Chapter 10: Dinner Invitation

The news of the engagement cancellation between the Xiao and Jiang families quickly spread.

Although the official reason was that the two young people were incompatible and unable to form a new family, everyone in the neighborhood could see through the facade and knew the real issue at hand.

“If my man spent all his time taking care of another woman, I’d be furious. Breaking off this marriage is for the best. Who would willingly jump into a fire pit? Only a fool would do that.”

“Who could argue with that? I think Du Wanqiu is quite thick skinned she’s really accepted everything that’s been offered to her.”

“It takes two to tango. Jiang Chuan also lacks discernment doesn’t he fear that Du Wanqiu might get ideas?”

“What good would that do? Jiang Chuan wouldn’t be interested in her she’s just a country girl, and she’s already been married and had children. What would Jiang Chuan want with her?”

“Are you genuinely clueless or just pretending? No matter what, Jiang Chuan is still a man, and men’s perspectives are different from ours.”

“I’m with Xiao Qingru on this one. If I were her, I’d make those two ruin their reputations.”

“Tsk, with your temperament, if you were Xiao Qingru, you’d probably ruin your whole family’s prospects.”

“That’s why I admire her she can swallow such grievances and truly understands that one must endure hardships to rise above others.”

“There are plenty of outstanding men in the neighborhood. With Xiao Qingru’s family background, finding another good match wouldn’t be a problem at all.”

“Let’s make a bet on whether Du Wanqiu will seize this opportunity. If she misses out on Jiang Chuan, there probably won’t be another man who treats her this well.”

“I bet she will.”

“This person is the best at putting on a show I also bet she will!”

“She probably won’t, though one should have a bit of self awareness.”

“……”

No matter what the Jiang family thought, this was the result the Xiao family wanted.

Now, Xiao Qingru and Jiang Chuan had completely drawn the line.

An appendectomy is not a major surgery, and she recovered well after resting at home for half a month.

During this time, Jiang Chuan visited a few times, but Xiao Qingru didn’t see him. Since they were cutting ties, it should be done cleanly.

Moreover, she didn’t want to hear him repeat meaningless nonsense again and again.

Once Xiao Qingru made up her mind, she wouldn’t change it unless there were special circumstances.

From the moment she collapsed in the snow, Xiao Qingru began gradually driving Jiang Chuan out of her heart.

Although the process was somewhat difficult, she was confident she could do it.

“Mom, are we inviting Comrade Xu for dinner today?”

“Yes, they’ve been training hard, so I specifically bought a chicken for you to make soup, and your brother brought back fish to make your favorite spicy fish chunks.”

“Let’s skip the spice I don’t know if Comrade Xu can handle it.”

Xiao’s mother patted her forehead, “You’re so considerate. Let’s make steamed fish instead everyone can eat that. Next time, I’ll make the spicy fish chunks for you.”

Xiao Qingru smiled, “I’ve gained a few pounds these days. I wonder if the leader will criticize me when I go back to work tomorrow.”

“You haven’t gained weight, you’re just right.”

As Xiao Qingru helped her mother, the fragrant aroma of chicken soup soon wafted through the kitchen.

Xu Muzhou came with Xiao Huaishu, carrying a bunch of large and small packages.

Xiao Qingru glanced casually at them there was malted milk, canned fruit, and a bag of eggs.

It was the top-tier configuration for visiting the sick.

This wasn’t Xu Muzhou’s first time at the Xiao home, but he was still quite nervous. Just a glance from Xiao Qingru made his muscles tense up.

He placed the gifts on the table, saying, “For Comrade Xiao to replenish her strength.”

“Little Xu, it’s enough for you to come why did you bring so many things? It’s too much.”

Xiao’s mother felt a bit embarrassed. The purpose of today’s dinner was to thank him for taking Xiao Qingru to the hospital, so why was she now making him spend so much?

“Take these back with you.”

Xu Muzhou scratched the back of his head, “This is just a little gesture from me. Auntie, if you’re this polite, I won’t dare come over for a meal next time.”

Xiao Huaishu chimed in, “Mom, just accept it. It’s perfect for Qingru to recover.”

They didn’t push back anymore.

“Little Xu, sit for a bit. Auntie will start making dumplings now it’ll be ready in no more than ten minutes.”

Xu Muzhou nodded and sat up straight on the living room sofa.

“Qingru, pour a glass of water for Little Xu.”

“Oh.”

Taking a clean cup, Xiao Qingru was about to lift the thermos when a large hand reached for the handle first, “I’ll do it.”

Before she could retract her fingers, they accidentally brushed against that slightly calloused hand.

The heat was intense, as if it might scald her.

Xiao Qingru nodded awkwardly and took two steps back.

The lingering scent of soap in the air faded a bit as Xu Muzhou swallowed hard.

One hand held the cup while the other hung loosely at his side.

He rubbed his fingers together, as if still lingering with the soft, cool sensation.