CHAPTER 340: CHAPTER 340: NOT PRETENDING

Xu Xiuxiu actually had a very simple idea. Knowing that Xu Jingjing had told Wei Jiaqiang about her past, and that Wei Jiaqiang said he didn’t mind Xu Jingjing’s past, she had a very good impression of him. As for Xu Jingjing’s suggestion of inviting Wei Jiaqiang over for a meal before New Year’s Day, Xiuxiu had no intention of making it difficult or being picky; she simply wanted Wei Jiaqiang to come over and recognize the family. It would also be a good opportunity as Xu Jingjing’s elder sister to look out for her a bit. After all, quite a few people were concerned about Jingjing’s marriage matters, and Xiuxiu naturally couldn’t take them lightly.

But she hadn’t expected that just one meal would give Wei Jiaqiang such a headache for a long time.

"Jingjing, do you know what Wei Jiaqiang likes to eat?" Although Wei Jiaqiang was coming over to recognize the family, they couldn’t just whip up a feast! Thinking this, Xu Xiuxiu casually asked. If possible, she would prepare a dish or two that he liked.

"No, he’s not picky, eats anything." Xu Jingjing shrugged with an easygoing expression. Obviously, for this meal of recognition, both Xu Xiuxiu and Wei Jiaqiang were taking it seriously, the only one relaxed, without a single bit of pressure, was herself. "Sis, you can just make a few dishes, no need for such a big fuss." Xu Jingjing, looking at Xiuxiu bustling about, even giving Aunt Luo a day off, and starting to cook dinner herself, felt overwhelmed.

It was just having a meal. Keeping it casual would have been fine. Why were both her sister and Wei Jiaqiang looking so serious and solemn?

"Alright, then I’ll just make the food as I see fit." Actually, who doesn’t have a favorite food? Even Song Yuanhuan, that straight-laced soldier, had a weakness for meat dishes—let alone Wei Jiaqiang! But since Jingjing said he wasn’t picky, Xiuxiu didn’t dwell on the issue any further. She made a few home-style dishes, and also a couple that were more presentable.

When the meal was nearly ready, with the steamed fish already in the pot, and the chicken soup done, Xiuxiu steamed a custard for the boy and girl twins. After taking off her apron and feeding the little ones, the doorbell rang just as she was clearing away their bowls and utensils. Xiuxiu glanced at the clock on the living room wall, saw that it was exactly five o’clock, not a minute more or less, and knew that Wei Jiaqiang must have arrived right on time. He might have even stood outside for a bit, waiting for the right moment to knock.

Thinking this, Xiuxiu felt somewhat satisfied.

The willingness to arrive on time showed that he took what Xu Jingjing had said to heart. Punctuality was, in fact, another way of showing care.

"He’s here!" Xu Xiuxiu greeted Wei Jiaqiang politely.

"Hello, boss lady." Wei Jiaqiang, carrying some things, bowed and greeted her.

"This is just a meal at home; it’s got nothing to do with work. You don’t have to call me boss. Just relax." Xiuxiu smiled, reminding him not to be too stiff.

"Okay!" Wei Jiaqiang answered heartily but was still somewhat uneasy, his hands and feet visibly uncomfortable. Noticing this, Xiuxiu secretly laughed and made eye contact with Xu Jingjing.

Song Chengguang was sitting on the sofa cuddling his Little Huang, and knowing that they had visitors at home today, he wasn’t being naughty. But when he saw that the visitor was Wei Jiaqiang, he ran up to him with Little Huang in his arms, looking up and saying, "Uncle, I’ve seen you before." Song Chengguang spoke cheerfully, obviously pleased to have recognized Wei Jiaqiang.

"When?" Wei Jiaqiang, seeing Song Chengguang, immediately thought the kid was irresistibly cute. Hearing him say he’d seen him before made Wei Jiaqiang curious.

"Umm, last time I went with Mom to call Dad, and when we were going home, I saw Uncle walking with my aunt." Song Chengguang, with a good memory, narrated the reason he had seen him.

"Hehe," Wei Jiaqiang wasn’t sure which occasion Song Chengguang was referring to, but his honest and dark face brightened with a smile as Song Chengguang spoke.

"Chengguang, stop holding up Uncle with your chatting," Xu Xiuxiu chuckled and chided Chengguang, then turned to Wei Jiaqiang, "Let’s sit down and eat first!"

"Come sit here! The dinner tonight is personally made by my sister; you’re in for a treat," Xu Jingjing shot Wei Jiaqiang a look and then signaled for him to sit next to her.

"Alright." Wei Jiaqiang continued to nod with restrained politeness and quickly took a seat beside Xu Jingjing.

"It’s all home cooking, so don’t be shy. Just make yourself at home," Xu Xiuxiu said with a polite smile.

"Sure, I’ll be casual," Wei Jiaqiang said little, but he always responded seriously, albeit briefly.

Seeing this, Xu Xiuxiu could somewhat understand. After all, this was like a different kind of meeting the parents, and in these times, men and women were still very bashful about these matters. As a married woman and the gatekeeper of Xu Jingjing’s marriage, it was only natural for her to perform her gatekeeping duties well. After everyone had courteously had a few bites, Xu Xiuxiu began the routine inquiries.

"I heard your hometown is very close to ours, just a few minutes’ walk. Which village are you from?" Xu Xiuxiu started with a friendly approach in an attempt to help Wei Jiaqiang relax.

"Yes, my home is in Stone Village," Wei Jiaqiang put down his chopsticks nervously in response.

"Oh! Stone Village, that’s not far at all!" Xu Xiuxiu nodded, "Who else is in your family? How old are you this year?" After asking about his origins, it was natural to begin understanding the relationships within his family.

"I’m the only one left in my family now, my only mother passed away the year before last," Wei Jiaqiang said somewhat uneasily as he brought it up.

Unlike the young people of later generations who preferred freedom, at that time, girls looking to marry would pick families with bustling households, signifying multiple blessings. Even though relationships between sisters-in-law and mothers-in-law could be difficult, there were still people to rely on in times of need. So when Xu Xiuxiu started asking about his family, he couldn’t help but feel anxious, fearing he would be looked down upon because of it.

Little did he know, Xu Xiuxiu was actually quite pleased when she heard he was the only one in his family, thinking as long as he treated Xu Jingjing well, Xu Xiuxiu would essentially be able to be her own master after marriage. The thought was very satisfying, as it meant there was no need to worry about the interactions between mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. After all, discord with the mother-in-law and conflicts with sisters-in-law had always been a major blight on marriage.

"Oh! Sorry, I didn’t know about your circumstances," Xu Xiuxiu secretly rejoiced in her heart, but she put on a regretful face, as if she had touched upon his painful spot.

Wei Jiaqiang shook his head, indicating it didn’t bother him.

Xu Xiuxiu didn’t really ask many questions, just a general understanding of Wei Jiaqiang’s background, which Xu Jingjing had actually already shared with her. Seeing Wei Jiaqiang being so proper in his responses, she was even more pleased in her heart.

He truly seemed like a straightforward and honest person, not one to put on an act. This put Xu Xiuxiu somewhat at ease, thinking that since Wei Jiaqiang was still working on the construction site in Soup City, once the construction of Soup City was completed and Wei Jiaqiang’s situation with Xu Jingjing was stable, she could think of a way to help him out. That way, Xu Jingjing’s life after marriage would be a bit more comfortable.