Shao Chunrong closed her eyes wearily, her mind adrift with unknown thoughts. She didn't want to speak, nor did she have the energy to explain anything.
Shao Qingqing glanced at her mother and whispered, "Let's talk about it when we get back."
Shao Zhengkang also sensed that things weren't going well. He sighed inwardly and decided to drive them home.
Meanwhile, at the Jin residence.
Zhao Qin was still furious, complaining bitterly to her friends. "I must have committed a grave sin in my past life to be associated with such people!"
"Alas, marriage truly requires partners of equal standing," Huang Xiufang lamented. Fortunately, she had chosen her daughter-in-law herself, someone from a similar background, which ensured their family remained harmonious.
Zhang Lan nodded in agreement.
People of their social circle generally disdained such poor relatives.
He Qing observed everything. She was surprised to witness this scene today, which was highly beneficial for advancing her plans.
In the afternoon, Huang Xiufang and Zhang Lan took their leave.
He Qing remained at the Jin residence. Zhao Qin specially prepared a room for her, instructing, "Xiao Qing, if you need anything at all, just tell me. Treat this place as your own home, and consider me your own sister."
"Alright, Sister Qin," He Qing replied with a smile. Then, she added casually, "You shouldn't be too angry about what happened this morning. If they pester you again in the future, just turn them away."
Zhao Qin was indeed still dwelling on the matter, but she had no intention of letting it end so easily!
With a resentful expression, she declared, "Xiao Qing, you don't know, but your Uncle Jin has a very good impression of that woman, Su Ding. Today, I must tell him and let him see her true colors."
As she spoke, she remembered something else and said with utter disgust,
"Oh, right! The Shao family dares to disturb my Jin family's life. I should personally call that woman and ask her mother's family what right they have to demand money!"
He Qing was pleased with this turn of events, but she feigned concern, saying, "Won't that escalate the conflict?"
"Let it escalate. She dared to kidnap me, and I can't even scold her? Xiao Qing, you don't need to worry about it. Rest well. I'm going downstairs to make a call."
With that, Zhao Qin grabbed her phone and stormed downstairs.
She hadn't felt comfortable calling Su Ding in front of her friends earlier. Now that they were gone, it was time to settle scores with Su Ding!
Zhao Qin settled onto the living room sofa and directly dialed Su Ding's number.
Ring, ring, ring—
The call was finally answered after several seconds.
"Su Ding, control your family and don't come to my Jin family begging for food. Does anyone think they can just walk into my Jin family? Don't you know your place?"
Zhao Qin was blunt, her tone arrogant as she accused.
At that moment, Su Ding was resting in Ting Xia's office. She was quite surprised to see Zhao Qin call, wondering what her mother-in-law was up to this time.
Still, she answered, only to be met with a barrage of scolding.
"What do you mean? What are you talking about?" Su Ding asked, bewildered.
Her family? What family did she have here?
Seeing Su Ding playing dumb, Zhao Qin's disgust grew. "I'm asking you, did you buy a jade bracelet last month and have my son give it to me, saying he bought it?"
Su Ding was momentarily speechless upon hearing this.
That was right. The bracelet was on sale, and she thought it was quite nice. Buying two would have been much cheaper, so she had given it to Zhao Qin, thinking it was a way to show filial piety to her husband.
How had that offended her?
"Yes, I did buy it. If you don't like it, you can throw it away. There's no need to call and scold me," Su Ding retorted, her own tone not entirely pleasant.
"Heh, let me tell you today, I don't like anything you buy. Don't buy me anything from now on! Do I know you? Are we close? If you dare to send me anything using my son's name again, I'll make you regret it!"
Zhao Qin said indignantly. While she was angry about this incident, she was more upset that her son had kept it from her. However, she knew Su Ding had no ill intentions in this matter.
But every time she recalled the near-kidnapping and threat of death, she shivered. She absolutely would not allow such a terrifying woman in her home.
"Fine! I've noted it. There won't be a next time."
After saying this, Su Ding prepared to hang up, but Zhao Qin immediately cut in, saying angrily,
"Don't think this is the end of it. Your grandmother brought your aunt to my door demanding money, wanting to cooperate and pull resources for your Shao family. She was even wearing the same jade bracelet as me! Have you no shame? Huh? You think because we have matching bracelets, I owe her money? Do I owe her?"