Chapter 170: Chapter 168: Twists and Turns, and Yet Another

Hearing what Wang Mu said, Chen Zhengnian readily agreed.

“Yes, thank you, ma’am.”

Wang Mu didn’t say much more. She glanced at him, then looked away.

It was as if she hadn’t been the one to give Chen Zhengnian that thoughtful reminder just moments before.

The atmosphere at dinner was a bit more relaxed than it had been at lunch.

Although Wang Mu still didn’t say much, she would occasionally add a word or two when Chen Zhengnian took the initiative to talk about the local culture of the Northwest or share interesting anecdotes from his time in the military.

Sleeping arrangements for the night were a problem.

Wang Xinxin’s home only had two small bedrooms, both with single beds. Wang Mu had one, and Wang Xinxin had the other.

Naturally, Chen Zhengnian couldn’t squeeze in with them.

Wang Mu dug a folding army cot out of a closet and managed to set it up in the cramped living room.

“The place is small. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

Wang Mu’s tone was level, but compared to her initial iciness, it was practically warm.

“This is great, ma’am.”

Chen Zhengnian didn’t mind in the slightest; his tone was even a little nostalgic.

“I’m very familiar with army cots. This is much better than the conditions we have when camping.”

That night, Wang Xinxin lay in her little bed, unable to sleep as she listened to the sounds of Chen Zhengnian tossing and turning in the living room.

When she woke up the next day, Chen Zhengnian was already up and chatting with Wang Mu in the kitchen.

It sounded like he wanted to cook, but Wang Mu wouldn’t let him.

Their conversation sounded much more familiar, lacking the awkwardness from the day they first met.

Over the next two days, Chen Zhengnian completely settled into the little family’s way of life.

He woke up earlier than anyone else, quietly folded up the army cot, and then went out to buy breakfast.

He’d bring back a rotating variety of pan-fried buns, soy milk, and fried dough sticks.

He eagerly pitched in with chores, sweeping the floors and wiping the tables. He even saw Wang Mu about to carry some water and immediately rushed over to take the load from her.

“Ma’am, let me.”

With his strength, carrying two buckets of water looked as easy as child’s play.

Wang Mu went from giving him the cold shoulder at first to eventually calling him Little Chen.

When their neighbor Uncle Li’s lightbulb burned out, he grabbed a stool and went to help change it without a second thought.

He would also stand and watch the old men playing chess at the mouth of the alley, occasionally chiming in with a comment or two that made them roar with laughter.

Wang Mu took note of all this.

She realized that Chen Zhengnian didn’t put on any airs at all.

He was a sincere hard worker with an open and honest gaze, and he was exceptionally considerate toward Xinxin.

The way he looked at Xinxin was filled with a genuine affection that he couldn’t hide even if he wanted to.

When you love someone, your eyes can’t lie.

On the evening of the third day, Wang Mu was knitting a sweater while the news played on the television.

Chen Zhengnian sat on a small stool beside her, carefully helping her wind a new ball of yarn.

His fingers were long and deft, and he wound the yarn quickly and neatly.

Watching his focused profile, Wang Mu’s knitting needles slowed, and she suddenly spoke.

“That girl, Xinxin, has always had a mind of her own. She’s set her heart on you, so I can’t stop her.”

“I don’t need you to transfer to Shanghai, either. As long as you treat her well, I’ll be content.”

Chen Zhengnian’s hands, still winding the yarn, froze. He looked up, his eyes instantly lighting up as if all the stars in the night sky had just been ignited.

His Adam’s apple bobbed, and his voice was low and solemn as he spoke.

“Ma’am, you have my word! I will treat Xinxin well, protect her for the rest of my life, and make sure she lives a happy one!”

Wang Xinxin, who had just walked out of the kitchen, heard those very words.

The strongest line of defense around her mother’s heart had finally, completely crumbled.

Wang Mu didn’t look at them. She just lowered her head and continued knitting, but the corners of her mouth curved up into a slight smile.

Chen Zhengnian had only taken a few days of leave, and the journey back would take time, so they had to leave on the fifth day.

“I will come back to formally propose as soon as possible, ma’am.”

Now that he had Wang Mu’s approval, Chen Zhengnian had to go back and tell his own parents.

He was determined to marry Wang Xinxin, whether his family objected or not.

“There’s no rush. I’ll be going to the Northwest in a little while.”

Her niece-in-law was about to have a baby, and of course, she had to go visit.

It would also be a perfect opportunity for her to see the environment where Wang Xinxin was living.

The two families could meet there.

Chen Zhengnian nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, of course, ma’am.”

Wang Mu handed him a few bags. “Some of this is for my sister, and the rest is for you two.”

“I know you two don’t lack for anything over there, but wasn’t there just a flood in that area?”

“Just take them. They’re not anything valuable, but I hope you’ll find them useful.”

Chen Zhengnian looked at the bulging cloth bags Wang Mu was handing him.

He knew this was a token of her goodwill, and it would seem overly distant to refuse. He reached out and took them, gripping the bags tightly in both hands.

“Thank you, ma’am. You’ve gone to too much trouble.”

Wang Xinxin felt her eyes well up. She stepped forward to help place the bags into their already packed luggage.

“Mom, we’re leaving now. Take good care of yourself, eat your meals on time, and don’t always be trying to save money.”

Wang Mu waved her hand. A flicker of reluctance crossed her eyes, but she maintained a calm facade. “I know, I know. Travel safely, and send word when you arrive.”

They got to the station with some time to spare before their train’s departure. Chen Zhengnian set down their luggage and pulled Wang Xinxin aside by the hand.

“Xinxin, I’m so happy that your mom has given us her approval.”

He looked at Wang Xinxin, the joy practically spilling from his eyes.

“Once I get back and talk things over with my parents, we’ll set a date for the wedding as soon as possible.”

Wang Xinxin’s cheeks flushed slightly as she nodded, her heart a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

“Okay. I’ll leave it all up to you.”

The train’s departure whistle blew, and the two reluctantly said their goodbyes to Wang Mu.

Through the train window, Wang Xinxin watched her mother’s stationary figure shrink into the distance until it vanished completely. She finally leaned against Chen Zhengnian’s shoulder, and the tears began to fall.

Chen Zhengnian gently patted her back, comforting her. “Don’t be sad. We’ll see her again when your mom comes to the Northwest.”

「After a long and bumpy journey, the two finally returned to the Northwest.」

As soon as they arrived at their residence, Chen Zhengnian wasted no time in sending a telegram to Wang Mu to let her know they had arrived safely.

However, the first order of business upon their return was to go see Mr. and Mrs. Lu.

Su Tang was close to giving birth; her due date was only about a month away.

The hospital had approved her maternity leave, so she was no longer going in to work.

So, when the two of them returned, the first person they saw was Su Tang.

Lu Xiao was at the training grounds and hadn’t come back yet.

“You’re back?”

A hint of pleasant surprise flashed in Su Tang’s eyes. Wang Xinxin rushed forward and took her cousin-in-law’s hand.

“Yes, Su Tang! My mom agreed! I’m so happy.”

Being young, Wang Xinxin couldn’t hide her feelings. Su Tang was overjoyed for her when she heard the news.

“That’s wonderful news! Now that my aunt has agreed, you two can start planning the wedding.”

Su Tang had Wang Xinxin sit down on the sofa while Chen Zhengnian brought in the gifts from Wang Mu, along with other things he and Wang Xinxin had bought, and placed them on the table.

“My mom also said she’s going to come visit in a little while. She wants to see you all.”

“Now, all that’s left is to visit his family.”

Wang Xinxin added with a blush, glancing toward Chen Zhengnian.

“Chen Lü! I knew you’d be here! You need to get home, quick! All hell’s broken loose at your house!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep