Chapter 53: A Gift, I Like It Very Much

Jiang Chengshan remained silent, knowing what he knew, but no one could be sure of the Lu family’s reaction.

They were neighbors before, now they were in-laws.

If this relationship wasn’t handled well, it would be difficult for Jiang Xiangxiang after she married into the Lu family.

Jiang Xiangxiang was still a child and couldn’t think that far ahead. As her father, he had to consider these things.

The dumpling soup Jiang Chengshan made was coarse grain; there wasn’t any fine grain at home. He remembered clearly instructing Ye Meiping that he earned a decent amount at the mine, and they had two children, so they didn’t need to be too frugal.

Ye Meiping had readily agreed and hadn’t been stingy with money, but every month she claimed the money wasn’t enough and asked him to find ways to earn more.

However, judging from the current situation, there was nothing at home; they were so poor they could barely make ends meet. Where did Ye Meiping put all the money?

Jiang Chengshan hardly dared to think about it. The evidence was right in front of him, yet he was unwilling to believe it.

Of course, it wasn’t for Ye Meiping’s sake but because he felt he was blind.

He was crazy to entrust Jiang Xiangxiang’s upbringing to her. That nothing happened all these years, and Xiangxiang hadn’t gone astray, was truly fortunate.

Jiang Xiangxiang hadn’t eaten this kind of food in a long time. She took a small sip; it was a little rough on the throat, but the taste was actually quite good, with a natural fragrance.

Perhaps it tasted different because it was made by family.

After taking a sip, Jiang Xiangxiang chuckled lightly: “It tastes great, thank you, Dad.”

Jiang Chengshan: “Hehe, you were picky when you were little, you didn’t like to drink this. Every time I made it, you’d make a fuss. We were poor back then, life was hard, but this was considered a good thing.”

Jiang Xiangxiang: “That’s because I was young and didn’t understand. Now that I’m older, I realize how precious some things are.”

Jiang Chengshan: “Yes, yes, everything my daughter says is right.”

He said, and took a sip, almost burning his mouth.

Jiang Xiangxiang couldn’t help but laugh. She didn’t realize her adoptive father was so interesting.

Jiang Chengshan coughed, deliberately putting on a serious face: “Alright, alright, hurry up and eat. I’ve told your uncle and aunt, we’ll go together.”

Jiang Xiangxiang: “Dad, what does ‘acknowledging kinship’ mean?”

Jiang Chengshan: “It means both families sit together and get to know each other, so you won’t be strangers when you meet later. You’ll get to know their relatives, and they’ll get to know our relatives.”

Another meaning was to support Jiang Xiangxiang, showing that her family would protect her.

If Lu Jianshen ever bullied her, her family could stand up for her.

Jiang Chengshan felt he was overthinking, and his mood was a little complicated. He was afraid that his daughter would suffer after marriage; if that happened, he’d rather she not marry.

He could work harder, farm more, and support her for the rest of her life.

After hearing this, Jiang Xiangxiang nodded. She really didn’t know what “acknowledging kinship” meant. After all, in her modern life, she was just a novice.

She had only heard of engagement, marriage, betrothal gifts, and the three golds.

Being a newcomer, she didn’t quite understand some customs.

At this moment, she felt that Jiang Chengshan was still useful. At least, with him around, she didn’t have to worry about making a fool of herself, which was quite good.

Jiang Xiangxiang calmed herself down. After eating, she tidied up briefly and prepared to go to the Lu family.

She hadn’t been to the Lu family since she arrived, and it felt quite novel.

However, before they left, there was a knock at the door.

Jiang Chengzhong, with his characteristic loud voice, said: “Laoer (Second Brother), where are you? Come out and get the things, are we still going or not!”

Shen Qiuyue quickly started to persuade: “Alright, keep your voice down. Laoer(Second Brother) is used to it, but Xiangxiang is a quiet child. What if you scare her?”

Her husband was great in every way except for his bad temper.

Jiang Chengzhong and Jiang Chengshan were complete opposites. If you told people they were brothers, they wouldn’t believe it. However, Shen Qiuyue thought Jiang Chengzhong was better.

At least, Jiang Chengzhong said what was on his mind, while Jiang Chengshan kept everything to himself, never communicating, which could drive a person crazy.

Hearing their conversation and combining it with the original owner’s memories, Jiang Xiangxiang understood that these two weren’t bad people.

On the contrary, they had secretly helped the original owner before.

If Ye Meiping hadn’t been so excessive, things wouldn’t have come to this.

Hearing them arrive, Jiang Chengshan quickly opened the door: “Big Brother, Sister-in-law, why are you here so early? I was going to come and get you.”

Jiang Chengzhong glanced at him and snorted: “Wait for you to call? The sun would be setting by then. If you’re going, hurry up. I haven’t had a drink with Old Lu in a long time.”

Jiang Chengshan: “Yes, yes. Xiangxiang, get ready, let’s go.”

Jiang Xiangxiang: “Okay, Uncle, Aunt, good morning. Please wait a moment, I’ll get something.”

Jiang Chengzhong: “Oh, oh, oh, hurry up, Uncle’s waiting for you. We’re not in a hurry.”

His usually loud voice became soft, afraid of scaring Jiang Xiangxiang.

Shen Qiuyue pinched him, speaking gently: “Yes, yes, no hurry. She’s a young lady, let her dress up nicely. You’re the main character today. Here, this is an outfit your aunt prepared for you. I made a red jacket last night, I don’t know if you like it.”

She took out a small, floral red jacket from her bag. It looked festive but not old-fashioned.

Jiang Xiangxiang was surprised. She didn’t expect Shen Qiuyue to prepare clothes for her. She truly had the demeanor of an elder.

Shen Qiuyue hesitated: “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it? It’s okay, no one says you have to wear red on this day…”

Jiang Xiangxiang immediately took it: “Thank you, Aunt. I like it very much.”

Who wouldn’t like receiving a gift?

Jiang Xiangxiang was happy; she couldn’t help but be happy.

Shen Qiuyue was surprised, then reacted, a gentle smile on her face, looking happy as well.

Jiang Xiangxiang felt that Shen Qiuyue was more like the original owner’s mother than Ye Meiping. If the original owner had such a mother, she probably wouldn’t have suffered so much.

She thought this in her heart but showed no change on her face.

Soon, she went back to her room and put on the jacket. She wore a Dacron long pants and a pair of small leather shoes, lightly made up, fixed her hair, and found a hairband from her stockpile.

She looked instantly refreshed.