Chapter Ten: Sharing the Juicy Gossip

After pushing open the dormitory door, Chen Rong called out to He Yushui, “Yushui, my brother brought me a delicious lunchbox. I can’t finish it all by myself, come help me out!”

Now, that’s the art of conversation—if you simply offer it, people might feel like you’re treating them as beggars being given charity. But if you say it’s too much food and would go to waste otherwise, then there’s no problem at all.

He Yushui immediately walked over, and as soon as she opened the lunchbox, she exclaimed in surprise, “Wow! There’s so much meat, and a big chicken leg too! Rong, your family really spoils you!” With meat to eat, who wants potatoes, radishes, or cabbage? Get out of the way!

“My second brother added the meat afterward—he was afraid I wouldn’t have enough to eat!” Her tone was slightly boastful, but He Yushui was too immersed in the joy of having meat to care.

Even if her brother was a cook, he couldn’t guarantee meat for his sister every day.

“Mmm! Rong, your second brother treats you so well. Not like my brother—aside from rice and noodles, it’s hard to even get a taste of his cooking!” He Yushui was a clever girl. She may not have noticed at first, but once the joy of eating meat faded, she caught the thread of Chen Rong’s little show-off.

What’s so special about that? I have a brother too. Tomorrow—no, can’t, there’s class… next week then. I’ll have my brother cook something good for you!

Ah, women—no matter their age, there’s no one who doesn’t love to show off.

Though there was a bit of playful rivalry, their friendship was still strong. The two of them split the lunchbox evenly, savoring the happiness that comes from eating meat.

After taking Chen Hong home, Chen Liang saw no need to bundle her into his coat again. He let her sit on the crossbar, and the two of them laughed and joked all the way home at a leisurely pace.

When they reached the gate of the courtyard, they saw a ladies’ bicycle parked by the corridor next door. The two exchanged a glance—oh no, their eldest sister-in-law (or mother) was home from work!

Chen Liang ruffled Chen Hong’s head in a gesture of helplessness, then delivered his reluctant little niece back home.

He then took the bicycle keys and strolled to the backyard to return the bike to Old Zhang, expressing his gratitude before heading home.

One should never mistake someone else’s courtesy as a blessing. If you do, you’ll find yourself stymied wherever you go.

When Chen Liang returned home, Father Chen, his eldest brother, and sister-in-law were eating dinner. Chen Hong stood pitifully to the side, but when she saw Chen Liang come in, her eyes immediately lit up.

She quickly sent a mental SOS—Second Uncle, think of something, save me! If you don’t, my backside will be in for a world of pain tonight.

Sorry, I can’t help you. Your mother is top tier in this house. I’m just a low-tier loafer—I have no tricks!

I don’t care! If you don’t help me, don’t blame me for pulling out my trump card!

Go ahead, but I’m warning you: if you dare betray me again, I’ll never take you out to play.

You win!

But Chen Hong was still Chen Hong. When faced with a choice between saving her own skin and betraying her second uncle, she didn’t hesitate at all.

Having exhausted her tricks and seeing her second uncle couldn’t help, she decided to sacrifice him for her own good.

Clinging to her mother’s leg, she wailed, “Mom, Mom, today Second Uncle used your adorable little girl as an excuse to chase after Teacher Xiaoyu!”

At these words, Chen Liang covered his face with his hand. Sure enough, her trump card was always this!

He shot her a glare—“You little brat, remember this: if I ever take you out to play again, I’m a dog!”

Sticking out her tongue, she thought, “Well, you couldn’t protect me. For the sake of my adorable little bottom, Second Uncle, you’ll have to be sacrificed!”

“What?” The sister-in-law, who had been about to finish her bowl of rice with pork cracklings and give Chen Hong a stir-fried bamboo shoot and pork dish, was so shocked by Chen Hong’s words that she forgot everything else.

“Little Uncle, are you serious?” Her gossip-loving heart was instantly piqued, and even Father Chen and the eldest brother, Chen Jian, pricked up their ears.

Who says honest people don’t like gossip? Here were two prime examples, eavesdropping right now.

“Ah, it’s nothing yet—just thought she was pretty, that’s all.”

It wasn’t easy—his sister-in-law Liu Hongyan knew exactly what Chen Liang was like. Back when she’d tried to set him up, she’d even offered up her best friend, whom she thought was as beautiful as a fairy, and he’d dismissed her with a few casual words! Nearly drove her mad!

Now, hearing that he’s interested in someone, her mind raced—who is this Teacher Xiaoyu?

Suddenly, she froze, her face showing a hint of panic, which only made Father Chen and Chen Jian even more anxious.

“Little Uncle, that Teacher Xiaoyu—is she the one from Red Star Kindergarten?” the sister-in-law asked uncertainly.

“Yes, the very one in Honghong’s class!” he nodded. Now that they knew, there was no point hiding it. Might as well admit it openly!

After all, he was bound to marry someday. Better to choose a place he liked to lay his bones than to end up in some muddy backwater. And besides, the Teacher Xiaoyu he’d set his sights on—her looks and figure were both outstanding, a rare beauty, one in a thousand.

Even his sister-in-law, the so-called “Belle of the Department Store,” was barely over ninety points in his eyes.

Hmph! That’s the way of a man who’s seen the world—every woman can be ranked by percentage.

Tch! I have to pause just to spit—scoundrel!

“Um… um…” The sister-in-law hesitated, but finally, unable to contain his curiosity, Chen Dashan blurted out, “Son, who exactly is this Teacher Xiaoyu? Do you know anything about her family?”

“No idea! But I’ve asked Mom to look into it—she should be back soon,” Chen Liang replied, entirely unabashed.

Hearing that her mother-in-law was already out gathering information, the sister-in-law breathed a sigh of relief. With her mother-in-law’s standing among the ladies of the neighborhood, she was sure to find out everything about Teacher Xiaoyu!

Finally able to share the long-awaited gossip, her words tumbled out in a rush, “Dad! When Mom gets back, you’ll see—this marriage will never happen, because that Teacher Xiaoyu looks just like a foreigner!”

“Whoosh.” The bombshell stunned both Chen Dashan and Chen Jian—what did she mean? My future daughter-in-law—my younger brother’s wife—is a foreigner?