Chapter 19

About half a month later, Jiang Zhe’s mother called again, inviting them for a meal.

Jiang Yu realized that Jiang Zhe hadn’t returned home since she arrived. Before crossing over, despite not being wealthy, her family had a good relationship. Whenever she wasn’t busy, she would rush home to see her parents and enjoy their cooking.

Jiang Zhe’s prolonged absence from home indicated strained family relations. His mother directly contacting her twice suggested he had already declined family invitations.

Jiang Yu felt there was no harm in going back, thinking they would eventually have to meet his family. Although the original owner of the body didn’t have deep impressions of Jiang Zhe’s family, Jiang Yu believed that since his family seemed to care about him, it was worth understanding his family dynamics.

Agreeing to go, Jiang Yu informed Jiang Zhe.

Hearing she agreed to his mother’s invitation, Jiang Zhe frowned.

Noticing his displeasure, Jiang Yu asked worriedly, “Should I not have agreed?”

Jiang Zhe looked at her and finally shook his head, “No.”

The family dynamics were unpleasant, and Jiang Zhe was used to it. But he didn’t want Jiang Yu to experience any discomfort.

“I’m just worried my family might scare you.”

Jiang Zhe’s family were all teachers, and in Jiang Yu’s impression, teachers were cultured and civil, though possibly strict. She believed they wouldn’t be too intimidating.

“It should be fine. It’s just a meal. Besides, you wouldn’t want me to meet your family for the first time when I have the baby, right?”

“We can’t avoid meeting your parents forever. If I feel uncomfortable, I’ll tell you and we can leave.”

Jiang Zhe, seeing some sense in her words, reluctantly agreed.

“Alright, I’ll take you to dinner.”

Jiang Yu smiled, but Jiang Zhe still seemed worried.

The next afternoon, they went shopping together.

Choosing a nearby mall on a whim, they didn’t expect it to be so crowded since it was the weekend. Jiang Yu, knowing Jiang Zhe might dislike the crowd, suggested, “Should we go somewhere else?”

Seeing the tight muscles on his side, Jiang Yu knew he didn’t like it here.

But to her surprise, Jiang Zhe said, “It’s okay, let’s buy what we need quickly and head back.”

Jiang Yu liked going out and would need to take the baby out in the future. Situations like this would only become more frequent. Jiang Zhe had never thought about overcoming his discomfort before, but now he felt he should try.

When you have someone to care about, you want to put in the effort.

Someone nearby pushed a shopping cart and squeezed past them. Jiang Yu was looking around and didn’t notice. Jiang Zhe stepped in to block the cart, which ended up hitting his waist. Jiang Zhe’s expression didn’t change, but his voice was cold: “Watch where you’re going, don’t hit people.”

Jiang Yu finally noticed what was happening and quickly apologized: “Sorry, sorry, I wasn’t looking.”

The other person, startled by Jiang Zhe’s sternness and noticing Jiang Yu was pregnant, also apologized: “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

After exchanging apologies, the other person left, and they continued shopping. To Jiang Yu, it was just a small incident; she didn’t take it to heart since it wasn’t intentional. But Jiang Zhe kept a close watch on her, like a protective wall, ensuring she was in a safe corner.

Jiang Yu found it a bit amusing: “Do you have to be so tense?”

Jiang Zhe glanced at her and said, “Let’s finish shopping quickly and head back.”

“Okay.”

They bought some supplements, wine, fruits, and tea before driving home.

Jiang Zhe’s family lived in a villa in an older neighborhood. As they approached, information about the Jiang family began to flood Jiang Yu’s mind.

His father was a university professor, well-respected and influential. His mother was nearly twenty years younger than his father. His father was only a little over ten years older than Jiang Yu’s maternal grandparents. Initially, her family opposed the marriage but eventually had to accept it reluctantly.

As soon as they entered the house, they heard laughter and conversation.

Jiang Yu looked over and saw a middle-aged man and a stylishly dressed woman. The woman wore delicate pearl petal earrings and a white suit, looking elegant and youthful, not at all like someone approaching fifty. In contrast, Jiang Zhe’s biological mother appeared much older.

Other family members were chatting, and Jiang Zhe’s mother and a maid were busy in the kitchen.

Seeing them return, Jiang Zhe’s mother, Shen Qiuli, walked over with a smile and took their things: “Xiao Zhe and Xiao Yu are back.”

Jiang Zhe’s expression remained unchanged, and he greeted coldly: “Dad, Mom, Sister, Brother-in-law.”

Jiang Siyu had decided to come back on a whim and was surprised to see them return. Her expression stiffened.

She didn’t like Jiang Zhe and his wife. Jiang Zhe, who was twenty years younger, had stolen the family’s attention and love. His wife, whom she saw as a scheming woman trying to seduce her son, was equally unwelcome. To her surprise, this time Jiang Yu seemed more quiet and refined, unlike the flamboyant, arrogant person she remembered. Now, she even appeared somewhat graceful and elegant.

Of course, Jiang Siyu thought the change was just an act.

She gave Jiang Yu a disdainful look, her eyes cold.

Jiang Zhe noticed her expression, his eyes darkening.

Since his birth had cost Jiang Siyu her status as the family’s only beloved child, Jiang Zhe had always let her have her way, feeling guilty. But his guilt didn’t mean Jiang Yu had to suffer.

Not wanting to interact with them, Jiang Zhe put down the things and told Jiang Yu to go to their room while he went to the kitchen to help his mother.

Jiang Yu felt she couldn’t join their conversation anyway, so she obediently stayed in the room. After playing some games, she felt thirsty and went out for water, unexpectedly running into Jiang Zhe’s sister at the door.

They weren’t familiar with each other. Jiang Yu thought a simple greeting would suffice, but Jiang Siyu coldly said, “I see you wish you could call me mom. Too bad, my son isn’t interested in you.”
Jiang Yu: ?