CHAPTER 265: CHAPTER 265 PREPARING THE GIFT

Shen Qingqing received the invitation, even if she couldn’t go personally, she couldn’t skip the gift money.

Madam Jiang had free time and offered to help her attend the banquet.

Shen Qingqing had no objections.

She just went along with Jiang Zhixun.

She asked him when he would come back, "If the timing is off, you can come home yourself. If I have time, I’ll pick you up at the train station."

She mentioned the exam period, and Shen Qingqing added, "Finishing exams doesn’t mean I’m on vacation yet."

Jiang Zhixun had already calculated the dates, "It’s after the finals, and it’s a Sunday."

That day was also his birthday.

Jiang Zhixun wanted to "test" Shen Qingqing to see if she would remember.

Yet he found this method boring.

If Qingqing didn’t remember, was he going to hold a grudge?

Truly holding a grudge would affect their marriage, which would really be finding trouble for no reason.

Jiang Zhixun straightforwardly said, "It’s my birthday that day, you should treat me to a meal."

Shen Qingqing laughed, "You’re not even back yet, and you’re already thinking about a meal?"

"Hmm, I’m thinking about it."

Previously, Shen Qingqing was unsure when Jiang Zhixun would return to Beijing.

She was still planning to call Shi Yu and have her and Chen Shaojie celebrate for Jiang Zhixun.

"Luckily, I hadn’t called Shi Yu yet, otherwise she would have been busy for nothing."

Jiang Zhixun was in a great mood.

It turned out Qingqing had already thought of it.

With a smile in her tone, "It’s my birthday, why bother others? If it doesn’t work out, you can make it up to me when I get back."

Shen Qingqing rubbed the receiver, contemplating.

She decided to make a birthday cake for Jiang Zhixun. He didn’t like things too sweet, but found a soft and fluffy cake base delicious.

Making it herself would allow her to control the sweetness.

The elderly at home could also have a bit.

"I’ll wait for you to come back."

Jiang Zhixun gave a sound of acknowledgment, already starting to look forward to returning home.

He hadn’t seen Shen Qingqing for nearly three months, and he missed her a lot.

Really, really a lot.

The photo he carried with him was often taken out to look at, almost worn out.

Once home, he wanted to stare at her all day long!

After finishing the call with Jiang Zhixun, Shen Qingqing made way for Madam Jiang.

Jiang Zhixun was her husband but also a son to the elders, so they needed time to bond too.

As they talked, Shen Qingqing went to the kitchen.

Now that she had the time, she wanted to experiment with making a cake base using a rice cooker.

If it turned out well, she could buy some cream, jam, and fresh fruit for Jiang Zhixun’s birthday.

If it didn’t work out, she would just buy a birthday cake from the store.

Madam Jiang heard the commotion and curiously peeked in.

Not knowing what Shen Qingqing was up to.

She reminded Jiang Zhixun, "Work seriously, don’t get distracted. Come back when the task is completed."

Jiang Zhixun replied, "Take care of yourselves at home."

Madam Jiang said, "Your dad and I are fine, just that when the weather gets hot, the old man’s energy isn’t as good as before."

The old man had health issues, but thanks to timely treatment back then, and continuous medication and check-ups, it had gradually stabilized.

But as one ages, the body can’t be as it was before.

With Jiang Zhixun not around, Madam Jiang didn’t want him to worry.

"When the sun goes down and it’s cooler, the old man can still go out for a walk, nothing major."

Jiang Zhixun said, "Make sure the old man takes his medicine on time."

"I’m on top of it, I handle all his daily medicines so nothing will be missed."

After repeatedly reminding Jiang Zhixun to take care of himself, even after the call ended, Madam Jiang felt uneasy.

She felt like she had forgotten to say something.

Shen Qingqing said, "You just love him too much, hence that illusion."

Always afraid of not caring enough, that’s the way of loving parents.

Madam Jiang said, "All parents are like that."

Shen Qingqing didn’t think everyone loved their kids.

She simply said, "Being your child is a blessing."

Madam Jiang wasn’t perfect, but as a mother, she was impeccable for Jiang Zhixun.

Including Shen Qingqing, aside from that one unpleasant incident, she hadn’t faced any grievances.

Shen Qingqing always managed to make Madam Jiang happy.

Seeing her scooping flour, she asked, "Are you making a snack?"

Shen Qingqing laughed, "His birthday is coming up, I wanted to make a cake myself, with a little less sugar for a healthier treat."

Madam Jiang teased with a laugh, "Good thing Zhixun doesn’t know, or he wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight."

"It’s not that exaggerated."

Madam Jiang thought it was, "Something made by your hands holds different meaning. Even if you gave him a leaf, he would be happy."

Imagining her son being so easily satisfied, Madam Jiang couldn’t help but laugh.

She said to Shen Qingqing, "Young people nowadays love romance. Book a room at a restaurant, take the cake, have dinner with Zhixun outside, see a movie, then come back to eat the cake. Without us playing gooseberry, you two can do whatever you like."

Shen Qingqing felt embarrassed.

What could she and Jiang Zhixun do, alone in a room?

Clearing her throat, "He hasn’t been home for three months, you all must miss him too."

Madam Jiang laughed knowingly.

She had been young once too—how could she not understand the situation?

As her son hadn’t been home for three months, he must miss Qingqing the most.

"Going out isn’t the same as not coming home afterwards."

They hadn’t conceived when they were newlyweds; if they didn’t seize the chance now, Madam Jiang feared her hopes of holding a grandchild would become distant again.

Shen Qingqing said, "I want to have cake with you all."

Madam Jiang replied, "Teach me how to make it, then we’ll always have the chance to make and share some together."

Her mother-in-law was plotting for them to go on a date, leaving Shen Qingqing truly embarrassed.

The warmth on her ears never faded.

She later thought that going on a date every once in a while wasn’t a bad idea.

There were elders at home, the dormitory was poorly soundproofed, so it was hard to be at ease.

Feigning nonchalance, "Alright, then we won’t come home on Jiang Zhixun’s birthday."

Madam Jiang nodded repeatedly, "Great, I won’t have to make a special meal."

And so, the plan was set.

Shen Qingqing had a day off at home, then went back to work.

Before leaving, she left some money with Madam Jiang to help deliver a gift.

Though Madam Jiang didn’t need the small change, Shen Qingqing couldn’t bring herself to spend the elders’ money guilt-free.

The money should still be given.

That was her stance.

Madam Jiang was very willing to do this errand.

On the day Zhou Hansheng got married, Madam Jiang dressed appropriately and even applied light makeup.

Compared to her peers, she looked exceptionally well.

As if she were ten years younger.

Seeing familiar faces, she cheerfully said, "My daughter-in-law is busy with work and my son isn’t home, they specifically asked me to help attend the banquet."

Seeing Zhou Hansheng and the bride, she said many kind words.

Mother Zhou’s expression was sour, always feeling Madam Jiang was showing off, but couldn’t find evidence.

With a forced smile, "Teacher Shen truly is a busy person; it’s hard to even see her nowadays."

Madam Jiang nodded, "She is indeed quite busy. In a few days, Zhixun will be back, she’ll need to wrap up her work quickly, or there won’t be any time for their private moments."

Many present, though not acquainted with the Jiang Family, knew what kind of family it was.

They were exceedingly cordial towards Madam Jiang.

"The young couple has such a good relationship."

Madam Jiang smiled, "It’s after going through trials that you realize who is the right person."

Madam Jiang wasn’t there to disrupt things.

After exchanging pleasantries, she handed the floor back to the Zhou Family.

The fact that Shen Qingqing was the Jiang Family’s daughter-in-law became known to more people.

A few knew the relationship between Shen Qingqing and Zhou Hansheng, and exchanged complex glances with Mother Zhou.

On one hand, a mother-in-law who always belittles you, and on the other, one who elevates you.

Wouldn’t the choice of which door to step through be obvious?