BXBX NOVEL Chapter 279 - 279: Zhang Ping
Zhang Ling had gotten married, leaving only Jiang Qing as the close and caring girl beside Zhao Wan, who doted on her immensely.
Gently patting Jiang Qing’s hand, Zhao Wan said, “Okay, you two go out first. I’ll change and be right there.”
It was her first time meeting her in-laws, and wearing white was not suitable. Plus, she was curious about their real intentions for visiting. So, she decided to wear something more formal.
Jiang Qing and Su Zhen waited outside. Just then, Zhang Ping and his brothers returned home. Upon seeing his wife, an excited Zhang Ping quickened his steps towards her and proudly showed off a snow-white rabbit fur scarf.
“Dear, do you like it?”
Jiang Qing, thrilled, hugged the soft scarf, “Where did you get this?”
Zhang Ping teased, “Guess.”
Zhang’s second brother couldn’t stand their public display of affection and blurted out, “Big brother made it himself! He caught wild rabbits in the mountains and secretly worked on this scarf for several days.”
Overwhelmed, Jiang Qing hugged Zhang Ping tightly in front of everyone, “I love it! Why did you suddenly give me this scarf?”
Wrapping his arm around his wife’s waist, Zhang Ping replied, “Have you forgotten? Today’s your birthday. 1 prepared this gift especially for you.”
Pulling away from his embrace, Jiang Qing playfully scolded, “Fool! We’re married now. Who celebrates birthdays so religiously?” But she couldn’t resist touching the soft fur.
Jiang Chuan’s family, curious about the commotion, came out and witnessed the scene.
Zhou Lan, with stars in her eyes, romantically imagined the scene. Leaning on Jiang Chuan, she commented, “Young people are so romantic.”
“Am 1 not romantic enough for you?” Jiang Chuan retorted playfully.
Jiang Xia rolled her eyes, thinking, “Can’t these two stop showing off their love in front of minors?”
Recalling her parents, Jiang Qing quickly introduced them to her husband.
Zhang Ping respectfully bowed, addressing them as father and mother. His brothers greeted them as well.
Zhou Lan tapped Zhang Ping’s shoulder, feeling his solid muscles. Close up, despite his sun-tanned skin, his handsome features and charismatic appeal were undeniable.
Upon closer look at Zhang Ping, despite his skin being somewhat tanned from constant sun exposure, his handsome facial features were undeniable. There was a rugged charm about him, and his eyes shone brilliantly.
Zhou Lan was puzzled. Hadn’t the matchmaker said that Zhang Ping had a big beard? And that he was an uncouth man who didn’t care about personal hygiene? She had felt sorry that her beautiful daughter might have ended up with such a man. But those were all rumors! He was clearly a caring and ruggedly masculine man. This was precisely the kind of setting that was popular in romance novels!
Jiang Xia tugged at her dress and signaled with her eyes, “Mom, don’t drool! Stop imagining scenes from novels!”
Indeed, no one knows a mother better than her daughter. Zhou Lan chuckled and retracted her hand.
Zhang Ping spoke first, “Mom and Dad, you came at the right time. I just caught four fish from the mountain. We can have a full fish feast tonight! We also picked some shiitake mushrooms from the mountain, which can be stir-fried with vegetables.”
The latter part was meant for Jiang Qing since she usually did the cooking.
Zhou Lan waved her hand, “Why stir-fry the vegetables with shiitake mushrooms? Let me make a dish for you – chicken stewed with mushrooms. I guarantee it will be so delicious that you’ll drool!”
Su Zhen nodded frantically on the side. He knew Zhou Lan’s culinary skills. If she could make a wild vegetable pie taste so good, then the stewed chicken would undoubtedly be even better!
Jiang Qing hesitated, “Mother, you’ve traveled such a long distance to be here. How can we let you cook for us?”
Zhou Lan boasted, “What’s the big deal? I want you to taste my improved cooking. I’m really good at it now.”
Zhou Lan genuinely wanted to cook the meal herself. The Zhang family’s meals were much better than theirs. If Jiang Qing were to cook with such premium ingredients, she might just quickly stir-fry them, not fully showcasing the ingredients’ potential. But Zhou Lan, with her knowledge of modern recipes, could definitely create a more delectable dish.
Jiang Chuan knew exactly what his wife was thinking and chimed in, “Xiao Qing, today’s your birthday. You don’t need to worry about anything. Just sit and wait for the meal.”
Only then did Jiang Qing stop protesting.
Zhao Wan also emerged, having changed into a green cheongsam. Autumn and winter attire often incorporated animal fur, making her outfit look warm and cozy..