Meng Bei wasn’t looking forward to seeing his terrifying older cousin either.
The image of being pantsed by her as a child and having his privates flicked was burnt into his memory. Every time it crossed his mind, he couldn’t help but shudder. At home, he feared nothing and no one except this particular cousin, who struck terror in his heart like a tiger.
"Look at you, your mouth’s gotten so sweet. You must be charming all the girls at school."
Shi Qianxi pinched Meng Bei’s face.
Since when did older cousins say things like that,
yet none of the elders seemed to mind, watching the scene with amusement.
"Sis, no way, you know I’m not interested in those little girls."
Although only in the eighth grade, Meng Bei insisted vigorously, feeling embarrassed about being manhandled by his cousin but not daring to resist.
At school, his word was law, and even the ninth graders had to greet him with "Brother Bei," but he didn’t dare show the slightest bit of temper in front of this cousin.
Having lived in East Sea, even from his parents’ conversations, Meng Bei had heard of his older cousin’s exploits. Coupled with his traumatic experiences in childhood, he would feel inexplicably panicked every time he saw her, speaking with a guilty conscience and not even thinking of challenging her authority.
He was quite grown up now, but if he truly angered her, Meng Bei had no doubt she would still dare to depants him in public.
"Tsk, little girls? You sure are picky for a kid."
Shi Qianxi couldn’t care less as she pinched Meng Bei’s face even harder, making him grimace in pain but still standing obediently and letting her do as she pleased without moving a muscle.
Jiang Chen actually felt a bit of sympathy for the kid.
It was his first time meeting him, but with such an older cousin, he could imagine how miserable the boy must be.
And Meng Jiye’s parents were just spectators to it all, offering no help to their son to escape the clutches of his cousin. On the contrary, they were all smiles.
Such deep sibling love.
Such a heartwarming scene.
It was only after Shi Qianxi let go of him and put her arm around his shoulder that she noticed, without realizing it, the kid had grown past her shoulders.
Meng Bei looked at Jiang Chen and blurted out, "Brother-in-law!"
His voice rang out loud and clear, brimming with the vigor of youth.
Jiang Chen was incredibly embarrassed.
But Shi Zhenhua and the others laughed heartily.
Shi Qianxi also started to laugh, looking at Jiang Chen who was standing dumbfounded, not knowing what to do, her eyes curving into crescents, then she patted Meng Bei on the shoulder with satisfaction.
Though she didn’t speak, Meng Bei seemed incredibly encouraged and called out again, "Brother-in-law," then he introduced himself, "My name is Meng Bei."
Jiang Chen never thought he would have a day when he’d be so thrown off by a teenager.
In the end, it was Shi Zhenhua who came to his rescue, "Let’s go, let’s head inside first."
"Right, dinner is ready."
Meng Jiye, as if awakening from a dream, hurriedly called everyone to the table.
The dining room was spacious, easily accommodating seven or eight people, and two maids began serving the dishes until the long Chinese-style table was full.
"Jiang, I’ve actually wanted to invite you for a meal for a long time, just never got the chance."
Meng Jiye treated Jiang Chen with extraordinary politeness, almost as if he were an honored guest.
But Jiang Chen didn’t take it for granted and showed his good upbringing, "Thanks for having me, Uncle Meng."
This uncle Meng made Meng Jiye beam with joy, his eyes crinkling into laugh lines, "What trouble? Just treat this place like your home. You know your way around, right? Come over with Qian Qian more often."
Jiang Chen was at a loss, managing only an awkward smile.
"Brother-in-law, care for a drink?"
Meng Jiye asked Shi Zhenhua.
Shi Zhenhua glanced at Meng Meiling, "Forget it, the doctor said she needs to be careful, you drink with Jiang."
"Who wants alcohol?" Shi Qianxi interjected, "With so many dishes, isn’t it better to eat more?"
"Qianxi is right, let’s skip the drinks," Meng Jiye’s wife Zuo Hong chimed in.
"Alright then, let’s not drink, let’s eat more."
Shi Zhenhua and Meng Meiling probably hadn’t remarried. It figures, people like them wouldn’t treat marriage as child’s play the way ordinary people might, breaking up and then getting back together at the drop of a hat.
And yet, Meng Jiye and his wife seemed unaware that the two had divorced, still referring to Shi Zhenhua as "brother-in-law."
"I’ve finished eating."
Meng Bei, who had been silent and solely focused on eating, was the first to put down his chopsticks.
"Go do your homework," ordered Meng Jiye, too preoccupied to pay attention to his son.
Meng Bei nodded obediently.
Jiang Chen was pretty much done eating as well but felt awkward just leaving the table. Finally, Miss Shi showed some understanding, "You should go and help him with his homework."
Meng Bei was startled, then quickly said, "Sis, there’s no need."
"I heard from Auntie that your grades are pretty bad. He’s a top student from East University. You should feel lucky that he’s willing to tutor you," Shi Qianxi said, then winked at Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen caught on quickly.
He couldn’t stand the enthusiasm of these elders, so he went along with it, "Then I’ll accompany Bei Bei upstairs."
"Go ahead," Shi Zhenhua said with a smile, nodding.
Jiang Chen followed Meng Bei upstairs.
"Bro, that’s awesome!"
The moment the door closed, the once honest and obedient Meng Bei instantly changed his tone, looking up at Jiang Chen with admiration, "You even managed to tame my sister! You’re like my idol!"
Jiang Chen was startled by the sudden exclamation but then realized what was happening and couldn’t help but laugh and cry.
"Your sister and I are just friends,"
Meng Bei rolled his eyes immediately, "You think I’m a kid! Bro, teach me how will you?"