Jiang's mother was already busy in the kitchen. Two tables of food were set up in the living room, one for the adults and the other for the children, placed over the large coffee table.

Mr. Jiang was in the living room greeting relatives and chatting with them.

This is a scene that Jiang Tong is very familiar with.

I also feel sorry for them.

Her mother spent her whole life portraying herself as a virtuous wife and loving mother, trapping herself in this outdated mindset.

Jiang Tong almost did the same, but luckily she realized it in time, otherwise it would have been truly terrifying.

Jiang's mother hadn't seen her daughter for so long. She was carrying out a plate of food when she saw Jiang Tong and was stunned. She really couldn't recognize her.

This time when she came back, Jiang Tong's overall temperament has improved a lot, and her outfit is more refined than the last time she came back, making her look very fashionable.

The people in the living room were also drawn to the family of five.

Jiang Tong, needless to say, is completely different. She is radiant and her eyes have regained their light. The man beside her is even more stunning. Standing in this room, he exudes a sophisticated and domineering aura, as if he's walking a runway.

The three little ones are also soft, cute, and dressed up beautifully.

Jiang Tong patted the three children's heads and told them to greet people. The three children greeted them, saying, "Hello, Grandpa and Grandma, Happy New Year, Aunt, Auntie, and Uncle."

The relatives were taken aback for a moment, then smiled and agreed with the children, before starting to take out red envelopes.

Hanhan wanted to decline again.

Peipei had already opened her pocket to collect the red envelope, and auspicious words were babbling from her little mouth. Who could resist her sweet, childlike voice?

Suddenly, she had many more red envelopes in her pocket.

Zhou Jiaqi is used to receiving gifts at home, so he doesn't feel any pressure. He accepts gifts from whoever gives them to him and will even act like a little adult and say thank you.

It made Jiang Tong want to laugh.

When Mr. Jiang saw Zhou Yuansheng's imposing manner, like that of a high-ranking leader, he inexplicably became reserved and quickly stood up to greet him.

Zhou Yuansheng also put down the gift, and Jiang's father said dryly, "You're too kind."

No one expected that Jiang Tong's new boyfriend would be so intimidating, making everyone speechless and completely unable to relax.

Zhou Yuansheng was a little nervous at first, but after seeing Jiang Tong's parents, he gradually calmed down. After all, he had dealt with many big business deals and was quite adept at dealing with people.

Moreover, he was very knowledgeable.

He can answer any of Mr. Jiang's questions fluently, demonstrating a wealth of knowledge.

This was the first time Jiang Tong had seen this side of Zhou Yuansheng. Her parents were teachers, and many of her relatives were also teachers or civil servants. She just hadn't expected Zhou Yuansheng to be so smart, able to remember so many things, and even after graduating for many years, he still hadn't forgotten them.

She felt a little guilty about this because she had gradually forgotten some of the knowledge points after graduation, mainly because she rarely used them in daily life, so it was normal to forget them.

Zhou Yuansheng's memory is truly amazing. He completely carried the whole team, winning over everyone, from Father Jiang to the relatives.

Jiang Tong was also a little surprised, but seeing her usually chauvinistic father acting like a tyrant at home today, so obedient like a little quail, she found it novel.

Other relatives who usually shout and brag are now speaking in a more ordinary and humble manner.

So this is what it feels like when a big shot arrives?

The main reason is that Zhou Yuansheng has always been in a high position, and there are more people who want to curry favor with him. Even though he has toned it down a lot, the aura he exudes from childhood makes ordinary people feel restrained.

Therefore, the meal was extremely peaceful, completely overturning Jiang Tong's expectations.

Jiang Tong also inexplicably felt a sense of ease and comfort in this home that she had always felt so oppressive since childhood. This might be because Zhou Yuansheng had helped her absorb all the pressure from her parents and relatives, or it might be because her perception had changed now that she was completely independent.

But regardless.

She is indeed different now than before, and she will no longer be manipulated by others.

Her aunt pulled her aside and whispered, "Where did you find this boyfriend? How did you meet?"

Jiang Tong didn't say much. "That's how we met. It was just fate."

Even my aunt couldn't help but sigh.

This man is too outstanding.

Looking at Jiang Tong's beautiful appearance, she felt that the two of them looked well-matched.

Jiang's mother was also somewhat shocked when she saw her new son-in-law. She hadn't expected him to be so outstanding. He was indeed flawless, so outstanding that she felt her own home was too simple and couldn't properly entertain this great man.

She also overheard Jiang Tong's conversation with her aunt, which shut down any questions she wanted to ask.

Jiang's mother looked at Zhou Jiaqi. The child was chubby and cute, and he got along well with Hanhan and Peipei. The three children seemed to have their own barrier between them, whispering to each other, looking very close.

"Is that child your partner's?"

Jiang's mother finally found a way to start a conversation with her eldest daughter.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tong replied decisively, "Yes, it was his, and now it's mine too."

Jiang's mother was taken aback and said, "What do you mean? You're not even married yet and you've already recognized someone else's child as your son?"

She immediately frowned in disagreement.

This is too eager! Jiang's mother felt it was too embarrassing and couldn't help but ask, "Did you pursue him?"

My aunt was also beaming with excitement, looking like she was always gossiping, and she listened with great interest. "I think so too. This man is so amazing, Tongtong did a great job pursuing him!"

Jiang Tong glanced at her gossipy aunt and her anxious mother, then calmly said, "It means exactly what it says." She shook the exquisite diamond ring in her hand, "We got our marriage certificate, and we'll be having a banquet soon. The date hasn't been set yet, but we'll inform all the relatives when it's time."

Jiang's mother didn't expect her eldest daughter to move so quickly, but wasn't this exactly what she wanted? She had always wanted her daughter to remarry soon.

But the fact that she found such an excellent partner made her feel inexplicably uneasy when she thought about the blind date she had asked someone to find for her.

The aunt was also amazed, saying that Jiang Tong was really amazing, "Such a good man should be locked up sooner."

After a few words, Mrs. Jiang realized that her eldest daughter really didn't need her to worry anymore, and felt a sense of emptiness. In the end, she said dryly, "It would be best if she could settle down. What parent doesn't want their child to have a stable home? How can a woman live alone? I was only doing this for your own good..."

Jiang Tong immediately interrupted her mother and calmly said, "My marriage is not for the reasons you mentioned. Women can live alone, and single mothers can raise children on their own. These are just lifestyle choices. I chose to get married because I love him and he is worthy of my remarriage, not just someone to live with."

If her mother truly loves her daughter, she should listen to her true feelings instead of ignoring her emotions and forcing her to do things she doesn't want to do.

This is not love.

This is called oppression.