When Xinyan heard the commotion in the yard and came out, she saw the expression on Jinxuanâs face and couldnât help but laugh: "Mom and Dad, itâs really cold outside. If you have something to say, come inside."
After she said this, she looked towards Jinxuan who was carrying the new yearâs gifts: "You should come in too. Why did you bring so many things?"
Jinxuan said softly: "Zheng Yuezhong went over today."
When he said this, Xinyan understood what he meant.
She cleared her throat and said: "I got it, letâs talk about it later."
Jinxuan also knew that now was definitely not the time to talk about it. At the very least, he had to pass the future mother-in-lawâs test first.
As the few of them entered the living room, Jinxuan asked: "Has Uncle and them not come over yet?"
Xinyan helped him put down the new yearâs gifts and then said: "There was a market in the town up front this morning. They went there together, I think theyâll be back soon."
Gu Wanqing saw the two put everything down and said: "Yanyan, you go ahead and get busy, Iâll chat with him for a bit."
Jinxuan gave Xinyan a reassuring look, indicating for her to go ahead.
After that short moment, he was already calm.
Before Xinyan left, she glanced at Han Jingchen sitting next to Gu Wanqing, the meaning in her eyes was unmistakable.
Han Jingchen, however, didnât give his daughter any signals and directly shifted his gaze to his dear wife.
Xinyan thought to herself: Thatâs just the way it isâa man with a wife forgets his daughter.
Han Jingchen couldnât care less about what Xinyan thought. If Jinxuan couldnât pass Wanqingâs test, then he might have to reconsider if he wants to engage them.
But given his understanding of Jinxuan, he believed Jinxuan could smoothly pass Wanqingâs test.
Xinyan had no idea what they talked about. Anyway, when Jinxuan came over to find her, he was smiling, so it seems he passed.
While Sister Chen was in the back getting vegetables, Jinxuan leaned over to Xinyan and whispered: "Everything went smoothly."
He originally wanted to say something but then saw Sister Chen come in through the back door, so Jinxuan immediately stood straight and quickly helped her with the work.
Xinyan glanced at Jinxuan, thinking: Heâs really good at pretending.
Sister Chen was understanding: "Alright, Iâm mostly done here, you two go and chat."
Jinxuan thanked Sister Chen and pulled Xinyan out of the kitchen.
Xinyan saw that her parents were neither in the yard nor the living room, and knew that they must be hiding in their room talking again.
Jinxuan handed the bag of money to Xinyan: "This is the money for the wild ginseng, take it."
Xinyan took the bag and peeked inside: "Howâs the old lady from the Zheng Family?"
Jinxuan looked at Xinyan: "For now, sheâs fairly stable, but a heartache requires heart medicine. If she remains troubled and unable to let go, even Elder Liang might be helpless."
While they were talking, the people who had gone to the market returned.
Su Aihong entered and greeted her eldest daughter-in-law, Shengfang: "Oldest family, come, sit here and rest for a bit. Youâve walked quite a distance today, you mustnât tire yourself."
Shengfang laughed: "Mom, itâs fine, a bit of exercise is good."
Su Aihong said as she quickly poured her a glass of water: "Moderate exercise is fine. Today was crowded and far; I regret taking you."
Xinyan walked over: "Were there many people at the market today?"
Sun Zhenhai, standing by, chimed in: "Cousin, you really missed out. The market was bustling."
Su Aihong said: "Thereâs no market in the afternoon. Many families were waiting for today to rush to the early market to prepare for the New Year."