CHAPTER 432: THE FEELING OF 432 HOMES

"Alright, just give me a heads up, and I’ll clear out the firewood room."

"I’ll do it myself; I’ll definitely be faster than you. I’ll tidy it up today."

"How could I let you?"

Lv Beiguang just stared at Jiang Xinyu until she felt embarrassed. "Thank you."

Shang Zhenkun and Guodong also joined in, and the three worked quickly, finishing everything in an hour, so they could store coal anytime.

Dinner was rice, braised pork, stir-fried green beans, and seaweed salad.

After dinner, Lv Beiguang and Jing Chu tidied the table while Jiang Xinyu went to the inner room to help Guodong with studying.

Lv Beiguang felt incredibly happy; this was what a home should feel like, right?

Early Sunday morning, Jiang Xinyu took the two kids out for breakfast, then they headed to the club.

The people there knew Jiang Xinyu well and were very friendly. There weren’t many things for kids to play with, but it was new to them, and they tried out all the entertainment options. Niang San had lunch at a restaurant, then they went to see a movie in the afternoon.

"Mom, can we watch a movie again next week?"

"Sure. You like watching movies?"

"We do."

"No problem, we’ll come every week from now on."

Things were going smoothly for Yao Shimin. He arrived in the city on Saturday afternoon and headed straight to the inn.

"Jingyi, should I wait for you here?"

"Alright, I’ll talk to my family tonight."

Qiao Family’s parents had been anxious, not knowing how their daughter was doing. As soon as they saw her come back, Mrs. Qiao grabbed her daughter, "How did it go?"

"Mom, I brought him back. He’s at the inn, and you can meet him tomorrow."

"Have him come to our house for dinner tonight."

"Mom, let’s do it tomorrow."

Mr. Qiao spoke up as well, "Jingyi, go bring that comrade over, and I’ll call your brother back; let’s meet today."

"Mom, Dad, aren’t you being a bit too eager?"

"We’re not just eager; we’re very eager," Mrs. Qiao remarked.

"Shouldn’t you be more worried about my brother?"

"Once you marry, it’ll be about him. By the way, how’s Xiao Jiang?"

"She already has two kids; don’t dwell on it. Mom, let me tell you, Xinyu’s daughter is really pretty."

"Married? That’s such a waste for such a good girl."

"Exactly. A boy and a girl, though she’s separated from her man, she told me she’s very happy. Mom, look, this is the gift Xinyu brought back for me. Isn’t it pretty? I can hardly bear to use it, let’s display it. And these are canned peaches Xinyu made herself for you."

"Such a shame for such a good girl. Alright, hurry and call that Yao comrade over; we have eggs at home, so we’ll make homemade noodles with tomato and egg sauce."

"Right. You go call him, and I’ll fetch your brother."

Qiao Jingyi muttered inwardly, that’s how eager they are. Anyone timid would be scared, but today and tomorrow barely make a difference.

She returned to the inn, where Yao Shimin was showering. Since he came rush, he hadn’t brought a change of clothes, so he planned to wash up well for tomorrow.

He heard a knock at the door and was puzzled. Had someone gotten the wrong room? "Who’s there?"

"It’s me, Qiao Jingyi."

"Give me two minutes, I’ll be ready in two minutes."

He hurriedly put on clothes, inwardly glad he hadn’t started washing them.

Qiao Jingyi saw his wet hair and knew he had been showering.

"Come to my house for dinner tonight; my brother’s busy with work and probably won’t have time during the day."

"Sure. Will you go shopping with me first? I don’t want to go empty-handed for the first visit."

"No need."

"That won’t do. It’s not proper to visit empty-handed. Let’s go."

The 200 yuan and vouchers in Yao Shimin’s hand were borrowed from Jiang Xinyu. Normally, who would carry so much cash?

"Really, it’s unnecessary." Qiao Jingyi felt helpless.

"It’s crucial; it’s fundamental etiquette."

With no other option, the two headed to the building. It was nearly closing time, and the salespeople were starting to organize goods.

They hurriedly bought five kilos of brown sugar, three types of pastries, and two jars of malted milk.

"That’s enough, enough, these will do."

"Not much? Should we look more? What do you like?"

"Really, it’s enough; let’s go back." Qiao Jingyi pulled Yao Shimin out of the building.

"Jingyi, I still think the gifts are too few; should we check the supply store?"

"They’re really not, and the supply store’s already closed. Let’s hurry; my mom is cooking."

"Jingyi, I’m suddenly a bit nervous."

Qiao Jingyi burst into laughter, "What are you nervous about? Haven’t you been through this before?"

"It’s different."

"How’s it different?"

"It was different right from the start; last time she organized everything, I just paid and carried bags. I have no experience buying gifts."

"You really are something."

The two bantered down the street, then entered the Qiao house, which was quite large. The main building had five rooms, indicating a comfortable lifestyle.

"Mom, I’ve brought Comrade Yao back."

Mrs. Qiao, who was in the kitchen, promptly tidied her apron and adjusted her hair, heading out to greet them.

"Comrade Yao, welcome to our home."

"Hello, Auntie. I’m Yao Shimin."

Mrs. Qiao was quite satisfied seeing Yao Shimin. He seemed like a refined intellectual. His height was decent, and he looked quite handsome.

"Sit down; Jingyi, go slice some watermelon. It’s hung in the well."

Mrs. Qiao, pulling Yao Shimin by the hand, had him sit on the bench in the courtyard.

This seemed like the start of a long conversation. Just then, Mr. Qiao and Qiao Dongshan returned, carrying two lunchboxes.

Yao Shimin quickly stood up, smiling at the arriving father and son. These must be Jingyi’s father and brother, right?

"Uncle Qiao, Mr. Qiao, hello. I’m Yao Shimin."

"Welcome, welcome. Sit down. His mom, these are the two dishes I brought. Go set the table; let’s eat first."

Mrs. Qiao took the lunchboxes from Mr. Qiao and headed into the kitchen.

Qiao Jingyi had also finished slicing the watermelon and brought it out.

Qiao Dongshan had been observing Yao Shimin since walking in, and it was rare to see someone remaining so calm in front of him. Not bad, at least his character seemed fine.

Qiao Jingyi helped set the table, and they ate outside in the courtyard, where it was cooler.

Mr. Qiao took out the liquor, intending to pour some for Yao Shimin.

"Uncle Qiao, I don’t have much tolerance for alcohol." How did I forget to buy some? It’s a bit impolite.

"Can you drink?"

"Two shots are fine; half a liter, and I wouldn’t know where I am."

Mrs. Qiao was pleased; not drinking much was good. Her husband and son weren’t heavy drinkers either, so marrying someone who drinks a lot would be troublesome.

"Old Qiao, pour a little for Young Master Yao."

"We three will each have two shots."