Reborn in the 80s: My Whole Family Secretly Hears My Thoughts and Goes Wild with Success! - Chapter 5

Wan Jiayin quickly stepped forward and took Yaya from Yue Mingyuan’s arms, soothing her gently, “There, there, Yaya. Don’t cry, sweetheart.”

Yaya stopped crying instantly and even giggled at Wan Jiayin, as if deliberately taunting Wang Fengqin.

After playing with Yaya for a moment, Wan Jiayin finally glanced at Wang Fengqin. “Mother-in-law, you’ve been busy all day—why don’t you take a break? With so many of us here, we can look after Yaya.”

Wang Fengqin’s expression darkened. She muttered resentfully, “Why isn’t this child close to me? What have I done to upset her?”

[She’s such an actress! You tried to kill me and repeatedly schemed against my mom! And you expect me to like you? Do you think I’m stupid?]

[You added blood-activating herbs to my mom’s millet porridge and slipped that drug into my dad’s stuffed pancakes—all to help that ugly monster! Ugh, you vile old witch!]

In her short one-month life in her past existence, Yaya didn’t remember much, but this incident was etched into her mind.

Because of the spiked millet porridge, her mother’s health deteriorated rapidly. The old witch then suggested taking her mother home to “care for her,” giving that ugly monster a chance to seduce her father. When the attempt failed, the monster deliberately told her mother about it, instantly destroying the fragile reconciliation between her parents after Yaya’s birth.

Just thinking about it made Yaya furious. She clenched her tiny fists, wishing she could punch the old witch and that ugly monster straight into outer space.

Yue Mingyuan was about to pour Shen Zhiqiu a bowl of millet porridge when Yaya’s thoughts made him freeze. He set the thermos aside.

Noticing Shen Zhiqiu’s gaze, Yue Mingyuan tightened his fingers, unsure how to explain.

Though Shen Zhiqiu had a strained relationship with her stepsister Shen Liya, she deeply respected her stepmother, Wang Fengqin.

“Mingyuan, I’m tired. I want to rest for a while.”

Yue Mingyuan helped her lie down. Shen Zhiqiu grabbed his hand and whispered, “If you’re not hungry, wait and eat with me later, okay?”

Relieved, Yue Mingyuan nodded. “Alright.”

“Zhiqiu, if you don’t want to eat, fine—but why stop Mingyuan too?” Wang Fengqin protested anxiously. “Mingyuan, don’t listen to her. Eat now! The stuffed pancakes will get soggy if you wait.”

“Yeah, Sis, how could you?” Shen Liya chimed in. “You’re being so inconsiderate toward your husband.”

Yue Mingyuan replied coldly, “I’m not hungry. I’ll eat when Zhiqiu wakes up.”

“Let him wait. Zhiqiu’s exhausted—he hasn’t done anything strenuous.” Wan Jiayin stood up and addressed the others. “Let’s go to the living room and let Zhiqiu rest.”

As everyone filed out, Wang Fengqin and Shen Liya had no choice but to follow.

Once alone, Shen Zhiqiu pulled Yue Mingyuan closer, her eyes pleading. “Mingyuan, please—watch over Yaya. She’s my life! Don’t let my family near her!”

“Yaya is our daughter. She’s my life too.” Yue Mingyuan tucked Shen Zhiqiu’s arm under the blanket, ensuring no drafts could reach her, and patted her gently. “Rest well. I’m here.”

…

Living Room Scene

“Parents-in-law, please don’t mind Zhiqiu’s behavior,” Wang Fengqin said apologetically after everyone settled in the living room. “We spoiled her growing up. Her mother passed early, and as a stepmother, I couldn’t be too strict. Her father was never around much.”

“Besides, Zhiqiu takes after her mother—she’s been pretty since childhood, always attracting boys. I remember back in middle school, groups of boys would wait outside our house just to see her.”

“Yeah, I remember that too!” Shen Liya sneered. “I even saw Sis holding hands with Big Fool Chun—”

“Stop lying! Your sister would never be interested in Big Fool Chun!” Wang Fengqin glared at her. “The boys who liked her all came from good families.”

“Mother-in-law, your words are quite interesting,” Wan Jiayin remarked, shifting her gaze from Wang Fengqin to Shen Liya.

“A woman’s reputation is precious. Most families would protect it at all costs. Yet, here you are, smearing your own daughter’s name.” She narrowed her eyes. “Or is it because she’s not your biological child?”

“W-what? That’s a terrible misunderstanding!” Wang Fengqin jumped up, flustered. “Parents-in-law, I only said those things because I was worried you’d be upset with Zhiqiu!”

“I’ve watched Zhiqiu grow up—I know her better than anyone! She’s a good girl, just a bit too willful sometimes.”

“Ugh, I’m making it worse!” She slapped her own mouth. “I’m terrible with words!”

Noticing Yue Mingyuan entering, she changed the subject. “Mingyuan, I’ll stay tonight. You should go home and rest.”

“Mom, you weren’t like this when I gave birth,” Shen Liya whined. “Look how much you’re doing for Sis. Who’s really your biological daughter here?”

“Your sister is!” Wang Fengqin jabbed Shen Liya’s forehead, exasperated. “Why must you compare yourself to her? Can you even compare?”

“Your sister’s already the lead performer in the cultural troupe, while you’re still just an errand girl! I don’t expect you to match her, but if you had half her ability, I could die in peace!”

“I can’t compare. Sis had Chen Can protecting her before, and now she’s got Brother-in-law. That’s a skill I’ll never learn.” Shen Liya’s voice dripped with envy.

“You can’t learn it—not because you don’t want to, but because you lack the qualifications,” Yue Mingyuan said coldly, staring down at her with undisguised disdain.

“Brother-in-law, what did I do to you?” Shen Liya’s pride shattered. “Why are you so cruel?”

“Waaah—!” Yaya pretended to be frightened, bursting into loud tears.

Yue Guohuai’s heart ached. He cradled her, murmuring, “Don’t cry, my precious. Shhh…”

“Mingyuan!” Yue Guohuai snapped—though it was clear his anger was directed at Shen Liya.

“Mother-in-law, you’ve worked hard today. Go home and rest. We’ll take care of Zhiqiu and the baby,” Wan Jiayin said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Wang Fengqin hesitated but, under Yue Guohuai’s glare, finally dragged Shen Liya away.

As they reached the door, Yue Mingyuan’s voice cut through:

“Your sister needs peace. Don’t come back for the next few days.”