If it were in the past, I would surely have jumped into the car, stepped on the accelerator, and run him over hundreds of times back and forth to see if Rong Bo had the guts!
But—
He's my husband.
What else can I do but spoil him?
Ah.
Maybe this is what growth is all about!
Although I was extremely reluctant in my heart, I still gave up with a smile. "I don't have the guts to murder my husband."
Rong Bo probably didn't expect me to surrender so quickly. His eyebrows relaxed, and he didn't know how to respond.
I handed him the keys. "Will you take me for a drive?"
Rong Bo took the keys a bit slowly. Then he pulled me into his arms, gave me a hug, and sighed. "I was just worried about you..."
He drove the car out. A gentle breeze blew, and the scenery outside the window flashed by.
All was harmonious and peaceful.
For some reason, I felt extremely uncomfortable.
After the drive, Rong Bo asked me, "Are you happy?"
Me: "..."
Driving a Mustang as slowly as a turtle.
And you still ask me if I'm happy?
I really didn't want to lie.
So I just kept silent.
One afternoon a week later.
I went to my dad's electric - car production workshop.
As a designer, I wanted a beautiful car, a pure idealized work of art.
After I gave the blueprint to the engineer, Xiaoma, it was up to him to turn my ideal into reality.
Xiaoma was very ugly but extremely good at acting coquettishly. It was so scary.
"Sis, this is too difficult..."
"Sis, the cost is too high..."
"It's impossible to achieve this, little sis!"
For goodness' sake.
You're already forty years old!
Either the designer or the engineer has to compromise.
It's either his defeat or my victory.
After a whole afternoon of this love - hate struggle.
Xiaoma cried and finally compromised.
He got my beautiful leather steering wheel done.
I went home happily.
Thinking of the leather steering wheel, I went to the garage to check on my vintage car.
I was okay until I took a look. Then I was shocked out of my wits.
I just instinctively turned the key and started the car.
The electric garage door slowly rose. The setting sun shone in, making the light - pink vintage car sparkle.
Wow—
My blood boiled!
I fastened my seat - belt, stepped on the accelerator, and tightly held the leather vintage steering wheel. My mood took off with the car.
The neighbors who knew me nearby all looked at me in surprise. Mom Hu even shouted, "Xingzai, are you going for a drive?! Does your husband know?!"
Me: Damn it.
Don't mention that name.
It really spoils my mood.
Although I was very excited, I still drove steadily. After leaving the villa area, the broad avenue was bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun.
Driving while listening to Elvis Presley's classic music on the vintage car, I felt as if I were on California State Route 1...
It was so awesome!
On my way back home, I told myself that this was the kind of "drive" I wanted.
This unrestrained and free - spirited way was the real "Xingzai".
But as soon as I drove the car to my doorstep, I saw a row of cars parked in my yard.
Oh no!
I was so busy that I forgot!
Today was the day for the family gathering!
As soon as I parked the car steadily, I was lifted out of the driver's seat like a chick.
Rong Bo's big hands went under my arms like iron pincers. He lifted me up and walked towards the house.
A group of people followed behind, including my dad, my mom, my father - in - law, my mother - in - law, and my grandma...
They all chased after us and shouted, "Talk it out nicely!" "Put her down quickly!" "Be careful of the baby!"...
I was carried by my husband and sat on the sofa in front of so many people without any dignity. Seeing him raise his hand fiercely, I instinctively scolded, "Rong Bo! How dare you!"
Rong Bo was so angry that he ignored me.
He raised his hand high, but it landed gently on my butt.
"Slap."
"Slap, slap, slap..."
Just like that.
I was spanked by my husband in public for a long time.
It didn't hurt.
But I was extremely ashamed.
Anyway, I was like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water. I puffed out my stomach. "Hit me. Hit me right here!"
Everyone: "Stop this nonsense! You mustn't do this!"
Finally, my grandma led me off Rong Bo's lap and pulled me to sit on the sofa beside her. She looked at Rong Bo and then at me.
I thought she was going to give us a long - winded lecture on how to get along as a couple. But then grandma said, "You two are not suitable. You'd better get divorced early."
Everyone: "!!!"
Rong Bo: "..."
Me: "I calmly and patiently talked to him about this. I compromised at that time, but I was in a bad mood for a long time afterwards."
Grandma: "Xingzai, if you're sure about something, just go for it! Don't live by looking at your husband's face. Be brave and be yourself!"
Me: "Yes!"
"Slap."
My mom hit me on the back. "This girl really needs to be disciplined. Rong Bo, you're right! I'm on your side!"
My dad also agreed. He didn't have his own opinion anyway. He was just afraid of his wife. "Xingzai is young, bold, impulsive, and doesn't think about the consequences. She really needs a mature and steady man like Rong Bo to discipline her. Fortunately, she came back safely this time. What if something happened? She'd cry too late!"
Rong Bo's eyes flickered.
For a moment, I seemed to be the target of everyone's criticism.
I felt like I was abandoned by the whole world.
It was just a drive. Why make such a big deal out of it? Do we really need to be so serious!
Suddenly, my mother - in - law spoke up. "I don't think my daughter - in - law did anything wrong. Instead, I think she was wronged. She's always been an assertive and free - spirited person. Why does she have to sneak out to drive after getting married? As you can all see, she drives steadily and has excellent parking skills. She's quite confident and capable! If you don't praise her, at least don't criticize her?"
Everyone: "!!!"
Me: Touched...
Me: Want to cry...
Even my father - in - law was surprised. "Honey! When did you become so open - minded?"
My mother - in - law looked at him. "Recently, when I look at Xingzai, I seem to see you in the past. When we first got married, you were just like her, with a strong personality, arrogant, and confident... But I was too overbearing. Over the years, you've gradually lost your edge. You've changed so much. You've endured and tolerated me... Husband, you've worked hard."
My father - in - law was very magnanimous. "It's not hard. I'm willing to do it."
My mother - in - law looked at him sympathetically. "Look at you. You've been PUAed..."
My father - in - law: "..."
My mother - in - law looked at me and said, "Happiness in marriage can't be achieved by just enduring. If you need to argue, argue. If you need to fight, fight. If you can't win, I'll help you!"
Me: "..."
My mother - in - law said to Rong Bo, "Get it straight. She originally didn't want to get married. You coaxed her into marriage. And now you treat her like this? Do you deserve her trust in you!"
The more she said, the uglier Rong Bo's face became.
I quickly flattered him. "Rong Bo just cares about me and the baby. We'll work hard to get along and communicate well in the future. We won't be like this again..."
Finally, this farce came to an end.
During dinner, I heard my father - in - law whispering to Rong Bo. "Son, listen to your dad. A man should make sacrifices for his family. Learn to be patient. Treat your wife as the most important person. Give your wife enough face in public. If there are any problems, talk about them behind closed doors. Then no one will see you kneeling on the washboard or durian... A man must be considerate. A bad temper won't win your wife's heart."
The more Rong Bo listened, the more he looked like a complaining husband with a sad face. "Okay."
Me: "..."
I was wrong.
I was really wrong.
I won't quarrel with him next time even if I'm beaten to death.