Chapter 161 - 159: Celebration Banquet? Engagement Banquet

Chapter 161: Chapter 159: Celebration Banquet? Engagement Banquet

"Xiao Man’s Mother, Jiang Xia told me Yanwan got into Tsinghua University too. Congratulations!"

Xia Shanshan’s warm, gentle voice came through the receiver, sounding utterly delighted.

Ji Wanqiu noticed the word "too" and replied with a laugh, "Congratulations to you as well! I was just about to call you, Teacher Xia, when I saw your call coming in."

"Hahaha, what a coincidence."

"It really is. And my congratulations to Xiao Xia on getting into Qingmei."

Xia Shanshan sighed with emotion. "The kids have been studying for more than ten years. It’s so much more exhausting than when we were students. But thankfully, their hard work paid off. It was all worth it."

"Yes, it really was," Ji Wanqiu said with a laugh. "When Yanwan called to tell me, I was completely stunned. I wondered what was going on, and then she dropped this wonderful surprise on me!"

"Tell me about it! When the delivery guy showed up earlier, I thought it was just something Jiang Xia had ordered online. But then I realized it was an acceptance letter from Tsinghua University. My heart was just pounding with excitement."

Xia Shanshan’s eyes were smiling as she pursed her lips and proposed, "Yanwan’s mom, since both our kids got into Tsinghua University, we absolutely have to celebrate. What do you say to coming over to my place for a casual dinner tonight?"

Ji Wanqiu paused for a second, then laughed. "Teacher Xia, we’re on the same wavelength. I was just telling Yanwan’s father that our two families should get together for a meal. He said this is a double blessing, a wonderful omen, and we absolutely have to celebrate."

"Wow, we really are in sync," Xia Shanshan said, her smile widening. "By the way, are you and your husband still at work?"

"Um... yes, we are. It’s been a bit hectic these last couple of days. How about this? Why don’t we go out for hot pot later?" Ji Wanqiu proposed.

Xia Shanshan laughed. "Don’t go to all that trouble. We’re all family here, no need to be so formal. You two just focus on work and don’t worry about the meal. Come straight over when you’re done. In a little while, I’ll have Jiang Xia go and pick up Yanwan and Xiao Man."

"Teacher Xia, we couldn’t possibly. It’s too much trouble for you."

"Ha, it’s no trouble at all. I’ll just be whipping up a few simple dishes. I just hope you won’t mind my cooking."

"Please don’t say that, Teacher Xia. Xiao Man has told me many times that your cooking is even better than mine."

Xia Shanshan chuckled softly. "Then it’s settled. You must come, now."

"Okay, we will."

After hanging up, Xia Shanshan turned to her son, her face beaming with joy. "I’ve already spoken with Yanwan’s mom. They’re eating here tonight. You go pick up Yanwan and Xiao Man right now. I’m going to the market to buy groceries."

"...Alright, then."

The corner of Jiang Xia’s mouth twitched. He knew he had no power to argue in this matter. ’I just hope tonight’s celebration doesn’t turn into our engagement dinner,’ he thought.

"What’s with the ’alright, then’? Go on, get out of here and go pick them up."

Xia Shanshan generously pulled out two hundred yuan and handed it to him. "Spending money. Use it to buy them some snacks, or some flowers. It’s up to you."

Jiang Xia winced inwardly. He knew his mom was subtly teasing him about the time he bought flowers for Lin Yanwan.

"You should probably use this to buy groceries."

He was the biggest earner in the family now. A mere two hundred yuan was nothing—he could make that just by sketching a few drawings.

Leaving the cool, air-conditioned room, the scorching summer heat outside hit him like a wave.

Jiang Xia fanned himself with his hand. Seeing the blazing sun outside, he decided to take a taxi.

The temperature today was 102°F. Thankfully, the taxi had air conditioning; otherwise, he might have gotten heatstroke.

He pulled out his phone to call Wang Ming, deciding to "console" his best bro. "Old Wang, did your acceptance letter arrive yet?"

The phone rang for several seconds before the call connected, followed by Wang Ming’s distracted voice.

"Not yet. Why? Did yours?"

"Yep. My wife’s and mine both arrived. Both for Tsinghua," Jiang Xia said with a laugh, his voice brimming with smug satisfaction.

Hearing this, the taxi driver shot him a surprised glance. ’It’s bad enough this kid is so handsome, but he also got into Tsinghua? And his girlfriend, too?’

’Good grief. I guess exceptional people really do attract each other, huh? Is there any justice in this world?!’

Wang Ming winced. ’Damn it,’ he thought, ’this bastard is definitely just calling to gloat.’

’He’s going on and on about his "wife." He’s got the triple crown—love, school, and a career—while I’m stuck here slaving away for other people. My life is just grinding out concept art, day in and day out.’

’But so what if he has a "wife"? Is that so amazing? They both got into Tsinghua, big deal. Is that going to affect my seven-hundred-yuan-a-month salary?’

"But don’t worry. Our applications were different. Maybe in another day or two..."

Before Jiang Xia could finish his droning, Wang Ming decisively hung up.

Silence returned to the world.

Jiang Xia couldn’t help but sigh. ’Why won’t even my best friend listen to me share my happiness? He must be jealous!’

’So disappointing! Utterly disappointing!’

The taxi stopped at a red light at the intersection. The driver hesitated, then asked, "You said you got into Tsinghua. Is your dad by any chance Jiang Wende?"

Jiang Xia paused, then it dawned on him. They both drove for the same taxi company, so they probably knew each other, though this driver looked about ten years younger than Jiang Wende.

"Yeah. You know my dad?"

"Old Jiang? Every driver knows him. He’s a really warm-hearted guy," the driver said with a laugh.

Jiang Xia smiled as well. His dad did have a great personality. He could strike up a conversation with anyone in their apartment complex, and he’d never turn down a request for help if he could manage it.

"Back at the company, he told a bunch of us that his son got into Tsinghua University. Everyone thought he was just bragging, but it turned out to be true! Hahaha, I’m going to have a field day with this story when I get back."

The taxi driver roared with laughter. A sudden honk from behind made him realize the light had turned green. He let out the clutch, hit the gas, and the car started forward, gradually picking up speed.

"Right, where did you say you were headed?"

"The East Gate of Brocade Splendor City," Jiang Xia said.

Upon reaching the destination, the driver absolutely refused to take Jiang Xia’s fare. He even left him his phone number, telling him to call if he ever had trouble finding a taxi. As long as it was in the city, he promised, he’d be there within ten minutes.

After all, in the world of adults, networking is all about self-interest. Building a good relationship with a top Tsinghua student now could pay off down the line.

Jiang Xia bought two ice cream cones and a bottle of water from the store next to the complex. He crept quietly up the stairs without giving any warning, planning to give his "wife" a surprise.

Staring at the securely locked door, he muttered under his breath, ’It’d be nice if I had a key.’

He knocked on the door. A moment later, Lin Yanwan opened it. Seeing Jiang Xia standing outside, a glimmer of joy appeared in the depths of her eyes.

"What brings you here?"