1990s: Spring Water Family

Chapter 103 Sudden Kiss
Li Liang's father was a soldier and knew Gu Bin's father.

He was in the navy and rarely went home, so he entrusted Gu Bin's father to take care of his relatives in his hometown.

The friendship between Gu Bin and Li Liang was passed down from their fathers; they were true family friends.

Qu Peng, on the other hand, was able to get to know Gu Bin because of Li Liang.

The Qu and Li families lived in the same courtyard house. They were old neighbors for many years, helping each other out. They were closer than family.

Li Liang and Qu Peng are the same age. Among the three Qu siblings, Li Liang gets along best with Qu Peng.

The two were truly inseparable since childhood, like brothers who grew up together, climbing on roofs and causing trouble, getting beaten up together.

-

When Wu's mother stormed in, Qu Peng and Li Liang were just returning from playing basketball.

In a fit of rage, without saying a word, she grabbed a broom from the yard and started beating Qu Peng mercilessly.

Qu Peng's father was not home, and Qu Peng's mother was in the kitchen. When she heard her son bullying another girl, she was so frightened that her hand trembled and a stack of plates fell to the ground.

"Qu Peng, tell Mom the truth, did you bully Mengmeng?"

She rushed up to Qu Peng, raised her hand and slapped him on the head, her voice trembling.

"I'm innocent! I didn't do it!"

Qu Peng was beaten for no reason and felt extremely frustrated: "I've never bullied her. At most, I just asked her to help me copy homework or carry my schoolbag."

"You don't carry your own schoolbag, but make a girl carry it for you."

Qu's mother was furious and slapped him again.

"I just came back late from playing basketball."

Qu Peng offered a wry explanation: "I asked her to bring it back for me, so I can copy some homework first."

"Auntie, I can be your witness."

Out of loyalty to his friend, Li Liang spoke up for him: "He really didn't bully Wu Meng. We're together all the time. I know best whether he has any ulterior motives or not."

Oh, and you too.

Wu's mother glanced at him, then got angry again, and picked up a broom to hit him: "Tell me honestly, what are your feelings for my Mengmeng? Why did Xiyu say that you were involved too?"

"What does it have to do with me?"

Li Liang was shot innocently and almost vomited blood.

"Li Liang, what do you mean?"

Qu Peng was also completely bewildered: "What's going on between you and Wu Meng? Why are you involved in getting beaten up too?"

"What could possibly happen between her and me?"

Li Liang gritted his teeth in anger: "Isn't it all because of you?"

"This can't go on."

Seeing that Wu's mother was angry and wouldn't listen to anyone's explanation, Qu Peng decided to slip away.

He winked at Li Liang, and the two, thinking the same thing, took the opportunity to run towards the main gate while hiding.

"You two, stop right there."

The commotion in the courtyard startled the elderly people from both families. Qu Peng's grandfather and Li Liang's grandfather came out of their houses at almost the same time.

"Grandpa, I'm innocent. Please calm down first, and I'll come back when you've calmed down."

Qu Peng didn't stop; instead, he sped up and rushed out.

He was a mischievous child and was not afraid of the two old people. The only one who could keep him in check was his father.

"Li Liang, come back here right now."

Grandpa Li was also a former soldier, and he was the undisputed leader at home, commanding considerable authority.

Li Liang was raised by his grandparents since he was a child, and he has a deep affection for the elderly couple.

Qu Peng wouldn't listen, but he had no choice but to listen.

At the old man's command, he stopped in his tracks as if by reflex, frozen in place.

"Ugh."

Seeing his good friend like this, Qu Peng sighed resignedly.

"You brat, I told you to stop, and you still dare to run away."

Grandpa Qu felt he had lost face in front of his old neighbor, so he picked up a broom and hit Qu Peng a few more times.

Qu Peng was beaten a lot since he was a child, so he was tough. His grandfather's beatings didn't hurt much and had no deterrent effect.

Even with outsiders watching, he still pretended to be in great pain and howled a few times.

"What's going on? What's all this commotion about?"

When Qu Peng's father, Qu Jianguo, came home from get off work, he saw a crowd gathered at his door and his brows furrowed deeply.

"Old Qu, you're finally back. Look at the good son you raised, he's up to no good and is bullying my daughter."

When Wu's mother saw him, she finally let out all the anger she had been holding in.

-

In fact, Wu's mother's family and the Qu family had some connection.

The old town area is small, only a tiny area within the moat.

Most of the long-time residents who have lived in the courtyard houses for their entire lives know each other and are related by some degree.

Qu Peng's grandmother and Wu Meng's grandmother are relatives, but not very close; they are related beyond three generations.

Qu Peng's father, Qu Jianguo, had dated Wu's mother when he was young, through the matchmaking of two elderly people.

The two families originally thought that the marriage between the two children would be a good match and strengthen their ties.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. On the eve of the wedding, during the political background check, it was discovered that Wu's mother's family had a bad social class background.

In those days, political vetting was very strict. The organization disagreed, but Qu Jianguo was ambitious and determined, so he stubbornly insisted on breaking off the engagement.

The two sides broke down in negotiations over this matter, and things became very unpleasant.

Wu's mother was heartbroken and soon married her current husband, cutting off all contact with him.

Although many years have passed, it still feels like a thorn in Wu's mother's heart.

That's why it was even harder for her to accept hearing that her daughter was being bullied by her son.

The thorn that had been buried in my heart for years, like an invisible bomb, exploded with a bang at this moment.

-

"Qu Peng, what trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?!"

Qu Jianguo felt guilty towards Wu's mother. Seeing her glaring at him with resentment, he flew into a rage, snatched the broom from her hand without saying a word, and beat his son again.

"Oh my god, Grandma, help me! My dad is going to beat me to death!"

Qu Peng was really in pain this time, clutching his head and jumping up and down.

"You just got back, and you didn't even ask what happened? What kind of father are you, beating your child so severely?"

Qu Peng's grandmother was indeed heartbroken. She rushed over with small, quick steps and snatched the broom away.

"Tell me yourself, what trouble have you gotten yourself into this time that has brought people to your door?"

Qu Jianguo didn't dare to argue with his mother, so he took out his anger on his son.

"I really didn't bully Wu Meng."

Qu Peng hid behind his grandmother, stubbornly arguing, "If you don't believe me, you can call her over and confront her face to face."

"How could a girl be as shameless as you?"

Seeing Wu's mother's expression change instantly, Qu Jianguo hurriedly spoke up before she could, "You think they'll come just because you ask them to confront you?"

"In truth, this matter is Qu Peng's fault."

Qu's mother was ashamed, and probably guessed the truth: "Mengmeng is a good child, Qu Peng shouldn't have treated her like that."

Upon hearing this, Qu Jianguo's face darkened even more: "Qu Peng, tell me, what exactly are you thinking? Whether you like it or not, make it clear. If you dare to bully people like this again, I'll break your legs."

"Didn't you say that we shouldn't date too early?"

Driven to desperation by his parents, Qu Peng blurted out a nonsensical remark.

Do you like it or not?

Enraged, Qu's mother slapped him again. Qu Peng clutched his head and wailed, "I've never been in a relationship, how would I know?"

"You kid."

Qu's mother scolded him impatiently, "Don't you have any sense? How can you not feel whether you like someone or not? Were you born from a stone? You're heartless!"

"Alright, you two, there's no need for you to team up and put on an act in front of me."

Wu's mother disliked the couple and sneered, coldly mocking, "I'm not here today to hear your son's explanation, but to tell you that our daughter doesn't care about your son, and even if he likes him, we won't marry him."

"Mommy, don't be angry."

Hearing this, Qu's mother felt embarrassed and said with an awkward smile, "There's no need to be so absolute. No one can predict matters of the heart. What if the two children..."

"There is no future."

Wu's mother felt a lump in her throat and publicly humiliated her husband and daughter-in-law: "My Mengmeng is so good, plenty of boys would like her. I think Li Liang is a good choice, and I've chosen him as my son-in-law."

"Bah."

Li Liang was so startled that his hand trembled, and the basketball fell to the ground.

-

On their way to the west alley of the county, Gu Bin and Lin Xiyu happened to run into Wu Meng and her father.

When they heard that Wu's mother had gone to the Qu family alone to avenge her daughter, both father and daughter's expressions changed drastically.

Wu Meng regretted her actions, fearing that this incident would damage the harmony between the two families, and that she would have to treat Qu Peng like an enemy in the future, making it impossible for them to remain friends.

Mr. Wu smiled bitterly. He knew about the grudge between his daughter-in-law and Qu Laosan, and he understood that she still harbored resentment and had never been able to let go of it.

After twenty years of suppressed frustration, what was bound to happen has finally arrived.

He wasn't worried about anything else, except that his wife, in her eagerness for revenge, might act rashly and do something irreversible.

-

When Gu Bin and his group arrived at the Qu family's residence, it was neither too early nor too late, just in time to hear Wu's mother's astonishing words.

There was a moment of silence in the courtyard. Everyone, including the onlookers who had been enjoying the show, was stunned and stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

"It's good that you've taken a liking to my grandson."

A moment later, a playful laugh broke the silence of the courtyard.

Li Liang's grandmother beamed with joy, clapping and cheering with immense happiness.

"What are you getting involved in?"

Grandpa Li's lips twitched.

"My grandson is no less impressive."

Grandma Li said righteously, "Why can he like his grandson but not mine?"

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Grandpa Li was speechless.

"Once Xiao Liang joins the army, it will be difficult for him to find a wife."

Grandma Li had her own reasons: "I've been thinking for a long time that I should arrange a marriage for him before he leaves home. I've met Mengmeng; she's a good student, and she's good-looking too. What's rare is that I know her well. Such a good granddaughter-in-law must be arranged as soon as possible; if we miss this opportunity, we'll never have another chance."

Grandpa Li laughed in exasperation: "That would have to be based on your grandson's willingness."

"You still don't understand your grandson."

Grandma Li gave her husband a disdainful look: "If the brat didn't refuse on the spot, there's definitely a chance."

Qu Peng was startled upon hearing this and instinctively looked at his good friend.

Li Liang met his astonished gaze, and frankly neither admitted nor denied it.

"hiss."

Qu Peng gasped, suddenly feeling as if he had been cuckolded for no apparent reason.

“Aunt Li, we’ve been neighbors for many years. It’s a bit unreasonable for you to suddenly interfere like this.”

Mother Qu's expression changed, and her words became sharp and cutting: "You want a granddaughter-in-law? Even if your grandson doesn't care about what others say, you still have to see if Mengmeng is willing. Who says that just because someone likes my son, they'll necessarily like your grandson?"

"I am willing!"

A clear voice suddenly rang out at the entrance of the courtyard. Unlike the girl's usual timidity and softness, it carried an undeniable firmness and determination.

In front of everyone, Wu Meng walked straight toward Li Liang.

Before he could react, she grabbed his collar, pulled him down forcefully, stood on tiptoe, and sealed his lips with hers.

The courtyard fell silent again.

This time, the silence lasted even longer.

Even Grandma Li was stunned by her future granddaughter-in-law's feat and remained silent for a long time.

-

value!
Too much value!

Having watched this farce, even Director Du, who prides himself on having directed numerous emotional epics, has to admit that this gossip is handled with exceptional skill.

"Are young people these days really this aggressive?"

The assistant director sneered inwardly, "Even TV dramas wouldn't dare to portray it like this."

After a brief moment of shock, the remaining staff members expressed their admiration through their actions.

A commotion erupted at the entrance of the courtyard, mixed with shrill whistles.

Upon hearing the whistle, Wu Meng suddenly realized what was happening, released Li Liang, and covered her face in embarrassment and anger.

Li Liang was stunned, remaining in a forward-leaning posture, his back stiff and unable to move.

"Silly child, what are you standing there for?"

Grandma Li walked over with small, quick steps, and gave him a few playful taps, saying with exasperation, "Hurry up and invite your in-laws inside for a while, and make them a pot of good tea."

"Oh."

Li Liang was a bit slow to react; it took him a long time to realize what his in-laws meant.

He stared blankly at Wu Meng for a moment, his cheeks instantly turning bright red.

"Hurry up, don't dawdle."

Grandma Li shoved him forcefully: "So many people are watching, how can you let your in-laws stand outside? Hurry up and bring Mengmeng inside."

Li Liang glanced towards the door, then snapped back to reality, finally understanding his grandmother's deeper meaning.

"Come on, let's go inside and hide for a while."

He tentatively reached out, grabbed Wu Meng's wrist, and pulled her along as they strode back to his home.

Wu Meng was both embarrassed and ashamed, too embarrassed to look up. Only after stepping over the threshold did she let out a frustrated wail and cover her face again.

"Stop howling, are you trying to upset Qu Peng?"

Li Liang tried to make amends and find an excuse for her: "I understand, you don't need to take it to heart, I won't take it seriously."

"What do you understand?"

Wu Meng's face paled, and she abruptly released her grip: "You think I kissed you to spite him?"

"Isn't it?"

Li Liang's heart skipped a beat.

"of course not."

Wu Meng glared at him resentfully: "Do you think I'm that kind of person? That I'd kiss any man?"

"Then what do you mean?"

Li Liang's breath hitched, and his heart skipped a beat.

What do you mean by "you're on Mount Tai"?

Wu Meng angrily pressed, "Why are you suddenly being so nice to me, shielding me from the wind and letting me sleep on your lap?"

"Cough cough."

The image of her adorable sleeping face flashed through Li Liang's mind, and he guiltily looked away.

He himself didn't know why, but the moment she leaned closer, he inexplicably didn't push her away.

(End of this chapter)