The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 384 - 355: Dancing Shoes, Lesson, Education_1

Chapter 384: Chapter 355: Dancing Shoes, Lesson, Education_1

Qi Shuliang saw his mother happy, and the guilt in his heart lessened a bit.

His company could manage a few days without him, but not for a longer period.

Anna wasn’t a full-time housewife either, she had some charity work or other engagements and couldn’t be with her mother-in-law all the time.

"That’s good," Qi Shuliang laughed, "buy whatever you like, don’t be afraid to spend money!"

"Hehe, we won’t be polite," He Tiantian laughed, though she claimed so, she rarely spent their money.

From then on, He Tiantian escorted Third Grandma Qi around various famous spots in New York.

They tried every place that was mentioned in the travel guides.

At places they liked, during moments they enjoyed, they would praise and discuss together; at places they disliked or found strange, or food they couldn’t get used to, they would complain together.

On Thursday evening, after dinner, the family went for a walk to digest the meal.

Qi Zhenghan laughed, "Grandma, Tiantian, I have a football game tomorrow. Could you come and watch my match?"

Although Third Grandma Qi didn’t know what football was, her grandson’s invitation to watch a game was an exciting experience, and she wanted to go.

The days here were wonderful, and it would be nice if Second Brother Qi could see them too.

However, Third Grandma Qi knew that was not possible.

"Sure, I’ll definitely be there to cheer you on," Third Grandma Qi smiled, "Do your best in the match."

"Alright!" Qi Zhenghan was very happy, knowing if grandma went, He Tiantian would surely come as well.

Qi Zhengmin tugged at grandma’s arm, saying, "Grandma, tomorrow I’m participating in a ballet recital at school. Will you come to watch my dance?"

"Of course, grandma will definitely go," Third Grandma Qi smiled even wider, "Relax and dance well."

Anna and Qi Shuliang, walking hand in hand behind, looked at the three youngsters and their elder, smiling happily.

In the evening, after a bout of lovemaking, Anna lay on Qi Shuliang’s chest and whispered, "Dear, I’m really happy that your mother is so easy to get along with. I had heard that mothers-in-law in Country H set strict rules, expecting their daughters-in-law to stand while serving them meals, and the daughters-in-law couldn’t rest until the mother-in-law did, scolding or even hitting the daughter-in-law if they were displeased."

"Haha!" Qi Shuliang laughed, "That’s the old feudal society, it’s not like that anymore. Besides, my mother is a person of great cultivation, interesting, and very curious, she wouldn’t trouble people for no reason."

"Yes, mom is very cultured," agreed Anna, "very curious about new foods and has a strong ability to adapt!"

Qi Shuliang nodded, "Indeed, she has a broad mind and foresight. We were very poor when I was young, but mother still ensured I received an education."

"Thank you for raising such a wonderful person, dear," Anna said softly, stretching up to kiss Qi Shuliang’s chin.

The exchange between the couple added warmth to the home; instead of conflicts arising from different habits, there was harmony.

As long as there was love, everyone could accommodate each other and agree to disagree!

The next morning, Anna, Third Grandma Qi, and He Tiantian dressed in new clothes to send Qi Zhengmin to school and watch his ballet recital.

Upon reaching the auditorium, Qi Zhengmin headed backstage to prepare.

Anna, along with her mother-in-law, and He Tiantian found a spot with a good view and sat down.

Since it hadn’t started yet, many people were whispering quietly.

Anna spoke in a hushed voice to Third Grandma Qi, explaining ballet and the story behind the piece they were about to watch, including the main plot.

But shortly after, Qi Zhengmin returned with disheveled hair, clutching two damaged ballet shoes and tears in her eyes.

"Zhengmin, why are you crying?" asked Third Grandma Qi. "Weren’t you going to change clothes? What happened to your shoes?"

"Someone ruined my shoes. I can’t dance today," Qi Zhengmin choked out. "It wasn’t easy for me to get the opportunity to lead this dance."

Third Grandma Qi took out a handkerchief and wiped away Qi Zhengmin’s tears, saying, "Zhengmin, don’t cry now, let’s think of a solution first. Perhaps we can buy new ones, or maybe we can borrow someone else’s. In any case, crying now is the least helpful thing to do."

Anna agreed with her mother-in-law, saying, "Zhengmin, you must take good care of things that are very important to you. You also know that some people are jealous of your excellence, so you should be prepared for all kinds of bad outcomes. For a dancer, clothes and shoes are the most important."

"I understand, Mom. I’ll prepare two pairs of shoes in the future," Qi Zhengmin sobbed. "I won’t cry anymore. I’ll ask the teacher if she can help me borrow a pair."

"Hold on!" Just as Qi Zhengmin was about to turn around, Anna stopped her. "Look, what is this?"

Qi Zhengmin’s eyes widened with surprise. "Ballet shoes?"

"Yes, take them," Anna said with a smile. "This time, make sure you take good care of your shoes."

"Got it, Mom. I understand. I won’t be negligent and let someone else ruin my shoes again," Qi Zhengmin nodded repeatedly, convinced that her mother was the most amazing.

With a bounce in her step, Qi Zhengmin left for the backstage to change clothes, with less than five minutes before her performance.

"Anna, do you always bring an extra pair of ballet shoes?" Third Grandma Qi asked curiously.

He Tiantian listened intently, eager to understand Anna’s thought process.

Anna chuckled and said, "Mom, when I was young, I encountered a similar situation. My mother told me never to leave myself without options. In my most upset and anxious moment, my mother produced a pair of ballet shoes. I felt like there was nothing my mother couldn’t do. Doing this will also leave a deep impression on her and help her remember the lesson."

He Tiantian began to understand. Despite the Qi family being so wealthy, Qi Zhenghan and Qi Zhengmin did not exhibit any spoiled or bratty traits—this spoke volumes about Anna and Qi Shuliang’s excellent upbringing.

Busy with work, most of the educational responsibilities fell to Anna.

"Good, you’ve done a great job raising the children. Thank you," Third Grandma Qi expressed gratefully, acknowledging that educating children was never about shouting or chastising but letting them experience things and remember the lessons, so they wouldn’t repeat those errors.

With ballet shoes in hand, Qi Zhengmin took the stage as the lead dancer.

Qi Zhengmin’s foundations were solid, and with her mother, grandmother, and Sister Tiantian watching from below, she danced with even more attentiveness, as if she had endless energy.

The teachers in the audience were also astonished by Qi Zhengmin’s performance today.

The dance was flawless and Qi Zhengmin earned applause and praise from the teachers and parents.

Alice, the girl who had sabotaged Qi Zhengmin’s ballet shoes, felt that Qi Zhengmin danced exceptionally well and came over to apologize, "I’m sorry; you dance better than I do. I ruined your shoes before out of jealousy. I’m sorry, and I ask for your forgiveness."

Among children, there is not so much hatred. If you are impressive, they will respect you.