Chapter 97

Chapter 97

Yiwei’s face clouded with worry, then she remembered her uncle’s attitude—he’d been pretty impressed with Fu Xunian.

“Uncle, I’m currently an engineer at the Third Automobile Manufacturing Plant.”

Jiang Sanjie and Huang Dawei’s eyes nearly popped out.

Fu Xunian was actually an engineer at the Third Automobile Manufacturing Plant! They had assumed he was at most a worker—never expecting him to be in such a position.

Huang Dawei even excitedly patted Jiang Sanjie’s shoulder. “Old Jiang, I told you Yiwei has good taste!”

He’d always said Yiwei had it together—look at her now, landing someone like Fu Xunian, an engineer at the Third Automobile Manufacturing Plant.

Jiang Sanjie was clearly pleased too.

However, Fu Xunian hit them with this:

“But I plan to leave the Third Automobile Manufacturing Plant soon.”

It felt like they’d been thrown off a rollercoaster—from high up down to the bottom.

“What? You’re leaving the Third Automobile Manufacturing Plant?” Huang Dawei and Jiang Sanjie were stunned.

*Why ditch a secure job like that?*

“Dad, Uncle Dawei, Xunian will be leaving the Third Automobile Manufacturing Plant soon,” Yiwei answered for him.

She knew this would be hard for them to take, but Fu Xunian really was planning to leave.

Jiang Sanjie frowned. “If you leave, where are you going to work?”

He figured Fu Xunian must have something better waiting.

“I plan to start my own car parts business.”

Fu Xunian didn’t hide his intentions—he spelled out his plans right there.

No sense hiding it now.

At this, Jiang Sanjie’s frown eased up a bit.

He said gravely, “Xunian, starting a company is no easy thing.”

What both Yiwei and Fu Xunian were doing wasn’t anything close to easy.

He’d seen for himself how hard Yiwei had been working lately.

Others saw her running a shop and thought it was easy money, but nobody saw how hard she worked.

Truthfully, he hated seeing Yiwei grind so hard.

But he knew she was happy, so when she decided to quit her Ministry of Textiles gig and open a store, he didn’t say much—he just backed her.

“I get where you’re coming from, Uncle,” Fu Xunian said. “Trust me on this—I won’t fail.”

“Yiwei won’t go hungry with me.”

Fu Xunian worried that quitting the plant might make Old Jiang say no to him and Yiwei.

Fu Xunian assured Jiang Sanjie that he would definitely establish the auto parts company and even expand it.

He promised Jiang Yiwei wouldn’t have to struggle with him.

"I believe you’ll make it happen."

It was Jiang Sanjie and Fu Xunian’s first meeting, but Jiang Sanjie had met all kinds of people and could tell what kind of person Fu Xunian was. Besides, Jiang Sanjie trusted Yiwei’s judgment—since she had chosen Fu Xunian, he believed in him.

"That’s right—running your own business is a good thing. You keep all the profits when you’re the boss."

Huang Dawei thought that if he could start a company and be his own boss, it would be great! Unfortunately, he didn’t have the ability, and neither did his son.

He couldn’t help feeling a little envious of Jiang Sanjie—his daughter was accomplished, and his future son-in-law seemed promising too. Even though they hadn’t met yet, Huang Dawei also found Fu Xunian reliable.

"If you ever need help, just ask. I’ll do my best to support you."

If any issues arose, Fu Xunian could turn to Jiang Sanjie, who would assist him to the best of his ability.

After all, this was his daughter’s boyfriend and might become his son-in-law in the future.

Fu Xunian gave a small smile. "Thank you, Uncle. But I’ve got the company under control. If I hit a snag, I’ve got friends to back me up."

Fu Xunian didn’t need Jiang Sanjie’s help.

He had the capability to handle the company matters on his own, and if difficulties arose, he had friends to support him.

What really pleased him was that Jiang Sanjie didn’t oppose his relationship with Yiwei.

Instead, he held an approving attitude.

Jiang Sanjie stood up and cheerfully asked Yiwei and Fu Xunian, "Do you two have anything else to do? If not, come home with me—your mom and aunt are waiting."

Jiang Sanjie knew Zhang Cuifen’s thoughts—he wanted to make her happy and hoped she wouldn’t stay upset with Yiwei.

"As it happens, I’m treating Uncle Dawei to dinner. If you’re free, come back with me."

Yiwei and Fu Xunian exchanged a knowing glance and smiled, making their decision.

"Dad, we don’t have anything else. We’ll go home with you."

Jiang Sanjie gave a satisfied nod and led the three of them home, with Yiwei and Fu Xunian following behind.

Along the way, Jiang Sanjie asked Fu Xunian whatever came to mind, and Fu Xunian answered sincerely, making the conversation pleasant.

Jiang Sanjie was all smiles.

When they bumped into neighbors near Chao’an Alley, Jiang Sanjie would stop specifically to exchange a few words with them, and they couldn’t help glancing at Yiwei and Fu Xunian.

Side by side, they looked like a perfect match.

A few who’d hoped their sons might end up with Yiwei felt a twinge of disappointment when they saw Fu Xunian by her side.

And when Jiang Sanjie saw them eyeing Fu Xunian, he happily introduced him.

"This is Yiwei’s boyfriend. They’ve been dating for a good while now."

"They’re here to meet Cuifen today."

Jiang Sanjie’s words confirmed their suspicions, and instantly their hearts sank with disappointment.

Jiang Yiwei already had a boyfriend, so their sons, nephews, or grandsons had no chance.

Even though they felt upset, they pretended to congratulate Jiang Sanjie and praised Fu Xu Nian.

Huang Dawei, seeing Jiang Sanjie's smug expression, pulled him away as they walked back to the Jiang family courtyard, distancing themselves from Jiang Yiwei and the others.

"Old Jiang, how about you stop showing off?"

So happy and smug.

Huang Dawei had seen firsthand how Jiang Sanjie’s acquaintances reacted when they learned Fu Xu Nian was Jiang Yiwei’s boyfriend—their expressions changed drastically. If Jiang Sanjie hadn’t been there, they’d have looked downright crushed.

But Jiang Sanjie wasn’t convinced. "How was I showing off? I was just introducing them to Xu Nian so they’ll recognize him later."

I wasn’t being smug. These were people from their alley, some even his neighbors.

Jiang Yiwei had grown up in Chao’an Alley, and these elders had watched her grow up. If she married Fu Xu Nian someday, they’d need to know him anyway.

This was just to introduce Xu Nian early, so they won’t be strangers later.

"Hmph! I don’t buy it," Huang Dawei muttered.

He was certain Jiang Sanjie was gloating.

"I saw how their faces fell when they heard Xu Nian was Yiwei’s boyfriend—they looked gutted, especially with you praising Xu Nian nonstop."

Their reactions made Huang Dawei suspect there was more going on.

Jiang Sanjie thought for a moment. "Maybe they wanted Yiwei for their sons."

A few folks they’d run into earlier had subtly hinted about setting up their sons or nephews with Jiang Yiwei.

But Jiang Sanjie wouldn’t decide without asking Yiwei first. Zhang Cuifen had even asked her, and she flat-out refused.

Even after the rejection, they still hoped their sons could get to know Yiwei—still pushing for it.

"Your girl’s in high demand," Huang Dawei remarked, fighting a smirk.

Especially thinking of Yue Xin’s case.

"Now you can breathe easy—both girls are taken."

Yue Xin and Yiwei were both in relationships, probably getting married soon. Jiang Sanjie could finally stop worrying about their futures.

"I’m not rushing them to settle down. I just hope Yiwei and Yue Xin will be happy."

Honestly, Zhang Cuifen was the one stressing. Jiang Sanjie wasn’t too worried.

He just wanted Yue Xin and Yiwei to be happy.

Jiang Sanjie had handpicked Shao Yaoguo and trusted his character—he was fine with him and Yue Xin being together.

As for Fu Xu Nian? So far, so good.

But you know what they say—“You can know a person's face but not their heart.” We still gotta keep an eye on Fu Xunian. If he turns out shady, Yiwei should dump him right away.

He wasn’t worried Yiwei couldn’t land another guy.

“You're right. Treating our girls right is what really matters.”

Huang Dawei had daughters too and shared Jiang Sanjie’s mindset—if they didn’t treat their daughters well, no matter how great he seems, he’s trash.

Jiang Yiwei and Fu Xunian followed behind Jiang Sanjie and the others, clearly sensing that Huang Dawei was talking tough with Jiang Sanjie.

Glancing at the man beside her, Jiang Yiwei let out a small smile.

When they reached the entrance of the Jiang family courtyard, all four stepped into the yard together.

The yard buzzed like usual, filled with people washing vegetables and chatting.

Normally, when Wu Xueying and Liu Xian saw Jiang Sanjie and Jiang Yiwei, they’d barely nod at Jiang Sanjie. Even though Huang Dawei had visited several times, everyone knew he was just Jiang Sanjie’s colleague from the train station.

But Fu Xunian—tall, handsome, gentle, and refined—was someone they were seeing for the first time.

Especially Jiang Lixi and Jiang Honghong; they couldn’t take their eyes off Fu Xunian.

Any woman would stare at a guy that good-looking and polished.

“Oh! Sanjie, Yiwei, you’re back!”

“Who’s this kid belong to? Is he your son, Dawei? Damn good-looking!”

“No, no, he’s not my son.”

Huang Dawei quickly denied it.

“Oh, really?” Wu Xueying knew damn well he wasn’t Huang Dawei’s son—they looked nothing alike—but she was just messing with him.

Wu Xueying had been chewing out Jiang Weijun’s wife earlier, but normally wouldn’t usually bother greeting Jiang Sanjie when she saw him.

But she noticed Fu Xunian.

Wu Xueying could tell at a glance that Fu Xunian was special.

His clothes and aura reminded her of a big-shot boss who once came to inspect their factory.

And he came back with Jiang Sanjie and Jiang Yiwei—nobody’s fools—and judging by his style, Wu Xueying guessed he must be loaded.

If Jiang Lixi married him later, couldn’t they milk him for all he’s worth?

At that thought, Wu Xueying eyed Fu Xunian like a pile of cash.

“Young man, where are you from? You seeing anyone?”

Jiang Yiwei fought the urge to roll her eyes. Seriously?

She immediately stepped in front of Fu Xunian.

“Aunt Wu, he *is* seeing someone—that’s me.”

Instantly, Wu Xueying’s smile dropped.

“What? He’s yours?”

If he really was Jiang Yiwei's boyfriend, then she'd gotten her hopes up for nothing, thinking he could be Jiang Lixi's boyfriend instead.

Jiang Lixi's face immediately scrunched up upon hearing he was Jiang Yiwei's boyfriend, her eyes burning with naked jealousy.

In contrast, Jiang Honghong bounded over to Jiang Yiwei, her eyes sparkling with excitement and enthusiasm, gazing at them like they were some kind of rare exhibit before suddenly breaking into inexplicable giggles.

Looking at Jiang Honghong’s expression, it reminded her of the way Gu Xiaolei always looked at her and Fu Xunian. Their gazes were practically identical.

"Your man is so handsome—way hotter than my actual brother-in-law."

Qu Zhenxin didn't even come close.

"Watch it, or Ningning will get jealous," Jiang Yiwei chided, giving her forehead an affectionate tap.

Jiang Honghong protested with a pout. "I'm just telling the truth. Even if my sister gets upset, she'll just have to deal with it."

No matter how unhappy Jiang Ningning might be, what she said was the truth—Fu Xunian was easier on the eyes than Qu Zhenxin, and there was no denying it.

"Honghong's right. Your boyfriend is definitely in a whole different league from Ningning's."

Lin Meixiang stood nearby, holding a bowl of washed vegetables.

Jiang Honghong wasn't wrong—at least in Lin Meixiang's eyes, Fu Xunian was in a whole different league from Qu Zhenxin.

Liu Xian nodded in agreement with Lin Meixiang and Jiang Honghong’s assessment.

He totally outclassed Qu Zhenxin.

The door creaked.

Zhang Cuifen pushed it open and saw Jiang Sanjie and the others loitering outside her house.

"Sanjie, you're back. What're you all doing out here?"

Spotting Huang Dawei, her face lit up. "Dawei, you're here! Get your butt in here!"

"Sanjie, why don't you take Dawei inside?"

Zhang Cuifen urged Jiang Sanjie to bring Huang Dawei into the house when she suddenly noticed Fu Xunian standing beside Jiang Yiwei. Fu Xunian nodded politely at Zhang Cuifen.

Zhang Cuifen assumed Jiang Sanjie had brought him along.

"Come inside, all of you."

Fu Xunian adjusted his stance, his gaze turning to Jiang Yiwei.

"Let's go inside first."

Jiang Sanjie entered the house first, with Huang Dawei following behind.

Zhang Cuifen waved at Jiang Yiwei and Fu Xunian. "You two come in as well."

But Jiang Yiwei clearly saw the mix of confusion and barely-contained excitement in Zhang Cuifen’s eyes.

It was obvious she had noticed there was something going on between Fu Xunian and Jiang Yiwei.

"Come on," she said.

As Jiang Yiwei entered the house, Fu Xunian was supposed to follow her inside—but he stopped in front of Zhang Cuifen.

"Hello, Auntie, I'm Fu Xunian."

"I didn’t bring anything with me today, and I’m really sorry about that."

He should’ve brought some gifts to show how much he valued Jiang Yiwei and her family, but everything happened so suddenly—he ended up coming empty-handed.

It felt awkward, and he worried it might leave a bad impression on Zhang Cuifen.

Zhang Cuifen gave him a warm smile. "Just having you here is enough."

She nudged Fu Xunian inside.

When Zhang Cuifen went in, she left the door slightly open on purpose—letting everyone know there was something happy going on in her house today.

"Here, help yourself to some tea," she said, pouring out a cup.

After sitting down, Zhang Cuifen looked at Jiang Yiwei and spoke to her for the first time in months.

"You're still not saying anything? You're usually so talkative."

Jiang Yiwei stared at Zhang Cuifen, surprised, then laughed. She tugged Fu Xunian to his feet and led him to stand before her mother, who straightened up instinctively.

"Mom, this is Fu Xunian—we’re together."

Zhang Cuifen smiled kindly. "I kinda figured earlier."

When Jiang Sanjie and the others came back but hesitated outside—and since Zhang Cuifen had been busy tidying Jiang Weilin’s room—she couldn’t quite make out the noise from outside.

Curious why they hadn't come in yet, she opened the door and immediately saw Fu Xunian standing behind Jiang Yiwei, while she hovered over him like a guard. Zhang Cuifen had a pretty good guess.

Now that Jiang Yiwei confirmed they were together, she was thrilled.

But she was also upset with her daughter.

This girl was stubborn as a mule, and Zhang Cuifen couldn’t rein her in anymore.

She frowned at Jiang Yiwei. "How long’s this been going on? Why didn’t you bring him home sooner?"

She’d been losing sleep worrying the girl would never get married.

Glancing at Jiang Sanjie, who was sipping tea like he hadn’t a care in the world, she snapped, "You knew, didn’t you?"

Was he the reason she never had to worry about Jiang Yiwei?

He always just watched her worry herself sick.

Thinking about how Jiang Sanjie always let Jiang Yiwei do whatever she wanted, Zhang Cuifen was fuming. But with Fu Xunian and Huang Dawei there, she bit her tongue.

Jiang Sanjie nearly choked on his tea. "I only just found out about Yiwei today—just like you!"

"Dawei can back me up!" he added quickly.

He really had no idea until today, and Huang Dawei could prove it.

"Jiang Sanjie really only found out today—I can guarantee it," Huang Dawei assured Jiang Sanjie.

Hearing that Jiang Sanjie had also just learned about Jiang Yiwei's relationship today, Zhang Cuifen's expression eased up a bit.

Then she frowned. "If you both only found out today, then why did you bring your partner back now?"

Thinking it over, Zhang Cuifen felt uneasy. Jiang Yiwei had a boyfriend and didn't even give them a heads-up—she just showed up with him. She wasn’t happy about it.

"Mom, actually, it’s my fault."

Jiang Yiwei could tell that Zhang Cuifen clearly sensed something was off.

Not wanting to upset her, she decided to tell her the truth.

"Xu Nian and I have been dating for a while. We were recently discussing whether to bring him home to meet you, and today, while we were still discussing it, we ran into Dad and Uncle Dawei."

"Since Dad already knew, I thought I’d just bring him over today."

After speaking, Jiang Yiwei watched Zhang Cuifen’s face carefully.

"Oh, I see."

"You should’ve brought him sooner. If you’re already together, why wait?"

There was no need to hesitate to bring him over when they were already in a relationship—he should've come much earlier.

If she had brought him home earlier, Zhang Cuifen wouldn’t have needed to fret over Jiang Yiwei’s future.

Now, Jiang Yuexin was taken care of—Shao Yaoguo was someone she and Jiang Sanjie had chosen for her. They knew him well, and he was good to Jiang Yuexin, although she sometimes complained that he was only a laborer.

Still, at least Jiang Yuexin had a partner.

That left only Jiang Yiwei. She had both ability and looks, yet had never had a boyfriend.

Zhang Cuifen had worried that Jiang Yiwei only cared about earning money, but it turned out she'd had someone all along.

The more she looked at Fu Xunian, the more pleased she became.

He was far better looking than Qu Zhenxin and Gu Jiang—clearly a step above them.

Her satisfaction with Fu Xunian grew the longer she observed him.

And despite Zhang Cuifen’s intense gaze, Fu Xunian stayed perfectly calm.

If it had been Jiang Yiwei under such enthusiastic scrutiny, she would’ve been uncomfortable by now.

"Mom, let’s start cooking!" Jiang Yiwei suggested, hoping to pull Zhang Cuifen away and stop her from staring at Fu Xunian.

Zhang Cuifen chided her gently, "We’re low on groceries. If I had known you were bringing your boyfriend today, I would’ve prepared better dishes."

As it happened, Huang Manjun had taken Jiang Xiaohua and Jiang Minghua to her parents’ house, and wouldn’t be back until tomorrow.

Because of that, Zhang Cuifen hadn’t stocked up—the ingredients at home were what she bought yesterday. Cooking two or three dishes and whipping up some eggs would’ve been enough for the four of them.

But that wasn’t enough now, with Jiang Yiwei bringing Fu Xunian and Jiang Sanjie bringing Huang Dawei.

"Let's go grocery shopping now."

We're out of food at home, so we'll go buy some now.

"You go ahead, and remember to buy plenty."

"What? By myself?"

Jiang Yiwei was stunned by Zhang Cuifen's words—she was supposed to go alone.

"Just you. Remember to get plenty of vegetables, and don’t forget more meat. If you pass by the braised meat deli, pick up some of that too."

Zhang Cuifen trusted Jiang Yiwei with grocery shopping completely.

Mainly because Zhang Cuifen had many questions for Fu Xunian,

She reminded Jiang Yiwei what to get.

Seeing Jiang Yiwei still standing there frozen, she thought she was worried about Fu Xunian. "Xu Nian will be fine with me."

"Auntie, I’ll go with Yiwei."

Fu Xunian offered to accompany Jiang Yiwei, but Zhang Cuifen rejected the idea.

"No need. Yiwei knows what she's doing. When her sister-in-law and I were too busy, she always handled the shopping."

Just then, Jiang Weilin returned. He knew almost everyone in the room except Fu Xunian. When he went to approach Jiang Yiwei to ask about Fu Xunian, Zhang Cuifen pushed him out.

"Go help your sister with the groceries."