"Song Qiao, what nonsense are you spouting here?"
Xia Yuqing, who had been somewhat confused, suddenly understood something after hearing Song Qiao's explanation.
"Am I spouting nonsense? I saw him outside pulling and dragging you with my own eyes."
Song Qiao was already furious to the extreme, his voice unknowingly rising a few decibels.
"Slap!"
Xia Yuqing suddenly slapped him across the face, her voice trembling slightly as she said, "Song Qiao, what do you take me for? Am I that kind of person?"
"The plate was a bit hot, and President Zhao was just helping me steady it. You actually imagined me as that kind of woman."
After speaking, Xia Yuqing could no longer hold back the tears in her eyes and squatted on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.
Seeing his wife's reaction, Song Qiao was instantly flustered and froze on the spot.
He never imagined that this was a complete misunderstanding.
Just as he was about to explain, Xia Yuqing suddenly looked up, her face filled with a resentful expression.
"Do you know how important this first collaboration is to me?"
"You're so successful in your career now, and my colleagues at the company secretly mock me, saying I only got this position because of you."
"After you caused this scene today, how will I be able to face anyone at the company in the future?"
After saying this, Xia Yuqing seemed to suddenly calm down. Disregarding the onlookers, she walked straight to the car and sat in the passenger seat with a pouting mouth.
Song Qiao stood there stunned for a long time before shaking his head helplessly and driving his wife home.
On the way, he tried to apologize several times but didn't know how to start. He could only gently pat Xia Yuqing's shoulder, patiently listening to her soft sobs.
He had acted impulsively in anger earlier, misunderstanding his wife without proper investigation. Now that the misunderstanding was cleared up, he felt an unspeakable discomfort in his heart.
Her wife had always been strong-willed. However, as his business grew larger, his usually independent wife eventually chose to compromise and join his company.
He never expected that the gossip from some employees would cause her so much psychological pressure. Song Qiao had indeed overlooked this.
In his original thought, Xia Yuqing had found a job that was easier and more interesting than before, so she should be happy. Thus, he subconsciously didn't consider his wife's feelings.
...
They drove the rest of the way in silence, as if in a silent quarrel. Song Qiao reached home in just over ten minutes.
"You're back. I have one last dish to make. You two sit down and rest for a while."
The mother-in-law, seeing her daughter and son-in-law return on time, happily hummed a tune.
Song Qiao and Xia Yuqing exchanged a glance. Neither of them brought up the issue with their mother-in-law. Xia Yuqing didn't say a word and went straight into the kitchen to help her mother.
The atmosphere during dinner was somewhat awkward.
Song Qiao wanted to speak up several times but stopped because Xixi was still present.
Xia Yuqing was still sulking and naturally didn't speak, only focusing on picking up food and eating.
This immediately caught the attention of the usually attentive mother-in-law, who couldn't help but frown.
"Xixi, come to the bedroom after dinner. Mom will help you with your homework."
After finishing her meal, Xia Yuqing efficiently cleared her bowls and chopsticks and led her daughter back to the bedroom.
Throughout the entire process, she ignored Song Qiao as if he didn't exist.
Xixi stuck out her tongue at her father and obediently followed her mother into the bedroom with her schoolbag.
Only Song Qiao and his mother-in-law were left sitting awkwardly in the living room, looking at each other.
"Xiao Song, tell Mom, what's the conflict between you two?"
As soon as Xia Yuqing left, the mother-in-law couldn't contain her curiosity and asked Song Qiao.
"Mom, you misunderstood... we."
Song Qiao was about to make up an excuse when he saw his mother-in-law looking at him with a sullen expression.
"Don't lie. Do you think I can't tell? You two are clearly sulking."
"Hurry up and tell Mom what happened."
Seeing this, Song Qiao knew he couldn't hide it any longer. He sighed helplessly and recounted the conflict between him and Xia Yuqing that afternoon to his mother-in-law.
"Xiao Song, I raised Yuqing with my own hands. I know her temper and personality very well. She would never do anything to betray you outside."
Song Qiao quickly nodded and explained, "Mom, that's not what I meant. I know now that I misunderstood, but I don't know how to explain it to Yuqing."
The mother-in-law paused, not responding to Song Qiao's explanation, and continued, "Yuqing's personality is indeed a bit sensitive, and sometimes she's stubborn.
"No matter who is right or wrong in this matter, it's ultimately a minor issue that doesn't involve principles. Yuqing has indeed been under a lot of pressure recently."
"Why don't you, as her husband, take the initiative to apologize first? Consider it giving Mom some face."
Song Qiao had already figured out the misunderstanding and, seeing his mother-in-law persuading him again, finally made up his mind and knocked on his wife's bedroom door.
Then, he took a deep breath:
"Wife, it's all my fault today. I neglected your feelings."
"I promise, this kind of thing will never happen again."
There was a long silence from inside the room before Xia Yuqing finally spoke, "I was also a bit too impulsive today. We both need some time to calm down. We can talk about this another day."
Song Qiao immediately shook his head helplessly, realizing his wife was still angry with him.
However, the collaboration had indeed been ruined by him, which was a significant blow to Xia Yuqing.
"Alright, wife. Calm down first, and we'll talk tomorrow."
Song Qiao sighed and replied to Xia Yuqing before returning to the guest room.
His wife was currently angry, and trying to force an explanation might backfire. It was better to wait until both sides had calmed down to talk.
"Xiao Song, don't worry too much. Yuqing will probably figure it out after a good night's sleep. If not, I'll help persuade her tomorrow morning."
The mother-in-law, seeing Song Qiao's low spirits, couldn't help but comfort him.
"I'm fine, Mom. Don't worry."
Song Qiao forced a smile and reassured his mother-in-law, preparing to rest early.
Just then, Ah Wei's call came in.
"Hello, boss. Do you have time tonight? Let's go out for a few drinks."
Coincidentally, Song Qiao had made plans with Ah Wei to go for drinks a couple of days ago, and he hadn't expected the other party to schedule it for today.