Chapter 239: First Signs

Li Zhaodi heard Su Ruo's words, immediately smiled and said, "I understand, thank you, Master."

Li Zhaodi had thought Su Ruo would oppose, but she actually agreed, which made Li Zhaodi involuntarily let out a sigh of relief.

Su Ruo saw through Li Zhaodi's little thoughts at a glance, but didn't expose them and directly said, "Have him come to our house for a meal tomorrow!"

Since Li Zhaodi intended to be with that person, no matter the outcome, she would at least meet them and vet them for Li Zhaodi.

"Okay." Li Zhaodi replied with a smile, then ran off happily. Li Zhaodi didn't say where she was going, but Su Ruo could guess she was definitely going to find that boy.

Su Ruo had known Li Zhaodi for so long, yet had never seen her act like such a little girl, and she shook her head helplessly.

Su Ruo, upon entering the door, happened to see Bai Xinya and told her about this.

Bai Xinya smiled and said, "I had already noticed; she's been acting odd lately, but I never expected she was dating."

Besides, Li Zhaodi is not young either; if she could find a reliable person to marry, that would be good. Tomorrow we'll all vet him for her—what's that boy's family background like?

Su Ruo then briefly told Bai Xinya about the boy's family situation; upon hearing it, Bai Xinya's face involuntarily darkened.

Three older aunts and a widowed mother-in-law—such a family seems difficult to get along with no matter how you look at it.

Unless that mother-in-law is especially reasonable, if Li Zhaodi marries into that family, her future days will likely be unpleasant.

Su Ruo knew what Bai Xinya was thinking, smiled and said, "We'll just meet and see; it doesn't necessarily lead to marriage, so don't worry too much."

Whether good or bad, we'll talk after seeing that boy tomorrow; but this matter ultimately depends on Li Zhaodi's own decision, and I can see she cares quite a bit about that boy.

Bai Xinya nodded and said nothing more; as someone who's been through it, she knows how difficult mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relations can be, and given the boy's family situation, he surely cares for his mother more than most.

Bai Xinya only hopes that Li Zhaodi's mother-in-law is easy to get along with; otherwise, a meddling mother-in-law could completely disturb the household's peace, and she herself is the best example.

The next day, Bai Xinya and Su Ruo didn't go out; they waited early at home, and to show respect, they specially cleaned the courtyard and set out a fruit plate.

But Li Zhaodi and the others only returned around noon, making Su Ruo and the others wait for two or three hours.

This made Su Ruo and Bai Xinya involuntarily frown slightly; they knew Li Zhaodi was always punctual, and if nothing special had happened, she certainly wouldn't be late.

Bai Xinya said anxiously, "I hope nothing happened to those two!"

Su Ruo soothingly said, "It should be fine; let's wait a bit longer, don't worry."

As soon as Su Ruo finished speaking, Li Zhaodi and Yu Pengfei pushed the door open and walked in.

Upon seeing Yu Pengfei, Su Ruo immediately understood why they had come so late today.

Yu Pengfei wore a brand-new suit and leather shoes, carrying several boxes of pastries from Sifang Zhai, and had a watch on his wrist.

Such an outfit was definitely beyond Yu Pengfei's salary level; obviously he had dressed up specially today, and it's clear whose money paid for it.

Su Ruo knew Li Zhaodi; although Li Zhaodi liked money, she never cared for vanity, especially in front of Su Ruo and Bai Xinya.

Therefore, given Li Zhaodi's own personality, she would definitely not put on these airs just to have her boyfriend meet them; it seems someone gave her the idea.

Or perhaps someone who meant well knew Li Zhaodi was bringing him to meet her parents today and deliberately prompted her to do so.

As soon as Yu Pengfei entered, he hurriedly apologized, "Sorry, we were delayed a bit on the way."

Su Ruo and Bai Xinya exchanged a glance, instantly understanding each other's meaning, but neither said more: "We're all our own people, it's no problem."

Everyone sat down in the main hall, and Su Ruo smiled as she asked about Yu Pengfei's work and family situation.

Li Zhaodi didn't quite understand; the master had clearly asked her about it yesterday, so why ask again today?

But upon meeting Su Ruo's gaze, she swallowed her words; she felt somewhat in awe of Su Ruo, because in Li Zhaodi's heart, Su Ruo often seemed like an elder.

Yu Pengfei, feeling embarrassed, recounted his work and family situation, then repeatedly swore, "I know my family circumstances are poor and I'm not worthy of Zhaodi, but I will certainly strive to make her happy."

Upon hearing that, Li Zhaodi's face lit up with emotion as she looked at Yu Pengfei, appearing like a lovestruck young girl; any sweet words from him could move her for hours.

Su Ruo, however, laughed and said, "Don't undersell yourself; I'd say your clothes and watch together are worth at least 500 yuan, and those Qifang Zhai pastries you brought are also worth several dozen yuan—not something money alone can buy."

Your family being able to spend this much on these items shows you're far above most households.

Upon hearing Su Ruo's words, Yu Pengfei's face instantly turned the color of pig liver, and he stammered for a long time without being able to say a word.

If he could frankly say at this moment that these were all bought by Li Zhaodi, Su Ruo would think more highly of him, but his current demeanor really makes people look down on him.

Li Zhaodi sensed the awkward atmosphere and immediately said, "Master, haven't you eaten yet? I'll go cook now."

Yu Pengfei also immediately said, "I'll help!" and then wanted to leave with Li Zhaodi.

For some reason, in front of Su Ruo he always felt an inexplicable pressure, as if Su Ruo could see through his innermost thoughts at a glance.

Su Ruo immediately stopped them: "No need, we'll eat at a restaurant today; the little eatery at Xiangzi Kou has good food, and since Xiao Yu's clothes are so expensive today, it would be bad if they got stained."

Yu Pengfei never really intended to help cook anyway; as Su Ruo said, this outfit is so expensive, it's the first time he's ever worn something like this, and if it got oil stains he'd be heartbroken.

Li Zhaodi felt a bit disappointed; she could see the master didn't much like Yu Pengfei, so she really wanted her boyfriend to perform in front of the master, to show off her cooking skills, hoping that after the master ate Yu Pengfei's food, his opinion might improve.

But at this moment she couldn't say more, and she secretly regretted whether she shouldn't have listened to the elder aunts' advice that a person relies on clothes and a horse on its saddle, just to give the master a good impression by dragging Yu Pengfei to buy clothes.

After all, the master never judges by appearance; perhaps if Yu Pengfei were more natural, he'd win the master's favor.

But it's too late to say anything now; everyone walked together toward the restaurant at Xiangzi Kou.