Chapter 247: Chapter 173: The Name of the Pan-Fried Bun Shop! Does the Old Lady Love Crucian Carp Stewed with Tofu? Arranged! [Monthly Ticket 1200 Extra]_3
"Over here, over here!"
As soon as Lin Xu appeared, Shen Jiayue hurried over. Lin Xu drove the car over.
There were already quite a few cars parked in front of the Shen Family’s house: a high-end Range Rover, a Bentley Bentayga, his elder sister-in-law’s Porsche 911, and also a Cullinan and a Maybach.
WOW... All the relatives of the Shen Family seem to be wealthy. They aren’t really going to give me a hard time like Mom said, are they?
While he was parking, Old Mrs. Shen was sitting on the sofa in the living room, instructing the relatives. "When Yueyue’s boyfriend arrives later, no matter what gifts he brings, you mustn’t look down on them. Don’t give him dirty looks or say rude things because he’s from out of town. Otherwise, don’t blame this old lady for turning hostile."
The granddaughter she had personally raised was finally bringing her boyfriend home today, so Old Mrs. Shen was so happy she had gotten up before five in the morning to start preparing. She had checked the assortment of fruit plates in the living room, the choice of flowers for the vases, and the attire of the family members—everything.
Chen Yan, fluttery as a butterfly, took a seat next to Old Mrs. Shen and said, "Grandma, you can rest assured. My brother-in-law is perfect. Even if everyone scrutinized him, they wouldn’t find a single flaw."
Old Mrs. Shen asked with a smile, "When will you find such a perfect partner yourself?"
Chen Yan was speechless. Why did I have to put in my two cents? Isn’t it good enough to sit quietly in a corner and freeload food and drinks?
Just then, the housekeeper came in. "Madam," she announced, "Yueyue’s boyfriend is here, at the door, and he has brought a lot of stuff in his car."
"Don’t just stand there, everyone," Old Mrs. Shen said to the relatives. "Go help carry things."
At the doorway, Shen Jiayue was holding Dundun, who wore a bow tie, while reciting her home’s address. Lin Xu was unloading the car, struggling with the many bottles and jars. I should have known to pack them in boxes, he thought.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle, Shen Guofu, his wife, and other relatives came outside.
After Lin Xu greeted his future father and mother-in-law, Shen Jiayue began to introduce the relatives.
"This is my aunt."
"Hello, Aunt."
"This is my uncle."
"Hello, Uncle."
"This is my second aunt."
"Hello, Second Aunt."
"This is my second uncle."
"Hello, Second Uncle."
...
While she was introducing them, Chen Yan suddenly squeezed through. "Me, me, me! It’s my turn to be introduced."
Shen Jiayue gestured with her hand. "This is my cousin, nearly thirty and still not married."
Chen Yan was speechless again. It’s bad enough having to witness their public displays of affection, but do I also have to be mocked? Is there no room for a single woman like me to survive?
Lin Xu laughed and said, "Director Chen, I secured a deal with a travel channel for you yesterday afternoon. We’ll talk about the details later."
Chen Yan was suddenly overjoyed. "I knew my brother-in-law was the best! Come on, let me help you carry these."
With many hands helping, everything was carried inside.
At first, when everyone saw the pork lard winter melon candy and the pumpkin candy, they didn’t think much of it. But when they saw the snacks exclusive to the Fishing Platform and the special wine used for entertaining heads of state, their curiosity was instantly piqued.
To casually bring such wine from the Fishing Platform... Yueyue’s boyfriend is no ordinary person, they thought. Especially that wine reserved for heads of state; even if these relatives could get their hands on it through connections at the Fishing Platform, it would cost them a pretty penny.
When they reached the living room, Lin Xu hurriedly greeted Old Mrs. Shen.
"Good boy, come closer and let me have a look at you. Truly handsome!" she praised.
Shen Jiayue presented the gifts Lin Xu had brought as if unveiling a treasure. "Grandma," she said, "your favorite winter melon candy. He started making it a few days ago when we were eating crawfish. It’s specially prepared for you."
"Good boy, you’ve really gone to a lot of trouble," said Old Mrs. Shen, truly touched. Winter melon candy wasn’t expensive, but someone had prepared it days in advance, and by hand. It wasn’t about the money anymore; it was the sincerity that counted. What more could we ask for? Let’s hurry up and get them engaged! she thought.
She took a piece and tasted it, smiling as she said, "Guofang, Guofu, both of you try some. It tastes just like the winter melon candy you used to cry and beg for when you were children. Delicious, truly delicious!"
Everyone started tasting it. The younger ones didn’t find anything particularly special about it; it was just winter melon-flavored candy to them. But for the middle-aged and older folks, tasting this winter melon candy inevitably brought back memories of the days when life revolved around ration coupons for grain, cloth, and meat. This gift was truly thoughtful! they mused.
As they were eating, Dundun jumped out of Shen Jiayue’s arms, leisurely flicked its tail, hopped onto the sofa, and curled up in Old Mrs. Shen’s lap.
"Oh, you little thing!" Old Mrs. Shen cooed, scratching Dundun’s head. "Not the least bit shy on your first visit. Do you know this is your own home, little darling?"
The little cat immediately started purring. This made Old Mrs. Shen even happier, and she held Dundun tightly.
After chatting for a while longer, Shen Jiayue led Lin Xu upstairs to see her room.
Just as they entered, she turned and wrapped her arms around Lin Xu’s neck. "Thank you, Xu Baobao," she whispered, "thank you for making my grandma so happy."
Then, without waiting for a reply, she kissed him.
Always so sudden... Lin Xu thought, lowering his head and embracing Shen Baobao.
As they were kissing, Chen Yan’s voice came from the doorway. "Brother-in-law, come have some tea! It’s Grandma’s cherished Pu’er, which we usually never get to..."
She pushed open the door and saw the two passionately kissing. Chen Yan froze, utterly bewildered. Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing? she wondered.
Her appearance, however, prompted the kissing couple to quickly separate.
With a slight cough, Lin Xu spoke to his elder sister-in-law as if nothing had happened. "In a few days, Yanjing City TV’s travel channel is hosting a cooking competition, and they’ve invited me to participate. They probably want to capitalize on the Fishing Platform champion’s popularity. So, I requested an opportunity for a live online broadcast as part of the deal. Tomorrow, you can go to the travel channel and speak with the program director about the specific collaboration details."
After listening, Chen Yan, who had just been wallowing in self-pity, immediately brightened. "Thank you so much, brother-in-law!" she exclaimed. "You two continue; I’ll stand guard for you outside!"
With that, she left, not forgetting to close the door behind her. Lin Xu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at her antics.
The romantic atmosphere was shattered. Even if they continued, the feeling wouldn’t be the same.
He went over to the bed and asked Shen Baobao, who had buried her face like an ostrich, "What does Grandma like to eat? I’ll go to the kitchen and show off my skills later."
Yes, the adults were chatting in the living room. Standing around felt awkward, and so did sitting. He’d be more comfortable in the kitchen.
Upon hearing his question, Shen Baobao, who had been lying on the bed shyly, immediately sat up. "Grandma loves stewed crucian carp with tofu! Can you make that? If you can, I’ll tell Auntie Liu not to prepare that dish so you can make it."
HA! So that’s why Dundun influenced things for me to get that crucian carp dish recipe as a reward! It was all leading up to this moment. Since Grandma loves it, then it’s settled. Time to make the arrangements!