Chapter 35: We’re All Family

Out of consideration for Xiao Qingru’s feelings, her parents didn’t interrogate Xu Muzhou at the dinner table, treating him simply as a guest.

“Xiao, are you getting time off for the New Year?” her mother asked.

“Yes, I’ll have a whole month off.”

“Are you going back to Beijing? If not, you’re welcome to spend New Year’s with us.”

Although Xu Muzhou was eager to spend the holiday with Xiao Qingru, his family was expecting him. He hadn’t taken a long break all year, so he needed to visit his parents in Beijing. Unfortunately, this meant he’d miss the New Year’s performance, where he heard Qingru would perform a solo dance.

“I only get to go home once a year, so I’ll definitely spend New Year’s there. But thank you for the invitation, Auntie.”

“Of course, you’re usually here your parents must miss you. You should spend New Year’s with them. But make sure to visit us again after,” her mother replied warmly.

“Definitely,” Xu Muzhou agreed.

As parents themselves, Xiao Qingru’s parents respected his choice. If their son had missed New Year’s with them to pursue a romantic interest, they would’ve been heartbroken. This gesture made Xu Muzhou seem even more admirable to them. A person’s first duty was to their parents if he couldn’t show respect to his own, they would have serious reservations about entrusting their daughter to him.

Having witnessed Jiang Chuan’s poor example, Xiao Qingru’s parents took extra care in considering their daughter’s future spouse.

Xiao Huaishu, sitting silently, realized he was getting closer to becoming a brother in law at this rate.

After dinner, Xu Muzhou prepared to leave.

“Qingru, why don’t you see Xiao off?”

“Let my brother do it,” she protested.

“I’m exhausted from training, and now you’re making me run errands at home too,” Xiao Huaishu groaned, staying glued to his chair.

Xu Muzhou, sensing the dynamic, said, “As you said, we’re all family. No need to walk me out.”

Her mother laughed. “Come, let Auntie walk you out.”

They spent some time outside before she returned, finding her daughter had already finished the dishes, leaving her free to turn her attention to her son.

“From now on, you and Qingru will take turns doing the dishes. You’re far too lazy it’s no wonder you’re still single.”

“Mom, I swept the floor!” Xiao Huaishu protested.

“A man should pitch in with everything that’s what makes a good impression,” she said, glancing at her husband in the head seat.

“I don’t see Dad doing housework either,” he mumbled.

Her father went silent, annoyed but realizing his son was testing boundaries.

With a laugh, his mother responded, “Your father used to do a lot, but now he’s busy with work. Besides, you two are old enough to handle chores, so he’s earned his rest.”

“Fine,” Xiao Huaishu relented. “Then don’t make Qingru wash dishes anymore. I’ll do everything, as long as you stop pestering me about finding a wife.”

She swatted him playfully. “The way you act, it’s like finding a wife is a life sentence. Look at your friends most are already married with careers.”

He was about to point out that Xu Muzhou was still single but stopped, realizing it probably wouldn’t be for long. Knowing Xu Muzhou, he’d jump at the chance to propose if Qingru agreed to date him.

“Mom, are you hoping for a grandchild?” he teased.

“What do you think?”

“Well, then, maybe you should count on Qingru instead of me.”

Qingru quickly interjected, “Brother, no diverting the focus here!”

She was still young and not interested in having children anytime soon.

Xiao Huaishu continued playfully, “What do you think of Xu Muzhou? He’s about my age, so he’s a bit older, but just five years older than you. Like Mom said, older men know how to care for others.”

Not sure if he was serious or just teasing, Xiao Qingru blushed. “What nonsense! Mom never said that. I only remember her complaining about you talking too much!”

Feigning thoughtfulness, he replied, “Oh, you don’t like Xu Muzhou? All right, I’ll find someone else, someone truly exceptional for you.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re a missed talent for matchmaking.”

Xiao Huaishu laughed, “Speaking of matchmaking, I heard a rumor on my way home. Apparently, Du Wanqiu’s ex mother in law is planning to set you up with someone?”

This sent her mother into a frenzy.

“How dare she meddle in Qingru’s business! Your father and I are here for her who does she think she is? Shameless!”

Qingru gently tugged her mother’s hand. “Don’t let them upset you. They’re not worth it.”

“Exactly,” Xiao Huaishu agreed. “The Jiang family has their own mess to handle now that Jiang Chuan married Du Wanqiu, and now they’re connected to the Zhang family too.”

Her mother scoffed, “Serves them right. Marry the wrong person, ruin three generations. Just wait, they’ll have their comeuppance soon.”

Xiao Qingru thought of how they’d left without the child in tow, likely having taken money instead. She suspected the Zhang family might backtrack on the deal, using the child as leverage against the Jiang family later.

She wondered if they’d even signed a formal agreement.

Having picked up all sorts of information from listening to the radio, she knew many promises meant little without a contract.

It might bind those with morals, but against shameless people, it held no weight.

“Mom, I have a performance next month. Would you come to the city with me sometime to buy a few things?”

“Sure, I haven’t been to the city in ages,” her mother replied, her attention successfully diverted.