Translator: 549690339
Xiao Qian opened the cabinet, took out a medal, and gently stroked it in her hand.
What could be seen was a cabinet full of honors; what couldnât be seen was a little boyâs stubborn growth, his unceasing struggle, all to prove himself.
Looking at Xiao Qianâs rare tender eyes, Yu Minglang couldnât take it anymore.
Xiao Qian was puzzled as she watched him walk to the window, swiftly pull the curtains closed, lock the door, turn on the light, and perform all these actions in one go. What was he up to?
âI wanted to do this just now.â He walked back, hugged Xiao Qian, only in this way could he express how happy he was at this moment.
Xiao Qian was dazed, not even realizing when she was embraced by him.
Fortunately, Yu Minglang wasnât completely clouded by hormones and let go in time.
Xiao Qian turned her back to him, straightening the clothes that had been wrinkled by him. The atmosphere was slightly awkward.
âSo, why did Uncle just say to let Aunt make the braised pork?â She casually brought up a topic, as their relationship had been progressing a bit quickly lately.
âThatâs his favorite dish. He always thinks braised pork is the best thing in the world, then he naively measures us with his own standards. If he likes someone, heâll let Aunt make braised pork. If he doesnât like someone, he wonât let her make it. Itâs like everyone is dying to eat it. Later, when itâs served, you should save face and eat a couple of pieces. If you donât eat a single bite, heâll get upset.â
âPfft.â
Xiao Qian laughed.
âWhat are you laughing at?â
â1 think⦠you and Uncle, are a little alike.â
Yu Minglang proudly raised his head, âOf course, both of us are from upright and unyielding backgrounds, absolutely good men.â
Xiao Qian thought to herself that what she meant was they both had a somewhat naive and domineering quality, Yu Minglang and his father were cut from the same cloth.
However, she wouldnât say such words that would offend others. Just let him be proud for a while.
The dinner went quite happily, during which Mother Yu constantly added food to Xiao Qianâs plate â it was clear that she truly liked Xiao Qian. Father Yu and Big Brother Yu drank a little wine, while Ming Lang didnât touch a single drop. Even when resting, he had to be on standby, so he couldnât risk getting involved with alcohol.
Father Yu didnât intentionally strike up a conversation with Xiao Qian. He just asked her to eat more when he was drinking with his son. Seeing Xiao Qian eating braised pork made her even more pleasing to his eye. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
This could be considered an acknowledgement of Xiao Qian.
After dinner, Xiao Qian was dragged into the Old Man and Old Ladyâs bedroom to chat with Mother Yu and Eldest Sister-in-law. Yu Minglang accompanied Father and Eldest Brother in the study for tea and talked about current affairs.
Without stepping in, standing outside the yard and looking in, it always seemed like a very complicated world. After coming in, one would realize that people here are no different from those outside. Mother Yu and Sister-in-law Yu were a bit gossipy, and Xiao Qian was candid; answering truthfully to their questions without arrogance or humility; they got along quite well.
After chatting for a while, Mother Yu stood up and took out a small prepared box from the drawer.
âThis is a gift for our first meeting. When you go back, please say hello to your mother for me. Whenever itâs convenient for your family, we will visit them in person.â
Mother Yu opened the box, inside which was a gold bracelet.
Gold is not expensive these days, but itâs not much cheaper either. Seeing this, Xiao Qianâs scalp went numb. She had just started dating him and hadnât discussed their future yet. Giving such a big gift at first meeting, what was going on!
âAunt, this is too valuable. I am just a student and donât need it. You keep it for now, and I may have a chance to accept it later.â
âThereâs no need to be polite. I prepared this a few years ago when it was cheap. My Eldest and Second Sister-in-law both have one. I always do things fairly, just take it; even if you canât wear it now, youâll have a chance to in the future.â
âThatâs right. Iâve also received a bracelet from Mom. The Old Lady has a family fortune, so donât worry about making her go broke.â Eldest Sister-in-law chimed in, laughing.
âReally, itâs not necessary. I have a bracelet, Ming Lang gave it to me.â Xiao Qian extended her hand to show the jade bracelet, but then felt her wrist being grabbed as an ice-cold object was slipped on.
Mother Yu was really⦠candid.
After putting the bracelet on Xiao Qian, she didnât let go. Instead, she took the opportunity to take her pulse.
âXiao Qian, youâre a bit kidney-yang deficient. Do you have any symptoms of irregular menstruation or menstrual pain?â
âUh, occasionally. Aunt, arenât you an orthopedic doctor?â
âI know a little about traditional Chinese medicine. Zhaozhao, youâre a gynecology expert. Why donât you take a look?â Mother Yu handed Xiao Qianâs hand to Eldest Sister-in-law.
Eldest Sister-in-law unceremoniously reached out to diagnose her pulse as well. She only gave Xiao Qian special treatment because she liked her. Even if Second Sister-in-law begged her, she wouldnât do so. For some reason, Second Sister-in-law seemed a little afraid of Eldest Sister-in-law and would hide when she was around.
âThereâs a slight deficiency. Let me give you a couple of soup recipes to nourish yourself. Xiao Qian, I didnât know you were coming, so I didnât prepare anything else. Please donât mind.â
Eldest Sister-in-law lowered her head, took off the necklace around her neck, and showed it to Xiao Qian. Anyone else might not have recognized it, but Xiao Qian immediately did.
Cartier! There was even a small diamond on the pendant, making it look very delicate. No wonder Big Brother is considered a wealthy man of his time, knowing already to buy international top-brand items for his wife back then.
âEldest Sister-in-law, I canât accept this. Itâs too valuable.â
âThis doesnât cost much. Itâs just 18k, not even pure gold. I put it on just this morning, and itâs a new purchase by your Eldest Brother. I think this style is a bit too youthful for me, and I donât wear it well. Itâll be perfect for you. Wear it for fun.â
Cartier isnât pure gold and doesnât cost much⦠Eldest Sister-in-law, youâre quite the joker.
âAunt, Eldest Sister-in-law, Iâm under a lot of pressure with all of this.â Xiao Qian thought to herself that she had only bought a fruit basket while she was receiving a bracelet and Cartier from them. It seemed a bit too much. Moreover, Yu Minglangâs family members were much more enthusiastic than she had expected.
It was due to the fact that Second Sister-in-law had caused so much trouble, which made Xiao Qian look even better and highly satisfactory in comparison.
âSeeing the youngest find you makes us all happy. You two should get along, and come visit Uncle and Aunt from time to time. Our family is not very particular; donât feel too much pressure. Itâs a custom in Qiang City that you canât go empty-handed on your first visit.â
The words of Mother Yu were quite appropriate, but Xiao Qian knew that it was only customary to give about 200 or 4.00 yuan on the first visit in this city. Mother Yu was giving face to Yu Minglang.
Trying to be modest at this point wouldnât give him face. Might as well accept it graciously.
However, wearing a jade bracelet and a gold bracelet together on her wrist looked rather silly, like a newly-rich coal miner wife. Xiao Qian took off the bracelet, and Mother Yu saw this and hurriedly asked.
âWhatâs wrong, Xiao Qian? Do you not like the style?â
Accidentally, she thought of Wang Xiaohong again, the woman Second Brother found, who gave Mother Yu a deep psychological shadow..