The Stepmother's Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era-Chapter 844 - 843: Birthday Party Turmoil

Shen Chaobei was naturally not articulate, and with the living example of Hui Kang before his eyes, he couldn’t help but wonder if Shen Mingzhu’s business concepts were truly outdated and unable to keep up with the current economic trends.

Outside the room, Shen Zilong bounced into his sister Shen Yan’s room.

"Mama said Auntie is an old fuddy-duddy..."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Shen Yan covered his mouth, "Don’t talk nonsense."

Shen Zilong, unconcerned, brushed Shen Yan’s hand off his mouth, "Mama is the one who said it!"

Shen Yan frowned, "Have you been eavesdropping on Mom and Dad again? How many times have I told you, eavesdropping is a bad habit..."

"Blah blah blah."

Shen Zilong, impatient with her preaching, made a face and turned to run off.

Shen Yan, helpless, could only continue writing her homework.

After Shen Mingzhu had helped her daughter with her homework, she went downstairs to pour some water and was slightly surprised to see Pei Wenping sitting on the living room sofa chatting leisurely with Pei Yang.

"Big sister, what brings you here so late?"

Pei Wenping glanced at her, "Why do you think I came over?"

Pei Yang stood up, "You two talk, I’ll go upstairs."

Pei Wenping had come over because of the morning meeting. Like Shen Chaobei, she had voted in favor of the reform measures proposed by Shen Mingzhu.

"Don’t rush, take it slow, it’s just a matter of money after all. Once the factory situation improves, everyone will have nothing to say."

Shen Mingzhu smiled, "I know, putting these issues on the table today is like casting a stone to ask the way."

Pei Wenping beckoned Fugui over to her side and began to stroke his fur as she spoke:

"You should not take to heart what Assistant Mai said, but at the same time, you can’t dismiss it. These dogs that rely on their master’s power, they all have someone backing them up. Times change, as do people’s hearts."

Shen Mingzhu was silent for a moment and then smiled slightly, "Thank you for the reminder, big sister."

In a private room at the Wankelai Hotel.

"Director Du, it’s a pleasure to meet you, my surname is Liang, I am the regional head for Fangda International in China."

Taking the business card from Liang Xian, Du Juan’s gaze flickered upon seeing the company name and position.

"Director Liang, I’ve long admired your reputation, may I ask what you wish to discuss with me?"

"Please, the honor is mine, Director Du. You are truly an inspiring woman."

After dinner at Wankelai, Mai Qiu couldn’t contain her curiosity, "Director Du, would you consider Director Liang’s proposal?"

"We’ll talk about that later."

Once in the car, Du Juan instructed her Assistant, "Don’t tell a third person about today’s meeting, including Chaobei."

Mai Qiu hurriedly nodded.

Time flew, and August arrived, bringing Pei Tang’s tenth birthday.

Shen Mingzhu held an animated birthday party for her daughter in a three-story stand-alone villa in Ruifeng Garden.

The villa was bought by Pei Ziheng a year ago, and after a year’s worth of renovations, it was given as a birthday present to his little sister.

For the birthday party, Shen Mingzhu did not invite outsiders, merely close family and friends, and some of Pei Tang’s good friends.

It was a scorcher of a summer, so Shen Mingzhu decided to hold a cold buffet.

The meal comprised various pastries, salads, sandwiches, and cold dishes.

However, compared to all kinds of delicious pastries, the children favored the birthday cake even more.

Unlike the ordinary cream cakes sold in cake shops, the birthday cake Shen Mingzhu personally made for her daughter was not only delicately crafted but also made with a rich variety of ingredients, which was coveted and loved by all the children.

"Auntie, Auntie, I want a slice of the birthday cake!"

Seeing her nephew Shen Zilong running up to her and acting coquettishly, Shen Mingzhu glanced at her watch and soothed him,

"It’s not time yet, wait a little longer. If you’re hungry, go get something to eat from the buffet yourself."

"I don’t want that, I just want the birthday cake! I want it now!"

As the youngest child in the family, Shen Zilong had been spoiled to the point of being willful and capricious.

However, Shen Mingzhu would not indulge Shen Zilong. She ignored him and turned to greet the other children, but she had only taken a few steps before she heard Shen Zilong shouting at her from behind,

"Old fogey!"

Seeing her turn around, Shen Zilong was not scared but instead yelled at her with an even louder voice,

"Auntie, you’re just an old fogey!"

Everyone nearby was attracted by Shen Zilong’s shout and gathered around.

Pei Wenping was the first to scold him, "Dandan, who taught you to talk like that? Apologize to your aunt."

"My mom said it, Auntie is an old fogey who can’t adapt!"

Shen Zilong pulled a face and then mischievously ran away, but his words felt like a bomb dropped in calm waters.

"That little brat, so clueless. He’s going to get a good talking-to from his dad later."

Seeing Pei Wenping trying to smooth things over, the adults around took the hint and dispersed, taking the children with them to play elsewhere.

After everyone had left, Pei Wenping approached Shen Mingzhu, "Let’s talk about anything after the birthday party is over."

Shen Mingzhu smiled, "Sure, it’s nothing."

Although Shen Mingzhu didn’t want to make a fuss or take the matter to heart, being called "old fogey" by her nephew in public had spread throughout the gathering.

Especially since Shen Zilong had said "My mom said it," instantly putting Du Juan under scrutiny.

However, Du Juan and her husband Shen Chaobei didn’t come today, and Shen Zilong was brought over by his older sister Shen Yan.

Learning of her little brother’s mistake, the sensible and precocious Shen Yan found Shen Mingzhu right away to apologize on behalf of her little brother.

"Auntie, it’s Dandan who’s talking nonsense without understanding. Please don’t hold it against him. When we get home, I’ll tell our parents, and they will discipline him properly."

"Okay, it’s fine. There are a lot of guests today; just take care of your brother."

Seeing Shen Mingzhu still as gentle and elegant as ever, not showing a cold face because of her brother’s impertinence, Shen Yan mustered the courage to also explain on behalf of her mother,

"Auntie, my mom said those angry words because she was in a fight with my dad. She didn’t mean any harm. Can you not be angry with my mom?"

Similarly being a mother, Shen Mingzhu found it hard not to like her sensible great-niece.

She patted her on the shoulder with a smile, "Don’t worry, your auntie isn’t that petty."

Watching her walk away, Shen Yan stood there for a long time.

After so many years, her auntie was still like the person she remembered from her childhood, gentle, beautiful, and generous.

Yet her own mother had changed a lot, becoming overpowering and domineering.

After the birthday cake was finished, the birthday party also came to an end.

For those wanting to go home early, Shen Mingzhu arranged for taxis one by one.

For those who were not ready to leave, the children were taken by Pei Tang to the entertainment room to watch a movie, while the adults gathered in the living room to drink tea and chat.

Taking advantage of the moment when Shen Mingzhu went to the kitchen to cut fruit, Jia Yuemei also came over to join her.

"Your big sister-in-law really has no conscience. You helped her so much, and she doesn’t even appreciate it. Instead, she talks behind your back, calling you an old fogey. If I were you, I wouldn’t be able to swallow this insult. I’d have to have it out with her."

While cutting the fruit, Shen Mingzhu spoke lightly, "Second sister-in-law, do you know what the secret to a long life is?"

"What is it?"

"Mind your own business."