Later in the evening, Xiao Su’s parents—Liang Yahe and Xiao Mingzhi—came over for dinner. Liang Yahe even took the initiative to be the chef of the night, and bought a lot of ingredients.
When the elders were not around, Jiang Xiaobai could act freely in front of Xiao Su. After all, there was no one else except the two of them, and it didn’t matter how they behaved in front of each other. However, when the elders were present, they had to be well-behaved.
Before Liang Yahe arrived, Jiang Xiaobai was still happily lazing in bed. The moment she heard that they had arrived, she immediately got out of bed and walked toward the bathroom. After washing up, she quickly changed into a pair of fresh clothes and started to put on some light makeup to look presentable. While she was putting on makeup, Xiao Su stood next to her and stared. “They’re just my parents; is it necessary to put on makeup?”
Jiang Xiaobai looked at the mirror and focused while she drew her eyeliner. When she was done she glanced at Xiao Su and said, “Of course it’s necessary. I’m still the new wife who just married into your family. Some things need to be done presentably. A clueless man like you would never understand it.” Actually, Jiang Xiaobai put on makeup mainly because she herself wanted to. She didn’t do it to please Xiao Su’s parents. After all, they treated her really well, and it was not much of an effort to put on some makeup and make herself presentable.
Finishing up her makeup, Jiang Xiaobai started to go through her closet to find a suitable outfit to wear. She ended up choosing a dress that Liang Yahe gifted her. Jiang Xiaobai then went to the kitchen to help Liang Yahe with the food preparation. “Mom.”
Liang Yahe turned to meet Jiang Xiaobai with her heart full of joy, particularly when she heard Jiang Xiaobai address her as ‘Mom’. She was so happy that she grinned from ear to ear.
“Xiaobai? I heard from Xiao Su that you were still in bed, so why are you awake now? If you’re tired, you can rest for a little longer. You can wake up to eat later when I’m done with the cooking.”
Hearing that, Jiang Xiaobai’s lips twitched. How could Xiao Su tell his mother that I was still sleeping? It’s such a delicate matter between young couples! She would definitely know what happened. It would make everyone feel extremely awkward if she ever brought up the topic. This moment right here was a great example. So, Jiang Xiaobai had no choice but to switch the topic. “Mom, what are you preparing for tonight’s dinner? Let me help you.”
She immediately rolled up her sleeves, but was stopped by Liang Yahe. “It’s okay. Tonight, this kitchen belongs to me. Go and take a rest. When I’m done, Xiao Su will let you know.”
“Mom, how can you say that? I’m your daughter-in-law, not some royalty that Xiao Su married. We should complete the chores together.”
“Who says you’re not?” Liang Yahe’s expression changed as she heard Jiang Xiaobai’s words. “Was it Xiao Su that forced you to help me in the kitchen? If it’s him, I’ll teach him a lesson later. Is this kid trying to be rebellious? A wife definitely has to be pampered by her husband! ”
At first Jiang Xiaobai thought Liang Yahe was just joking around, but when she saw Liang Yahe rolling up her sleeves and leaving the kitchen angrily as if she’s about to beat her son up, she knew the woman meant what she said. “Mom, wait!” Jiang Xiaobai reached out to stop her. “This has nothing to do with Xiao Su. I’m the one who wanted to help you, not because he told me to do so.”
Hearing that, Liang Yahe squinted at her. “Are you serious?”
“Yes, Mom. I just thought that as the younger generation, I should be helping the elders. It has nothing to do with Xiao Su.”
“No, it’s fine!” Liang Yahe waved her hand about. “Although you are now my daughter-in-law, please don’t feel pressured to help me. I’m not like the other mother-in-laws; I will treat you and pamper you as my own daughter, so just do whatever you like.”
“But what I want to do now is to help you prepare dinner. If we prepare it together, we can speed up the process too!” As Jiang Xiaobai said that, she even clinged on to Liang Yahe’s arm affectionately. Liang Yahe ended up giving in and they both returned to the kitchen happily, just like any other mother and daughter.
When dinner was served, the whole family sat together to have dinner. Liang Yahe prepared many gifts for Jiang Xiaobai, even giving her a red envelope. Jiang Xiaobai had already received so many gifts on her wedding day and she really didn’t expect Liang Yahe to pamper her so much. Feeling blessed, she hugged Liang Yahe and said, “Thank you, Mom. You’re so kind to me.”
Liang Yahe sniffled, and her eyes became watery. She patted Jiang Xiaobai’s shoulder, saying, “From now on, we shall be a family. You don’t have to be so awkward around us. Xiao Su is our only son, so if there’s anything that you need in the future, just let us know and we will try our best to make you happy. Xiao Su, you better treat Xiaobai well. If I ever find out that you mistreated her, your dad and I will not forgive you.”
On the other hand, Xiao Mingzhi seemed much calmer compared to Liang Yahe. He looked at Jiang Xiaobai kindly and reassured her. “My child, if you have anything in mind, feel free to let me know.”
“Thank you, Dad, Mom.”
“Oh, I almost forgot,” Liang Yahe mentioned urgently. “Now that you both are legally married, it’s time to start preparing for a pregnancy. Xiaobai, when do you plan to have a baby? ”
Jiang Xiaobai was taken aback by her words. She smiled helplessly in her heart. Sure enough, I can never escape the issue that each married couple has to face—starting a family. She gave an awkward smile and explained. “Mom, Xiao Su and I are still new to married life. We’re still young, so there’s no need to rush.”
“Young?” Liang Yahe glanced at Xiao Su and pouted. “He’s going to become an elderly man soon—he’s no longer young! You’re right though. You’re still young, so there’s no need to rush. Xiaobai, do know that I’m not pressuring you.”
“I know, Mom. Don’t worry about it, we will just take things naturally.”
Although Liang Yahe said she didn’t mean to rush them, she was secretly hoping to get a grandchild soon. However, it was only a thought she had in mind, and since she mentioned it once, she won’t say anything more.
“Come, let’s dig in. Remember to eat more.”
The porridge that Jiang Xiaobai ate had already been digested long ago, so she had planned to eat more during dinner. However, Liang Yahe kept refilling Jiang Xiaobai’s plate throughout dinner, and she ended up overeating and feeling bloated.
Liang Yahe seemed to be worried that Jiang Xiaobai might still be hungry, so she kept shoving food onto Jiang Xiaobai’s plate. In the end, Jiang Xiaobai had no choice but to throw glances at Xiao Su to ask for help.
“Mom.” Xiao Su immediately understood Jiang Xiaobai’s plea and reached out to take over her plate as he said gently, “Xiaobai is really stuffed, she shouldn’t overeat or else her stomach will feel unwell later.”
Realizing that, Liang Yahe smiled awkwardly at Jiang Xiaobai. “Xiaobai, you’re full already? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Mom…”
“It’s alright. Why are you being so shy around us? Am I a stranger to you? Didn’t I tell you earlier to just think of me as your own mother, and feel free to tell me anything you want. I will spoil you like you’re my own child.”
“Okay, I will remember that! I’ll be honest with you in future.”
The family of four finished their dinner happily.
