Chapter 49: A Love Shattered

Seeing his hesitation, Jiang Chengzhong became a little angry. “Alright, this is a happy occasion. Why are you making this face? Just think about whether you’re willing to do it.”

Shen Qiu Yue smiled, “Yes, as long as you think about whether you’re willing, and that you’ll be able to live happily with the Lu family boy, then that’s better than anything.”

Her words held a deeper meaning.

Jiang Chengshan felt a pang of shame. His own marriage was a mess, manipulated by Ye Meiping, a muddled half-life.

Now…

Jiang Chengzhong couldn’t stand his demeanor, and quickly urged him to leave. “Second brother, go back. Think about being alone at home, and don’t you worry about her being scared?”

Jiang Chengshan: “Right, right, I’ll go back now. It’s settled then. You both come over tomorrow for the family recognition ceremony. I’ll get up early and buy some things.”

Jiang Chengzhong: “No need. I’ll take care of the preparations. Consider it a dowry for my niece.”

Xiangxiang was a good child. Before, he couldn’t openly show his care, but now that the obstacle is gone, of course he’d give her the best things.

Of course, Jiang Chengzhong knew very well that his second brother’s finances had been squandered by Ye Meiping; he had practically no money left.

If he were to prepare anything, it would only embarrass Xiangxiang.

Jiang Chengzhong didn’t want her to be looked down upon by the Lu family before the marriage. Their Jiang family might not have money or status, but they weren’t insignificant in the village.

As the eldest uncle, he had to make everything perfect.

Jiang Chengshan felt ashamed. He hadn’t come with that intention; now he felt a little embarrassed. But he really didn’t have any money right now, so he wouldn’t be polite.

He would just find a way to earn money later and repay them.

Shen Qiu Yue guessed his thoughts and spoke up, “Second brother, sister-in-law was a little harsh earlier, but you should understand that Ye Meiping provoked her first. Now that we’re still family, let’s not make things difficult. Xiangxiang’s marriage is a big event for our family.”

She had a clear distinction in her mind: Jiang Xiangxiang was Jiang Xiangxiang, and Ye Meiping was Ye Meiping. Although they were mother and daughter, they couldn’t be conflated.

As for Jiang Rourou, that ungrateful girl was a troublemaker, stirring up trouble with her sharp tongue. Any family who married her would be doomed.

Now, she’s been arrested, which is great.

Jiang Chengshan was very grateful. Considering Ye Meiping’s actions, his older brother and sister-in-law were already very kind to let him in.

After discussing these matters, he worried about Jiang Xiangxiang being alone at home. With so much happening, what if she was scared?

Jiang Chengshan quickly said goodbye to his brother and sister-in-law and hurried home, afraid that Jiang Xiangxiang might encounter trouble or that someone shameless in the village might bully her.

Jiang Xiangxiang tidied up and, thinking of Jiang Chengshan’s weary appearance, felt a little soft-hearted. She went to the kitchen, washed the pots, channeled spiritual spring water into them, boiled a large pot of water.

When he returned, he could wash up and rest.

The spiritual spring water was good for his health, and since Jiang Chengshan was kind to her, Jiang Xiangxiang didn’t mind being kind to him.

She also fried an egg and took out four buns, placing them in the pot to “reheat.” They still looked freshly baked, and if Jiang Chengshan noticed anything unusual, it would be bad. She didn’t want to reveal her little secret.

After Jiang Xiangxiang finished, Jiang Chengshan returned. As soon as he entered, he smelled a strong aroma, making him hungry.

At the mine, there was no hot food; he mostly ate pancakes. In the cold winter, it was miserable.

But now, Jiang Chengshan didn’t care about being hungry, nor did he care about what delicious food Jiang Xiangxiang had made.

His first thought was that his daughter had suffered injustice. These things should have been done by Ye Meiping. What was she doing at home instead of taking care of the child?

Xiangxiang was so young, how could she do these things?

Especially when he saw Jiang Xiangxiang carrying the pot, Jiang Chengshan felt even more heartbroken, feeling like he was about to cry.

“Xiangxiang, put it down, be careful, it’s hot!”

“Dad, I’m fine.”

“You…”

“Really, I’m fine. Wash your hands and eat. I warmed some water in the pot. After dinner, I’ll go for a walk. You can also take a bath. I’ve cleaned the other room.”

Jiang Xiangxiang spoke as she walked into the main room, placing the fried egg on the table.

Jiang Chengshan felt warmth in his heart, a feeling he hadn’t experienced in years. Seeing her busy, he wasn’t idle either, washing his hands to help serve the dishes.

Then he saw several large meat buns in the dish, with thin skin and plenty of filling, looking delicious.

“Xiangxiang, you steamed these buns in such a short time?”

“No, Lu Jianshen brought them earlier, and I just reheated them.” Jiang Xiangxiang said without hesitation. Since they were going to be a couple, it shouldn’t be a problem to use him a little.

Besides, it wasn’t really using him, just a shield.

After all, who steams only a few buns? So it’s better to attribute it to Lu Jianshen. But then again, she could push more things onto him in the future, to improve his impression of her.

Jiang Chengshan scoffed, thinking that the Lu family boy was cunning, there was nothing he wouldn’t do. Who brings buns when proposing?

Jiang Xiangxiang didn’t know what he was thinking. Seeing him stunned, she quickly urged, “Dad, come eat. We have things to do tomorrow.”

Jiang Chengshan: “…”

He didn’t want to do what had to be done tomorrow!

But seeing his daughter’s attitude, almost mentioning Lu Jianshen every other word, even if he said something, it would be useless. It would just be like shattering a couple’s love.

Forget it, let’s just settle it.

Jiang Chengshan picked up a bun and took a big bite, as if biting into Lu Jianshen’s flesh. If he were here, he would definitely have a reckoning.

Jiang Xiangxiang didn’t dare to say anything. Her father seemed to be in a bad mood, so she kept quiet and behaved herself.

Soon, Jiang Chengshan walked into the main room. Seeing Jiang Xiangxiang’s clean and tidy work, his heart ached again. He put the bun aside and spoke earnestly.