Chapter 89: Agreement

Chapter 89: The Promise

Having spent so much time with the male lead of the novel, Ji Liangchuan, she had almost forgotten that his background was custom-crafted by the author for a Mary Sue love story.

Even though he had been sent to the town now, it was obvious that his mother’s side of the family couldn’t be ordinary.

When Su He greeted him, Zhou Liqun couldn’t help but feel that her voice was so pleasant. As a chauvinist who was blunt with women, Zhou Liqun found himself unusually flustered.

He stammered in response to Su He, "Nah, it’s nothing—just a quick favor. Besides, the person arrested has already confessed his accomplices. With evidence, of course, we’ll handle things by the book."

Feeling that the latter part of his words sounded a bit too serious, Zhou Liqun added with a smile, "As long as it helps Ms. Su."

Ms. Zhou watched her son, who was strutting around like a peacock, with suspicion.

Since when did her youngest son tiptoe around someone like this?

Glancing again at Su He’s soft, pretty face, Ms. Zhou suddenly had a realization.

She wanted her son to find a woman to marry soon—not chase after a married woman.

Besides, Su He’s husband was no slouch himself. Even if she divorced, her son wouldn’t have a shot.

"You’ve finished your business, so get your butt back to work. As a police officer, you can’t neglect your duties," Ms. Zhou said sternly to her son.

Zhou Liqun: "......" Was his mother serious? Use him and dump him just like that?

But she was his mom—what was he supposed to do?

After giving Su He one last glance, Zhou Liqun smiled and said, "Well, Ms. Su, I’ll head back to the station now."

"Alright, take it easy," Su He replied respectfully.

After Zhou Liqun left, Ms. Zhou asked Su He with a smile, "Stay for lunch, why don’t you? I’ve arranged for it to be prepared. You can eat before heading back."

Su He hesitated for a moment, about to refuse, but then remembered the help she had received today and agreed.

"I have an aunt who came with me. I’ll ask her to go back first."

"I’ll go with you. No need to haul them back and forth—just leave your business supplies in my courtyard.

The walk from the village is tiring as it is. Just leave them here to lighten your load," Ms. Zhou suggested warmly.

"No need. I need most of this stuff at home," Su He declined with a smile.

Ms. Zhou had already helped her so much—she couldn’t keep mooching off them.

Besides, if she were to sell fried dough, she’d mostly fry them at home and stash them in her space, not fry them all on the spot.

"Alright then. Go grab your cart and wheel it over here first. You can take the kids back later."

After saying this, Ms. Zhou glanced at the three children playing outside and added, "Look at those kids—having a blast.

Su He, don’t sweat taking my help.

To me, Chuan’s happiness is very important.

And your family gives him that happiness—that’s what matters most."

Su He understood her meaning. Someone as perceptive as Ms. Zhou could read her like a book and was comforting her.

"Liangchuan is the luckiest to have family like you," Su He said with a smile.

"Your two kids are just as lucky to have you as their mom. Sigh, my daughter's so headstrong, always busy with work and rarely spends time with Chuan. Truth be told, I wish she'd settle down more."

Ms. Zhou glanced at Su He, a flicker of regret in her eyes.

What a shame Su He was already taken—otherwise, if her youngest son could find a wife like her, the Zhous would really go places.

Su He declined Ms. Zhou’s offer to accompany her and went to find Aunt Niu instead. After explaining why she couldn’t return with her, she headed to her stall to pack up her things.

She wheeled the cart over to a spot by Ms. Zhou's bookstore and set it down. Ms. Zhou waved her in, telling her to bring the cart inside.

Ms. Zhou’s residence was right next to the bookstore, likely originally part of the same property before being converted.

"Take a load off, lunch will be ready soon," Ms. Zhou said cheerfully.

"Alright, I'll go see what the kids are up to."

After putting her things aside, Su He went to find the three children.

"Mom!" Niu Niu squealed excitedly when she saw her.

"Aunt Su, Grandma says I can come over again—is that okay?" Ji Liangchuan couldn't hide his excitement—he truly adored Su He’s family.

"Yes, your grandma already invited us, and I agreed," Su He replied with a smile.

"Yes! Awesome! Aunt Su, Grandma says I can visit your place again in a couple of days—can I?" Ji Liangchuan asked politely.

"Of course! But tomorrow we're going to the city to see Zai Zai and Niu Niu’s dad. We won't be back till Sunday," Su He answered gently.

"Oh... okay then." That meant he wouldn't be able to play with Zai Zai and Niu Niu for now.

Liangchuan's face fell hearing this.

"Hey, don't sweat it, Liangchuan. After we return, you can ask your grandma to let you stay with us longer—maybe even a whole week?"

At Su He’s words, Liangchuan's face brightened.

Yes! If only he could stay at Aunt Su’s place for a long time.

He was fond of Aunt Su, but playing with Niu Niu and Zai Zai was the real treat.

"Okay, Aunt Su, I’ll listen to you," Ji Liangchuan whispered softly, leaving Su He equal parts amused and moved.

During lunch, Zhou Liqun returned.

Unaware that Su He’s family was there, he hollered to Ms. Zhou before even entering the kitchen, "What's cookin'?"

The moment he stepped inside, he stopped dead—Ms. Zhou, Su He, and the three children were all staring at him wide-eyed.

(Clears throat) "Well look who's here," Zhou Liqun said awkwardly. "We have guests. Welcome, welcome."

"Officer Zhou, sorry for intruding again," Su He said politely.

"No apologies needed—mi casa es su casa. Next week, Chuan will be visiting your place, so we're putting our trust in you to take good care of him," Ms. Zhou said warmly.

Earlier, Liangchuan had already filled her in about Su He’s trip to the city, meaning he couldn’t visit Aunt Su’s house this time. But next time, he wanted to stay longer.

Seeing how badly her grandson wanted it, Ms. Zhou couldn't refuse his request.

Since coming here, her grandson had been happiest when playing with Su He’s children. Oh well, she might as well indulge him.

So she agreed to Ji Liangchuan’s request.

Knowing she was asking another favor of Su He, Ms. Zhou turned up the charm.