Ning Ge saw Cao Guigen coming in and hurriedly put down the teacup in his hand, standing up somewhat awkwardly, while also casting a desperate glance at Cao Xiaojuan for help.
Cao Xiaojuan just smiled and said, "Dad, Mom, look, these are gifts that Ge Ling specifically bought to show his respect for you."
She pointed to the gifts laid out on the table.
Cao Guigen glanced over and said indifferently, "Whatâs the use of buying these? Country folks donât care for such things."
Cao Xiaojuanâs face turned red as she looked towards Ning Ge, who was now frowning. Having spent some days together, she knew he was somewhat displeased. She also felt a bit upset with her own father. Considering his goodwill, saying such things could really discourage someone.
"Itâs all Ge Lingâs kind thought. Itâs the first time our daughter has brought someone back home, canât you say something nice?" Auntie Cao tugged at Cao Guigenâs sleeve.
Cao Guigen didnât make a sound.
At first, Ning Ge was indifferent, but now he seemed even more uneasy than before, afraid that the otherâs parents wouldnât like him, stealing glances at Cao Xiaojuan now and then.
Seeing her boyfriend like this made Cao Xiaojuanâs heart ache tremendously.
"Sit down. Weâve been toiling in the fields all our lives, we donât know how to speak properly, donât take it to heart," Cao Guigenâs expression suddenly softened.
A guy who only knew how to look to his girl for rescue probably wasnât much capable of anything.
"So youâre dressed like a city person?" Cao Guigen asked again.
Ning Ge was somewhat proud as he said, "Yes, Iâm from Rong City."
"Rong City, thatâs not close to here. How did you come to know our Juanjuan?" Cao Guigen asked again, seemingly casually.
Ning Ge didnât speak.
"Dad, weâve traveled a long way to come here. Letâs let Ge Ling rest for a while," Cao Xiaojuan hurriedly said.
"Right, what are you doing interrogating him like a criminal?" Auntie Cao also said, "Juanjuan, take him to your room to rest for a bit."
Cao Xiaojuan quickly nodded and led Ning Ge away. Once they were out of the house, Ning Ge said, "I think your dad doesnât like me much. I think we should just break it off. Iâve been spoiled since I was young, never tried to please anyone."
"My dad is just like that, but he means well. Please, for my sake, bear with it," Cao Xiaojuan said urgently.
Ning Ge snorted twice, following her into another flat-roofed house, which was Cao Xiaojuanâs room.
After settling him in, Cao Xiaojuan returned to speak with her parents in the main room, not seeing that Ning Ge had opened his eyes as soon as she turned around.
"Whatâs the matter? Youâre bringing someone home out of the blue, what if something happens?" Upon seeing Cao Xiaojuan again, Cao Guigenâs demeanor had changed, his brows, which only reached the middle of his forehead, knitting into a fierce scowl.
"Exactly, what if you brought back a Gui Touzai!" Auntie Cao also lit up a cigarette and asked, "How did you meet him?"
"At the place where I finish work, there were some hooligans bothering me, and he saved me. Later on, we bumped into each other a few times. He learned where I worked and often came by; thatâs how we got to know each other," Cao Xiaojuan explained nonchalantly, "Mom, Dad, if he is Gui Touzai, Iâll shave my head and let him sit on it. Heâs just a spoiled tyrant who canât amount to anything serious."
"And youâre still with him?"
"Thatâs why I can manage him because heâs so naive and foolish," she retorted.
"What about the proper business? Your two younger brothers arenât settled yet!" Auntie Caoâs face darkened as she said, "If he found out, what would you do?"
"Mom, Dad, Iâm twenty-five already, how long should I wait? Itâs always about my brothers, canât you think about me for once? The business, I donât want to do it anymore!" Cao Xiaojuan said with resentment. Should she sacrifice her happiness for her two foolish brothers and live her life as a female bandit?
"Whoâs there!" Cao Guigen suddenly shouted out loud.