Chapter 1374 - 897: Early Year_2
"Have your parents not returned yet?" Song Xiyun asked.
"Hard to say, maybe there’s a fight among the relatives." Jiang Nian replied, "They’re probably staying as peacemakers."
"If it’s later, they’ll just come back on their own."
In the entire Jiang Family, Old Jiang and Li Hongmei are considered to be doing well, one has a legitimate job.
Another is in the system, chatting about family matters.
And there’s a successful son who got into Beijing University. The future daughter-in-law is also from Beijing University, which really boosts their face.
Of course, that’s provided Jiang Nian doesn’t have too many messy troubles.
"Truly heartless," Xu Qianqian pouted, "Don’t be too smug, we’ve already found a business opportunity."
"In a few years, we’ll surpass you. And your crummy company will be kicked like a dead stray dog."
As Xu Boss said this, he was full of spirit.
"I’m a dog lover," Jiang Nian questioned, "I can’t listen to you talk like this, aren’t stray dogs’ lives also valuable?"
"Get lost!" Xu Qianqian sneered.
Song Xiyun just smiled and took a sip of cola. She was pondering about how bad the signal is, and if she’d be able to play games at night.
It’s always laggy during the New Year, it’s annoying to death.
Night falls.
The living room was tidied up, and the two women took turns showering. Then they heard knocking at the door, and that person came again.
"What are you here for?"
"What kind of question is that, just came to hang around." Jiang Nian wandered around the living room, basically just here to show his face.
"Boring, then play by yourself." Xu Qianqian glanced at him, "I’m going to sleep."
Song Xiyun heard this and quickly added.
"I’m sleepy too."
Jiang Nian: "???"
"Alright then, I’m heading back." He waved his hand, "Tomorrow noon, I’ll take you somewhere fun."
As he walked to the door, Xu Qianqian called out to him.
"Hey."
"What?"
"I know what you’re trying to do, don’t waste your efforts." Xu Qianqian looked at him, her face showing dissatisfaction.
"No way, wash up and sleep."
Hearing this, Jiang Nian turned around. He didn’t show any sign of frustration on his face, just stared at Xu Qianqian for a few moments.
"Oh, remember to get up early tomorrow."
After speaking, the door was closed.
The living room was quiet. Xu Qianqian remained there, frowning as she pursed her lips, her face expressionless.
"He....." Song Xiyun came over, tugging on Xu Qianqian’s sleeve, "Saying it like that, is it alright?"
"Will he..."
"He won’t." Xu Qianqian frowned tightly, her good mood vanished, "I wasn’t saying it for him to hear."
"Ah?" Song Xiyun was surprised, "Then for..."
"Yeah."
"I’m afraid one day I’ll truly soften." Xu Qianqian sighed, "I always feel a bit unwilling, why should it be like this."
Song Xiyun: "...."
These days, the three of them were almost together every day. Besides sleeping, there wasn’t much personal space.
First invade life, then invade one’s world.
Slowly, everything heals quietly. Bit by bit mending emotions, eventually returning to the original state.
.....
The next day.
Jiang Nian woke up and drove to Xu Shuang’s house for New Year visits. It wasn’t suitable for the first day, but the second day was just right.
He planned to stagger the time and didn’t intend to stay for lunch.
"You came?"
"Yeah."
Xu Shuang descended from the second floor, glanced at Jiang Nian, "Yesterday, I was thinking you probably wouldn’t come."
"In the end, you really didn’t come."
As she spoke, she turned sideways. Her tone was somewhat resentful, making Jiang Nian feel slightly awkward.
"How could I come on the first day?" Jiang Nian spread his hands, "You’re happy, but did you ask your grandpa?"
"He won’t have a say in the future."
"He does now." Jiang Nian patted her shoulder, "Filial piety comes first, I hope you understand."
Xu Shuang: "..."
Bam!
She couldn’t bear it, smacking Jiang Nian, "Why does it feel like you’re taking advantage, acting all innocent here?"
"Who’s benefiting, that’s hard to say."
"You!!"
Xu Shuang was so angry her chest was heaving, but quickly calmed down, "You’re not holding a grudge over the registration place, are you?"
"No, how could I be so petty."
"Can’t say."
"Cough!!" A clear cough sounded, startling the bickering duo.
"Grandpa?"
"Hmm, watch yourselves during daylight." Old Man Xu passed by with a stern face, leaning on his cane.
"Oh."
Once the old man walked away, Xu Shuang turned back. She habitually flicked her hair, showing a hint of mature charm.
"What’s he telling us to pay attention to?"
"Harmony, maybe don’t always fight and argue?" Jiang Nian was puzzled, but didn’t think much of it.
The Xu Family is too complicated, and it’s not entirely up to Xu Shuang. There was no choice before, but now there is.
No matter how they communicate, getting back together isn’t possible.
So, their current relationship is pretty good. They’re generally partners and somewhat more than just lovers.
"Brother-in-law."
Xu Yuanshan came out, called out, and swiftly left, but not without glancing at Xu Shuang.
"I’m going out for a bit, be back soon."
Xu Shuang: "...."
Noon.
Jiang Nian found an excuse to leave the Xu Family. During red lights on the way home he spotted an acquaintance.
Zhen Nan is such a small town, running into someone familiar is quite common.
"Tingzi?"
"It really is her."
Jiang Nian mumbled, but he had no intention to call out. Unexpectedly, Zhou Yuting turned to look.
She paused there, seemingly shocked, unsure what to do for a moment.
Next second, the light turned green.
Jiang Nian shifted gears and released the clutch in one go. He was busy rushing back for lunch and had no time to stop for a chat.
Around twelve-thirty.
At the table, Xu Qianqian glanced at the dishes. She was slightly surprised and hesitated to speak.
"Why is it rice cake?"
She didn’t ask, so Song Xiyun asked on her behalf. Jiang Nian’s response was quite reasonable.
"You have a flight tomorrow, you should eat something you like. Tonight we’re having stir-fried duck, you can eat more."
Song Xiyun: "..."
"Alright then."
Perhaps mentioning departure instilled an indescribable emotion. No one broke the silence at the dining table.
The two women were prepared psychologically before coming back. Including how to respond if Jiang Nian brought up repairing the relationship.
But after a few days back, it was just about trying different foods and drinks. Jiang Nian didn’t mention anything else at all.
This is a good thing, it proves he is not insincere.
That’s the basis for negotiations.
If you’re always in a rush, the probability of encountering similar issues in the future isn’t zero either.
But being too calm isn’t good either.
All in all, it’s a mix of emotions.
"Have you bought the tickets?" Jiang Nian broke the silence, "What time, I’ll drive you tomorrow."
"Ten o’clock."
"Alright." Jiang Nian nodded, not trying to make things awkward, but fundamentally, the source of it was him.
After the meal, he cleaned up and left.
He didn’t go to town, instead called Qingbao. As the coffee shops were closed, he ended up going to Qingbao’s place again.
"Hey, Teacher."
He lay on a folding chair on the balcony, gazing at the open view, "Why are people so difficult?"
Qingbao, holding a cup, wearing a sweater, leaned against the balcony window, spoke nonchalantly.
"What happened with your little girlfriend?"
Jiang Nian turned his head, looking at Qingbao.
"Teacher."
"Why don’t you ask if it’s something work-related? Jumping to conclusions is a bit hurtful."
Qingbao wasn’t interested in humoring him. Last time he came being all reflective, now she realizes he’s quite thick-skinned.
No problem, reverted back to the usual interaction.
"Wouldn’t ask me about your work matters."
Jiang Nian: "...."
"So, Teacher, any good advice?"
Upon hearing this, Qingbao hesitated a bit, seemingly trying to come up with a solution. After a while, her brow relaxed.
"Say something nice?"
After hearing it, Jiang Nian lost any hope. Qingbao’s non-stick skills, not applied to any other areas.
He thought about it, and decided to ask something else.
"Teacher."
"Are you unhappy lately?"