Chapter 328
Mr. and Mrs. Su, as well as Su Hongchen, all looked slightly embarrassed.
“We know about the house,” Mrs. Su began, “and it’s not only large but also well-preserved. You must have spent quite a bit on it. We can’t accept such an expensive gift.”
Jiang Yexun calmly replied, “Xiaoxiao deserves the best, and I’m only giving her what I can within a reasonable range.”
Mr. and Mrs. Su immediately understood the implication. Even if they accepted the house as part of the dowry, it wouldn’t be possible for anyone to use the issue of the factory’s financial discrepancies or any ulterior motives against Xiaoxiao’s family.
“So, how much did you actually spend on this house?” Su Hongchen asked curiously.
“Seven thousand five hundred,” Jiang Yexun stated.
Mr. and Mrs. Su immediately looked pained.
“You paid too much. It should have been around six thousand,” Mrs. Su said, shaking her head.
“This house was the only one available in the area, with no tenants, and the seller was eager to sell. Even if it was a bit more expensive, it was worth it. Most importantly, it serves as a proposal gift today,” Jiang Yexun explained.
“So this is just the proposal gift?” Mrs. Su was astonished and then glanced at her daughter.
Seeing Xiaoxiao sitting calmly and comfortably with her legs swinging, Mrs. Su realized that Jiang Yexun must have spent even more money on Xiaoxiao during her time in the countryside.
Mrs. Su felt overwhelmed, thinking that the Jiang family had likely spent more money than they could afford.
“This house is indeed just the proposal gift. The dowry we discussed before was merely a formality. We actually intend to give ten thousand and one, symbolizing ’one in ten thousand,’” Aunt Guo added with a smile.
Mrs. Su swallowed, confused. “So, how much do you have on paper for the dowry?”
“Although I paid seven thousand five hundred for the house, the seller had a gambling debt of five thousand two hundred. The house money went directly to settle that debt, and the seller only received two thousand three hundred. The official sale price was reported as two thousand three hundred. I originally had twelve thousand in savings, and I added sixteen hundred recently, making a total of thirteen thousand six hundred. The house and dowry together just cover the costs,” Jiang Yexun explained.
“But you also bought a washing machine, radio, and television. That’s several thousand more,” Mr. Su pointed out.
Jiang Yexun glanced at Su Xiaoxiao to ensure she had no objections before continuing, “Xiaoxiao previously submitted several prescription formulas and received a substantial reward for them. We can say that the money for these items came from her.”
Mr. and Mrs. Su immediately turned their attention to Su Xiaoxiao, who stiffened under their gaze.
“I just found some Chinese medicine books at the recycling station and noted down useful formulas. I didn’t expect the country would reward me so much for them,” Su Xiaoxiao explained with her usual excuse.
Mr. and Mrs. Su knew her penchant for finding books at the recycling station, so they didn’t doubt her explanation.
“Alright, as long as the factory audit doesn’t cause issues for your wedding, we’re fine. We don’t want your problems to drag us down,” Mr. Su said seriously.
Jiang Yexun looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”
Mr. Su remembered that Jiang Yexun had been busy in the kitchen when he was discussing his situation with Aunt Guo, so he repeated the details.
Jiang Yexun’s expression darkened slightly, but he lifted his head and assured Mr. Su, “Uncle Su, don’t worry. I’ll start investigating with my friends tomorrow. We will uncover whoever is behind this and ensure nothing happens to you.”
Mr. Su was reassured by Jiang Yexun’s commitment and lack of hesitation. He couldn’t help but smile. “It’s good to see you’re so dedicated. But since you’re unfamiliar with Shanghai, Hongchen and I should handle the investigation.”
“You two look too upright. Whoever stole the steel or helped to cover it up wouldn’t want to involve you, fearing you might be setting a trap,” Jiang Yexun warned.
Mr. Su and Su Hongchen exchanged glances and saw the righteousness in each other. They looked back at Jiang Yexun, realizing he had a different aura from those involved in the black market.
“Alright, we’ll leave the investigation to you. We’ll split up and try to resolve this as quickly as possible,” Mr. Su said with a sigh.
He then became curious, “You didn’t use your savings for the house and items, so where did that money go?”
“I bought government bonds in Beijing and Dai City. These bonds don’t require a household registration or introduction letter. You simply hand over the money and get the bonds, which can be sold back to the bank directly,” Jiang Yexun explained.
This way, according to Jiang Yexun, their financial activities wouldn’t be suspicious.
“Then, when we have a chance, let’s buy government bonds with the ten thousand we have left. We can declare that we still have ten thousand,” Su Xiaoxiao suggested with a smile.
Jiang Yexun agreed immediately, “We’ll have Xingzhi buy them while we wait outside.”
“Okay!” Su Xiaoxiao nodded, satisfied with the plan.
Once they had settled the financial matters, Mrs. Su refocused the conversation.
“Jiang, I know you’re generous and willing to spend on Xiaoxiao. But besides financial considerations, what are your plans for the future? My husband and I can’t bear the thought of Xiaoxiao staying in the countryside for her entire life.”
Jiang Yexun nodded, “I’ve already discussed with Xiaoxiao that we’ll move to Shanghai in a few years. By then, my mother will have divorced my father. So there won’t be any relatives from the Old Jiang family causing trouble for Xiaoxiao.”
Though divorce was rare at the time, Mr. and Mrs. Su found nothing wrong with Jiang Yexun’s plans. Divorce was only considered when absolutely necessary.
“However, what if your father refuses to divorce your mother?” Mrs. Su asked.
“We would separate. My mother would move to the city to take care of our children. My sister and brother-in-law are both working and can contribute ten yuan a month. My father, seeing the money, won’t cause trouble for my mother. He has his pride, and my sister has leverage over him, so he won’t dare disturb her,” Jiang Yexun detailed meticulously.
His thorough explanation showed he had clearly thought this through.