76. Meet the Parents
The moment the doorbell rang, Jiang Nan felt the air in the house was silent for a few seconds.
She blinked, looked up at her parents, and asked softly, "Shall I open the door?"
Hong Qiuping and Jiang Youhua pretended to be calm and agreed, "Go ahead."
After saying this, Hong Qiuping quickly lowered her head to adjust the hem of her skirt. Jiang Youhua also quickly cleared his throat. The two exchanged a nervous and expectant look, then stood still and saluted the security door.
Jiang Nan couldn't help laughing when he saw his parents looking like they were facing a great enemy, but he still walked over quickly and opened the door.
As soon as Jiang Nan opened the door, he saw Chen Yunsheng, whose expression was so calm that he seemed a little dazed. But when he saw that it was Jiang Nan who opened the door, his tense nerves relaxed a little.
Jiang Nan smiled at him, then immediately scanned Chen Yunsheng's entire body.
A simple white shirt and gray trousers accentuated his tall figure, giving him a clean and refreshing demeanor. The two unassuming gift boxes he carried in his hands gave him a somewhat unassuming air. But the gentle yet polite smile on his face diminished his awkwardness, adding a touch of scholarly grace, giving him an air of calm and elegance.
Jiang Nan nodded affirmatively at him, then made way and led Chen Yunsheng in: "Mom, Dad, this is Chen Yunsheng."
"Uncle, aunt, hello, I'm Chen Yunsheng," he said after entering the room. He politely greeted Jiang Youhua and Hong Qiuping, then silently handed over the gift. "It's just a small gift, not a token of respect."
"Hey, hello, hello, please come in." Hong Qiuping greeted him and looked at him calmly for a few seconds.
Although he was dressed simply, his calm demeanor could not be concealed. He was even more outstanding in person than in the photo.
Hong Qiuping was satisfied with his appearance, but she was still concerned about his family and worried that he was a playboy.
Jiang Youhua smiled gently, then stepped forward and took the gift from his hand: "Come here, why bring anything? You're so polite."
Chen Yunsheng smiled and took the initiative to bring up the topic: "I heard from Nannan that uncle likes to play chess. I know a little bit of Go, but I'm not very skilled."
Speaking of Go, Jiang Youhua became interested: "You like it too? There aren't many young people who can play Go these days."
"It's just a little hobby," Chen Yunsheng explained modestly. He then turned to Hong Qiuping and said, "Auntie, do you like the color of this scarf? Nan Nan said you're afraid of the cold, so I chose this warmer material."
He spoke without missing a beat, and his attitude was humble and polite. His words not only expressed his concern, but also cleverly put the credit on Jiang Nan, making Hong Qiuping smile sincerely: "I like it, I like it. Nan Nan, you worry too much about her."
Jiang Nan watched from the side, secretly admiring him. Chen Yunsheng now looked like a gentle and polite elite next door.
However, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward as they sat down in the living room. Jiang Nan sat nervously next to Chen Yunsheng, her palms sweating.
After a while, Hong Qiuping interrupted and asked Jiang Nan to pour tea for Chen Yunsheng. Jiang Nan winked at Chen Yunsheng and stood up to pour him some water. Jiang Youhua looked at Chen Yunsheng in silence, not knowing what to say.
Chen Yunsheng was quite calm. He took the tea from Jiang Nan and took a sip. Then, he looked at Jiang Youhua gently and started the conversation again: "Uncle, Nan Nan said you teach chemistry? This subject really tests logical thinking, right?"
Mentioning his major perked up Jiang Youhua, who became more talkative. "Yes, chemistry is full of changes, but there are patterns behind them. Clear logic is important." Jiang Youhua said a few words casually, then changed the subject, "Xiao Chen, you know a lot about chemistry, right? Are you also a chemical engineering major?"
This question was a bit direct, and Jiang Nan found it funny that Jiang's father was so blunt and direct, but at the same time she was afraid that Chen Yunsheng would be exposed.
Chen Yunsheng remained calm and replied, "Uncle, you misunderstood. I'm currently working for a technology company, responsible for project coordination and strategic direction. However, the company is also involved in emerging fields, such as new energy. I need to have a basic understanding of physics, chemistry, and biology before I can make decisions."
"New energy? The prospects are very good," Jiang Youhua nodded. "Young people have vision and are willing to delve into research. That's good."
"Uncle, you're too kind. I'm just following the trend to make a living," Chen Yunsheng smiled modestly and calmly changed the subject. "I heard Nannan say that Auntie teaches Chinese. When I was in school, the people I admired most were Chinese teachers. I always felt like they had endless stories to tell."
These words resonated deeply with Hong Qiuping. She waved her hand and smiled gently, "It's not that great. It's just about getting students to read and write, to explore the humanities. But reading more is always good, it helps you understand the world and the humanities."
"Auntie is right," Chen Yunsheng said sincerely. "I'm busy with work now, so I don't have much time to read. But when I read occasionally, I still find it very beneficial. Especially the prose and essays, they can make me calm down."
He wasn't being entirely polite.
During his hospital stay at Jichuan Hospital, he often saw Jiang Nan strolling and chatting with her parents in the small garden downstairs through his hospital room window. The warm, harmonious, chatty, and caring atmosphere of their ordinary family was a stark contrast to the cold, polite environment of his youth. Lying in his hospital bed, listening to the faint laughter of Jiang Nan's family, he felt that their family life was like a piece of prose.
It looks plain, but it is filled with a peaceful and lasting tranquility.
And now, sitting in this living room full of life, facing the scrutinizing yet concerned questions from Jiang Nan's parents, that familiar, tranquil feeling of warmth enveloped him again.
As for Hong Qiuping, upon hearing Chen Yunsheng mention prose, she took the opportunity to ask him which writers he liked and what he usually read. Chen Yunsheng answered fluently, his words revealing the breadth of his reading without seeming pretentious, a fine balance of manner.
Jiang Nan sat aside, watching Chen Yunsheng handle her parents' questions with ease, feeling both amused and relieved. This man was usually very frugal with words, but unexpectedly, he was so eloquent at the crucial moment, completely dazzling her parents.
So she deliberately kept silent, just sitting beside him holding a teacup, watching the three-party meeting with a smile. Occasionally, her eyes met Chen Yunsheng's, and she could see a helpless smile in his eyes.
After chatting for about ten minutes, the last dish of braised pork was ready.
"It's time for dinner," Jiang Nan said at the right moment. The other three people responded, and then they all moved to the restaurant together.
The meal tonight was very sumptuous, but considering Chen Yunsheng's light taste, Jiang Youhua and Hong Qiuping did not make it spicy, and did not even add chili peppers.
At first, Chen Yunsheng was a little worried that he couldn't handle spicy food and would seem insincere, but when he found that there was no chili pepper on the table, he was surprised at first, and then he couldn't help but turn his head to look at Jiang Nan. Jiang Nan noticed his gaze and mouthed - Don't worry, eat it, it's not poisoned.
He looked away expressionlessly, thinking that the more familiar he became with Jiang Nan, the more obvious her eccentric nature would become. But he didn't dislike this familiarity.
Hong Qiuping and Jiang Youhua saw all their little tricks, but said nothing. After chatting for a while, the two began to ask indirect questions about Chen Yunsheng's work and family situation.
"What does Xiao Chen's family do?" Hong Qiuping served Chen Yunsheng a bowl of chicken soup, and then handed the bowl to him while asking casually.
Chen Yunsheng put down his chopsticks, took the bowl of soup handed to him by Hong Qiuping, and said calmly: "My father runs a small business, and my mother is usually busy taking care of the family. Grandpa is old and lives at home in retirement. He occasionally plays chess with old friends. He has also played with Nannan a few times. The old man likes her very much."
Hearing this, Jiang Nan smiled at the right moment.
"They are all very open-minded and don't interfere much in my affairs," Chen Yunsheng added.
"Good for being open-minded, good for being open-minded," Hong Qiuping murmured, and then tentatively asked, "So, what are your plans for the future? Are you planning to settle down in Jiangcheng?"
This question is a bit in-depth and involves future planning.
Jiang Nan quickly said, "Mom, we're just dating, there's no need to rush."
Chen Yunsheng remained calm. He glanced at Jiang Nan, his eyes softening. Then he turned to Hong Qiuping and Jiang Youhua, his tone serious and sincere: "Uncle, aunt, Nan Nan and I are seriously dating with the intention of getting married. We will discuss our future plans together. No matter where we are, I will respect Nan Nan's wishes and do my best to provide her with a good living environment and a stable family."
He didn't make any specific promises, but the sincerity and commitment in his words left no room for doubt. Especially the phrase "marriage is the prerequisite" instantly soothed Hong Qiuping and Jiang Youhua's biggest concerns.
Jiang Youhua's smile became more genuine. He picked up his serving chopsticks and handed Chen Yunsheng a piece of braised pork. "Come on, Xiao Chen, try this. This braised pork is my specialty."
"Thank you, uncle." Chen Yunsheng took the braised pork and thanked him with a smile.
Hong Qiuping also breathed a sigh of relief and began to warmly invite Chen Yunsheng to eat more vegetables. There was much less vigilance and temptation in her tone, and more concern of an elder for a younger person.
As the meal progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious. Chen Yunsheng remained humble and courteous throughout, answering questions candidly and appropriately, steering the conversation in a lighthearted and enjoyable direction.
He would occasionally praise Jiang Nan calmly, saying that she was independent, thoughtful, and capable at work, which would make Hong Qiuping and Jiang Youhua smile from ear to ear. Even though they could feel that Chen Yunsheng's career was not as simple as he said, the calmness and humility he showed, as well as his attentiveness to Jiang Nan, made them feel a lot more at ease.
Jiang Nan saw that her parents had been almost completely conquered by Chen Yunsheng, and she finally felt relieved. She began to liven up the atmosphere, making jokes and chatting, which made the atmosphere at the table even more lively.
When dinner was over, Chen Yunsheng took the initiative to help clear the dishes. Although his movements were not very skillful, his attitude was serious. However, Hong Qiuping was unwilling to let her help and repeatedly refused. In the end, Jiang Nan pulled Chen Yunsheng back to the sofa, and then she and Jiang Youhua went to clean up.
After a while, Jiang Youhua left the kitchen, brewed a pot of fresh tea, and sat down across from Chen Yunsheng to continue chatting. Their topic had shifted from the initial interrogation to a more casual chat, mostly focusing on the climate of Jichuan and Jiangcheng, the two cities' dietary habits, and the precautions for growing flowers and plants.
These topics are trivial and ordinary, but anyone can say a few words about them, and it is not easy to cause conflicts or awkward silences.
Furthermore, Chen Yunsheng's broad knowledge, willingness to humble himself, and ability to respond appropriately to Jiang Youhua's remarks and offer refreshing perspectives naturally kept him from appearing overbearing. Jiang Youhua felt a growing affinity for him as they chatted, and his gaze on Chen Yunsheng was already filled with obvious admiration.
When Jiang Nan and Hong Qiuping finished cleaning the kitchen, they came out to see this scene of a happy conversation. Jiang Nan sighed silently in her heart - when she met the Chen family, she looked so horrible, but she was not immediately kicked out, thanks to Chen Yunsheng's face.
Afterwards, Jiang Nan and Hong Qiuping also entered the living room, and the four of them chatted idly.
Time passed nine o'clock unnoticed. Chen Yunsheng said goodbye at the right time, saying that he would not disturb his uncle and aunt's rest.
Hong Qiuping and Jiang Youhua warmly escorted him to the door and repeatedly urged him to come for dinner often.
"Uncle, aunt, please stay. Sorry for disturbing you today." Chen Yunsheng bowed slightly to them.
"Don't bother me, don't bother me. Come often in the future." Hong Qiuping smiled.
Jiang Youhua also patted his shoulder and said, "Xiao Chen, when you are free, come to my house and play chess with your uncle."
"Sure." Chen Yunsheng agreed solemnly.
Jiang Nan blinked, smiled, and persuaded her parents to come in, then turned and walked Chen Yunsheng downstairs. When they reached the entrance of the hallway, the night breeze blew across their faces, bringing with it a cool autumn breeze.
"You did a great job, Chen," Jiang Nan said jokingly, wrapping his coat tightly around his waist. "You've got my parents all worked up a storm."
Chen Yunsheng stopped and turned to look at her. In the dim light, his eyes still sparkled. "Although I have concealed the facts to some extent, what I said tonight is the truth."
His tone was serious, which made Jiang Nan pause. She had been so careless that she had assumed the other three people were the same. Now it seemed that except for her, they all took this meeting very seriously.
"Thank you for coming today," she said softly.
"Of course." He naturally held her hand, then gently rubbed her empty ring finger with his fingertips. "I hope we can wear the ring next time."
His fingers were warm, and the meaning of his words made Jiang Nan's cheeks burn. She nodded: "Yeah."
Then Jiang Nan said a little embarrassedly: "I didn't tell my parents about our marriage, nor did I tell them your true identity. I just said you were a company executive. Would you be angry?"
Chen Yunsheng shook his head and said calmly, "No. You're right. It's better to proceed step by step. If you say it suddenly, uncle and aunt will find it difficult to accept."
His understanding made Jiang Nan feel a little relieved.
"What are your plans for tomorrow?" Chen Yunsheng asked. "I have to go check out the project during the day, so I might not be free until tonight."
"My parents definitely want me to stay home with them," Jiang Nan thought for a moment, "How about we have dinner together tomorrow night? I'll take my parents out to eat, and you want to come too?"
"Okay," Chen Yunsheng nodded, "I'll arrange the place."
"Just listen to me," Jiang Nan said, shaking his head, "Let me show my hospitality."
Chen Yunsheng was amused by Jiang Nan's quirky look, and then nodded gently: "Okay, I'll listen to you."
Afterwards, the two men talked for a few more words downstairs before Chen Yunsheng got into the car and left.
As Jiang Nan turned and went upstairs, she felt a little less anxious. She had successfully passed the first hurdle with her parents. Although she felt a little guilty about concealing part of the truth, she was relieved to see that her parents had a good impression of Chen Yunsheng.
Chen Yunsheng's nerves, which had been tense all night, finally relaxed, and with this relaxation came a sense of abundant warmth.
This meeting with his parents went more smoothly than he had expected. The simplicity and kindness of Jiang Nan's parents, as well as the warm atmosphere in their home that he had once secretly envied, gave him an unprecedented sense of security.
Then, he tilted his head slightly to look at the night view of Jichuan outside the window.
For no reason, he felt that the night in Jichuan suddenly became peaceful and beautiful, like an osmanthus tree that still exuded fragrance in the night.
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