CHAPTER 211: CHAPTER 211: STARTED CRYING WHILE LAUGHING 4_1

In her moment of hesitation, Huang Xiaojue had already grabbed her hand, leading her confidently towards their home.

As Huang Xiaojue’s mother opened the door and saw them, she was genuinely pleased. "Son, you’re finally home. Come in quickly. Xixi, you come in too. These are the new slippers I bought for you both this morning; they’re very warm."

Xixi hadn’t expected such warmth and felt rather ill at ease.

She swapped her shoes for the slippers and entered. Hearing them, Huang’s father emerged from the kitchen.

Huang’s father was a typical local man. He worked to support his family, did household chores, and was the type to hand over his entire salary. He stood there in an apron, spatula in hand, and was momentarily taken aback upon seeing Yan Xixi. Then, he silently approved. This young woman is indeed top-notch; no wonder our son is so set on marrying her.

"So, you’re Xixi! Xiaojue has mentioned you so many times. Please, sit down, sit down. Have some hot tea and fruit. Dinner will be ready soon."

Huang’s father was even more amiable than his mother. This made Yan Xixi feel even more embarrassed. She gave a small bow and said, "Thank you, Uncle. Thank you, Auntie."

Huang Xiaojue chimed in cheerfully, "Look at the gifts Xixi brought for you. Dad, this is your favorite Pu’er tea. Mom, look at this scarf. Xixi carefully selected it for you. Isn’t it super beautiful?"

Huang’s mother took a look. The Pu’er tea was one thing, but the scarf was clearly a high-quality item at first glance. She touched it—the color and feel were both top-notch. Delight immediately showed on her face. "Oh, I was just thinking I needed a scarf to go with my new coat! I’ve bought a few myself, but none of them looked quite right. This one is perfect."

"Mom, you and Dad both got gifts. And this scarf around my neck, Xixi gave it to me too."

Huang’s father laughed. "You two kids, why spend so much money? We’re all family now. There’s no need to waste money like this in the future. Xixi, remember, next time just come with Xiaojue empty-handed."

Yan Xixi blushed and nodded lightly.

The dinner that night was extravagant, featuring chicken stewed with cordyceps flower, large prawns, Shuizhu fish, and several other famous local home-style dishes. Huang’s mother even specially prepared a dessert of bird’s nest with rock sugar.

Huang’s father was very enthusiastic, frequently saying, "Xixi, just make yourself at home. Don’t be reserved; you’ll get used to it after a while."

Even Huang’s mother offered a few perfunctory pleasantries, "Eat more. Do come over for meals often in the future."

Yan Xixi’s heart was in turmoil; she kept wondering, Mother Huang is so warm now, but will she suddenly turn hostile later?

Finally, dinner was over. Just as Yan Xixi was hesitating about whether to offer to wash the dishes, Huang’s father spoke up, "Xiaojue, take Xixi upstairs for a look around, and perhaps a walk in the garden. After we’ve washed the dishes, you two can come down for some fruit."

Huang Xiaojue didn’t stand on ceremony, took Yan Xixi’s hand, and led her upstairs.

The elderly couple cleared the dishes and went into the kitchen. Huang’s mother immediately closed the door and complained to him in a low voice, "Old man, are you out of your mind? Why did you tell them to go upstairs?"

"Should she really have to do chores on her very first visit?" he retorted.

"A woman needs to be put in her place right from the start! If she doesn’t do chores now, she’ll form the habit, and you can forget about her ever lifting a finger later!"

"Oh, come on," Huang’s father replied. "Who falls for that kind of thinking these days?"

The old woman huffed indignantly.

"Old woman," he said, "I actually think this girl is quite good. She’s good-looking too. Honestly, of all the girls our son has met on blind dates, none of them compare to her. The pretty ones were too coquettish, and the demure ones were too plain. Xixi is much better—she’s open and natural, not at all coquettish. Besides, our son likes her so much. I think this will work out."