Chapter 18 focuses on deception.



Changing the subject, Yang Shuying adopted a motherly demeanor and asked, "Xuanxuan, is Ningzhou University far from where you are?"

Jiang Xuan was truly impressed. Yang Shuying was incredibly shameless; how could she possibly mention Ningzhou University in front of her?

She smiled faintly: "It's not far, only about half an hour by car."

Yang Shuying patted her hand and said, "Look, you and Qiaoyun grew up together, and now you're both going to live in Ningzhou. You're so lucky to have met such a good family as the Lu family. If it's convenient, I hope you can take care of Qiaoyun."

Jiang Xuan answered very decisively, "Don't worry, Auntie, Qiaoyun is my sister. I will take care of her even if you don't tell me."

Yang Shuying was very pleased.

Although she was furious with Jiang Xuan a few days ago, now that Jiang Xuan is foolishly insisting on acknowledging her family, she has to make her take back everything she took away.

Thinking about the mess they had incurred because of that bitch Jiang Xuan, Yang Shuying had a terrible headache and couldn't sleep.

Now everything's fine, no need to worry anymore.

"That's good. I knew Xuanxuan was a sensible and good child. Don't worry, your aunt will go to the market this afternoon to buy quilt covers and cotton. We need to sew your dowry quilt as soon as possible."

Jiang Xuan took Yang Shuying's hand and said coquettishly, "Auntie, it's not common to bring dowry items like quilts in Ningzhou anymore. Besides, look at how much stuff the Lu family brought when they proposed marriage. Our Jiang family can't let them laugh at us, can we? I've been telling the Lu family that my uncle and aunt love me very much."

Yang Shuying asked in bewilderment, "What kind of dowry was given in Ningzhou?"

“I heard from the aunties in that residential compound that the dowry they gave was furniture and appliances, like TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, or even motorcycles and sewing machines, depending entirely on the sincerity of the bride’s family.”

Yang Shuying was taken aback. "Aren't these all prepared by the groom's family? How could the bride's family provide such expensive dowry?"

"Oh, Auntie, you need to think long-term."

Jiang Xuan lowered her voice and said mysteriously, "I'll tell you a secret, Lu Shengye's father is a big shot, and although his grandfather has retired, he still has prestige and extensive connections."

“I only stayed at their house for a day or two. Several people came to visit his grandfather. Judging from their clothes, they must all be important people.”

"This policy can change at any time. Qiaoyun will be in university for four years. What if the government stops assigning jobs after she graduates? The Lu family can help her out."

"And my cousin, although he went to the machine factory, he's not a permanent employee yet, right? Don't you want him to become a permanent employee? The salary and pension of a permanent employee are on a completely different level from those of a temporary employee."

Yang Shuying nodded and said, "That makes sense, but we really don't have the money for these dowry appliances. Oh right, don't you have over a thousand? Why don't we use yours first, and we'll pay you back slowly later?"

“I would like to use my own. Look,” Jiang Xuan lifted her clothes to reveal the wound on her side, “I was robbed on the way. All my money was taken, and I was stabbed.”

Yang Shuying felt truly gratified. She knew it; judging by her skinny appearance, she wasn't destined for wealth and status, yet she insisted on making a fuss. See? She got her comeuppance.

However, the thought of losing the more than one thousand yuan she had painstakingly scraped together still made her feel quite bad.

She offered a feigned consolation: "That damned robber should be dragged out and shot."

“Aunt, this is Lu Shengye’s first time visiting our home, so it’s not appropriate for us to stay here all the time. Anyway, you can discuss the dowry with Uncle again.”

"OK."

*

A person's character is truly revealed through comparison.

As the protagonist of the day, Yang Hailong was confidently talking to Jiang Qiutang about policies and his experiences, but when Lu Shengye entered the room, he felt like he had suddenly become a stranger.

When he stood up to greet Lu Shengye, he felt like he was only up to Lu Shengye's shoulder.

In an instant, all my confidence vanished.

Looking at the high-end cigarettes, alcohol, candy, and tea that others are talking about, my own pitiful "four waters" (referring to a lack of resources) is simply a joke.

He regretted coming today.

Jiang Xuan, unlike her previous timid demeanor, greeted him generously.

He hardly recognized her anymore.

Jiang Xuan got straight to the point: "Uncle and Aunt, this is Lu Shengye. He heard that Grandpa passed away, so he came to offer incense to him."

Behind the table in the main room was a portrait of Jiang Mengyuan, and in front of it was an incense burner. Lu Shengye and Jiang Xuan went to the courtyard to wash their hands, lit three incense sticks in the incense burner, and knelt down to kowtow.

Jiang Qiutang remained expressionless.

He was still angry with his niece.

Just thinking about the way she used to beg them for money makes him angry enough to wake up from his sleep.

Didn't she swear she would never set foot in the Jiang family again?

He's only been gone a few days, and he's already shamelessly come back.

Now you finally understand the importance of your maternal family, right?

As for Lu Shengye, Jiang Qiutang had no feelings about him.

He may be tall and strong, but who knows what kind of character he has?

However, whether it's good or bad has nothing to do with Jiang Qiutang.

He was extremely kind and righteous to his brother.

At this moment, Jiang Qiaoling came in carrying two bowls of rice and said, "Come on, everyone, sit down and eat first."

"Thank you, cousin."

Lu Shengye also nodded politely to her.

Yang Shuying is a pretty good cook, but she doesn't usually have the chance to eat well. Today, to entertain her new son-in-law, she made eight dishes, both meat and vegetables, for the first time ever.

Big Plate Chicken, Braised Pork with Potatoes, Braised Pork Ribs, Stir-fried Shredded Pork with Celery, Stir-fried Eggs with Chili, Stir-fried Tofu with Vermicelli, Stir-fried Cabbage, and Stewed Green Beans.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Lu Shengye picked up a chicken leg and placed it in Jiang Xuan's bowl, saying, "You're too thin, eat more."

Jiang Qiaoling and Jiang Qiaoyun: They practically called them out by name for being fat.

Jiang Qiutang's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.

Jiang Xuan smiled, picked up another chicken leg, and put it in Lu Shengye's bowl. "You must be tired from driving, eat more."

Jiang Qiutang was so angry he was practically fuming.

What are these two things?!

Fearing her husband might do something inappropriate, Yang Shuying quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "You must be very tired from your journey. There's chicken soup simmering in the pot right now. I'll serve you two bowls later so you can nourish yourselves."

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Lu Shengye stood up and said, "Then Xuanxuan and I will go to Grandpa Jiang's grave to burn incense first."

Yang Shuying quickly said, "Okay, wait a moment, I'll go make some tea for your grandfather and prepare some offering food for him. Take it with you when you leave. Qiaoyun, see if there's any paper money or incense at home, and help Jiang Xuan look for it."

Jiang Qiaoyun hadn't said a word since she met Jiang Xuan.

She felt a mix of emotions. She had thought that by going to university, she had already surpassed Jiang Xuan.

But now, seeing that she has found such a handsome man, and a soldier with such a great presence, she feels indescribably sad.

Instantly, she felt that Yang Hailong was both short and sleazy.

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