I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 286: It Has Nothing to Do with Us

Lu Mingkai was momentarily stunned before grimacing.

"Mom, can you stop making such jokes all the time? They’re not funny at all, way too childish."

Shen Meng was rendered speechless hearing this. She didn’t know where the kid had picked up the term "childish." Whether he understood its meaning or not, he was constantly using it, which almost got him smacked just a moment ago.

"Let the feast begin! Relatives and friends, ladies and gentlemen, let’s start the meal! Hurry up and take your seats, hurry up and eat!"

"Duang! Duang! Duang!"

Three gong sounds summoned those who were still squatting down searching for candies and cigarettes, urging everyone to quickly return to their seats, eagerly waiting for the dishes to be served.

Mingyang and Mingliang passed all the candies they had grabbed to Daqing, Erqing, and Yaoyao. Xifeng’s kids also ended up with a few pieces of candy.

"See? Your siblings aren’t childish. Not every household is like ours, where you can eat what you want whenever you want. Your brother is helping others, while you are here eating fried foods. Son, you need to learn to share."

Ming Kai’s little face flushed a bit, his lips pouted slightly in displeasure.

"But today you’ve been quite good, and you did share the fried leftovers with Xiao Gang and Yaoyao, so I think you deserve some praise."

"That’s more like it; I am a very good and well-behaved baby, I just didn’t think of it earlier."

Shen Meng patted his little head, easily appeased, indeed a good child.

Thinking about how hectic her work life was, always running around with so much to do, and him being so young without ever complaining, his only minor grumble being his desire to eat meals cooked by her.

She sometimes felt she owed this wonderful child so much.

"Alright, stop staring at your son; they’re about to serve the dishes. Have something to eat to tide you over since later you guys are going to Shenji to watch the couple’s ceremony."

"Luckily, it’s just us at this table. If it were someone else’s table, prepare to fight for food!"

"Here it comes, hey! Uncle Guai is really splurging this time; look at those large chunks of meat!"

"That smells great, and there’s chicken stewed with noodles too!"

"And tofu fish, look at that oily sheen, my gosh, Uncle Guai and Aunt Juying must be spending a fortune this time!"

...

Shen Meng’s chopsticks were snatched away by Mingyang, along with those of Mingliang and a few others.

"Don’t eat yet, the chopsticks aren’t clean. I’ll go wash them again, Minyang will be back soon, Mom, don’t rush."

"Alright, son, take it slow, don’t bump into anyone. Stay clear of those carrying dishes so you don’t get scalded."

"Oh!"

Shen Meng smiled watching him; her Mingyang still had the potential to be a charming gentleman!

The banquet was bustling with excitement. After Uncle Guai brought Shen Xiaobin into the yard, he kept loitering at the yard or doorway, occasionally telling everyone, "Enjoy your meal, have a good drink."

It was evident he was genuinely beaming with joy. Having lost face before due to his son-in-law Mao Chun and his son Xingchang, he finally seemed to have regained his dignity.

When Mingyang came back with the chopsticks, the dishes on the other tables were almost all snapped up, except for theirs which remained untouched, evoking envy from others. Some even pushed their children to come over and ask for some food.

Unfortunately, the people sitting at the table are all tough nuts to crack. No matter what was said, no one even blinked. When the chopsticks were brought, the suppressed children began stuffing food vigorously into their mouths.

Ming Kai, while picking up food, was also glaring at someone.

Once the food in his own bowl was finished, he thought about eating his share. What was he thinking, go dream about farting to eat!

When the dinner was halfway through, Shen Xiaobin came out with Lu Xiangxiang to toast, with Uncle Guai and Zhu Juying standing at the very front, busying themselves with introducing relatives and toasting.

Shen Meng picked up a piece of chicken and put it in her mouth, acknowledging that the meal was indeed well prepared.

Shirley was eating happily when suddenly her arm was pulled. Mrs. Daya wiped the oil from her mouth and leaned closer to her.

"Mom, Dad, and brother are over there. Brother got beaten up and is still holding an empty bowl. Mom, I want to serve some food to brother."

Listening, Shirley glanced in the direction Mrs. Daya pointed to, meeting Dezi’s hopeful eyes. He wiped his runny nose, looking at her with some joy.

"Mom..."

"Don’t bother, just eat your food. What brother? You don’t have a brother. You only have a sister, Xiao Ya. Daughter, let’s just live our own lives well. Those people over there have nothing to do with us. With Mom here in the future, no one can bully you. After we move to the county to live with your Uncle Qian, we will completely cut ties with these people."

Shirley coldly returned Dezi’s gaze then turned her head away and joyfully continued eating her meal.

Shen Meng saw her put a chopstick full of cabbage and star anise into her mouth without blinking. She knew Shirley was still concerned. No matter how unreasonable that damn kid had been in the past, he was still her child. Despite showing such cold disregard, she couldn’t possibly remain indifferent to his suffering.

Nevertheless, she didn’t want to interfere. To forgive so easily—how would the past suffering of Mrs. Daya, Xiao Ya, and the mother-daughter Shirley be accounted for?

Watching his mom directly turn away without even glancing at him saddened Dezi immensely. His face was smeared with tears and snot, and before he could wipe his tears away, Lai Zi kicked him to the ground.

"You useless little runt, when others are hosting a banquet, you can’t even get a bowl of rice, just like your wayward mom, neither of you are good for anything. How could I have fathered such a fool?"

"Wuu wuu wuu, don’t hit me, don’t hit me, I’ll go now, Dad, I’m going now."

"Stupid fool, you won’t listen without a beating, hurry up. Make sure you get the food and drink, or don’t bother coming home today."

Dezi, cowering on the ground, kept looking towards his sisters and mother who were happily eating, without even turning their heads to look at him.

When Lai’s parents arrived, Lai Zi was still kicking the child. The elderly couple rushed over to embrace Dezi and attempted to run away with him.

Seeing this, Lai Zi became even angrier and kicked them several times, but then he slipped and fell. The old couple took the chance to run away with Dezi.

Those watching the scene at the entrance of Uncle Guai’s courtyard all looked towards Shirley. Some old men saw Shirley busy feeding Xiao Ya, shaking their heads in disapproval.

"It’s her own child, how can she be so ruthless?"

"Indeed, how can she be so petty with her own child? Dezi used to be very naughty, but he has improved a lot. They’re her own children, a mother should treat them equally!"

"In my opinion, the child understands things now. Although Lai Zi is no good, I’ve heard that Lai’s parents are starting to appreciate Mrs. Daya’s kindness. They might as well get back together, a couple for a day shares a hundred days of grace, just make do and get through this life."

"For the sake of children, what can’t be tolerated? I’ve never seen such a heartless woman."

"No matter how capable she is, she shouldn’t be without a man by her side. In the future, if she tries to arrange a marriage for her daughter, she will be looked down upon."

....