Chapter 45: Reporting the Marriage

Ye Meiping’s behavior is truly unbecoming of a mother; it’s best to just forget about it.

Wang Fugui understood perfectly well. Jiang Xiangxiang’s current predicament hadn’t developed overnight. If this hadn’t escalated, she wouldn’t know how much longer she would have had to endure.

It’s been tough on a young girl to hold on this long. Really tough.

Wang Fugui sighed, patted Jiang Chengshan’s shoulder, and left, hands behind his back. He could foresee the upcoming commotion in the village; the Jiang family would undoubtedly be the center of gossip.

Thankfully, Ye Meiping and Jiang Rourou are both in custody. In any case, it’s gotten rid of a menace for the village.

As for Old Liu, he was always stirring up trouble, a busybody who did nothing but steal chickens and dogs. It’s good that he’s been caught; it saves everyone a lot of worry.

Jiang Xiangxiang showed no particular expression as she watched the village head leave, appearing quite calm. After all, this matter had nothing to do with him. The fact that he came to offer comfort was already more than she could have asked for.

If she were to expect more, wouldn’t that be pushing her luck?

Besides, in this world, everything can be repaid except for kindness. Jiang Xiangxiang understood this perfectly, so she never expected anyone to help her.

Jiang Xiangxiang felt that sometimes she couldn’t even help herself, let alone expect others to help her. She wasn’t crazy or stupid. What was she thinking?

After Wang Fugui left, the courtyard became even quieter. Winter was still very cold, and today was overcast. A slight breeze made it even chillier, forcing them to remain alert.

Jiang Chengshan shivered before turning to look at Jiang Xiangxiang, then at Lu Jianshen, who was standing stiffly. Although he worked in the mine and didn’t come home often, they were all from the same village, and he had heard of Lu Jianshen’s reputation. Knowing this made him even more conflicted and complicated.

“Ahem, shall we go inside?”

“Okay, Dad.”

“Okay, Uncle.”

“…”

Their responses were perfectly synchronized, leaving Jiang Chengshan feeling complex and unsure how to express himself.

Lu Jianshen and Jiang Xiangxiang standing together looked like a handsome couple, but it wasn’t possible. Lu Jianshen was a soldier.

Jiang Chengshan felt his mood had been a rollercoaster today, fluctuating wildly, feeling like he was walking on clouds, unsure of what to do.

No matter how he looked at it, Jiang Xiangxiang wasn’t old enough to get married.

After speaking, Jiang Chengshan turned and walked into the house, pondering a solution. As soon as he entered, he smelled a strange odor, making his face even more grim. Ye Meiping had completely disregarded his feelings, bringing her illicit affair right into his home.

He immediately rushed forward to open the window for ventilation. Lu Jianshen, as the new son-in-law, shouldn’t have been subjected to this family scandal.

Jiang Xiangxiang was puzzled by her father’s reaction. Could the shock of the situation have caused him to act strangely?

That wouldn’t be good.

Lu Jianshen felt his heart pounding. His father-in-law’s attitude was unclear, making him anxious. It seemed Jiang Xiangxiang didn’t dislike her father.

Thinking this, he cautiously moved closer to her.

Jiang Xiangxiang noticed his movement and paused slightly. “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Chengshan turned around after opening the window and saw them standing close together. A surge of anger rushed to his chest. “Xiangxiang, come here! What are you doing standing there? A young lady shouldn’t be so close to… an outsider!”

Lu Jianshen: “Dad, you must be tired from your journey. Why don’t you rest?”

He immediately realized that Jiang Chengshan disliked him and wanted to break off the engagement. He didn’t even want to face the proposal.

This wouldn’t do. He had finally found a suitable wife, and if this fell through, Lu Jianshen would be devastated. Absolutely not.

He needed to make his intentions clear and win over his father-in-law; otherwise, things wouldn’t go smoothly.

Jiang Chengshan was stunned. He pointed at himself. “You called me what?”

Lu Jianshen: “Sooner or later, I’ll call you that. I’m happy to address you as Dad. I won’t ask for any money. I will take care of you and Xiangxiang. The mine work pays well, but it’s too dangerous. You shouldn’t go back. Safety first.”

Jiang Xiangxiang: “…”

Lu Jianshen’s eloquence surprised her. She might have misjudged him. His previous behavior made her think he was quiet and reserved.

Apparently, it depended on the situation and the person. His smooth-talking was impressive. She didn’t know how to describe it.

Lu Jianshen noticed her gaze and subtly raised an eyebrow, clearly implying, “Wife, if you don’t help me, we’re in trouble.”

She should at least appear more determined. Otherwise, her father-in-law seemed unlikely to accept their relationship.

Hopefully, he was overthinking it, and Jiang Chengshan didn’t mean to reject him. Otherwise, things could get complicated.

Jiang Xiangxiang…

Her eyes twitched?

She didn’t understand Lu Jianshen’s intentions because she didn’t think Jiang Chengshan had the right to decide her marriage.

Besides, their decision was final. Nothing could change it. There was no problem.

Jiang Chengshan felt a tightness in his chest, a suffocating feeling. “No, no, you don’t have to call me that. Lu Jianshen, from what I gathered, you came to propose, not to get engaged, right?”

Lu Jianshen: “We’ve already decided…”

Jiang Chengshan: “No, I wasn’t here. Who did you talk to? I disagree with this marriage. As Jiang Xiangxiang’s father, I have the right to express my opinion. Your marriage is too hasty. Let’s call it off. Take your things back. I’ll apologize later. Let’s do things properly. Getting married shouldn’t happen like this. Let’s consider it a misunderstanding and move on.”

Lu Jianshen: “I’ve already filed the marriage report.”