Chapter 327
Su Xiaoxiao blinked nervously.
Jiang Yexun quickly clarified, “It’s not that Xiaoxiao is directing me; I’m actually learning to cook.”
Mrs. Su looked surprised. “You have time for that?”
Jiang Yexun nodded, “Yes, I have enough time. Right now, my mother does most of the cooking. When I move to the city, I’ll handle it if I have time; otherwise, I’ll buy from a state-owned restaurant.”
“There’s no need to trouble yourself so much. If you’re busy, Xiaoxiao can handle the cooking,” Mrs. Su offered, though she felt a bit embarrassed.
She was, however, pleased with Jiang Yexun’s willingness to take on the cooking duties. Her daughter had been pampered for eighteen years, and she didn’t want her to be burdened with household chores immediately after marriage. But it wasn’t right to let Jiang Yexun do everything; a couple should support each other.
Jiang Yexun was adamant, “Cooking can be a hassle with the fire and smoke. I’d rather not have Xiaoxiao do it.”
Mrs. Su accepted his insistence and led him into the kitchen.
While Su Xiaoxiao was keen to spend time with Jiang Yexun, she also didn’t want to leave Aunt Guo alone in the living room.
“Auntie, how was the guesthouse you stayed in yesterday? After I take you to the hospital tomorrow, I’ll help you find a house,” Su Xiaoxiao said, placing a fruit box next to Aunt Guo.
Aunt Guo took a couple of peanuts and, while peeling them, said, “Yexun has already bought a house with a small courtyard. You can visit it anytime. If you don’t like it, we’ll find another one you do.”
She placed the peeled peanuts into Su Xiaoxiao’s hand, who instinctively popped them into her mouth.
Mrs. Su’s eyebrows twitched slightly as she observed the natural and affectionate interaction. Was this how Xiaoxiao was treated while she was in the countryside?
Before she could pull her head back, the sound of the door opening with a key caught everyone’s attention. Mr. Su and Su Hongchen entered with serious expressions.
“Did you find any leads today?” Mrs. Su asked anxiously.
Both men shook their heads, and Mrs. Su’s previously cheerful demeanor turned somber.
“Why don’t you keep Aunt Guo company for now? Jiang and I will finish preparing the dishes and join you shortly,” she said before heading back to the kitchen.
Mr. Su composed himself and sat in the chair facing the sofa. “Hello,” he greeted politely.
Aunt Guo, seeing his demeanor, sensed that the Su family was facing a significant issue.
“Hello, I’m Guo Hongxiang. My family was once wealthy landowners, but now it’s just me. I married Yexun’s father, who came from a family of poor farmers. So Jiang Yexun’s work won’t be affected by any social status issues.”
Aunt Guo spoke hurriedly, worried that her background might impact how Su Xiaoxiao’s parents perceived her son.
Mr. Su responded with a warm smile, “Xiaoxiao already mentioned this when she came back. We’re not concerned about it. We believe in honesty, and we’ll be straightforward with you as well. Recently, we discovered a discrepancy of one ton of steel in our factory’s accounts. If we don’t resolve this issue before the New Year, I might face imprisonment. This issue could also affect my son’s and my wife’s work, and in turn, it might affect Xiaoxiao.”
Aunt Guo was startled. “You might be set up. Don’t worry, we value Xiaoxiao for who she is. No matter if evidence is found or not, we will treat Xiaoxiao well. Marriage is about supporting each other through thick and thin, and we will protect Xiaoxiao from being mistreated.”
Mr. Su felt reassured by Aunt Guo’s genuine concern and was relieved about his daughter’s future.
“We will investigate thoroughly. Even if I end up in jail, I will do everything I can to continue the investigation. I assure you, I’m not guilty of embezzlement,” Mr. Su promised seriously.
Aunt Guo nodded in agreement, “That’s fine. Since Yexun is here, he and his friends can help with the investigation. More people will help speed up the process.”
Mr. Su was impressed by how composed and generous Jiang Yexun’s mother was in handling the situation. He felt a newfound respect for his daughter’s choice.
“Thank you so much,” Mr. Su said gratefully.
Aunt Guo waved it off, “No need to thank us. We’re here to marry Xiaoxiao, so of course, we have to put in our best effort.”
In the countryside, there’s a saying that a son-in-law who hasn’t yet married off his wife is less competent than a mule in a production team.
Mrs. Su and Jiang Yexun emerged from the kitchen carrying dishes. After placing the food on the table, Mrs. Su glanced at Mr. Su, whose smile had deepened as he lowered his gaze.
They had planned to inform Jiang Yexun and his mother about the steel factory issue as soon as they arrived. This was part of their commitment to transparency and gauging their attitude.
Seeing Mr. Su’s reaction, Mrs. Su knew that he was satisfied with their openness and attitude towards Jiang Yexun.
Mrs. Su hadn’t yet discussed the matter with Jiang Yexun, but the last two dishes were his creations. His skill and efficiency had impressed her, suggesting that if Xiaoxiao married him, she wouldn’t suffer much.
“Alright, let’s eat. We can talk more while we dine,” Mrs. Su invited everyone with a smile.
Jiang Yexun then moved to the sofa and retrieved a folder from his bag. He produced the proof of the house purchase and a stack of receipts.
“Mr. and Mrs. Su, I bought a house today. It’s a ten-minute walk from here. I’ve also bought a TV, washing machine, radio, fan, and all the necessary furniture. The sofa hasn’t been selected yet; I plan to take Xiaoxiao with me to choose it when she has time.”
Jiang Yexun handed the documents to Mr. and Mrs. Su, who were stunned to see Xiaoxiao’s name on the property documents.
“Why is Xiaoxiao’s name on this?”
“It’s bought for Xiaoxiao, so her name is on the deed. This is our dowry, and all the necessary fittings are included,” Aunt Guo explained matter-of-factly.