A handsome smile touched Huo Jingrui’s lips when he heard his father’s words. "You haven’t seen her skills. If those people are foolish enough to cause her trouble, it’s hard to say who should really be worried."
Seeing his son’s confidence, Huo Shanhe said, "Since you like that girl, seize the opportunity. If you remain unwanted, you’ll truly become the compound’s confirmed old bachelor."
Huo Jingrui turned and walked out. "There are still two other notorious bachelors in the compound, you know. Don’t try to fool me."
His son’s infuriating retort made Huo Shanhe so angry he wanted to curse.
Just then, Jiang Jingya’s voice called out, "Son, quickly, the dumplings are ready!"
Auntie Zhang followed behind her, carrying a small dish of vinegar sauce. "Dip them in vinegar to eat."
Huo Jingrui glanced at his watch; there was still time. These dumplings were a token of his mother’s and Auntie Zhang’s affection, so he couldn’t refuse. He sat down, tasted one, and gave a thumbs-up. "Auntie Zhang, this filling is perfect! I’m afraid I won’t be able to eat this for a long time, so I’d better have a few more."
Hearing the praise, Auntie Zhang smiled and said, "These dumplings aren’t solely my accomplishment. I prepared the filling, but your mother did all the wrapping."
When Huo Jingrui saw the dumplings that were brought out, he instantly understood. Such ugly dumplings must be a testament to his mother’s profound love for him.
"Not bad," he commented, "you’ve improved a lot. Appearance is secondary for dumplings; the main thing is that the filling doesn’t leak."
Jiang Jingya felt a wave of comfort at her son’s words. "Son, this is the fruit of my entire morning’s labor. Eat more."
He knew his mother truly had no talent in the kitchen. Making these dumplings over an entire morning must have taken every ounce of her strength, so he was very appreciative.
He polished off a large plate of dumplings and even had a small bowl of the dumpling broth.
The driver arrived right on cue. Huo Jingrui had just put down his bowl when the car pulled up to the gate.
Huo Jingrui knew this trip would keep him away for some time. Not wanting to make his mother worry, he said, "I promise, by next Spring Festival at the latest, I’ll bring your daughter-in-law home to you."
He knew his mother’s personality well. With this promise, she’d soon be too preoccupied to worry about his absence.
It’s true that a son knows his mother best. Upon hearing his words, any reluctance Jiang Jingya felt about him leaving vanished. "Really? Then it’s settled!"
Huo Jingrui loaded his luggage into the car. "I’m off," he said.
Just as he’d thought, Jiang Jingya’s sadness at his departure had already been swept away. "Shanhe, did you hear what your son said? We need to start preparing right away! Later, help me exchange for some cloth coupons and cotton wadding coupons. We have to get ready in advance."
He saw his mother’s beaming face in the car’s rearview mirror and couldn’t help but smile.
It’s better to find something for her to do, to prevent her from overthinking at home. Googlᴇ search 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦•𝘯𝘦𝘵
The driver dropped him off at the train station and was then dismissed. As Huo Jingrui carried his luggage into the station, he couldn’t help but glance towards the arrivals gate.
With my mission at hand, I can’t wait in Beijing for the young lady to return. I’ll go ahead and get things ready first. When she returns to Beijing, I’ll definitely give her a big surprise. As for whether Zhang Xueyan will cause trouble after Yunyi returns to Beijing, I’ve already made arrangements. I trust they wouldn’t dare to be so brazenly foolish. And if they resort to dirty tricks, that young lady isn’t one to take a loss lying down. She’ll definitely make them pay.
Meanwhile, Yunyi was indeed on a train back to Beijing. A few scenes for her project needed to be filmed at some of the city’s iconic landmarks, which would also be a good opportunity to shoot promotional posters.