Chapter 1039: 1039: Pressuring to Marry (10)

Chapter 1039: Chapter 1039: Pressuring to Marry (10)

If one had to assign Shu Lang’s current expression a character identity, Jiaojiao felt it resembled Grandma Wolf perfectly.

“Of course, that’s great.” Jiaojiao thought to herself, but on the surface, she nodded with a cheerful smile.

“Then shouldn’t you help your uncle out as well?” Shu Lang said.

Jiaojiao blinked innocently, tilting her head to look at him. “How does Uncle hope Jiaojiao will help?”

“Hmm, when the time comes, just go with Uncle, alright?”

“Sure!” Jiaojiao agreed without a shred of hesitation. Playing third wheel didn’t bother her at all—besides, it was the perfect chance to meet her future aunt.

After the first day of the New Year, people could start visiting households to pay their respects.

But on the second day, the Shu Family received a surprisingly unexpected guest.

This was especially odd because Old Master Shu had dismissed all of the servants for the New Year holiday until the fourth day, leaving the entire estate void of outsiders. The gates to the family’s garden were shut, and no one had permission to enter or was there to notify the household of any visitors.

It was Jiang Bin himself who called from outside, saying he was at the gate.

As Shu Lang drove to the entrance to let him in, Old Master Shu muttered suspiciously under his breath, “Jiang Bin, on the second day of the New Year, what kind of trouble is he stirring up now?”

Upon hearing this, Shu Wen’s eyes flickered, but she said nothing.

Shu Jiao, however, cast a thoughtful glance at the silent Shu Wen. Back in Xiahe Village, the second day was traditionally the day when sons-in-law accompanied their wives to visit their maternal family; similarly, it was customary in Beidu as well.

Jiang Bin visiting the Shu Family at this particular time—it didn’t take much to guess his intentions.

Jiaojiao was also familiar with this tradition, and naturally, her thoughts turned toward Shu Wen.

Shu Wen endured the mother-and-daughter pair’s stares without showing any signs of discomfort.

Yet she felt suspicious deep inside. She clearly remembered spelling things out last time—why was Jiang Bin causing a fuss now?

Ten minutes later, Jiang Bin entered the house, laden with bags, accompanied by Shu Lang. As soon as Jiang Bin stepped through the door, he instinctively glanced at Shu Wen. Seeing that she wasn’t looking his way, he didn’t mind and turned instead to offer cheerful greetings to Old Master Shu and Ruanlin’s matriarch.

“Happy New Year, Uncle, Aunt,” he said with a smile.

“Good, good, everything’s good,” Old Master Shu responded.

“Happy New Year,” Ruanlin’s matriarch replied.

Jiang Bin then locked eyes with the family matriarch, smiling as he continued, “Back in Xiahe Village, I must thank Aunt and Big Brother Ruan for their help. During my last visit to Beidu, it feels like I didn’t express my gratitude well enough. This time, I’ve come to pay my respects early, and I hope I’m not coming across as rude.”

Upon hearing this, Old Master Shu finally understood—Jiang Bin had come to express gratitude toward the Ruan Family. Dropping his earlier suspicions, the old man instructed Shu Wen to prepare tea and host their guest properly.

“Happy New Year, Uncle Jiang Bin!” Jiaojiao chimed in, beaming as she approached.

Jiang Bin immediately reached into his coat and retrieved four large red envelopes, handing them to Jiaojiao and the others—even Ruan Hao received one.

It was customary for elders to give younger family members New Year’s money, and it was impossible to refuse such a gift. Jiaojiao accepted it obediently, sweetly expressing her thanks. However, she couldn’t shake the belief that Jiang Bin choosing the second day—a day steeped in significance—to visit, was far from a coincidence.

And soon enough, Jiang Bin revealed his intentions, casually speaking to Jiaojiao, “Jiaojiao, do you still remember what Uncle Jiang Bin promised you back in Xiahe Village?”

“…” Jiaojiao blinked, unsure—she didn’t quite remember.

“Back then, Uncle Jiang Bin promised you something, didn’t he? You’ve had your fun seeing and tasting all the sights and flavors in Beidu, but have you forgotten?” As Jiang Bin said this, he subtly winked at Jiaojiao—making sure no one else could notice.