Chapter 4
While we were speaking, the doorbell rang. I quickly went to open the door. It was my parents.
As soon as they stepped inside, my father said heartily, “Sam, what kind of tour did Cole book for us?”
Only after speaking did he notice the other two elderly people in the room. He promptly greeted them: “Oh, in-laws, you’re here too! This time, are we four old folks going off to have fun without the young couple?”
My mother also smiled slightly: “We two travel often and are very clear about the precautions. Once we’re on the road, we can help plan things out for you both.”
[was just about to speak when my mother-in-law cut in first: “I certainly don’t need you to plan things for me. My good son booked us an eight-hundred-dollar tour, not like your daughter, who’s stingy and only booked you a hundred-eighty-dollar one.”
After saying this, she shot me a glance.
My mother was momentarily taken aback: “Eight hundred dollars? That’s quite good.”
My mother-in-law looked smug: “That’s because our son has been filial since childhood. He feels sorry for us old couple living in the countryside, so he booked us the eight-hundred-dollar tour. Your tour is too cheap: we won’t be joining you.”
Then, my mother-in-law added hypocritically: “But, in-laws, you should be careful. There are many low-price ours online that will force you to spend money before letting you leave. You should be cautious, or maybe just don’t go.”
Who wouldn’t hear the underlying meaning in such hypocritical words?
My mother, originally gentle-natured and kind to everyone and everything, maintained her smile upon hearing this.
She reached out and patted my back soothingly: “The city’s tourist attractions are concentrated; a two-day itinerary is quite sufficient. This price includes two nights’ accommodation, which is very cost effective. Just the other day, your father and I were talking about booking this exact package. It seems mother and daughter share the same thought.”
Seeing that my mother showed not the slightest sign of anger, my mother in law. Busling her efforts pointless, said, “Hmmph, you’ll understand once you’ve suffered, Husband, let’s hurry and leave. There’s no need for you to see us off.” she said to me. “Take your own parents traveling properly.”
My in laws turned and left, leaving only me and my parents in the room.
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Chapter 4
Once they were gone, I took my mother’s hand: “Mom, I truly didn’t mean any of this. The tour I booked for you is better value than many similarly priced ones; you know the quality of this travel agency.”
My mother shook her head: “That eight hundred dollar tour was originally meant for us, wasn’t it?”
As expected, I couldn’t hide it from Mom. I was just about to tell her that I would rebook a tour to the Northwest for them later when I heard my mother say:
Your in-laws have spent their whole lives in the countryside and have never traveled. It’s rare for them to
go out; of course, they should enjoy luxury. Don’t worry; Mom and Dad won’t hold any grudges.”
I looked at my parents gratefully and immediately contacted the travel agency to change the names on the
booking.
