Chapter 1106: Chapter 652: First Visit to the Si Family, Two Extremes of Ice and Fire (Part 2)
Jiang Chengsi lowered his head and took a sip of coffee, glancing around as if he hadnât seen the Si Familyâs daughter.
Because almost no one in Beijing had seen her, there were many rumors about her.
Some said she was plain and unattractive, so the Si Family was unwilling to bring her out to meet people. As a result, they were looking to recruit a live-in son-in-law.
More said the Si Family was trying to protect her, worrying that some people with ulterior motives might deliberately approach or do something to her, hence the airtight protection.
Some even said she had some sort of disability.
There were too many rumors. Jiang Chengsi was quite curious, how did the Si Familyâs daughter look...
But having come in for so long, he hadnât seen anyone. Sheâs probably not at home; otherwise, how could she not receive guests?
As he looked around, the man sitting across from him suddenly spoke, "What are you looking at?"
"..."
Jiang Chengsi was startled by the sudden voice.
Feeling inexplicably guilty...
He couldnât possibly say he was looking for his daughter.
"Why are you so loud? You startled me," You Yunzhi laughed.
"Why did you bring Jiang Jinsangâs wedding invitation?" The man examined the invitation.
Tang Wan is in post-natal care, but itâs not Jiang Jinsang in post-natal care, so he naturally had time.
"Because I live in East City, itâs closer." Jiang Chengsi quickly explained, also worried he might misunderstand, thinking that inviting them to the baby shower wasnât sincere.
"You live in East City? Where do you live? Do you live alone? How do you handle your meals?"
You Yunzhi, as a mother, suddenly asked a bunch of questions.
Jiang Chengsi didnât know where to start answering, and before he could speak, You Yunzhi laughed again.
"Itâs rare for you to visit, stay for dinner at our place before you leave. Our girl might not come home for dinner tonight, so itâll just be me and your uncle, not much fun. If you stay for dinner, you can keep me company for a chat."
The man across looked displeased again.
Whatâs that supposed to mean?
Whatâs wrong with having dinner together? Is it more fun to have dinner with a young guy?
Jiang Chengsi naturally wasnât willing to stay for dinner, but You Yunzhiâs enthusiastic invitation was hard to resist. He couldnât just lose face at the Si Family by storming off, so he had to agree.
"What do you like to eat?" You Yunzhi was already preparing to cook.
Jiang Chengsi hadnât expected the Si Madam to cook personally and was somewhat flattered, "Iâm not picky, anything is fine."
"Then Iâll just make something random." Before heading to the kitchen, You Yunzhi gave her husband a look, asking him to entertain the guest.
"Do you play chess?" he asked, looking at Jiang Chengsi.
"I know a little."
"Chinese Chess or Go?"
"Chinese Chess," Jiang Chengsi felt a bit breathless. He wasnât very good at chess and had forgotten most of the rules.
The vague memories he had were from when his grandpa was alive, watching him play chess. Those bits barely stuck.
While the Si Family set up the chessboard, Jiang Chengsi took the opportunity to go to the bathroom and send a message to the group seeking help:
[Emergency, does anyone have a quick-start guide for Chinese Chess, or are there any tips?]
Jiang Yanting: [Google it.]
Qi Zeyan: [Hey, starting chess, have you changed?]
His brotherâs comment was the sharpest:
[There are tricks and tips alright, but given your intelligence level, even Connect Five or Flight Chess would be difficult. And you want to play Chinese Chess?]
[Can you blame me? Itâs Jiang Jinsang who asked me to deliver the baby shower invitations to the Si Family. Now look, Mr. Si is pulling me into a chess game. I donât even know how to play, isnât this going to embarrass me, but my concern is bringing shame to our Jiang Family.]
Jiang Shiyi: [Donât worry, no one would think you represent the Jiang Family.]
[...]
[And besides, havenât you already embarrassed our family enough?]
Jiang Chengsi squatted on the toilet, angrily texting, not daring to make a call for fear the soundproofing was bad and the people outside would hear.
Qi Zeyan: [You went to the Si Family? Playing chess with Mr. Si? Chengsi, let me tell you, stick close to the Si Family, itâs only good for you.]
[Thereâs a chance theyâll like you and marry their daughter to you, youâd become a bona fide wealthy son-in-law.]
[Donât forget us if you become prosperous.]
...
Jiang Chengsi gritted his teeth in silent resentment, wondering what kind of friends he had surrounded himself with. Meanwhile, Jiang Jinsang, the instigator, hadnât shown up.
He could only squat on the toilet and start Googling chess rules, trying to understand which pieces moved where, as he had no time to learn any chess strategies. Just avoiding mistakes and laughs would be enough for now.