Chapter 175 Chapter 175 Bubbling Happiness
This was another theory that Jiang Xi had never heard of. In the past, Wu Yaqin took care of almost all the housework at home and wanted to serve all the meals to Jiang Haibo, but she still got nothing in return and was considered a burden by Jiang Haibo.
Before coming to Beijing, Wu Yaqin had repeatedly told Jiang Xi to be more diligent when she went to Qi Yu'an's house and not to be a lazy wife and make people laugh at her.
Jiang Xi just turned a deaf ear to her. She didn't marry to serve others, and she would never put men first like Wu Yaqin. If Qi Yu'an's parents were not good people, Jiang Xi would reconsider her relationship with Qi Yu'an.
After all, Jiang Xi still had a lot of serious things to do and would not put his experience on these things, but things turned out to be even better than Jiang Xi had imagined.
Jiang Xi couldn't help but look at Yang Qiaoli, and Yang Qiaoli was also looking at her with a smile. Jiang Xi could see a lot of Qi Yu'an's shadow in Yang Qiaoli. Yang Qiaoli was a lady that people could easily like.
Qi Yu'an and Qi Weiguo brought all the food to the table. Yang Qiaoli smiled and said, "Thank you, both of you. Today's dishes are truly excellent. Just looking at them makes me hungry. Weiguo, your cooking skills have improved again."
Qi Weiguo's face was beaming as he said happily, "I'm so happy today. I performed exceptionally well, hehe."
Yang Qiaoli: "That's even more amazing. It's always so delicious when it's done normally, and today it's been exceptional, so it must taste even better. Come on, Jiang Xi, we must try it today."
Qi Weiguo smiled even more happily, without any trace of fatigue or complaint from cooking a table full of dishes. Instead, he said cheerfully, as if he had been injected with chicken blood: "Try it."
Jiang Xi secretly admired him. A sweet-talker only needed a few compliments to avoid work. "Thank you, uncle, for making such a big table of food for us. It smells so delicious."
Qi Yuan said, "I helped too. I also cooked two dishes."
Jiang Xi smiled sweetly: "Thank you too."
Qi Yu'an was a little dizzy: "You're welcome. I'll learn a few more dishes and cook them for you every day."
Qi Yu'an's blunt words made Jiang Xi blush. Yang Qiaoli was happy to see that Qi Yu'an and Jiang Xi had a good relationship. She picked up a chicken drumstick for Jiang Xi and said, "Try it."
The chicken legs brought back Jiang Xi's memories. In the past, the chicken legs in the family were always given to Jiang Haibo because Jiang Haibo was the only strong laborer in the family and the only one who could make money. Wu Yaqin was used to putting herself in a difficult position, and in the process, she also taught Jiang Xi to be tolerant and sensible.
Jiang Xi really wanted to eat chicken legs. Once, his family finally stewed a chicken. Jiang Xi swallowed his saliva at the chicken legs and looked at Wu Yaqin and Jiang Haibo with begging eyes.
Wu Yaqin shook her head slightly at her, indicating that she should be obedient. Jiang Haibo acted as if he didn't see Jiang Xi's eyes. He didn't like girls anyway, and he was used to being the boss at home. He picked up the chicken leg and started to chew it.
Jiang Xi was very disappointed. She had a dream that day. In the dream, she saw a lot of chicken legs dropped on the ground. She wanted to pick them up, but the chicken legs disappeared. Jiang Xi could not describe the feeling of loss she felt at that moment. The days when she was not qualified to eat chicken legs were a thorn in Jiang Xi's heart. It sounded hypocritical to say it out loud, but she could not get over it by keeping it in her heart.
Now looking at the greasy chicken legs in the bowl, Jiang Xi began to feel sad again. She felt that she was too fragile today. The warm love of Qi's family made her bones a little soft. She couldn't do this.
Jiang Xi regained his composure and said with a smile, "Thank you, Auntie, thank you, Uncle."
Jiang Xi lowered his head and slowly chewed the chicken leg, listening to Qi Yu'an unconsciously acting coquettishly with Yang Qiaoli, Yang Qiaoli's caring words, and Qi Weiguo's apparent disdain but still caring attitude, as well as the interaction between Yang Qiaoli and Qi Weiguo. This is such a wonderful home.
Jiang Xi thought that she could finally eat the chicken legs she had dreamed of in her childhood. They were so delicious.
After dinner, Yang Qiaoli and Qi Weiguo were in charge of cleaning up. Jiang Xi and Qi Yu'an also wanted to help. Yang Qiaoli stuffed twenty yuan into Jiang Xi's pocket and said, "You've made it to Beijing with great difficulty. Let Yu'an take you out for a walk. Take this money and buy some delicious food."
This was another novel experience for Jiang Xi. She could earn her own money now, and twenty yuan was not a lot for her, but the feeling was wonderful. It was like being suddenly treated like a child and given pocket money. It was a feeling of being cared for by an elder.
Jiang Xi wanted to refuse, but Qi Yu'an stuffed the money directly into Jiang Xi's pocket and said in a brisk tone: "Since Ms. Yang gave you pocket money, you should keep it. I tell you, my mother has a lot of money in her savings. This little money is nothing to her. Let's go out and buy some delicious food."
Yang Qiaoli was at a loss for words. Her son, who had finally gotten to know her, was so affectionate when it came to talking about his girlfriend that he even dared to tease his mother.
Although Yang Qiaoli thought her son was very outgoing, she was not angry and continued to smile at Jiang Xi, saying, "You're welcome. Children go out to play, and parents should give them pocket money."
Jiang Xi was about to say that she was not a child anymore, but Qi Yu'an winked at her and said, "Let's go. My mother is a wealthy woman. Don't feel burdened. We are eating at a wealthy family today. Ms. Yang will be unhappy if you don't accept her."
Before Jiang Xi had time to say goodbye, Qi Yu'an pushed him out the door and he had no choice but to accept the money given by Yang Qiaoli.
The twenty yuan bill felt hot in her pocket. Jiang Xi couldn't help but put her hand into her pocket and touched the money. It felt very real. When she was young, she rarely received pocket money and had never had the experience of being forced by her parents to buy snacks.
Jiang Xi didn't expect that today she would be reminded of the past again and again.
Just as Jiang Xi was reminiscing about the past, a stack of money was suddenly stuffed into his hand. Jiang Xi was shocked when he saw it. It was a thick stack, and it was estimated to be several thousand yuan.
Jiang Xi looked at Qi Yu'an: "What's going on?"
Qi Yu'an said, "Actually, I've wanted to give you this money for a long time, but I'm embarrassed because I don't have a job yet. This money is all the New Year's money I've saved since I was a child, and some I've saved from writing articles. This is pocket money for you. I know Director Jiang is financially strong, but this is a token of my love, so please don't despise it."
Before meeting Jiang Xi, Qi Yu'an didn't care much about money and was usually quite extravagant. Although he would write articles to earn royalties, he would either treat his friends to dinner or spend the money after receiving it. Qi Yu'an had never worried about money since he was a child, so he had no concept of saving money at all.
Qi Yu'an started saving money only after being with Jiang Xi. He finally saved up 5,000 yuan. He had actually wanted to give it to Jiang Xi for a long time, but he never found the opportunity.
Today, Yang Qiaoli's giving Jiang Xi pocket money inspired Qi Yu'an. Seeing Jiang Xi so happy when receiving the money, Qi Yu'an felt that he was really stupid before and should have given the money to Jiang Xi earlier.
Jiang Xi felt the stack of money in his hand was heavy, and he quickly looked around and put the thick stack of money away: "Why did you take out such a thick stack of money outside? Is it dangerous?"
Qi Yu'an: "I'm not sure about other places, but the family compound is very safe. Don't worry. Just take it and keep it safe."
Qi Yu'an had a pleading look on his face, and Jiang Xi found it a little funny. It was the first time he had met someone who was asked for money. But besides being funny, Jiang Xi could also feel Qi Yu'an's sincerity. He really wanted him to accept it.
A few thousand yuan is not a small amount of money. It feels heavy in the pocket. Jiang Xi said helplessly: "I will accept your gift, but I can't spend so much money on shopping."
Qi Yu'an was also a little confused: "How about we save it together and put it in your name."
Jiang Xi: "Which credit union is still open now?"
Qi Yu'an... was a little confused, "What should I do then?"
Jiang Xi: "I know your intentions, but it's inconvenient to take so much money. Please put it back first."
Qi Yu'an was still worried: "Then I'll put it back, you must accept it. This is the money I saved for you. From now on, all my money will be in your hands."
Jiang Xi: "You don't have to do this. Just spend your own money. Why are you giving it all to me?"
Jiang Xi felt that their relationship had not yet reached the point where Qi Yu'an had to pay money. That was something only a married couple would do. The reason why Jiang Xi accepted the five thousand yuan from Qi Yu'an now was because she was sure that she could return it to Qi Yu'an. Moreover, according to Jiang Xi's current financial resources, she could afford the five thousand yuan and could also afford to return it.
The thought in Qi Yu'an's mind came to his lips but he didn't say it out loud. If he said it, Jiang Xi would definitely be busy thinking about that matter and would not be interested in shopping. It would be better to wait until after shopping before talking about it.
Qi Yu'an hurriedly put the money back. Yang Qiaoli shook her head as she watched. What a silly son! If he wanted to give money, he should give it at home. How could he let others put the money back if he gave it outside? It would be returned now.
Qi Yu'an didn't know that his mother disliked him. After quickly putting the money back, he almost rushed out the door, as if he was afraid that Jiang Xi would leave.
Jiang Xi couldn't help but shook her head and laughed. Qi Yu'an said to her happily, "Come on, Comrade Jiang, it's lively outside now. I'll take you out to buy some delicious food. We'll spend all the money Ms. Yang gave us today!"
Jiang Xi looked at Qi Yu'an. The boy's handsome eyes and eyebrows were even more dazzling under the light. They were so warm and bright. The home behind him suddenly became very concrete, very warm and firm. Qi Yu'an was opening the door and inviting her in.
Jiang Xi stepped forward quickly: "Then let's be unrestrained today."
Qi Yu'an: "That's right."
Qi Yu'an took Jiang Xi to Dashanlan: "I often came here when I was a child. There are many things for sale here. Every time I come here, I can always find some interesting things."
Qi Yu'an introduced the candies to Jiang Xi like a responsible tour guide: "Look, there's a man selling candy figurines over there, and another selling candied haws. I tell you, you must try the candied haws in Jing City. They're different from those in other places."
Qi Yu'an took out money and bought two strings of candied haws, giving one to Jiang Xi and keeping one for himself.
The bright red hawthorn was covered in a layer of translucent icing sugar. Jiang Xi took a bite and found it sour yet sweet. "It's delicious."
Qi Yuan also took a bite and couldn't help laughing: "It's delicious."
Qi Yu'an was very excited. He took Jiang Xi for another walk and said, "Hey, there's a place selling sunflower seeds. Let's buy a small bag too."
There were many small stalls along the way, and Qi Yu'an would buy for Jiang Xi whatever he saw.
Soon, both of them were holding a large pile of snacks. Jiang Xi said, "We are already so old, and you still buy so many snacks? We can't finish them even if we buy so many."
Qi Yu'an looked at Jiang Xi with sparkling eyes and asked, "Did you rarely eat snacks when you were a child?"
Jiang Xi: "Ah, how did you know?"
Qi Yu'an's eyes were filled with heartache, and his eyelashes drooped slightly. "I can see that Comrade Jiang must have been very sensible when he was little, so he didn't cry and ask for snacks. I want to reward Comrade Jiang for being so sensible today."
"Come on, I'll take you to try some delicious snacks. Feel free to pick out your favorites. Today's task is to find out which snacks Comrade Jiang likes the most."
Jiang Xi's heart warmed, and after a moment she heard her own voice: "Okay, then I'll try more. I also want to know what kind of snacks I like to eat."
Qi Yu'an: "Then I'll take you to try more. Once you pick out the snacks you like, I'll ask Ms. Yang to buy them for you. She's already said that since she's so rich, we should let her spend more."
Jiang Xi...I think Ms. Yang will have a heart attack after hearing this.
In the end, Qi Yu'an bought almost all the snacks he could buy. It was the first time in Jiang Xi's life that he ate so many kinds of snacks at one time, and he really picked out a few of his favorite ones.
Qi Yu'an was in a good mood all the way. He generously distributed snacks to the children around him, attracting the children to circle around him. Qi Yu'an was not a wasteful person. He bought too many snacks, and Jiang Xi and he could not finish them, so he might as well share them directly.
The children were just like they were celebrating Chinese New Year, chattering and cherishing the snacks they were given. Some of them couldn't help but eat them all in one bite, looking intoxicated. Jiang Xi couldn't help laughing when he saw this scene.
Qi Yu'an was surrounded by other children, but he kept looking at Jiang Xi out of the corner of his eye. Seeing Jiang Xi smile, Qi Yu'an became even happier. He also smiled at Jiang Xi with a very bright smile.
Jiang Xi didn't know why, but he also smiled at Qi Yu'an. He imagined that it would look silly for two people to smile at each other, but the smile was stubbornly on his face and he couldn't stop.
After distributing the snacks, Qi Yuan was finally freed from the encirclement of the children.
The two chatted and laughed all the way through Dashanlan, then went to the hutongs. Qi Yuan said: "The hutongs are the most beautiful in autumn, with falling leaves and a cool autumn breeze. It feels very comfortable to walk in the hutongs."
"But summer is nice too. Everything is green and full of life. Especially when I can walk on the street with you, I feel very happy."
Qi Yu'an stared at Jiang Xi without blinking when he said this. This moment was extremely precious. It was the moment he had been thinking about day and night. He took Jiang Xi to walk in the place where he was born and grew up, and introduced his treasure to Jiang Xi.
This made his relationship with Jiang Xi even closer. Their past and future completely overlapped. Qi Yu'an couldn't help but reach out to Jiang Xi.
Jiang Xi felt Qi Yu'an's touch: "There are a lot of people on the street."
Qi Yu'an said: "It's okay, let's go to a place with fewer people. Besides, it's late now, and it's pitch black, so no one can see us."
Before Jiang Xi could answer, he felt Qi Yu'an holding his hand.
Qi Yu'an's palms were slightly hot and there was some sweat. Jiang Xi felt a little uncomfortable and wanted to move, but Qi Yu'an pulled him hard. Qi Yu'an was very strong. Jiang Xi's small hands were wrapped in his big hands. Her palms were hot, and her heart was hot too.
The darkness made the senses clearer, and both of them were breathing heavily. Jiang Xi felt his cheeks burning.
Qi Yu'an's mouth curled up, and he was also overwhelmed with emotion as he held Jiang Xi's hand. He thought of what Qi Weiguo had said to him, and was engaged to Jiang Xi.
Qi Yu'an was a little nervous. He took a deep breath and asked, "Jiang Xi, are you willing to get engaged to me? I mean, well, we've been together for so long, and you've met my parents. My whole family likes you very much. Do you want to get engaged to me?"
Qi Yu'an was a little incoherent because of nervousness, but Jiang Xi still understood what he meant. Engagement. Jiang Xi was confused by Qi Yu'an's sudden question.
She had just met Qi Yu'an's parents, but the engagement was still a bit fast. If it were in the past, Jiang Xi would definitely not hesitate and would tell Qi Yu'an that she felt it was too fast.
But now, Jiang Xi hesitated and was thinking seriously. Qi Yu'an's family was a warmth that Jiang Xi could neither imagine nor experience. Growing up in such a family, it was no wonder that he could be as open-minded, kind, enthusiastic and likable as Qi Yu'an.
Qi Yu'an's family is so warm that once you get close to it, you will be greedy for it. For Jiang Xi, who has never felt that kind of warmth, it has a fatal attraction.
Jiang Xi likes Qi Yu'an's family atmosphere very much, and also likes Qi Yu'an's mother and Qi Yu'an's father.
They were the best parents Jiang Xi could imagine. In this atmosphere, Jiang Xi couldn't help but feel a little sweet and sour in his heart, and he really wanted to fit in.
Qi Yu'an's heart was beating violently. He had experienced this feeling when he first confessed his feelings to Jiang Xi. He held his breath and waited for Jiang Xi's answer.
Jiang Xi looked at the surrounding scenery. This was where Qi Yu'an had lived since she was a child. Jiang Xi understood Qi Yu'an better than before. Everything made Jiang Xi start to think about the future. In the future, she and Qi Yu'an might really get married, and they would become husband and wife and walk hand in hand on the street openly.
Jiang Xi no longer hesitated: "Yeah."
Qi Yu'an was a little bit incredulous at first because of Jiang Xi's answer, but then his eyes widened and he confirmed again, "Really? Don't force yourself. Although I am looking forward to it, I don't want you to force yourself for anything."
A bright smile bloomed on Jiang Xi's fair face. Qi Yu'an was always like this, and would never be willing to do anything that would embarrass her.
Jiang Xi said firmly: "I do, Comrade Qi, let's get engaged first."
Qi Yu'an almost wanted to jump up. He couldn't help but circle around Jiang Xi several times, smiling like a fool.
Qi Yu'an didn't sleep all night. Whenever he thought about Jiang Xi becoming his fiancée in the future, he became extremely excited. The word "fiancée" circled in Qi Yu'an's mind for several times, as if it contained honey, making Qi Yu'an drunk whenever he thought about it.
Yang Qiaoli woke up early in the morning and found that Jiang Xi was already awake. "Why don't you sleep a little longer? Are you not used to this new place?"
Jiang Xi slept in Qi Yu'an's room last night, while Qi Yu'an slept in the guest room.
Qi Yu'an's room is very tidy and is a typical boy's room.
There is a large bookshelf in the room, on which are placed many different kinds of books, including mechanical reference books, some magazines, stories, and so on.
There are also some tank and airplane models. In addition, there is a family photo on the table, which is a family photo of Qi Yuan's family of five.
Jiang Xi had met Yang Qiaoli and Qi Weiguo, but had never met Qi Yu'an's brother and sister. Qi Yu'an's eyebrows and eyes were very similar to her brother, and her sister looked more like Yang Qiaoli, with an elegant and gentle face.
Jiang Xi just took a quick look and lay down on the bed. Suddenly, she heard a knocking sound on the wall beside the bed. Jiang Xi thought it was a mouse at first, but later she realized that Qi Yuan was sleeping next door. Was he talking to her?
Qi Yu'an was worried that Jiang Xi was not used to being alone, so he wanted to communicate with Jiang Xi by knocking on the wall. It was late at night and he couldn't go to find Jiang Xi, as it would not be good for Jiang Xi.
Moreover, Ms. Yang Qiaoli knew that Qi Yu'an would be in trouble. Without becoming a couple, Yang Qiaoli would never allow Qi Yu'an to take advantage of Jiang Xi and affect her reputation, even if he was her own son. Respecting female comrades is a tradition ingrained in the Qi family.
Jiang Xi also tried knocking, and sure enough, there was another knocking sound next to him. Qi Yu'an just tried knocking a few times, but he didn't expect Jiang Xi to really respond.
In this way, the two of them responded to each other back and forth. It was unknown how long it took before Jiang Xi fell into a deep sleep.
Jiang Xi was used to going to bed early and getting up early, so she woke up early in the morning. She didn't want to go find Qi Yu'an, and she was a little thirsty, so she had to go out of the room and pour herself a glass of water.
When asked by Yang Qiaoli, Jiang Xi shook his head: "I'm not used to it, everything is fine. I'm just used to getting up early."
Yang Qiaoli said: "It must be hard to do business. You have to deal with so many things by yourself. It must be very tiring." Yang Qiaoli always has a maternal tenderness. When she cares about people, she is very sincere, which makes people want to get close to her easily.
Jiang Xi was no exception. She could feel that Yang Qiaoli was kind and sincere. She answered seriously, "It's okay. It was a little hard at the beginning, but once you get used to it, it won't be that hard anymore."
Yang Qiaoli exclaimed: "You are an amazing child."
Yang Qiaoli poured Jiang Xi a cup of hot water and said, "Originally, Yu An's brothers and sisters were supposed to come back yesterday, but I was afraid that since it was your first time here, there would be too many people at home and it would be too tiring to deal with them, so I asked them not to come back yet."
"But they really want to see you. They should be back soon. Don't be nervous. They're all easy to get along with."
Since Jiang Xi had already decided to get engaged to Qi Yu'an, she definitely wanted to meet Qi Yu'an's brothers and sisters. She said, "Okay, I want to meet them too."
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