Chapter 36

Chapter 36

The sun was slowly sinking in the west, casting a faint pink glow across the sky.

Su Linjin’s cheeks were tinged by the light, blushing like rosebuds.

He heard her say, "You should move into the courtyard."

He also heard her add, "That way, it’ll be easier for us to coordinate inside and out."

Su Linjin couldn’t discern any emotion from his expression and, assuming he was being difficult, quickly explained, "I just thought it would be inconvenient for you to live at home now that you’re working in the city. The courtyard is empty anyway, so it’s better to—"

"Okay." He cut her off, his long eyelashes sweeping down as he looked at her, his dark eyes gleaming with a deep light. "Thank you for being so thoughtful."

Su Linjin felt a little embarrassed by his formal gratitude. "It’s for work, after all."

The two walked side by side through the alley when they heard a familiar voice again.

Only this time, instead of gossiping, the voice was broadcasting a plea for help.

"Around forty-something, thin, not very tall, might have trouble speaking clearly, and might be a bit timid. Everyone, please keep an eye out. If you find him, I—I’ll definitely reward you handsomely!"

"Director Zhou, is this person a relative of yours?"

"Not a relative, just an old acquaintance. We haven’t seen each other in years, but he sent a telegram saying he was coming to the hutong to find us. I’m afraid that being from the countryside, if he feels too shy to ask around and just leaves, people might say we’re putting on airs!"

"No problem, we’ll remember!"

"Thank you, everyone!"

Zhou Juan turned around, satisfied, just as she saw Su Linjin and Jiang Wang watching her.

She immediately put on a smile. "Oh, you two are back. Don’t worry, I wasn’t gossiping about you. Your auntie was just talking to the neighbors about something important."

Su Linjin replied sweetly, "Auntie, you’re too polite. You could’ve told me about this. I’m home every day—if anyone comes looking for you, I’ll make sure to keep them here."

Trying to catch Ruan Lingqi?

Not in a million years.

At the dinner table, Jiang Yongyao was distracted, pausing after every few bites to ponder.

Elder Jiang noticed. "Eldest, what’s the matter? You’ve been eating for ages but barely touched your food."

"It’s nothing, really. I’m just worried about the courtyard renovation. The construction team said they’re booked after the New Year, and there’s no telling when it’ll be our turn."

Elder Jiang waved a hand. "I was just about to tell you—don’t worry about it. We don’t need such a grand display. Our great leader advocates for frugality—it’s not fitting for our family to make such a fuss! Forget that proposal you sent. Just patch up the walls and give the gate a fresh coat of paint. That’s enough."

Jiang Yongyao looked thunderstruck. "What? Dad, Jin Jin’s getting married—shouldn’t we do this properly?"

Elder Jiang already harbored resentment over Zhou Juan’s bookkeeping issues, and now, seeing his eldest son still trying to push for renovations, he connected the dots and snorted coldly. "This isn't up for discussion. I’ve made my decision."

His tone was authoritative, and the table fell silent.

Zhou Juan quickly changed the subject. "Ah, let’s talk about something happy for Dad."

She turned to Jiang Yan with a warm smile. "Our Yan here—last time, she didn’t like the guy’s looks, but this time, she’s met someone good-looking with bright prospects. If things go well, we’ll bring him to meet you after the New Year."

Then she glanced at Jiang Yue. "And our Xiao Yue is making progress too. The girl really likes him—she heard how filial he is to you, Grandpa, and said she wants to visit tomorrow. Dad, is that alright? It’s her first time here, and though it's not official yet, we’ll have to trouble Zhang Ma to prepare a meal to welcome her."

Su Linjin was stunned—had Ye Xiaomo gone crazy?

Jiang Yan noticed her reaction and scoffed. "Some people just can’t stand others doing well. My future sister-in-law is truly exceptional—you couldn't find better in the entire district." Much better than you!

Jiang Yue interjected, "Xiao Yan, don’t say that. Xiaomo and I are still getting to know each other. Her best friend advised her that to judge a man’s suitability, she should see what kind of family he comes from. So she suggested visiting, but we’re not at that stage yet."

Su Linjin, the "best friend" in question, choked violently, coughing as if the rice grains had nearly killed her.

Seeing her reaction, Jiang Yue felt a flicker of satisfaction—see, she wasn’t indifferent after all.

Too bad Su Linjin couldn’t read minds, or she would have surely cursed him for being full of himself!

At ten o’clock on the 29th day of the lunar new year, Ye Xiaomo arrived at White Lotus Hutong with a net bag of peach shortbread cookies.

Three hours earlier, Su Linjin had warned the family over breakfast.

She said to Zhang Ma and Elder Jiang, "The girl coming later—you’ve actually met her before."

"Isn’t she Xiao Yue’s girlfriend? When did Grandpa meet her?"

"...Grandpa, she’s not his girlfriend yet, so don’t let it slip! She’s the one who came looking for me last time—the one I went to the temple fair with. Oh, and later, find a chance to take Jiang Yue away to play chess with you!"

Elder Jiang paused mid-sip of his porridge. "You’ve lost me."

"Ugh, just remember—pretend you don’t know her. When she arrives, take Jiang Yue away." Then she turned to Jiang Wang. "And you—act like you’re not familiar with her either."

Jiang Wang drank his porridge noisily. "I’m not."

"Good."

Ye Xiaomo wore a new-style parka with pickle-green plaid wool trim on the brim, cuffs, and pockets—at a glance, it looked similar to Su Linjin’s.

Since she had insisted on visiting as just a friend to see Jiang Yue’s childhood home, without making it a formal family meeting, Zhou Juan had no role to play. She could only watch from afar, unable to enter.

Jiang Yue eagerly led the way to Elder Jiang’s main house, explaining, "Our grandfather lives in the main house."

Elder Jiang stood at the door and greeted them with a wave.

Ye Xiaomo politely said, "Hello, Grandpa Jiang," then glanced at the east wing and asked, "In our family, the grandfather also lives in the main house. Who stays in the side wings?"

"The east wing is where the granddaughter of my grandfather’s old friend lives. The west wing used to be our family’s when I was little, but now it’s used for guests. I’ll take you there in a bit."

Su Linjin cracked the door open and subtly flashed her a wink, mouthing, "Hate you!"

Ye Xiaomo made a face behind Jiang Yue’s back and mouthed back, "See you later."

The east wing door clicked shut softly.

Jiang Yue noticed his companion shaking with suppressed laughter. "What’s so funny?"

"Yeah, hilarious."

After settling her in the west wing, Jiang Yue knocked on the east wing door. "Jin Jin, could you keep Xiaomo company for a bit? I don’t want her to feel out of place."

Su Linjin thought—You’re the reason she’d feel out of place.

But she agreed readily. "No problem."

Just then, Elder Jiang’s voice rang out in the courtyard. "Xiao Yue, let Jin Jin chat with the girl. You come here."

Ye Xiaomo said politely, "Go ahead, I'll sit for a while."

Jiang Yue studied her intently, then shot an anxious but pointed glance at Su Linjin before finally opening the door and heading toward Elder Jiang's main room.

Once the door closed, Su Linjin's smile dropped immediately: "Are you crazy?"

Ye Xiaomo's face fell too: "Like I want this? My mom insists I date him, saying how great he is. This was arranged between my mom and his—she dragged me here to check out his place. It’s not like I wanted to!"

"So, how do you feel now?"

"The grandpa is nice, Zhang Ma is nice, and you’re especially nice. Honestly, because of you, I almost want to stay in this family..."

If before Ruan Lingqi appeared, Su Linjin had been planning to bide her time and find a way to show Ye Xiaomo Jiang Yue’s true nature, now she had only one thought: Ye Xiaomo should get out now.

"But you’re not marrying me. Last time you asked me what he’s like, I didn’t say much. Now I’ve changed my mind—I’ll tell you, he’s not good enough for you and not right for you. Have your mom ask around more. His mom and sister are a nightmare to deal with. Think carefully."

She couldn’t tell her about things that hadn’t happened yet—she could only state the facts.

Su Linjin’s expression was grave. Ye Xiaomo looked at her, and for some reason, her earlier hesitation turned into resolve.

She knew Su Linjin genuinely cared for her to speak like this. She reached out and grasped her hand: "I know. I’ll talk to my mom as soon as I get back."

Jiang Yue fielded Elder Jiang’s questions in the main room for a while before growing restless and begging off.

Luckily, when he pushed open the west room door, Ye Xiaomo showed no sign of displeasure. Su Linjin was sitting with her, both silent.

He finally relaxed—it seemed they weren’t close and hadn't talked much.

"Jin Jin, thanks for keeping Xiaomo company," Jiang Yue said with practiced charm. "I’ll take over now."

Su Linjin glanced at Ye Xiaomo and left the west room.

She hadn’t been reading long when the courtyard grew lively, the faint sound of children’s voices drifting in.

Even Jiang Lin had barely come by these past two days, helping Song Lili at home with dumplings and New Year dishes. Who could it be?

Soon, Zhang Ma knocked on her door, smiling: "Comrade Ren brought the kids by to play with you, Jin Jin. Will you come out and see them?"

Ren Qi?

Su Linjin looked out the window—the twins had already spotted her and were racing over like excited swallows: "Sister Su, we came to play with you!"

Ren Qi stood at the main room’s entrance, handing something to Elder Jiang: "My dad said his legs aren’t what they once were, so he hopes you’ll visit when you’re free! Don’t stay home all day stuffing yourself with your granddaughter-in-law’s treats."

She chuckled, "Just ignore that last part—he’s just jealous! Faults us for being all thumbs, not as skilled as Xiao Su."

"Good! I’ll challenge him to chess—we'll see if he's got the nerve to complain!"

"Perfect, by all means!"

Elder Jiang knew better—with Ren Dashan’s seniority, he’d never have his kids make the first New Year’s visit. Even if he went to Ren’s door, Ren might not receive him.

This was a peace offering—extended for Su Linjin’s sake!

His gaze shifted to Su Linjin, now with the twins in her arms, and he thought: This goodwill is because of my granddaughter-in-law!

"Sister Su, I want to make Snowflake Nougat!"

"No, Sister Su, let’s make cake!"

Last time she left, the twins had asked to learn, and she’d promised to teach them.

They remembered well—the moment they arrived, they were clamoring to bake.

Ren Qi walked over and pried the two away from Su Linjin: "Forgot what Mom said? We're just visiting today. Next time, when I’ve got the ingredients ready, we’ll invite Sister Su to our place."

"It’s fine, Aunt Ren. I was planning to do it today regardless." She wasn’t being polite—she’d been waiting for Jiang Wang to move in today so she’d have help.

The noise from the courtyard reached the west room. Seizing the opportunity, Ye Xiaomo excused herself: "You’ve got guests. I should go—need to help with the dumplings at home."

"At least stay for a meal! Grandpa’s already arranged it."

"No, thanks for your hospitality."

Ye Xiaomo stepped out and saw Su Linjin chatting with a simply dressed yet elegant woman, a pair of identical twins buzzing around them.

She politely said to Elder Jiang, "Grandpa Jiang, thank you for having me. I should head back." Then to Su Linjin, "And you, Comrade Su—goodbye."

Su Linjin nodded.

To anyone watching, they’d seem like they barely knew each other.

Jiang Yue regretfully escorted her out. Only when he saw the jeep’s license plate outside did it dawn on him—who was that woman talking to Su Linjin? Since when did she have connections at that level?