Chapter 112 - 111: Wifey, Hungry Hungry, Food Food

Chapter 112: Chapter 111: Wifey, Hungry Hungry, Food Food

"Hmph, I’m going to bed. Bye!"

Hearing his girlfriend hang up in a huff, Jiang Xia smiled to himself.

Their dynamic was starting to feel more and more like it used to, but he didn’t know when they’d be able to return to those most intimate days.

’Maybe after we get married?’

The thought of holding her soft, fragrant body every night sent a thrill of excitement through him.

But getting their marriage license was still a few years away. What about living together before marriage? If he made some... relatively bold requests, would she agree?

A silly grin on his face, he found his mind had wandered for quite a while. Looking up at the vast, dark night outside the window, Jiang Xia gently rubbed the bridge of his nose, then took out some paper and began drawing the storyboards for the thirteenth episode of *Cat and Mouse*.

He had given everyone else time off, but Qitian Animation Company was just now getting on track. If even he, the boss, chose to start slacking off, the company wouldn’t get very far.

It wasn’t until the moon was high in the sky and the night was still that Jiang Xia slowly put down his pencil, yawned, and went to bed.

◇

「Time passed like sand in an hourglass, and in the blink of an eye, it was two days later: Saturday, June 27th.」 It was also the first day for high school graduates in the entire Yu Du Region to submit their university applications—a three-day period lasting until the 29th.

Xia Shanshan asked while eating her noodles, "Aren’t you submitting your applications today?"

"Yeah, I’m going over to her place in a bit. We’re going to discuss which university would be best to apply to," Jiang Xia said.

Xia Shanshan nodded lightly. At this point, she couldn’t change her son’s mind. Besides, with their grades, they had plenty of universities to choose from. In any case, it was better for them to be together than apart.

"So, are you coming back for lunch?"

"Nah, I won’t be back. I’ll just buy some groceries on the way over," Jiang Xia said casually.

Xia Shanshan’s cheek twitched. ’They’ve just started dating, and the little couple is already planning to live their own life?’

"How about this: call them over here, and I’ll cook. You and Yanwan can discuss your applications, and since Xiao Man’s final exams are this Monday, I can help her review."

"Mom, Aunt Ji is home today. Are you trying to invite their whole family over for a meal?"

"Then forget it. Both sets of parents eating together is for when you two get engaged." After a pause, Xia Shanshan looked at her son with a strange tone. "You know her mom is home, and you’re still going over?"

"This is my chance to make a good impression. Let me tell you, once my status as a son-in-law is subtly accepted, the deal is basically sealed. You think your future daughter-in-law is going to run away?" he said with a smile.

"You sure are brave. Most people are afraid of meeting the parents when they’re dating, but you? You’re practically delivering yourself to her doorstep."

"Hehehe, seeing her mom feels as natural as seeing you. What’s there to be afraid of?" Jiang Xia said righteously.

Xia Shanshan shot him a look. "So, you’ve called her ’Mom’ already?"

"Ahem..."

Jiang Xia, who was eating his noodles, suddenly choked. Seeing the embarrassed look on his face, Xia Shanshan knew she had guessed right.

’This little couple really is something else,’ Xia Shanshan thought slyly. ’They haven’t even served the tea to change their form of address, yet they’re already calling the parents ’Mom’ and ’Dad’ so eagerly. Does this mean I don’t even need to prepare a red envelope for their wedding?’

"Mom, I’m full! I’m heading out now," Jiang Xia said, putting down his bowl and bolting.

"Wait, get back here."

Xia Shanshan took 200 yuan out of her wallet and handed it to him. "You can’t go to your future mother-in-law’s house empty-handed. Go buy some nice things to eat."

"Mom’s right."

Jiang Xia accepted it gleefully. With his mom backing him up, he was full of confidence. He went back to his room, grabbed the university application guide, and left.

On his way, he passed a market and bought a huge pile of groceries: ribs, fish, pork belly, chicken legs, and more. He also picked up a jug of cooking oil and a case of milk. It looked a bit like a New Year’s gift, but he figured there was no harm in giving it to his future mother-in-law a little early.

’As long as the thought is there, any time is a good time for a gift.’

After struggling to carry the mountain of groceries upstairs, Jiang Xia took a deep breath to calm himself before knocking on the door.

"Who is it? Coming, coming."

Ji Wanqiu, wearing an apron, opened the door. She was slightly taken aback when she saw Jiang Xia. "Oh, it’s Xiao Xia. My, why did you bring so many things? Come in, quick."

She hurriedly took the plastic bags from him and called back into the apartment, "Yanwan, are you up yet? Xiao Xia is here."

Jiang Xia chuckled. "Aunt Ji, my mom went on a business trip today, so she told me to come here and freeload a meal."

"Oh, you. It’s fine to come over, but why buy all this? Please don’t do this again next time."

"I had to. Otherwise, I’d feel too embarrassed freeloading meals at your house every day."

Ji Wanqiu was speechless.

’You shameless boy, you come looking for my daughter every single day. *Now* you know how to feel embarrassed?’

"I was just about to cook some noodles. Xiao Xia, have you had breakfast yet?" Ji Wanqiu asked as she put the meat in the refrigerator.

Jiang Xia smiled. "I already ate at home, but if it’s the delicious noodles you make, Auntie, I can still eat another bowl."

"Ha, well then, have a little more."

As they were talking, Lin Yanwan emerged from her room, her hair a mess.

Seeing her daughter wearing only a thin nightgown with most of her legs bare, Ji Wanqiu’s eye twitched.

’There’s a boy in the house, and she doesn’t even know how to tidy herself up a bit. Even if they’re boyfriend and girlfriend, no matter how casual she is, she should at least put on a bra, right? Her clothes are so revealing, what is she thinking!’

"Since you’re up, stop wearing your pajamas. Go get changed!" Ji Wanqiu said irritably.

"Oh."

Lin Yanwan nodded meekly. She knew her mom was scolding her for not wearing a bra in front of a guest, but she used to change clothes right in front of Jiang Xia. What part of her body hadn’t he seen? At least she was wearing a nightgown now.

Jiang Xia pretended not to understand, though his eyes instinctively snuck a couple of glances before he followed his future mother-in-law into the kitchen.

"Auntie, let me help you wash the vegetables."

"No, no, you go watch TV. For seasoning, do you eat spicy food?"

"I can eat a little."

"Okay, I’ll add just a little chili oil for you then."

A little while later, Lin Yanwan came out of her bedroom, changed into a comfy T-shirt and loose pants. She looked at Jiang Xia and said, "What are you doing here?"

Jiang Xia blinked. "Wifey, hungry, food-food."

Lin Yanwan couldn’t help but roll her eyes at him. "Say that to my mom if you’ve got the guts."

"Hehehe, next time for sure."

...

(Sorry, sorry, I missed updates for two days. I’ve been drinking so much my head is splitting. Yesterday, a few of us finished 6 jin of baijiu, and I didn’t get home until 4 AM. From now on, I will not eat, not drink, and not sleep. I will only write, day after day, night after night.)