MGASC -Chapter 129 The Flames of Conflict Are About to Ignite

She was a woman of principles. Setting a one-year trial period wasn’t something she had decided on lightly.

After all, they said having a child was a major milestone for a woman. She still wanted to see how Lin Tianyue would behave at a critical moment.

Besides, having a child marked the true beginning of married life. Sweet, romantic moments were easy enough, but raising a baby required far more energy, time, and patience.

How many couples only start to clash after having children?

Before transmigrating, Zhang Qiao had seen a cousin’s sister who, after quarreling with her mother-in-law during postpartum confinement while her husband stood by doing nothing, developed postpartum depression and almost committed suicide.

So even though Lin Tianyue was behaving well now, Zhang Qiao wasn’t in any hurry to get the marriage certificate.

A lifetime’s major decision shouldn’t be rushed.

Once they decided on having braised chicken, Zhang Qiao started directing Lin Tianyue to prepare the ingredients. Their courtyard was spacious, and the small greens she had planted were already lush and green after just a few days.

She plucked a handful of greens, sliced some chili peppers, soaked some wood ear mushrooms, daylilies, and potato slices—whatever they had at home, she used. Lin Tianyue went off to slaughter a chicken.

By nightfall, the aroma of spicy, savory chicken filled the entire courtyard of the little two-story house, making Xiao Wu downstairs, who was still working, salivate.

It smelled amazing!

Their factory director was really nice—if he said he’d add chicken drumsticks for dinner, he actually did.

Working for him was just too blissful!

When the three little ones returned, the Lin family’s braised chicken was already on the table: a small bowl brimming with sesame-sprinkled, glistening chicken that smelled irresistible.

While their dad served the rice, Lin Jin quickly grabbed a piece of chicken and popped it into his mouth.

Even though it was scorching hot and a bit spicy, it didn’t stop him from savoring the flavor.

“Aunt Qiao, the chicken you made is absolutely amazing! So fragrant, tender, spicy—just perfect!”

Lin Jin had never tasted chicken this good, and he used every compliment he could think of.

Zhang Qiao hurriedly stuffed some rice and chopsticks into his hands: “A Jin, eat it with rice; otherwise, it’s too spicy. Also, a little correction—the chicken tonight was made by your dad, not me.”

All three kids looked up at Lin Tianyue.

He proudly raised his gaze: “Smells good, right? Tastes amazing, huh? Let’s see who dares to say next time that I can only make terrible food!”

Ah…

Their dad was so arrogant, so pleased with himself!

Seeing Zhang Qiao giving him a look, Lin Xun closed his eyes and praised: “Hmm, really good. Dad, you’ve improved!”

Lin Ran chimed in: “Yeah, yeah. Dad, does this mean you can take care of meals at home from now on?”

Lin Jin added: “Great! That way Aunt Qiao won’t have to work so hard!”

Lin Xun solemnly patted his dad on the shoulder: “Dad, thanks for your hard work.”

Lin Tianyue twitched at the corner of his mouth. What did they mean, handing the meals over to him?

He had a feeling he’d been tricked.

It was as if the three little rascals and his wife had conspired to hoodwink him!

Well, whatever.

He should indeed take on more responsibility. Even if he’d been duped, he secretly felt it was sweet.

After dinner, he even voluntarily washed the dishes.

The kids didn’t help because tomorrow they would take their elementary school entrance exams.

The evening had to be used well for some last-minute review.

Speaking of exams, Lin Tianyue felt an inexplicable nervousness—more than when he took exams himself.

This was grade-skipping! Lin Xun and Lin Ran hadn’t attended school a single day, and now they faced such a huge test. Could they handle the pressure?

He remembered how Zhang Qiao had bragged in front of the principal; if they failed, it would be humiliating.

After washing the dishes, he couldn’t help but walk toward the kids’ room.

Zhang Qiao sat upright in a chair with a book in hand, testing Lin Ran and Lin Xun on their memorization.

Lin Xun was very serious about studying, answering smoothly no matter what was asked. But Lin Ran struggled, pausing after each passage, sometimes forgetting entirely or answering incorrectly.

Lin Tianyue grew anxious at the door, wanting to jump in every time Lin Ran faltered.

After a particularly stuttered recitation of classical text, he couldn’t hold back. With a stern face, he entered, tapping Lin Ran’s desk firmly.

“Lin Ran, what’s going on? Is this your learning result? Your mother worked hard to get you this opportunity, and this is how you treat her efforts? You can’t even memorize a few poems and spend your days just thinking about playing, huh?”

Lin Ran pouted, defiant: “Who’s just thinking about playing? Why are you eavesdropping outside?”

“I wouldn’t have known if I weren’t! And look at how you’re reciting!”

“Oh, Dad, stop it. As long as I pass tomorrow’s exam, it’s fine!”

Unlike Lin Xun, Lin Ran liked to think his way around things, taking shortcuts.

He was more interested in math than language. He had calculated that he could score full marks in math. Even if his language recitation was a bit weak, he’d still be above the passing line. On average, eighty points should be no problem.

Lin Ran puffed out his chest defiantly: “Don’t believe me? Test me in math—I’ll ace it!”

Lin Tianyue’s eyes darkened further: “Do you think the teacher is only testing math tomorrow? Or do you think excelling in just one subject is enough? Lin Ran, you’re skipping a grade. Your mother has already boasted in front of the principal. If you fail, it’s her reputation on the line! Is this how you repay her?”

Lin Ran’s rebellious streak flared. His brows knit into a knot: “Come on! I spent one summer learning three years’ worth of knowledge. Do I have to get a perfect score for it to be satisfactory? Scoring eighty doesn’t make me a failure! I just want to be an eighty-point student, okay? And this stuff is so hard to memorize—who can do it overnight? You can’t, so why should I have to?”

Lin Tianyue’s chest heaved in anger, veins popping.

Deep breath.

Fine, really fine! They dared to challenge me!

Where’s the broom? Looks like this kid needs a lesson!

Seeing their dad angry, Lin Xun and Lin Jin lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound.

At a time like this, speaking up would be like running into a gun barrel.

Blood is more important than sibling loyalty…

The flames of conflict were about to ignite.

After a long silence, Zhang Qiao coughed softly: “Uh… just a reminder—hitting kids isn’t right.”

Lin Tianyue’s urge to beat his son instantly subsided.

Right, stay calm!

He absolutely couldn’t appear violent in front of his wife.

They weren’t even legally married yet!

But the kids couldn’t be left unchecked. In Lin Tianyue’s view, Zhang Qiao was too lenient with them.

He slammed his hand on the table: “You little rascal, trying to challenge me, huh? Lin Ran, answer me—if I can recite it perfectly, what will you do?”

All three kids looked up simultaneously, even Zhang Qiao stared at Lin Tianyue in surprise.

What was this mysterious turn of events?

Could it be…