dkrc Chapter 221 Taking Zhang home for the first time
Chapter 221 Taking Zhang home for the first time
Su Qingxue's face flushed bright red instantly, the heat spreading from her ears all the way down to her neck.
She originally wanted to explain that she was just a partner, but when she looked into the old man's cloudy but kind and expectant eyes, and saw that Chen Yuan did not deny it, but was looking at her with gentle eyes, she inexplicably did not deny it.
"You flatter me. I'm not that good at all."
Seeing Su Qingxue's expression, Chen Yuan felt a slight tickle in his heart, like being gently scratched by a cat's paw. He didn't expose her, but instead smoothly picked up the conversation, saying in a very natural tone, "Grandma, you have such a good eye."
Su Qingxue's cheeks burned even hotter upon hearing this, and she couldn't help but secretly glance at him.
That glance was filled with a multitude of emotions: shyness, reproach, joy, and tacit approval.
Xia Qing's grandmother took the initiative to invite him, saying, "I came to see Xiao Chen to invite him to my house in a couple of days for a simple home-cooked meal. If you're free, young lady, you can come along too."
Su Qingxue wanted to refuse, but Chen Yuan immediately agreed.
The old man beamed with joy, then, fearing he might delay their business, he took Xia Qing and left.
The next day, Chen Yuan steamed the buns and left the shop half an hour early, leaving the rest to Aunt Li and the others, which was no problem at all.
Chen Yuan drove his old van to the designated location and picked up Su Qingxue.
Su Qingxue wore a beige long dress today, with light makeup that made her eyes and brows appear even more gentle.
As soon as she got into the car, Chen Yuan saw the gift bag in her hand: "Why did you buy so much stuff again? Didn't I tell you you didn't need to buy anything? I've already prepared everything."
Su Qingxue didn't answer. Instead, she took out a mirror from her bag and checked her makeup in front of it, looking very nervous.
"Why am I a little nervous? Your family must have a lot of people. What if I can't handle it?"
Chen Yuan looked straight ahead, a smile on his face. He turned down the air conditioning and handed Su Qingxue a bottle of mineral water: "Don't be afraid, what's there to be nervous about? My grandma is the kindest person I know. She's had a tough life, never really traveled far, and loves being around people."
"Besides, if you sit in front of my grandma, she'll be overjoyed. She'll keep asking you all sorts of questions and praising how pretty you are. Just don't find it annoying."
Su Qingxue gripped the mineral water bottle, her tension easing slightly: "This is my first time visiting your home, and I'm meeting so many relatives. I'm afraid I might say something wrong and upset the elders."
"Oh dear, you can say the wrong thing too. If you ask me, you're the best talker." Chen Yuan joked.
Noticing that Su Qingxue was genuinely nervous, Chen Yuan stopped at the traffic light, reached out and took her hand, folding his own hands over hers, and gently comforted her.
"Don't be nervous. My grandma isn't one to hold grudges. When you get there, just smile and go along with what she says. Besides, I'm here for you. If anyone asks you a difficult question, just pass the buck to me and I'll answer it."
Su Qingxue lowered her head and chuckled softly, then said nothing more.
The shadows of the sycamore trees outside the window rushed past, but the atmosphere inside the carriage gradually warmed up.
We haven't reached the village yet.
The Chen family's old house has become lively again.
The preparations had already been set up in the courtyard.
A red character with gold lettering, representing longevity, hangs horizontally under the eaves of the main hall, with two large red lanterns hanging outside.
Several tables in the courtyard were pushed together to form a long strip, which was already filled with fruits, snacks, tea and drinks.
The kitchen was filled with the sizzling of oil in the wok, the sounds of chopping vegetables, shouts, and the clinking of bowls and chopsticks—a lively and festive atmosphere that almost seemed to lift the roof off.
Almost all of Chen Da's siblings were present.
Chen Yuan's eldest uncle's family arrived the earliest. His second aunt, along with her son-in-law and children, carried boxes of milk and fruit. His younger uncle's two little boys mingled with Chen Youyou, chasing each other around the yard.
Inside the main room, the old lady sat on a grand chair covered with a red cotton cushion, wearing a dark maroon silk top, her hair neatly combed, looking clean and tidy.
She was eighty years old, but her hearing and eyesight were still sharp. She was listening happily to her grandson talking to her, while constantly stuffing osmanthus sugar and roasted peanuts into the hands of her great-grandchildren who had gathered around.
The room was bustling with noise; there were all sorts of sounds.
"Great-Grandma, this candy is delicious! Have some candy!"
"Hey kid, can you slow down a bit? You'll bump into someone!"
"Third brother's wife, is your mother's back pain any better? I brought some medicated plaster; take it back and have your mother try it later."
"Fourth brother, how's business this year?"
"Hey, come and try it. Isn't this a bit too salty?"
"Mom, today is your 80th birthday, so please don't get up. Just leave everything to us."
The relatives surrounded the old lady, offering greetings, pouring tea, and chatting in layers.
The old lady felt the happiness of being surrounded by her children and grandchildren, and she couldn't stop smiling, her wrinkles smoothing out with laughter.
She patted this hand and patted that head from time to time, muttering, "Everyone's fine, everyone's here, I feel at ease. When is Chen Yuan coming back? What kind of work is he doing that's so busy? It's almost lunchtime."
Wang Xiulan said, "You have no idea, Xiao Yuan's shop is really popular now. Every day, the line stretches for two miles and people can't come back until they're done with their work."
The old lady listened and said understandingly, "Oh dear, it's good for young people to be busy, it's good to be busy. I'm just a little anxious, ah... I haven't seen him for a long time, I miss him quite a bit."
Just as we were speaking, we heard the sound of a car stopping outside the courtyard gate.
Then, a man and a woman appeared at the doorway.
"Grandma, I'm home!"
Upon recognizing the newcomers, the footsteps and greetings in the courtyard suddenly ceased. All eyes turned towards the courtyard gate.
Su Qingxue wasn't wearing anything flashy, but she had bright eyes and white teeth, and her features were exquisite. It was a kind of beauty that wasn't aggressive at all, yet it was extremely eye-catching.
Upon seeing such a beautiful woman in the house, the second aunt, who was holding an enamel cup, forgot to offer water. The little nephew, who was squatting on the steps teasing the yellow dog, straightened up. Even the aunt, who was peeking out to wipe her sweat and eat melon, was stunned.
In the end, it was the eldest aunt who reacted the fastest, and she spoke up loudly.
"Hey! Xiao Yuan, who did you bring back?"
"This girl is so beautiful! Who is she? Xiao Yuan, why don't you introduce her to us?"
"Please come in, please come in, just give me the things."
The old lady was sharp-witted and clear-headed. She was happily peeling peanuts when her gaze turned and met Su Qingxue's face.
Heart of beauty in everyone.
The old lady's voice unconsciously rose, each word revealing an undisguised affection.
"Whose daughter is this? She's so pretty! Come in quickly!"
"Xiao Yuan, come in too."