Chapter 4

Just then, there was a knock at the door. I quickly opened it; it was my parents.

As soon as he walked in, my dad cheerfully said, "Ashley, what kind of tour did Blake book for us?"

Then he noticed the two older people in the room and quickly greeted them. "Oh, in-laws, you're here too! Is it just the four of us older folks going off without you two young ones this time?"

My mom also smiled slightly. "We travel often, so we know all the ins and outs. When we're on the road, we'll give you tips."

I was about to speak, but my mother-in-law cut me off. "I don't need your tips! My darling son booked us an $800 tour, not like your daughter, who's so cheap, only booking you a $200 one."

She cast a sideways glance at me. My mom paused. "An $800 tour? That's pretty good."

My mother-in-law gloated, "That's because my son has been filial since he was little. He feels bad for us old folks in the countryside, so he booked us an $800 one. Your tour is too cheap; we won't go with you."

Then, my mother-in-law said with fake sympathy, "But dear in-laws, you need to be careful. There are a lot of cheap tours online that will make you spend money to leave. You should be careful, or maybe just don't go."

Who couldn't hear the underlying meaning of those fake sympathetic words?

My mom was naturally gentle and kind to everyone.

Even after hearing that, she didn't show any anger towards my mother-in-law, maintaining her smile.

She reached out and patted my back, comforting me slightly. "The city has many tourist attractions close by, and a two-day itinerary is plenty. This price includes two nights' accommodation, which is a great deal. Just the other day, your dad and I were talking about booking this package. I guess mother and daughter really are on the same wavelength."

Seeing that my mom wasn't angry at all, my mother-in-law realized her taunts were falling flat. "Hmph, you'll know when you've suffered a bit. Honey, let's go now. No need to see us off. Just take your parents on their trip."

My father-inin-law and mother-in-law turned and left. Only my parents and I remained in the house.

After they were gone, I took my mom's hand. "Mom, I really didn't think all this through. The tour I booked for you, there were plenty of cheaper ones, but you know this travel agency's value."

My mom shook her head. "That $800 tour was originally for us, right?"

My mom had seen right through it, of course. I was about to tell her that I would rebook a trip to the Northwest for them later, but then my mom spoke.

"Your in-laws have spent their whole lives in the countryside and have never traveled. It's a rare chance for them to go, so of course they should enjoy themselves. Don't worry, your dad and I won't mind."

I looked at my parents with gratitude and immediately contacted the travel agency to change the passenger names.