I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s

"This is really too precious, Xiao Meng, is this what you brought over from the start?"

It's no wonder that Mou Feng was surprised; she had heard about what happened when Lu Zhenping and Shen Meng went to see Bai Shuyu in the morning, and she also knew what they had taken from the hospital room.

She never expected the younger generation to give them anything; after all, they hadn't fulfilled any responsibilities over the years, so how could they dare to expect anything in return from the younger generation? Having them over for a meal was already a very comforting thing.

Lu Zhenping divided the items individually and then sipped from his teacup after sitting down.

"Xiao Meng means that our visit to Shangjing isn't just to see Miss Bai; we have other matters to attend to. There's not much feeling involved, and we don't plan to socialize much in the future, just enough to maintain appearances."

Shen Mengqing lightly tapped him.

"Uncle, Auntie, this was my idea. Having lived with Zhenping for so many years, I know what kind of person he is. People our age, talking about motherly love or resentment, doesn't really fit, but since Miss Bai asked us to come and have a look, considering the mother-child relationship, Zhenping was willing to come, so I accompanied him. We can't get too close, though; Zhenping went through a lot of hardship as a child. It's not just him who can't get over it; I can't either. Saying we can get past it is just a way of saying we don't want to hold grudges anymore."

"You've suffered, child. I know during those years Zhenping was in the army, you, raising four children on your own, must have endured a lot. You are a good child."

"Auntie, I've heard from Zhenping that when he was in the army, you and Uncle took great care of him. The money tickets I received back home were also sent by you. Back then, you said they were from Zhenping's comrades, so I didn't think much of it. Anyway, Zhenping and I, along with our four children, all remember your kindness."

"Let's not talk about those formalities. Today, I've made a few dishes that you love; you should try them later. Oh, and there's osmanthus wine. Women can drink it too, right? Your sisters-in-law aren't heavy drinkers, but today's a celebration, so let's all have a sip."

Shen Meng smiled and nodded. Once the conversation opened up, the living room instantly became lively.

Both Shen Meng and Lu Zhenping felt more relaxed and joined in the festive atmosphere.

During the meal, Bai Yan mentioned where they had gone that afternoon, and Shen Meng took the opportunity to talk about her plans to buy a house in Shangjing, also for the future development of Lu Mingkai.

"Don't think about buying a house. Your grandparents left a courtyard house for Zhenping. Initially, it was said that once Shuyu got married and settled down, they'd find a way to bring Zhenping to Shangjing. However, many things happened, causing delays. Back then, words spoken were as sharp as knives, so Shuyu didn't dare to bring him. When the old couple passed away, they hadn't even seen Zhenping, oh, just his photo; it was their regret. So, they left the house they lived in before, with the agreement of the family. I have the house deed and some items the grandmother left for Zhenping's wife and children, which I've kept safe."

Mou Feng placed her chopsticks on the table, and then went upstairs, returning after some time with a small box.

"Oh, we're eating! What's the rush?"

"Yes, yes, let's eat first and talk afterward."

Shen Meng: "...."

Come on, I'm eager to see!!!

After dinner, Mou Feng pulled Shen Meng into the living room and opened the box, first handing over a set of house deeds for the courtyard house to Shen Meng.

"This is the house left to you by the old couple, a three-section courtyard, quite spacious. It'd be perfect for Ming Kai if he comes to Shangjing for university. If he doesn't live in it, it could also be rented out. Oh, by the way, Bai Yan has been managing the house these past few years, renting it to several families. The money in this account book is the rent from the courtyard, which I'll also give to you. These are some old valuables the grandma saved up. During turbulent times, they didn't dare to take them out, but now it's fine, so you should keep them well."

Shen Meng's eyes widened, startled by the three-section courtyard, spanning nearly seven hundred square meters, and all these valuable old items made of gold, silver, jade, perfectly preserved.

"All of this is for us, Auntie, or..."

"Keep it. If you don't, the old couple won't rest easy below ground."

Shen Meng looked at Lu Zhenping, who nodded to her. Reluctantly, Shen Meng finally accepted it, and the Bai Family breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, they accepted it; otherwise, during Qingming and Cold Food Festivals, they wouldn't know how to explain to the old couple.

"Uncle, Auntie, Cousin, and Cousin-in-law, Cousin Sister, logically speaking, grandma left Ming Kai an estate, securing his future with rental income. However, as his parents, Zhenping and I still want to provide a better foundation for our children. If there are better courtyards available in Shangjing, two-section or three-section, we'd like to buy another for our children. And it's not just for him; there are Mingyang and the other children as well. They are all my children; I can't be biased."

"That, that requires a lot of money; can you afford it?"

Shen Meng embarrassedly smiled.

"We don't have any money. These years have been spent focusing on work. I'm just thinking about it first; after returning in a few days, I plan to start a company. With such favorable policies now, I'd like to catch this wave and develop a bit further. Although our Ning County has developed quite well, there are still many unemployed youths. Starting small, even though I've stepped down, I still want to do something for Ning County and my hometown."

"Good, your idea is excellent. But since self-employed businesses are just starting to implement, I suggest you wait a bit longer. See if you still have this idea next year, and then act on it. If you need resources from Shangjing, look for your Sister Bai Shan; she's sharp and can help you out."

"Sure!"

As everyone was happily chatting in the living room, suddenly there was a knock on the door. The maid opened the door and glanced outside, recognizing Yuan Guoming and several children from the Yuan Family. Without further thought, she let them in.

But as soon as they were invited inside, she stopped them abruptly. She had heard about how the children of Grandma's family had bullied Lu Zhenping and Shen Meng, and she felt upset about it.

Seeing the expression on the Yuan Family's faces wasn't good either. She was an old aide of the Bai Family and was treated as a foster daughter by the old lady when she was alive.

"Master, hold on, let me report before letting you in."

"Sister Juan, we're all family. Isn't this a bit too distant?"

Sister Juan pursed her lips before speaking, "We're happily talking with the Young Master right now. I've heard what happened at the hospital this morning. So, being a bit presumptuous, I'd have you wait for a moment. In consideration of the late old lady, I think I can say this. Ms. Nian Nian, you wouldn't think I'm being domineering, would you?"

Yuan Niannian's face turned pale, hardly able to stand steadily.

"No, I wouldn't dare, Aunt Juan."