C15 I Can't Say Anything More

"Ugh! Who wants to give you gifts anyway?"

The group of women who had been so enthusiastic just a moment ago suddenly changed their expressions. Some looked embarrassed, others frowned, and a few turned away, avoiding eye contact.

"If Jiaojiao wasn't married, it might be different, but now that she is, who cares? Besides, times are better than they used to be, but we're not exactly living in luxury. No one can afford to waste their own resources just to give gifts."

After an awkward pause, they started making excuses to leave:

"Hey, it's already noon. We'll catch up later, Pengcheng's wife."

"Yeah, yeah, it's time to make lunch. Let's head back."

"Exactly, my kid's probably hungry by now and might start crying."

The group of women quickly dispersed like birds scattering.

Zhibing's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow! That stepmom is something else! They seem really afraid of her!"

Jiaojiao just rolled her eyes at them. "Let's get going. This thing is heavy."

She was carrying a genuine cast iron pot, and it was seriously heavy. Her arms felt like they were about to fall off after holding it for so long.

When they got home, Pengcheng was anxiously waiting. With three young kids, it was tough. Zhihong was a bit easier to manage at five years old, but the two younger ones were not even two yet. They were at that age where they didn't understand much but were incredibly active and curious, needing constant supervision.

If Zhao Pengcheng hadn't married Jiaojiao, he wouldn't be up so early in the morning. He figured it was best to get things done while the kids were still asleep, and the older ones could keep an eye on things.

When Jiaojiao and the others returned, the two little ones were already causing a ruckus, eager to find their brother. Pengcheng couldn't hold them back, and with their little legs moving quickly, they were out in the yard in no time.

Luckily, Zhihong was keeping watch. As soon as she saw her brothers running, she called out to her dad, or those two would have been long gone.

Pengcheng, who once was a tough soldier who never shed a tear, now found himself exhausted by the antics of these little ones. This past year of parenting had truly taught him how challenging it is for women. If anyone dared to say women have it easy, he'd shut them down immediately. Let them try taking care of kids for a year.

Seeing Jiaojiao and the others return, Pengcheng was overjoyed. But when he noticed what they were carrying, his expression froze. "All this stuff..."

Before Jiaojiao could respond, Zhibing chimed in, "Grandma sent these as gifts to congratulate you on your remarriage, Dad."

Jiaojiao shot Zhibing a glance. This kid had potential, no doubt about it.

Pengcheng was incredulous. "You guys..."

Jiaojiao placed the cast iron skillet directly on the stove, ready to retire the clay pot for cooking: "Oh my gosh, I'm exhausted!"

How could that be?

Pengcheng knew his mother all too well. She was the type who wanted to keep everything under her control. Sure, she favored his older brother and his brother's two sons, but even then, she'd only sneak them a little extra food now and then. Money or anything else? Absolutely not.

So, how could she possibly send anything to the second wife of a son she didn't even like?

Jiaojiao saw Pengcheng was about to speak and shot him a look: "What? You got something to say? Keep it to yourself. Mom gave it to me, not you, so you don't get a say."

Pengcheng: "???!!!"

What the heck? I can't even say a word?