Chapter 8: What if your family doesn’t like me?

For a long time, Mother Zhou searched back and forth in her mind, but still couldn’t figure out who Jiang Xiao was. However, based on Zhou Xiulin’s attitude today, she understood clearly that her son’s return was just to inform them, as he had already made up his mind. Is there a movie or TV star named Jiang Xiao? Or is she one of his classmates?

“Xiulin, why so sudden?” Mother Zhou’s smile faded.

Since junior high school, Zhou Xiulin has been receiving confession letters and gifts from girls. His thoughts have never been focused on this. Except for studying and sports, he never seems interested in romance. When other children were in puppy love, Zhou Xiulin had nothing more to say to his female classmates other than discussing their studies.

As Zhou Xiulin graduated from university and graduate school, Mother Zhou began to worry.  Why haven’t her son found a partner yet? Her husband always said she was worrying too much. Women tend to be more emotional than men.

Mother Zhou had tried several times to ask, but Zhou Xiulin always replied casually. He had not found someone suitable or someone he liked.

When asked what kind of person he liked, he said, “I don’t know for now. I’ll tell you when I meet someone in the future.”

Mother Zhou was indeed a person who had accompanied Father Zhou through half of his life. She quickly regained her composure and smiled, “I haven’t heard you mention it before? It’s so sudden, and we haven’t prepared anything.”

Father Zhou looked at the current situation and knew it was not the right venue for conversation. “Let’s go in and talk about it.”

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“Well, I’ll bring her to meet you this weekend,” Zhou Xiulin said.

Mother Zhou laughed and cried, “You don’t even make us worry about your marriage. How old is she? What does she do? Where is she from?”

Zhou Xiulin knew that his mother was just like any other woman, inevitably curious about his future wife, so he answered all her questions one by one. On the other hand, Father Zhou remained calm and leisurely sipped his tea.

After hearing all the details, Mother Zhou said, “She’s the same age as Yan Yan, just graduated from college. How did this little girl manage to capture my son?” She couldn’t help but be curious, but she didn’t ask any more questions.

Zhou Xiulin didn’t have dinner at home. Mother Zhou was helpless. “My son is finally getting married, but why do I feel like something’s not right?”

Father Zhou smiled, “What’s wrong?”

Mother Zhou frowned, “Don’t you find it strange? He’s not having a wedding for his marriage. What is he planning?”

Father Zhou pondered, “Maybe it’s about his personal image. After all, Xiulin is also half a part of the entertainment industry, so it’s for the sake of privacy.”

Mother Zhou had a headache, “But any girl would want a wedding. Which girl doesn’t look forward to a wedding?”

Father Zhou put his arm around her shoulder, “Don’t think too much. Xiulin is getting married, we should be happy.”

At dinner time, Zhou Yanyan returned home and heard that her brother had come back and left again. She couldn’t help but complain, “Why is my brother like this? He doesn’t even have time to have dinner at home.”

Father Zhou said, “Your brother has a girlfriend, so naturally he has to accompany her.”

Zhou Yanyan’s chopstick-picking action stopped, “Dad, who told you? Isn’t it just a rumor again?”

Father Zhou looked at his daughter indulgently, “He’s bringing his girlfriend to see us this weekend.”

Zhou Yanyan looked at her mother, “Mom, is it true?” She was a bit skeptical in her heart.

Mother Zhou smirked, “Yes. Remember to cancel all the weekend activities.”

Zhou Yanyan nodded, “What does my brother’s girlfriend do?”

“She graduated from J University and works at your brother’s company. We don’t know much else. We’ll find out when we meet her,” Father Zhou said.

J University is a university in the province and ranks among the top 10 in the country. Being able to get into J University at least shows that his brother’s girlfriend is quite smart. Zhou Yanyan is an average student. She went abroad to study because she couldn’t get into a good school in China. Listening to her mother’s tone, it seemed that her mother was not very happy. 

She smiled and said, “Although I’m a little jealous that my brother has a girlfriend, I’m actually looking forward to meeting my future sister-in-law. Dad, Mom, you can rest assured this time. Maybe next year, you’ll have a grandchild.”

Father Zhou laughed, “Then I can retire early.” He looked at his wife, “You should also tidy up your work and hand it over this year. Next year, we’ll stay at home and take care of our grandchildren.”

Mother Zhou gave him a sideways glance, “You’re talking as if it’s easy.”

In the evening, the aunt finished cooking and left. Jiang Xiao and Zhou Xiulin had dinner together. After dinner, Jiang Xiao volunteered to do the dishes, but Zhou Xiulin stood up and picked up the dishes and utensils one by one and put them in the dishwasher.

Jiang Xiao looked at the luxurious kitchen, which had no hint of smoke or fire. “Did you used to cook at home?”

Zhou Xiulin smirked, “Rarely.” Very rarely.

“Then that’s really a waste.”

“Now, everything is being used, right?”

Jiang Xiao had nothing to say. Why did he buy all of these things if they were not going to use them in the first place?

“Did you go back to school today?” he asked.

“I went to get some things.”

“You should have let me come with you.”

She was afraid that his presence would cause unnecessary misunderstandings if he came.

“It’s just a few things, I can handle it myself.”

Zhou Xiulin glanced at her belly. “I’m just worried.”

Jiang Xiao rubbed her belly. “I’m very strong, and little bean sprout inside my belly is also very obedient.”

“Little bean sprout? Is that the nickname you gave the baby?” Zhou Xiulin squinted his eyes.

“It’s not a nickname, it’s a pet name! I found out I was pregnant on the day I had a plate of bean sprouts for lunch.” She thought the name was cute. “Do you think it sounds good?”

Zhou Xiulin had no objections. “Do you care about my opinion?” She stood beside him, he was more than half a head taller than her. When he spoke, he lowered his head slightly, his breath brushing past her ear, his breath approaching, and she took a step back subconsciously.

There was a cabinet behind her. Zhou Xiulin quickly reached out and grabbed her waist, the two of them almost touching each other. They locked eyes at such a close distance.

Jiang Xiao’s eyes met his, and in his eyes, she saw her own panicked face.

In the quiet space, there was an inexplicable charm, and even the air became thin.

He looked at her clear eyes and gently said, “Be careful.” He helped her up and slowly withdrew his hand.

Jiang Xiao felt a fiery heat around her waist, and her heart was beating fast, and a tingling sensation flowed through her. Many emotions surged up, and she had no time to hide them. After standing up, she looked around and said, “I’ll go wash the fruit.”

Zhou Xiulin remained calm and said, “Wash some grapes.”

“Okay, Mr. Zhou,” Jiang Xiao muttered, “It’s a hassle.” She obediently took a bunch of grapes from the fridge.

During their short time together, Zhou Xiulin discovered that Jiang Xiao was a complete phone addict. Except for eating and sleeping, she almost always had her phone in her hand. Of course, most of the time, she was using her phone for work.

At that moment, he wanted to talk to her about meeting his parents over the weekend.

Jiang Xiao was scrolling through Weibo when the first name on the hot search caught her attention.

[Jin Zhongbei]

Clicking on it revealed a series of photos of Jin Zhongbei at Jincheng Airport. Obviously, these photos were not staged. The angle captured by the journalist, coupled with Jin Zhongbei’s appearance and temperament, made them look like a set of fashion photos. Jin Zhongbei was wearing a simple white shirt and jeans, walking among the crowd, still shining. He was a born clothes hanger and looked good in everything. And with his magnetic voice, who knows how many female fans he has charmed.

She raised her head and thought for a moment, “I heard that Jin Zhongbei has been invited to play the male lead in the TV drama ‘The Prosperous World’.”

Zhou Xiulin’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment before asking, “Are you his fan?”

“I met him when I first became a personal assistant.”

Zhou Xiulin made a sound of acknowledgement.

“The film and television rights of ‘The Prosperous World’ are in Huaxia. Cheng Ying and Jin Zhongbei have cooperated before, and if Jin Zhongbei agrees this will be their second collaboration. Fans are looking forward to it.”

“You also seem to be looking forward to it.”

“I have read the original novel of ‘The Prosperous World’, and Jin Zhongbei is very suitable for the male lead role.”

Zhou Xiulin remained noncommittal, “The contract has not been signed yet.”

“Xinran has also signed for ‘The Prosperous World’, she is a special performer.”

Zhou Xiulin looked at her, knowing that she had not finished speaking.

“Xinran is also good to me. Since she is filming ‘The Prosperous World’, I should continue to work with her. Before I give birth, I want to finish this job.”

Zhou Xiulin said meaningfully, “Jiang Xiao, why did you become a celebrity assistant? Is it because you are chasing celebrities?”

“Of course not.”

“The company is already selecting a new assistant for Zhao Xinran.”

“I just became a regular employee, and you want to fire me?”

“Do you think you can still work as an assistant in your current situation?”

“According to China’s Labor Contract Law, employers cannot dismiss pregnant women for any reason.”

Zhou Xiulin sighed, “If you are dismissed without cause, you can be compensated.”

“Mr. Zhou, I think we need to have a serious discussion.”

Zhou Xiulin smiled lightly, “Miss Jiang, please speak.”

Jiang Xiao sat up straight and cleared her throat, “Although you are Little Bean Sprout’s father and can take care of Little Bean Sprout in the future, you cannot control me, and you cannot interfere with my choices.”

Zhou Xiulin calmly asked, “Is there anything else?”

“I know you are very rich. Even if we get married in the future, I still hope that I can rely on my own abilities to work and earn money.”

Zhou Xiulin felt disheartened. There are too many people in this society who follow the crowd for the sake of money, even willing to sell themselves. Due to his status, Zhou Xiulin has also received various temptations. He didn’t know how to persuade her and suddenly felt that Jiang Xiao was a bit foolish. Why not hold onto the father of her child tightly? “Jiang Xiao, I didn’t say you can’t work. It’s just that your body is not suitable for this job right now. It’s too hard.”

“I’ll only go once. After Xinran finishes filming ‘The Prosperous World’, I’ll come back.” She looked determined. “You don’t have to worry, I’ll take care of myself.”

Zhou Xiulin pressed his lips together and didn’t say anything, his brow furrowing. “You can go, but I’ll arrange for someone to follow you.”

Jiang Xiao: “…”

Zhou Xiulin exhaled, “I’ve already told my parents that we’ll go back this weekend for dinner.”

Jiang Xiao’s face tightened. “Your parents won’t object?”

Zhou Xiulin raised his eyebrows. “Adults should be responsible for their own actions, especially since we’ll be parents ourselves.” He hinted at something.

Jiang Xiao bit her lip. “What if your family doesn’t like me?”

“They won’t dislike you.” Zhou Xiulin could tell she was nervous and softened his voice.

Jiang Xiao pulled the corner of her mouth and looked at him, her gaze growing deeper. “What about your sister? Does she know about me too?”

Author’s Note: There are stories and past experiences. 

The second male lead, Jin Zhongbei, enters the scene. He was the one who was criticized yesterday. 

Please give him a little love~~

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