Chapter 575: We Are in a Relationship

Chapter 575: The Two of Us Are Dating

Li Yulan listened to her eldest son's words and gently elbowed her younger son.

Wang Yongzheng understood his mother's meaning. She had been living with her younger son for many years, and while the past was one thing, there would be more care needed in the future. They couldn’t rely solely on Wang Yongzheng’s family for everything.

She also knew that her eldest son hadn’t been unfilial before—he just hadn’t had the means. Now that he did, if they refused the money, not only might Zhang Shuangshuang feel uneasy, but Wang Yongshun would also feel guilty.

Besides, this wasn’t a short-term matter. She wouldn’t pass away anytime soon, and there were still many days ahead. If the old lady didn’t treat her sons fairly, it might harm their brotherly bond.

Wang Yongzheng glanced at his mother and, understanding her thoughts, spoke to Zhang Shuangshuang, "Shuangshuang, take it. This is Brother and Sister-in-law’s way of caring for Mom."

Seeing Zhang Shuangshuang accept the money, Wang Yongshun felt a weight lift and took the opportunity to bring up the issue of Li Yulan’s future care.

"Before, Mom was still in good health, so I didn’t mention it. But now she’ll need someone looking after her, and we can’t leave it all to Yongzheng’s family. Today, in front of Mom, let’s figure this out together."

Wang Yongzheng looked at his wife, wanting to know her thoughts. Zhang Shuangshuang had always treated Li Yulan like her own mother. Considering Wang Yongshun’s family situation, she spoke up, "Mom has been living with us all along, so she can continue staying with us. I don’t work, and the kids are in school, so I’ll have time to look after her."

Wang Yongshun glanced at Li Yulan, who kept her head down without speaking. She would leave the decision to her children—she’d just listen.

"Alright, then Mom will stay with you. From now on, I’ll chip in fifty kuai each month for her living expenses, and medical costs will be shared separately."

Wang Xiaocui nodded, "That works for me. I’ll also give fifty kuai each month for Mom’s meals."

This made Zhang Shuangshuang somewhat embarrassed. "Oh, but we’re family..."

Su An chimed in, "Auntie Shuangshuang, don’t be polite with Mom and Uncle. Mom and Uncle are Grandma’s children, but you aren’t. Even though you’re married to Uncle, we all know you’re the one mainly taking care of Grandma.

"We all see how filial you are. Grandma always praises you, saying Uncle lucked out with you. Your efforts are appreciated by everyone. We can’t let you contribute both effort and money—that would make Mom and Uncle seem unfilial!"

Zhang Shuangshuang hesitated and looked at her husband. "But… this is too much..."

Wang Yongzheng was silent for a moment before saying, "Let’s do as An An suggested. From now on, since Mom is staying with us, Big Brother and Big Sister will each contribute fifty kuai, making a hundred kuai total for Shuangshuang’s expenses."

Seeing her children working it out without a fight, Li Yulan’s heart swelled. Other families might argue fiercely over such matters, but her children were all filial.

Zuo Zuying, listening to the Wang family’s discussion, respected how close-knit they were even more.

He picked up a piece of fish belly with his chopsticks and placed it in Su An’s bowl. "Here, best part for you." He even carefully removed two small bones for her.

Wang Yongzheng, mid-sentence, his words died in his throat, and he gawked at Su An and Zuo Zuying as if seeing a ghost.

Wang Xiaocui, Wang Yongshun, and Zhang Shuangshuang followed his gaze toward Su An and Zuo Zuying.

They saw Su An casually pick up the fish belly Zuo Zuying had picked clean for her and toss it into her mouth. Then she picked out the ginger slices from her bowl and dumped them on Zuo Zuying’s plate. He scarfed them down, no complaints.

The two leaned close, mumbling to each other.

The conversation at the table came to an abrupt halt. Noticing the dead silence, they looked up to find everyone staring at them—their faces a mix of shock and disbelief.

Su An, realizing the situation, turned beet red. "Wh-what’s everyone looking at? Dig in!"

It was Wang Xiaocui who spoke first. "Comrade Zuo… so, you’re the one who brought An An home this time?"

Zuo Zuying grinned, "Aunt, didn't I just explain it to you? I’m back to take care of something, and it happened to be on the way."

Zhang Shuangshuang's eyes darted between the two of them. "You just served Su An some food..."

Noticing Su An's meaningful glance, Zuo Zuying played it cool, tapped his chopsticks on his rice bowl twice, and quickly picked up a piece of chicken for Zhang Shuangshuang.

"Auntie, go ahead and eat."

Then he also helped Wang Xiaocui and Wang Yongshun to some food. "Uncle, Auntie, you eat too."

Zhang Shuangshuang and Wang Yongshun...

Auntie??? Uncle???

Wang Yongshun glanced at his brother, then turned to Su An. "You just picked the ginger from your bowl and gave it to him..."

Su An played dumb. "Oh~ that little thing? You all look so serious, you scared me! Comrade Zuo said, 'Lotus root for women, ginger for men.' It's good for you. Right, Comrade Zuo?"

Zuo Zuying hurriedly forced a smile and agreed, "Yes, yes, whatever An An says is right. It's good for you."

Su An, feeling everyone staring daggers at them, elbowed Zuo Zuying’s arm. "Well, we’re done eating."

"Enjoy your meal. Xiao Zuo has things to do."

Zuo Zuying pretended not to understand. "No, no, I’m in no hurry. I’ll stay and eat properly with Auntie and Uncle. How about a drink? Let me pour Uncle a drink?"

Su An stomped on Zuo Zuying’s foot.

"Ow~!" Zuo Zuying immediately jumped up, whimpering, "An An, what did I do wrong this time? Why are you hitting me again?"

"Tell me, and I’ll change."

He looked pitifully at Su An, his exaggerated acting and acting like a kicked puppy making Su An roll her eyes in exasperation.

Wang Xiaocui’s eye twitched. "You two..."

Zuo Zuying quickly jumped in. "An An and I aren’t dating, really, we’re not!"

Su An couldn’t take it anymore and swatted the top of Zuo Zuying’s head. "Shut it, dumbass."

"Ouch!" Zuo Zuying wailed theatrically.

Wang Xiaocui quickly stood up. "An An, what’s wrong with you? Don’t bully him."

Zuo Zuying milked it for sympathy, cowering behind Wang Xiaocui like a scolded child, his tone whiny. "Mom, look at her~"

Mom!!!!

????

Su An, Wang Xiaocui, the Wang family...

Wang Xiaocui gave Su An a knowing look. "You’ve been hiding it? He’s already calling me 'Mom'?"

Su An glared at Zuo Zuying, who overdramatically cowered.

"Fine, it’s exactly what you see. We’re dating."

.......