Bonus Chapter 3: Meeting the Parents and "Business Negotiations"
Unlike the protracted "tug-of-war" between Jiang Qi and Su An, Lin Jun and Jiang Zhao's relationship with their family is more like a quick and decisive "business negotiation."
Jiang Zhao was oblivious to everything. It wasn't until more than a year after he started dating Lin Jun that, during a family dinner, he took advantage of the alcohol, put his arm around Lin Jun's shoulder, and announced to his parents, "Dad, Mom, I have something to tell you. I'm dating Jun-ge! We're in a relationship!"
Mr. and Mrs. Jiang were stunned, almost dropping their chopsticks. They looked at their simple-minded son, then at Lin Jun sitting upright and composed beside him, unsure how to react. Lin Jun was someone they had watched grow up; outstanding, steady, the quintessential "other people's child," and they had always adored him. But now… he was suddenly their "daughter-in-law" (or "son-in-law"?)… the change in relationship was quite dramatic.
Lin Jun spoke up at the opportune moment, her tone neither humble nor arrogant: "Uncle, Aunt, Xiao Zhao and I are serious. We understand each other and have planned our future together. We hope you two can give us your blessings."
He didn't elaborate on his feelings, but directly stated his attitude and plans.
Mr. Jiang, being a businessman, quickly calmed down. He looked at Lin Jun with sharp eyes: "Jun Jun, we've watched you grow up, and we know your abilities. But this matter... have you young people thought it through? This is not child's play."
“Uncle Jiang,” Lin Jun met his gaze, her tone steady, “I assure you with my integrity and my future career that this is not a game. I will take good care of Xiao Zhao.”
His attitude was so frank and certain that it left Mr. Jiang speechless for a moment. Mrs. Jiang, standing to the side, looked at Lin Jun, then at her son leaning so dependently against him, and sighed inwardly. Suddenly, she thought that if it were Lin Jun, perhaps… it wasn't entirely unacceptable? At least it was better than her son finding someone of questionable character.
In contrast, things were much simpler for Lin Jun's family. Lin Jun simply chose a time to bring Jiang Zhao home and frankly told his parents. Lin's parents knew Jiang Zhao well; they knew that although the boy was mischievous, he was kind-hearted, and they were family friends. They valued Lin Jun's choice and attitude more. Seeing their son's firm stance, the Jiang family seemed to tacitly agree, so they didn't object too much, only instructing the two to support each other and get along well.
Thus, the "negotiations" between the two parties ended in an almost bizarrely smooth manner. There was no fierce conflict, no prolonged cold war; it all seemed to have come naturally.
Afterwards, Jiang Zhao was still a little dazed: "That's... all? My parents just agreed? Brother Jun, you're amazing!"
Lin Jun glanced at him and said indifferently, "Otherwise what? Do you think everyone is like you, acting on impulse alone?"
Jiang Zhao chuckled and rushed over to hug him: "Whatever! As long as he agreed, that's all that matters! Jun-ge, you're the best!"
Of course, complete acceptance takes time. But with this smooth start, their subsequent interactions became much more natural. Jiang Zhao remained carefree, often dragging Lin Jun home for meals, chattering away at the table. Lin Jun, on the other hand, was composed and poised, playing chess with Jiang's father and discussing health and wellness with Jiang's mother. Gradually, Jiang's parents began to look at them no differently than they would any other couple.
When Jiang Qi later learned that they had passed the test so smoothly, she remarked, "Fools are often blessed."
Su An smiled and said to Jiang Qi, "Maybe it's because Lin Jun seems to be better at 'negotiation' than you?"
Jiang Qi snorted coldly and offered no comment.
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