gao Zhipeng was about to lose his temper. "What a son! Keeping his parents waiting for so long, what kind of behavior is this?!"

Qiao Mingran as usual tried to persuade, "I'm sure he's being held up by traffic, don't be angry. He'll soon be here."

Gao Tingxiu felt quite bored. Obviously apart from her mother, no one else was interested in this dinner affair, but they all had to play along. She rolled her eyes internally at her mother's response. Traffic? As if!

She quietly texted him under the table. "Hey Bro, get yourself here ASAP. Your old man is about to explode."

As their relationship was quite decent, she got a reply soon after, "Whatever. His body is his to do as he pleases. Be there within five."

She shook her head at her brother's callousness, but still informed them, "He said he's on his way and he'll be here in five minutes."

Qiao Mingran nodded, while Gao Zhipeng still looked like he was fuming, "Hmph, the food would have gone cold before that noble ancestor shows his face!"

They had not started eating, but everyone was tired already. Qiao Mingran could not understand. Why was it that something other families did regularly was so difficult for her family of four?

"Hold your horses Father, I'm here. The dishes would be fine now, won't they?" A slightly playful voice came from the doorway.

For some reason, he was currently in a better mood despite the annoyance he had been feeling. Maybe the thought of going head to head with his father was enough to brighten him up?

Gao Zhipeng snorted but didn't respond, while Qiao Mingran turned her limpid eyes from father to son. Gao Tinghua finally sat down at the table without comment, and she smiled in relief.

Without further ado, the dinner began.

It was very sumptuous, but no one seemed to be enjoying it very much. The only sounds that could be heard were those of cutleries hitting the plate.

The atmosphere was slightly depressing.

Qiao Mingran felt bad. In an attempt to lighten up the atmosphere, she took some shrimps from the main bowl and tried to add it to her daughter's bowl.

"Tingxiu, I remember you love shrimps very much. These are very fresh, they were caught and sent in this evening, try some."

"No Mother, I'm fine." Gao Tingxiu rejected it, making Qiao Mingran pause her actions. The hand holding the chopsticks stopped mid air. She was slightly embarrassed and didn't know what to do. She subconsciously looked to her husband.

"Alright, it's just a few shrimps. Eat and stop making a fuss. Your mother would be sad."

Gao Tingxiu hesitated. She was already regretting the fact that she agreed to this dinner in the first place. Staying on set to memorize a few more lines would have been much better.

She too looked at her brother, as if soliciting his help.

"Have you forgotten that she almost died eating shrimps a few years ago? If you want to act motherly, at least put in some effort, don't let others see a joke."

That year, she was the one that insisted on packing Gao Tingxiu's lunch, but who knows what was mixed into it? Gao Tingxiu ate it and almost died. She had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Since then, she had stopped eating shrimps. But the culprit didn't realize and even wanted to use shrimps to curry affection. It was very ironic.

Gao Tinghua's voice was neither light nor heavy, but Qiao Mingran paled, her eyes becoming teary almost immediately. Looking at her current appearance, he turned his face to the side and snorted. She only knew how to cry and act pitiful.

Gao Zhipeng slammed his chopsticks on the table, startling the ladies. "What a mess! Is this how you treat your mother? She only made a mistake. Show some respect!"

Only Gao Tinghua was unmoved. He actually gave a smirk as he said, "So you care about her this much? Why don't you accord her some respect by staying home instead of running to hotels all day long?"

Gao Zhipeng almost choked on the water he had picked up to drink. He leveled a dangerous glare at his son. "What are you trying to say?"

Gao Tinghua didn't flinch, "If you need me to spell it out, I'm saying if you can accord Mother the basic respect of fidelity and stop frolicking around with your numerous mistresses, maybe she would spend more time being in touch with reality instead of getting lost in her own world!"

"Gao Tinghua!!!" His father shouted, hitting the table. His face was already red with anger.

The culprit in question slammed his own chopsticks on the table and stood up.

This dinner was destined not to be eaten.

"Tinghua please don't go. Mother is sorry. Let's at least finish this meal, please?"

Gao Tinghua looked at his mother. She was still trying to plead desperately while suppressing the hurt her husband's actions had caused her.

He suddenly felt tired on her behalf.

"Mother, don't you feel tired? What exactly are you trying to hold on to? Your husband is a scumbag, but I don't know what to say about you.

"You clearly know, but you pretend not to. Does it make you happier to feign ignorance? Do you feel better staying in a bubble wrap, pretending to be oblivious?"

Looking at the way she was firmly biting her lips as if she was trying to make a decision but didn't have the courage, he clenched his hand disappointedly.

"If so, I have nothing more to say. Both of you can continue to live however you like. Just don't call me back for such meaningless events in the future. This kind of gathering causes indigestion."