Chapter 246: I Want to Be in a Relationship
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Yulan, why’s Big Brother going to Su Xiu’s place for dinner? Weren’t we having dinner at home tonight?” Xu Xiangdong asked in confusion.
Why was his brother-in-law having dinner at someone else’s house? They weren’t even close, were they? It could be nothing but the height of impropriety!
“Did Su Xiu say something?”
“Yes, she did. Su Xiu came over and invited Big Brother to dinner.” Xu Xiangdong was still bewildered by the turn of events. “Is Big Brother very familiar with Su Wen’s family?”
“We’re not the closest, but I have a feeling that might change sometime soon.” Since her older brother had his mind set on Su Xiu, He Yulan felt it was only a matter of time before they tied the knot.
Her older brother had always been the sort to get what he wanted, and he did so with persistence and sheer force of will – marrying Su Xiu was an almost foregone conclusion.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s nothing.” He Yulan did not elaborate. She wouldn’t say a word that she shouldn’t.
“Oh,” Xu Xiangdong nodded, muttering, “So those things were for Su Wen’s family. I thought as much! The last time I visited, I came empty-handed. Big Brother probably wants to avoid people gossiping behind his back should he go over to Su Wen’s place with nothing.”
He Yulan felt her mouth twitch, listening to Xu Xiangdong’s observation.
Those things were supposed to be theirs!
Her Big Brother was too much!
Fortunately, she and Xiangdong were not the pretty sort. Indeed, He Yulan was not angry; she felt her brother’s actions were cute.
Su Xiu returned home with He Changming by her side. On the way, they met a few neighbor and relatives they were acquainted with and greeted them in passing.
“Su Xiu, is this your boyfriend?”
Su Xiu was stunned. Her face turned beet red, and she quickly shook her head. “No, no,” she said, trying to explain that they were not in that sort of relationship.
Who knew none of her neighbors or relatives believed her? Instead, one said, “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Come now, I can tell! Do you think I don’t know who this is? He is Yulan’s older brother! No wonder you’re always hanging around that girl. I still remember how Yulan stood up for you when you were harassed at Sun Dahai’s house.”
He Changming pursed his lips, forming a thin smile. He was glad his sister had proven herself useful; he would have to praise her for her efforts when he returned.
Su Xiu felt her face burn hot. “Don’t be silly! Brother He and I aren’t like that!”
He Changming’s eyes turned into twin crescents, his mood soaring with how Su Xiu had familiarly addressed him – it was exceedingly pleasant to his ears.
“If you’re unfamiliar with each other, why are you walking home together?”
“I’ve invited Brother He to dinner at my place.”
Su Xiu’s explanation seemed to have confirmed her relative’s guesses, and he even pulled the surrounding people into the conversation. “Hey, listen here! Don’t you think my words make sense? Su Xiu still refuses to admit it! She isn’t young anymore; it’s time she settled down and married.”
Many people in the village got married and had children at the age of 18 or 19.
Even if they had not married, they would have been betrothed at the very least.
He Changming listened, completely unphased by the conversations around him. He did not feel he needed to explain anything.
Su Xiu chewed her lip, at a loss as to how to handle the situation. No one was listening to her! She tried explaining herself, but the more she did, the surer the crowd grew that she was saying those things out of embarrassment. In the end, she could only tug at He Changming’s clothes with her small hands, pleading, “Say something!”
“What do you want me to say?” He Changming tilted his head, pretending not to understand what Su Xiu wanted him to do.
“Tell them we’re not in a relationship!”
He Changming leaned closer and whispered, “But I want us to be in a relationship..”