I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s
Chapter 327: What Will Become of This Child?

Chapter 327: Chapter 327: What Will Become of This Child?

Mother Xu was leaning over Dezi’s bed, sobbing unrestrainedly, not noticing that Dezi’s lips were so dry from coughing until Shirley came over and moistened them with a damp cloth.

"You, you finally came back, but you still can’t bear to leave your son behind, huh? Let me tell you, go ahead and get remarried, go find another man if that’s what you want. Dezi is my grandson from the Xu Family, he bears the Xu surname. Don’t even think about taking him away. I know all about it, that man of yours has just an old hag for a mother, and they don’t even have a child, thinking they can just pick up our fully raised grandson to look after them in their old age, pah, keep dreaming!"

"You shameless old hag, malice pouring out of every pore! Who are you calling old and dying? If you don’t have a mirror, use a pot of piss and take a good look at your own wrinkled orange-peel face before you go criticizing others. I have already said, my caring for Dezi is to fulfill our mother-son bond. Once he’s discharged from the hospital, we’ll see if I take care of him. As for picking up your ready-made grandson, don’t even dream about it. My future husband is wealthy and wouldn’t mind spending on your grandson’s food and clothing. Besides, Old Qian and I are young, and it would be no trouble to have seventeen or eighteen children. As for this eldest grandson of yours, you can keep him. You’ll be the one putting the first incense on the grave during the Qingming and Hanshi festivals."

Shirley, seeing that Dezi was alright, sat to the side and knitted, completely ignoring Mother Xu.

Mother Xu hadn’t had a drop of water or a bite of food all day and was now famished.

At that moment, Chengwang entered the room, holding a lunch box and a thermos.

"Shirley, you must be hungry. Mom made your favorite stir-fried celery with shredded pork, potato slices, and steamed rolls made from mixed grains. There’s also a bowl of millet porridge. Eat it while it’s hot."

Upon opening the lunch box and thermos, a delicious aroma wafted through the room. Shirley placed her half-finished knit sweater on Dezi’s bed and took the packed lunch box.

"Why have you dished out so much meat for me? Aren’t you and Big Aunt going to eat?"

"We made plenty. We also stewed eggs for Daya and Xiao Ya, the kids love them. Tomorrow, Mom said she’ll make stir-fried eggs with green onions and braised pig’s trotters for you. My mother’s cooking skills are top-notch. In the future, just tell her whatever you want to eat."

"Ai, Big Aunt spoils me the most."

The two of them chattered and laughed as they ate the warm food, showing no intention of offering any to Mother Xu, who was so furious that her face turned red and white by turns, her stomach growling with hunger.

"Heartless thing, no respect for the old or love for the young; flirting and arguing in front of this old woman, with no shame. Aren’t you afraid of people criticizing your backbone?"

"This food smells good, right? Mom deliberately added lard because you need strength to look after the child. I’ve asked for leave from the canteen, so you take care of the child during the day and go home to rest at night. I’ve found an elderly nurse who’s very reliable. Don’t wear yourself out."

"No need, once we’re married, there will be lots of expenses. I just said I wanted to have children with you. Don’t look at me that way; we’re being accused of flirting, but what do I have to be shy about at this age?"

Hearing Shirley say this, Chengwang was thrilled to death. His mother had mentioned this before, but he felt that with both of them being busy and also having Daya and Xiao Ya at home, it was already great that they could accept this. He didn’t expect that Shirley would so openly bring this up.

"Okay, Shirley, I’ll listen to you. When we marry, you’ll be in charge of the household. Oh, after we get our marriage certificate, I’ll even hand over the financial reins to you. How we live our days is up to you; I’ll just get pocket money from you."

The two exchanged a smile.

Mother Xu watched the two of them imagining their life after marriage, oblivious to her presence, with burning anger on her face, unable to utter a single word.

After Shirley finished eating, Chengwang finally turned to Mother Xu.

"Big Aunt, I heard your son and the old man have been arrested by the Police Station. Since Shirley is looking after things here, if you’re free, you should hurry over to the Police Station and see for yourself!"

"What? What did you say? When did that happen? Who did it, was it you, Shirley, was it you stirring up trouble?"

"Hmph, as if I have the time to deal with your family’s affairs, just go away!"

Mother Xu looked at Shirley, who didn’t seem to be lying, glanced at her grandson on the bed, clenched her teeth, and stormed out of the room angrily.

After she left, the smile on Shirley’s face faded a lot. She knew Lai Zi was a brute, but she never realized he could be cruel enough to beat Dezi to such a state.

Back in the day, the Xu Family cherished this child the most, pampering him with good food and drink, without letting him suffer a bit. Among all the children in Lu Family Village, he had it the best.

Who would’ve thought he would end up in such a situation.

Looking at the child on the hospital bed, Shirley felt extremely distressed.

"Don’t worry, the child will be fine. As long as he takes good care of his health, he’ll recover."

"Ah, but what will become of this child in the future? It’s really worrying."

"Shirley, you know I don’t mind raising one more child. You said before that this child was naive, but he has changed now."

Shirley shook her head, still deciding not to intervene.

"No way, I can’t take him with me. If I do, there will be endless troubles at home. Wait and see, let’s wait until he grows up a bit more!"

Qian Chengwang was completely respectful of her decision in this regard.

The next day.

Shen Meng brought Mingyang and a few other children to visit Dezi. Speaking of emotions, probably only the camaraderie from fights was there; now Mingyang and the others found Dezi quite bothersome.

They came mainly for Daya and Xiaoya; the two girls cried so bitterly when they left. Having been schoolmates, come the new term, they would be studying in the city and it would be hard to meet again.

When Dezi awoke, he was still a little dazed. His eyes swept around and upon seeing Shirley next to his bed, he thought his eyes were deceiving him.

"Mom, is that you?"

While he slept, Shirley could take care of him however she wanted, but now that he was awake, her feelings suddenly became complicated.

"You’re awake. You, child, how could you think of jumping into the river?"

"I, I am a burden. Father beat me so badly, I didn’t want to be hit anymore and didn’t want to be a burden."

He sniffled, his voice getting softer and eventually almost inaudible.

Shirley’s nose tingled with emotion. Just then, Shen Meng came back with the children after washing some fruit, and they all greeted Dezi upon seeing he was awake. Mingyang and the others took a glance and then turned their heads and continued to play on their own.

Seeing himself ill and surrounded by so many people, Dezi felt a bit embarrassed.

"Little brother, are you alright? You just focus on getting better, I and mom will take good care of you."

"Sister, I, I’m fine, I am strong, I’m all better now."

Shirley watched him in silence for a long while, not knowing what to say, wavered by the thoughts in her mind.