Chapter 47

The consequence of continuous “learning” was that last night in the living room lasted for an hour. Song Wei was utterly exhausted and issued a stern warning afterward: from now on, the ideal duration should be kept to around 40 minutes—not too long, but not too short either.

Chen Jubai, like an ever-learning AI machine, input the command into his brain with precision.

This week had been hectic. Song Wei worked overtime for several days straight and finally finished her tasks. The next step was to hand everything over to Chang Yan’s side for production, and once the exhibition began, everything would be smooth sailing.

She had been concerned about the matter with Chen Ming, but Chen Jubai didn’t seem particularly bothered by it. By the time they both finished work in the evenings, it was already late. After taking a shower, he would hold her for a while before falling asleep almost instantly.

On Saturday, he went to the convention center to check on the exhibition hall and had a business dinner in the evening. Song Wei went home alone this time, without any argument—he genuinely had work to do.

When she got home, she initially planned to grab a drink, but upon opening the fridge, she found it almost empty, save for a few tomatoes and a plate of leftovers of indeterminate age.

Song Wei turned toward the study and shouted, “Mom, you’re living way too rough!”

Yang Yingqiu sighed, “There’s so much to do, I don’t have time to cook every day.”

Song Wei pouted. Song Gaoyi also had a busy schedule, yet he always managed to cook every day.

With a light sigh, she walked into the study and took her mother’s glasses off. “It’s the weekend. Let’s go grocery shopping together.”

“No, I’m busy,” Yang Yingqiu replied without looking up.

“Come on. I haven’t had your stir-fried chicken in ages.”

“If you want it, ask Xiao Chen to make it for you.”

Song Wei pulled out her trump card. “Hmph, I’ll complain to Dad. I won’t come over next time.”

Yang Yingqiu glanced at her and rolled her eyes. “Always causing trouble for me.”

“Hehe.”

The mother and daughter tidied up and headed out. The supermarket wasn’t far, so they strolled there.

On the way, Song Wei brought up her father. Feeling emboldened, she said, “I think Dad’s been up to something new. He even went to the capital to receive an award yesterday.”

“Really?” Yang Yingqiu replied, sounding disinterested.

“Yep, he sent me a picture. I’ll forward it to you later.”

“No need.”

“Fine, then I’ll post it on my social media.”

Yang Yingqiu tapped her on the forehead. “Alright, stop showing off.”

“I’m not,” Song Wei said, laughing. Then she shifted the topic. “Mom, did you know that Chen Jubai’s dad is getting married soon?”

This was news to Yang Yingqiu, and she looked surprised. Song Wei continued, “It’s supposed to be a good thing, but the bride’s family is asking for a dowry of 688,000 yuan, and it looks like Chen Jubai might have to pay.”

Yang Yingqiu’s expression darkened immediately. “That’s not reasonable.”

“I thought so too.” Song Wei explained that Chen Ming hadn’t fulfilled his parental duties, but after Chen Jubai started earning money, he bought his father a house and sent him a monthly allowance. Although it wasn’t much, it was enough for daily expenses. Now, suddenly, they were asking for nearly 700,000 yuan—an unusually high dowry.

“If it were just tens of thousands, Xiao Chen could probably manage it. But 688,000, for a second marriage at this age? That’s unnecessary,” said Yang Yingqiu. “What’s the bride’s family like?”

“I don’t know much about them,” Song Wei admitted. “I’ve only met them briefly. I heard the bride has two sons, neither of whom are married.”

“They’re clearly after Xiao Chen’s money,” Yang Yingqiu said bluntly.

Song Wei had suspected as much but didn’t dare to say it outright. Now that her mother had voiced it, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Mom, you’re jumping to conclusions. There’s no solid evidence.”

“What do you know?” Yang Yingqiu scoffed. “At their age, marriage is mostly about companionship for the remaining years. They just want someone to share their days with. But with two unmarried sons—if they’re not capable of supporting themselves—how can a single woman provide for dowries and wedding expenses? Do you think this marriage will lead to a peaceful life?”

After a moment of thought, she added, “Everyone probably knows what’s going on. I just can’t understand how Xiao Chen’s dad can side with outsiders and put his own son in such a position.”

Getting angrier as she spoke, she said, “Call Xiao Chen. I want to have a word with him.”

Song Wei quickly intervened, “Don’t. He’s busy right now.”

“Fine, then when you see him, tell him this: a reasonable dowry is acceptable, but such an exorbitant amount is not.”

“Got it.”

They arrived at the supermarket, where Song Wei planned to stock up on groceries, ensuring her mother wouldn’t have to go hungry when she wanted a simple meal.

“Carrots, cabbage—these last longer. Potatoes and eggplants too,” Song Wei muttered to herself as she picked items. Moving to the fresh meat section, she added, “Some pork, some beef. These will go in the freezer. And we’ll grab some fruit later.”

Pushing the cart, Yang Yingqiu followed her daughter, listening to her chatter. She watched her pick this and examine that, thinking how much her daughter had grown. She wasn’t the carefree girl from before her marriage.

Unconsciously smiling, she asked, “Does Xiao Chen not cook anymore?”

“He does, but sometimes he works late. When that happens, I go to the market and cook for him instead.”

“You should learn to cook a bit more, too. Don’t always rely on Xiao Chen. Cooking for two isn’t difficult. Just whip up a couple of dishes.”

“I know, I know. I’ll cook tomorrow. Satisfied?”

“Be serious.”

“I am!”

Seeing her daughter’s cheerful expression, Yang Yingqiu dropped the subject.

After buying the meat and vegetables, they moved to the fruit section. Song Wei picked a few fruits her mother liked before heading over to the oranges.

Their household always had at least three or four types of fruit, but Chen Jubai invariably chose oranges first. After six months of observation, Song Wei concluded it might have something to do with his name. He particularly liked oranges, but only if they were peeled perfectly, like a delicate young lady.

While selecting oranges, she heard someone call her name. Looking up, she saw Liao Ping.

They had only met once before, so it took Song Wei a few seconds to recognize her. She greeted her politely, “Hello, Auntie Liao.”

Liao Ping acknowledged her and introduced the woman standing beside her. “This is my daughter-in-law.”

Song Wei’s gaze briefly fell on the woman’s slightly rounded belly before she smiled and said, “Hello.”

At that moment, Yang Yingqiu came over, and Song Wei introduced them.

Liao Ping smiled warmly. “Ah, so this is your mother. Nice to meet you.”

Yang Yingqiu responded with polite courtesy, “Hello. Grocery shopping too?”

“Yes. My son and daughter-in-law live nearby. Do you live around here too?”

“We’re in Bihu Garden,” Yang Yingqiu replied, glancing at the pregnant woman. “Ah, congratulations. A double celebration for your family!”

Liao Ping chuckled. “Not for a while yet—still a few months to go. We’re just trying to handle our wedding before the baby arrives so things don’t overlap.”

“Exactly. Our Song Wei’s wedding hasn’t been held yet either. Weddings are such a big expense, wouldn’t you agree?”

Liao Ping gave an awkward laugh, and Yang Yingqiu pressed further, “Has your son and daughter-in-law’s wedding been held?”

“Not yet. The baby came as a bit of a surprise. We’ll have the wedding after the birth.”

“My, how lively it must be at Old Chen’s place!”

The pregnant woman interjected sweetly, “I heard from Mom that Mr. Chen’s son owns a big company in virtual technology?”

Song Wei exchanged a glance with her mother before replying, “Yes.”

The woman continued, “Our second brother happens to be in computer science. He was recently laid off and is looking for something. Do you think his field might match?”

“…” Song Wei smiled lightly. “There are recruitment postings online. He can take a look.”

Liao Ping tugged at the woman beside her and gave a sheepish smile. “Yes, yes, let’s just see how things go.”

After exchanging a few more words, they parted ways.

Walking a few steps, Yang Yingqiu and Song Wei exchanged glances but said nothing, proceeding to weigh their groceries.

That evening, during dinner, Yang Yingqiu asked, “Is Xiao Chen coming over tonight?”

“I’m not sure. I’ll ask.”

After a while, a reply came back. He said he’d come, but it might be late.

After dinner, the mother and daughter each busied themselves with their own tasks.

At around ten, Yang Yingqiu, who was in the study, heard noises at the door and came out to check.

“You’re back?”

Chen Jubai was changing his shoes. He looked up and replied, “Mom.”

Smelling alcohol on him, Yang Yingqiu frowned. “Were you at a social gathering?”

“Mm, just had a meal with the organizers of this year’s world exhibition.”

“Wait here. I’ll make you some honey water.”

“Thank you, Mom.”

She brought the honey water to the living room and motioned for him to sit down. “Xiao Chen, I want to talk to you about something.”

Chen Jubai straightened his posture, holding the cup. “Mom, go ahead.”

“Weiwei told me about your father’s situation today. What are your thoughts?”

Surprised, Chen Jubai hesitated before lowering his gaze. His hands gripped the cup tightly. “I’m not sure.”

Noticing his reaction, Yang Yingqiu softened her tone. “What’s your aunt’s stance on this?”

After a moment of silence, he said, “Auntie’s in a tough spot. She doesn’t want to put me in a difficult position, but she also hopes that my dad has someone to take care of him in his later years.”

Though she didn’t want to trouble him, she still made the call.

Yang Yingqiu asked, “Do they know you bought Weiwei a car?”

“They know.”

She didn’t want to speculate on their intentions, but Chen Jubai had already bought Song Wei a house and now a car. This alone could provoke gossip from the in-laws. If he refused to provide this money, it would strain family ties. He was being put in an impossible position.

Song Wei had told her about the things his father had done. This young man, apart from his father and aunt, had no other elder relatives. Now, with those two aligned against him, Song Wei was still too young to shoulder this, leaving him isolated and without anyone to consult.

Yang Yingqiu was good at reading people, and after observing her son-in-law for half a year, she had a clear sense of his character. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. She said seriously, “Xiao Chen, when I insisted on a house as part of the dowry back then, it was for Weiwei’s sake. Now, the car is joint marital property—you own half of it. But no matter what, as long as you two are doing well, everything is yours. We would never take anything back.”

Thinking of meeting Liao Ping and her pregnant daughter-in-law earlier, she continued, “I’ll be blunt, so don’t take it the wrong way. The reason they dare to ask you for 700,000 yuan as a bride price is because they’re eyeing your money. This money wouldn’t be for your father or for their shared life—it would go to patch up the woman’s family finances, never to return.”

“I don’t support you giving them this 700,000 yuan. You shouldn’t. This applies to any future demands of this kind. If they get married, your father will likely keep asking you for money. You do have an obligation to support your father, but not in such a bottomless way.”

Looking at him earnestly, she added, “You need to talk to your father. A reasonable bride price is fine, but this amount is too much. You also need to establish clear terms for future support.”

Afraid he might feel conflicted about his father, she emphasized, “Xiao Chen, at my age, I can understand your father’s feelings. But when a marriage involves this much drama, how good can life be afterward? If he can’t see this clearly, it’s not your fault.”

Chen Jubai tightened his grip on the cup. With his eyes downcast, it was hard to discern his emotions. After a long pause, he nodded. “I understand. Thank you, Mom.”

Yang Yingqiu said gently, “Don’t overthink it. Just have a talk with him.”

“Okay.”

After finishing the honey water, Chen Jubai went to the bedroom. Song Wei, leaning against the headboard reading, looked over. “You’re back. Have you eaten? There’s food in the fridge.”

“I’ve eaten.” He removed his suit jacket and draped it over the chair before sitting on the bed. For a few seconds, he just stared at her, then leaned over, resting his head in her lap and wrapping an arm around her waist.

Smelling the alcohol on him, Song Wei assumed he was tired from socializing. “Lie down for a bit before showering.”

“Mm.” His response was muffled, and he seemed low in spirits. Song Wei set aside her book and patted his shoulder comfortingly.

After a while, she asked, “Are you busy tomorrow? How about I go with you to visit Auntie?”

He had mentioned giving an answer this week, but it seemed like he had been procrastinating. Tomorrow was Sunday; the matter had to be resolved.

No response came. “Chen Jubai?” she called.

Looking down, she realized he had already fallen asleep, his breathing steady. His long eyelashes cast a delicate shadow, making him look like a peacefully sleeping child.

But she couldn’t let him sleep like this. The weather was warm, and he still reeked of alcohol. She gently shook him awake. “Chen Jubai, get up and take a shower first.”

“Mm…” He resisted, nuzzling into her lap.

Song Wei chuckled. “Alright, come on, get up.”

Still, he didn’t move.

She raised her voice. “Chen Jubai!”

Looking at the usually composed man acting so endearingly, she couldn’t help but feel amused. Perhaps the matters weighing on his mind made him appear a bit aggrieved, evoking her sympathy. She pinched his cheek and switched to a softer tone. “Husband~”

Finally, he reacted, slipping his hand under the summer blanket.

Song Wei mentally rolled her eyes. Typical man. Always driven by instinct.

Feigning sweetness, she teased, “Ju-Ju~”

The man looked up, his sleepy eyes clouded with surprise.

“Bai-Bai?” she cooed, her voice soft and melodic. “Which one do you like? Ju-Ju or Bai-Bai? They’re both colors^[1]Ju means orange colour meanwhile bai is white colour, you know.”

He blinked, as if processing her words. She leaned down and kissed the corner of his mouth, her smile radiant. “Ju-Ju, then. It sounds nice.”

He blinked again, and his husky voice finally emerged. “Okay.”

Song Wei asked, “Did your mom name you? It’s such a lovely name.”

After a pause, he nodded. “Yes.”

“Does it have a special meaning? Or does your mom, like you, love oranges?”

“She loved painting.”

“Wow!” The woman’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Our family doesn’t really have any artistic talent. Does that mean our child might like painting in the future? Could they become a little artist?”

Chen Jubai pursed his lips in silence and buried himself back into her embrace, hiding the redness creeping into his eyes.

Song Wei pushed him gently. “Come on, go take a shower.”

“Wait a moment.”

“Fine, but did you hear me earlier? Tomorrow we’re going to your aunt’s house.”

“I heard you.”

“Ju-ju.”

“…”

“Ju-ju, Ju-ju.”

She lowered her gaze and saw his ears gradually turning red. Getting a kick out of it, she kept calling him, her smile stretching wide.

“Wife,” he suddenly said.

“What?”

“I love you.”

The person who had just been laughing moments ago froze completely.