Chapter 1379: Xiang Dong
Chaoyang just laughed. He certainly knew Jing Chu didn’t lack these, but this was part of the engagement tradition.
"Jing Chu, shall I buy you a watch?"
Jing Chu raised her wrist. "I have one already. What’s the point of buying another? Just save the money."
"But that one wasn’t bought by me."
"Does it matter who bought it? It’s wasteful anyway."
"Alright, I understand." There really weren’t any good options here, so I’ll wait until I return to the Capital. I will surely do my best to give Jing Chu the best, as she deserves it.
Downstairs, I bought some snacks, brown sugar, liquor, cigarettes.
"We still need meat."
They went to the supply center again. Chaoyang bought five pounds of meat, because he knew the director here, who was aware he was Li Yungui’s second son, so five pounds of meat was a small favor.
Finally, they bought ten pounds of soybean oil but skipped the eggs, which were brought from the village anyway.
"Is everything complete now?"
"Yeah, the rest I’ll have my mom prepare. I’m not really sure about it all."
By now, it was noon. As they approached the door, they saw Xiang Dong pacing in front with a very anxious look.
Seeing them coming, his anger flared up. "Chaoyang, why didn’t you wait for me?"
"I still haven’t finished my tasks. Why should I delay my business waiting for you?"
Chaoyang responded indifferently.
Xiang Dong didn’t expect such a response, felt he lost face, but didn’t know how to retort.
Watching Jing Chu open the door, he rushed angrily into the yard.
The two of them followed unhurriedly.
Chaoyang placed all items in the car. "Shall we go eat?" he asked Jing Chu with a smile.
"No, I’m not in the mood." Her originally good mood had vanished.
"Don’t let it get to you. If you don’t eat, I’ll be worried. Come on, let’s go eat."
"It’s not as good as home cooking."
"Just eat a little then, I don’t want your stomach to feel bad."
Xiang Dong listened on the side, feeling annoyed, really wanting to storm off, but knowing he couldn’t do that.
Jing Chu was pulled out by Chaoyang, and Xiang Dong followed them out of the yard.
Watching them being affectionate ahead of him, Xiang Dong felt an urge to break them apart.
Jing Chu ordered a bowl of noodles. "You should get a few more buns."
Having lived together for months, she knew his appetite.
"I also don’t like restaurant food, just eat a little and we’ll eat again at home." Chaoyang whispered to Jing Chu.
Xiang Dong also got a bowl of noodles and two buns. Having just finished a night shift, he hadn’t eaten and was starving.
The two ignored him, which before would have bothered Xiang Dong, but he’s grown used to it since starting work.
After eating, they returned home one after another.
Xiang Dong didn’t speak, directly sitting in the passenger seat. Chaoyang frowned. Jing Chu tugged his hand and sat in the back.
Actually, Xiang Dong was doing this on purpose. He didn’t know what he wanted, just wanted to unsettle them.
The car was particularly quiet on the way. Jing Chu closed her eyes and leaned back.
Chaoyang kept a steady pace. The road wasn’t easy, so he drove very slowly.
Xiang Dong dozed off soon, having not slept after his night shift.
Jing Chu then chatted softly with Chaoyang.
"We’re not missing anything this time. After my brother’s wedding, we’ll move over too.
I actually want to live at Aunt Jiang’s, but her family’s too crowded now."
Jing Chu was quite troubled. She went from having no home to having it all. Not moving out would be unreasonable.
"It’s just next door, you can return any time.
If it doesn’t work, we could open a door in the wall for convenience."
"That’s a good idea. I’ll discuss it with Uncle Wei when we get back."
Chaoyang smiled watching Jing Chu’s happy expression.
Arriving at the village, Chaoyang woke Xiang Dong. "We’re at the village, you getting off here?"
Still groggy, Xiang Dong nodded and got out.
"Chaoyang, what’s up with Xiang Dong?"
"Hehe. Grown up. Shall we head straight home?"
"Sure. Quickly. I’ll prepare something for you to eat."
"No need. We can eat together tonight. I’ll help you clean up."
They quickly arranged things; the house was sorted out now.
Chaoyang drove back. Jiang Xinyu came out smiling at them.
"Chaoyang, you should return. I’ll talk with Aunt Jiang."
Chaoyang was delighted; he’s quite aware of Teacher Jiang’s status in Jing Chu’s heart.
"Alright, I’ll come around later."
He grabbed the items and dashed back home.
His mom wasn’t in. "Sister-in-law, where’s mom working?"
Wang Menglin saw her excited brother-in-law and told him where.
Glancing at the table, she didn’t think much.
Jing Chu held Jiang Xinyu’s hand inside. "Aunt Jiang, Chaoyang said his mom will propose tomorrow."
Jiang Xinyu smiled, patting Jing Chu’s hand.
"As long as you agree. Chaoyang’s nice, we won’t worry about you being mistreated."
"Yes, I think so too, and he promised me."
"Jing Chu, how do you feel about Chaoyang?"
"He’s the only man I don’t dislike."
Jiang Xinyu knew Jing Chu was emotionally clueless; it must have taken Chaoyang a lot to win her over.
"Jing Chu, we all hope you’ll be happy, but it requires effort."
"I understand, Chaoyang treats me well, and I’ll treat him well."
"Exactly, that’s how it should be. Love requires nurturing and reciprocation.
Chaoyang’s a dependable person; you won’t be wronged with him."
"I know, he treats me well, and I’ll treat him well," Jing Chu repeated.
"Glad you understand. Now your dad can be at ease."
"I think Chaoyang has already told my dad."
Jiang Xinyu laughed; Chaoyang used the right approach.
Jing Chu recounted the city purchases to Jiang Xinyu.
"Yes, quite comprehensive."
"And we ran into Xiang Dong. Aunt Jiang, why’s he become like that, as if the world owes him? I really dislike him now. He wasn’t like this before.
I’ve heard he didn’t come home for the holidays, as if the brothers working outside were the only ones who didn’t."
"I don’t know what’s happened with him; he used to be well-behaved."
"Aunt Jiang, people change. If they change well, that’s fine, but like that, it’s truly annoying."
"You probably showed him up, right?"
"Yes, why would I let myself suffer because of him?"