Chapter 19: Visiting Relatives

“Jiang Jingming, how do I look dressed like this?”

Sang Yu came downstairs, wearing a blouse printed with small yellow flowers on the upper half of her body and a yellow skirt below. On her feet were a pair of chunky-heeled pumps; her hair flowed straight and smooth down her back, adorned with a yellow headband.

They had only briefly met during the wedding toast that day, so she wasn’t sure if his family would like this style. Although there was little affection between her and Jiang Jingming, since she was going to meet his elders, she still felt a bit anxious.

The moment Sang Yu appeared, Jiang Jingming’s gaze fixed on her. The girl before him looked like a sprite who had just emerged from a bed of flowers. His eyes stared blankly, his heartbeat racing wildly after a brief pause.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like how I look?” Sang Yu asked after a long silence from the man.

When she looked up, their eyes met for a fleeting moment, then quickly averted. Sang Yu felt Jiang Jingming’s gaze was strange, as if he wanted to devour her.

“You look beautiful,” Jiang Jingming said, his voice deep and resonant like a cello. Sang Yu felt a warm flush rising to her ears and cheeks.

“I’d better hurry; let’s go,” she said quickly, grabbing her things and leaving.

Jiang Jingming watched her near-panicked retreat with the faintest curl of a smile, then followed her out.

In the car’s confined, silent space, Sang Yu’s thoughts drifted back to Jiang Jingming’s gaze. She had dated in the twenty-first century, though it ended in a breakup, and she understood what such a look meant.

He couldn’t be fond of her already, could he? But they had only known each other a few days. Her mind was a tangled mess.

Soon, they arrived at the entrance of the house, where several people were waiting. Sang Yu felt nervous.

“Don’t be afraid,” Jiang Jingming suddenly said.

Sang Yu turned to meet his reassuring eyes and nodded.

As they stepped out, a woman came forward: “Xiao Yu, you’re here! How are you? Tired?”

This must be Jiang Jingming’s eldest aunt.

“No, Auntie, I’m not tired,” Sang Yu replied with a smile.

Eldest Aunt He Xiulan looked at her tenderly. “Good, good! Come inside; we’ll talk indoors.”

“Oh, Xiulan, is this Jingming’s wife?” a neighbor woman happened to come out and saw the scene.

“Yes, this is Jingming’s wife, Sang Yu.”

“Sang Yu, this is Aunt Wang.”

“Hello, Aunt Wang,” Sang Yu greeted politely.

Aunt Wang smiled. “Hello, hello, what a lovely young lady!”

“Yes,” He Xiulan said, clearly pleased.

“Well, I’m off to buy groceries. I won’t keep you,” Aunt Wang said.

“Okay, come visit us sometime,” He Xiulan replied.

He Xiulan led Sang Yu to the doorway. “Xiao Yu, this is your eldest uncle, your cousin, your cousin-in-law, and your younger female cousin.”

Sang Yu greeted each one in turn.

“Hello, sister-in-law,” Wei Jin smiled warmly.

Sang Yu looked at her cousin-in-law, a classical beauty dressed in a dark cheongsam, her hair elegantly pinned up, her smile gentle.

“Hello, cousin-in-law.”

“Enough greetings for now. Come inside,” He Xiulan urged.

They all entered the house together, forgetting that Jiang Jingming was still outside. He shook his head in resignation and carried their things inside.

In the living room, He Xiulan warmly offered Sang Yu some fruit. “Here, Xiao Yu, have some fruit. I don’t know what you like, so tell me. Next time you come, I’ll prepare it in advance.”

“Thank you, Auntie. I like all kinds.”

“Good, good.”

Sang Yu felt deeply touched. She had worried that Jiang Jingming’s family might be difficult, but their warmth instantly eased her nerves.

She looked up to see Jiang Jingming entering and suddenly remembered the gifts she had brought.

“Oh, I brought gifts for everyone,” she said, approaching him to take the items.

“These are tonic supplements for your eldest uncle and aunt.”

“These are for your cousin.”

“These are for your cousin-in-law.”

“And these for your younger cousin.”

“You brought gifts? You didn’t have to,” He Xiulan chided playfully but was very pleased. This girl was a good person; that put her at ease.

“Your aunt is right. We’re family; no need for formalities,” Eldest Uncle Jiang Songwen said.

“This is my first visit; it would be impolite to come empty-handed. Next time, I won’t bring anything,” Sang Yu said with a teasing smile.

He Xiulan laughed. “Alright, alright, no need next time.”

“Xiao Yu, we already know about your situation with your cousin,” He Xiulan suddenly said.

Sang Yu’s heart tightened. She had feared this. After all, it was Song Jiajia who had been betrothed before, not her.

“Don’t worry. We were a bit upset when we learned, but Jingming explained everything. We understand you had no choice. We’re not the kind to cause trouble, so don’t worry. Since you’re willing to marry Jingming, we’re family now.”

Sang Yu was genuinely moved. “Thank you, Auntie.”

“Silly girl, there’s nothing to thank us for,” He Xiulan said, taking her hand warmly.

Jiang Songwen then beckoned Jiang Jingming. “Jingming, come with me to the study.”

Jiang Jingming glanced at Sang Yu chatting with He Xiulan and her family, then followed his uncle.

In the study, Jiang Songwen got straight to the point. “Since you have no objections, Xiao Yu is your wife now. You must treat her well.”

Jiang Jingming nodded. “I understand, Uncle.”

“You tend to keep things to yourself. Now that you have someone who understands you, your aunt and I are relieved. Your parents in heaven can rest easy too.”

Jiang Jingming pressed his lips together.

“You’re no longer in the army, but as a police officer, your duties can be dangerous. Don’t recklessly throw yourself into danger. Always think of your wife.”

Jiang Jingming bowed his head. “I understand.”

“Good. I’ve said what I needed to. It’s about time you two start a family. You’re already twenty-eight years old; you’re not getting any younger.”

Jiang Songwen paused, then asked, “How old is Xiao Yu?”

“Twenty.”

Quite a gap, then. He had been four years older than Song Jiajia, but now the difference was eight years.

Jiang Songwen looked at Jiang Jingming with a meaningful gaze.

Jiang Jingming chose to ignore it. What did an eight-year difference matter? His own parents had a seven-year age gap.

Jiang Songwen thought silently: Truly, the younger generation is surpassing the old.