Chapter 328: Words I Want to Hear

Chapter 328: The Words He Wanted to Hear

Xu Jianwen tried to explain, "No way. Xiao Xiao isn’t that kind of person."

The moment he said it, he froze. In the past, he had strongly disliked Ye Xiaoxiao—she was hot-tempered and needy.

Before, he would’ve agreed with Hao Yanyan without hesitation.

But when had his thoughts started to change?

It seemed Xiao Xiao really was different now.

Actually, she’d probably been different for a long time—he’d only just faced it now.

Xu Jianwen spaced out, so he didn’t see the flash of resentment in Hao Yanyan’s eyes.

What’s the big deal about Ye Xiaoxiao? Why does she get everyone’s favor?

"Just kidding. But she really didn’t invite me."

Xu Jianli added, "The Ye family’s in town. Want to meet them?"

Hao Yanyan’s face changed. "Hard pass. Honestly, after things went south last time, I don’t dare show my face around them again."

In her mind, though, she thought: If even those broke relatives from the Ye family got invited, the wedding must’ve been a dumpster fire.

Going back to the compound tomorrow might bring some juicy gossip.

Xu Jianli felt disappointed.

Her refusal hinted at drama.

He used to think Hao Yanyan had been pushed around by the Ye family, but now he wasn’t so sure.

Were the Ye family really the villains?

"Alright, let’s drop this. I’m happy for Xiao Xiao’s marriage, and I hope we can all live our own lives well," Hao Yanyan shut the conversation down.

Xu Jianwen put his doubts aside for now.

Maybe he should go see the Ye family himself.

...

Ye Xiaoxiao and Lu Hanchuan slept in till noon the next day.

They had a late breakfast together—Lu Hanchuan cooked noodles, while Ye Xiaoxiao fried eggs.

She plunked four perfectly shaped eggs on the table. "See? Nailed these eggs."

Lu Hanchuan praised, "All hail the Egg Queen."

She beamed as she sat.

Today wasn’t bland noodles either—Lu Hanchuan made zhajiangmian (noodles with fried sauce), topped with shredded cucumber and a rich, salty pork sauce.

"Then I'll crown you Ramen Master too."

Lu Hanchuan handed the chopsticks to Xiaoxiao, teasing, "I'm honored, Your Majesty."

Ye Xiaoxiao took the chopsticks and twirled some noodles, taking a bite. Her appetite kicked in instantly.

Lu Hanchuan: "We can cook at home occasionally, but once you start working, we should hire a maid. The courtyard is quite large, and cleaning it yourself would be exhausting. Having someone to help tidy up would be good."

Lu Hanchuan was more worried that Ye Xiaoxiao might neglect her meals.

Even though she was a doctor herself, she ignored her health the most when busy with work.

Ye Xiaoxiao: "When I’m working, I’ll just eat at the cafeteria, but we could hire someone to clean."

She glanced at the rose and jujube trees in the yard—it was leaf season, and even sweeping three times a day wouldn’t keep it clean.

How would she even find time to manage it all?

They really did need someone to help.

Lu Hanchuan said, "We’ll find someone reliable who clicks with you."

Ye Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement.

Having handled breakfast themselves, Lu Hanchuan finally had time to properly observe the small courtyard.

The yard was far from small—it could fit a dozen people, let alone two.

The eastern wing was entirely guest rooms.

The western side held the kitchen, tea room, storage, and reception area.

Covered walkways connected the side wings to the main house, allowing easy access even in rain or snow.

The first floor of the main house had a small living room and two studies, while upstairs were the master bedroom, closet, and two spare bedrooms.

They redid the plumbing during renovations, so every bedroom had its own bathroom—unlike some older houses in the area where residents had to use communal toilets down the alley.

The rooftop of the eastern annex was a terrace, with a bird’s-eye view of Chunfeng Alley—a perfect spot for stargazing.

The courtyard was divided into front and back yards. The backyard had a sunroom, while the front was planted with flowers and a sturdy jujube tree.

It strayed a bit from the original plans, but the renovations were well executed.

The front yard was open and well-utilized.

"Our Xiao Xiao has a real talent for design."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Not bad for my first shot at home design."

Truthfully, the courtyard was mostly thanks to Han Xing.

Often, Ye Xiaoxiao would just propose an idea, and professionals would refine it.

Lu Hanchuan: "You’ve got plenty of properties. Which one’s next?"

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Why bother with more houses? I think this little courtyard is perfect to grow old in. The others can stay as-is."

Lu Hanchuan: "So, no plans for them?"

Ye Xiaoxiao: "In about ten years, I might tidy up those courtyards. At the very least, they shouldn't be left abandoned."

She said this because many courtyard houses later became protected heritage buildings, meaning owners couldn't freely renovate or dismantle them even if they wanted to.

Lu Hanchuan had no issue with it, fully supporting his wife's decisions.

In the afternoon, instead of cooking at home, Ye Xiaoxiao took Lu Hanchuan to Song Guangjing's place for a meal.

Song Guangjing would love for Xiao Xiao to visit every day.

Besides, he had some actual business to discuss today.

"Xiao Xiao, we've talked about the master-disciple ceremony before. Now that your parents and relatives are here, why don't we schedule it in the next couple of days?"

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Sure, Master. I'm ready anytime."

Song Guangjing nodded. "Then let's set it for the day after tomorrow."

The day after next was Xiao Xiao's bridal homecoming, so scheduling the master-disciple ceremony for the day after made perfect sense.

Only after settling it with Xiao Xiao did Song Guangjing glance at Lu Hanchuan. "You should come too, if you have time."

After all, he was Xiao Xiao's husband now—Song Guangjing had to be more formal with him now.

Lu Hanchuan: "Yes, Master."

Even if Song Guangjing hadn't said so, Lu Hanchuan would have attended.

This was an important occasion for Xiao Xiao, and he'd definitely be there if he had the time.

Ye Xiaoxiao and Lu Hanchuan ate their fill without a shred of guilt.

After dinner, the two walked home.

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Master seems pretty serious about the master-disciple ceremony. I should probably learn the right customs in advance."

Lu Hanchuan: "Mr. Song is a Beijinger. Let me find out what we need to prepare. A proper master's gift is a must."

Ye Xiaoxiao had given Song Guangjing gifts before, but they were all cheap little things.

Since this was a formal apprenticeship gift, it had to be something he'd really like.

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Any idea where to hunt for antiques?"

Lu Hanchuan: "I know a spot."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Then let's go tomorrow and find something for Master."

Lu Hanchuan nodded—it was way too late to go today.

...

Hao Yanyan returned to the residential complex today, hoping to uncover some gossip about the Ye family—preferably negative.

But along the way, she encountered several older women whose expressions seemed odd.

And the strange looks were clearly directed at her.