Chapter 563: Cheng Army Supervisor's Sense of Crisis

"Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, I'm truly sorry, I came back a bit late."

Wang Yan didn't know what nervousness was; he entered the room and greeted everyone with a smile.

Several people nodded. Su's father, the head of the household, spoke first: "We just estimated the time you'd be back to make dinner, what late or not late, sit down, sit down."

"Thank you, Uncle." Wang Yan nodded and sat down, taking the bowl and chopsticks Su Meng brought. The dishes were actually quite good—six dishes, including fish and meat, and white flour steamed buns. It was a proper high standard, showing how much they valued him. However, he didn't move his chopsticks, waiting for the Old Su family to speak.

Su's father picked up a bottle of Erguotou and said: "I often see you buying wine to drink, shall I drink a little with you today?"

"Su Meng said before that you wouldn't let me buy things, but you prepared such good dishes." Wang Yan nodded with a smile: "But I wouldn't dare let you accompany me, I can just drink a little myself."

If he had come at a normal time and spoken like this, it would have been impolite and ignorant of the rules. After all, when someone offers you wine, you should always hypocritically refuse for a while. But now he was a son-in-law visiting, plus they had lived in the same courtyard for so many years, so this was not being an outsider, it was being close, it was being real.

Of course, mainly it was also because he wasn't afraid of anything. If an ordinary person were visiting their father-in-law for the first time and were like him, they would basically be finished; most would say they were not steady. Being real wasn't something you could pretend; you had to be truly real. His reality, to put it bluntly, was also a kind of self.

Su's father smiled and poured wine for Wang Yan, then poured half a cup for himself: "Come, I'll drink one with you. My tolerance isn't good, I can't drink too much, just this little bit. The bottle is yours, if you finish it, pour it yourself. We're not outsiders, I won't be polite to you."

Wang Yan held the wine cup with both hands, clinked it with Su's father, and drank it all in one gulp.

Su Meng slapped him unpleasantly: "Aiya, drink slowly, have you never drunk wine before?"

Looking at that intimate appearance, the Old Su family felt an indescribable feeling; a daughter is like spilled water, indeed true. Su's father managed his expression, swallowed the fifty, "Wang Yan, we're all family, don't be polite, don't drink so fast, come, eat some dishes to press it down."

【Stable operating novel app for many years, the source-changing app that old readers are using, huanyuanapp.】

The family's bowls and chopsticks clattered as they started eating.

After eating two mouthfuls of dishes, Grandma Su got straight to the point: "Wang Yan, you and our Su Meng, it's a bit fast, but you're a child we've watched grow up, so we still trust you. I believe Mengmeng has told you, you're good in every way, but this habit of being a spendthrift, we truly can't rest easy."

Su's mother nodded and took over: "Her dad and I have always hoped for Mengmeng to have a free-choice marriage, so we don't oppose you two being together; it all depends on how you two get along. But her grandma is right, we're all in the same courtyard, and we've watched you grow up. You're good in every way, but this habit of being a spendthrift must be changed. After you two get married, you'll spend whatever you earn each month; you certainly won't suffer, but we have to think about the future. You say if there's an accident, what should we do then? You've been good at studying since you were a child, you must understand the principle of planning ahead, right?"

Wang Yan smiled, picked up the wine Su Meng had just poured, took a sip, and took out a bankbook from his pocket: "Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, I know your concerns. But I'm not truly that heartless and not thinking about the future. This is my bankbook, there's 1,400 inside. I make twenty a month now."

His conditions were of course beyond reproach. What the Old Su family was concerned about was just the habit of spending money lavishly; his character was guaranteed, his job was stable, his appearance was upright, his body was strong, and he had no father, no mother, and no relatives. Plus, they were all in the same courtyard, so even if he wasn't a matrilocal son-in-law, it was basically the same, after all, he had no one to show filial piety to.

And the habit of spending money lavishly, if you want to solve it, it's just that simple: show your cards and reveal your family fortune to prove you have the capital to spend lavishly. Although the atmosphere of this era wasn't like later times, no matter when, having money was never wrong.

Of course, it was impossible for him to only have 1,400, but this amount was already quite a lot at this time, and he was afraid of scaring the Old Su family if he had more.

Looking at the bankbook held in Wang Yan's hand, Grandma Su and the others were embarrassed to take it for a moment; mainly because Wang Yan was too direct, making them a bit unable to react.

Su Meng was more straightforward, not thinking that much at all. She took the bankbook, flipped through it twice, and handed it to Grandma Su beside her: "Grandma, you look, good heavens, I really couldn't tell, you're actually this rich? Tell the truth, how did this money come from?"

Wang Yan drank wine and ate dishes with a smile: "Before my dad passed away, he gave 1,000 in compensation. Later, my mom spent some on medical treatment. After my mom also passed away, there were still a few hundred left. Later, wasn't there the 'up to the mountains and down to the countryside' movement, and school was suspended? The neighborhood committee assigned me to the current factory. The money I earned from working wasn't much. At that time, I was just growing, and I was always practicing martial arts, moving a lot, consuming a lot, and eating a lot. The money from working wasn't even enough for me to eat.

At that time, I thought, just eating and not earning wasn't a way. It just so happened that I knew some children from the big courtyards; they had the ability and could get those things that were hard to buy. So I went along with them to flip things. They ate meat and I drank soup. Although I spent quite a bit, I also saved this money."

"Isn't that speculation and profiteering?" Su Meng stared at Wang Yan, her eyes full of reproach. If this matter was told, what would her grandma, her dad, and her mom think?

"I suppose so." Wang Yan nodded, trying to make up for it: "Although they had great ability, I also knew this matter wasn't safe. I just did it for a while when I first started working. After I earned enough money to spend, we split up. This was all several years ago. Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, Su Meng, you don't need to worry. You've seen these past few years, I go to work steadily every day, come back on time after work in the evening, and basically don't go out to wander when I'm resting; I just stay at home."

Looking at Wang Yan's sincere eyes, Su's father exchanged glances with Grandma Su and Su's mother, then nodded and returned the bankbook to Wang Yan: "If you were to say you were still doing speculation and profiteering now, we certainly couldn't agree to Su Meng being with you. But you understand everything, and you can resist the temptation of huge profits and live a steady life; this point is commendable. Things from several years ago, we won't discuss them now. But Wang Yan, you must maintain this in the future. We are all ordinary common people, and we can't afford to mix with those cadre children."

"Yes, you're right. I had no choice at that time. You say I was all by myself, with no worries, no expectations, just thinking about earning money to enjoy. Later, when I really earned money, I cherished my life, thinking about being comfortable, so I didn't dare to do it anymore. Now, I just want to be with Su Meng and live a good life in the future. I brought the bankbook directly today because Su Meng told me about your worries, so you'd know that if Su Meng is with me, I won't say how good her life will be, but it certainly won't be bad."

Human hearts are made of flesh. He had sacrificed his parents many times, so he had to mention his status as an orphan when it was time.

"Yes, come to think of it, you haven't had it easy all these years." Su's father sighed, turned his face and smiled: "Alright, let's not talk about those unhappy things. As for you and Su Meng, actually we don't oppose it, we're just a bit worried about your habit of spending money lavishly. After all, we are all common people, and living depends on diligence, thrift, hard work, and slow accumulation. But although you have so much money, you can't spend it randomly. You should save where you should save. With so much money, if it only goes out and doesn't come in, you won't be able to live a good life for a few years.

As for you and Su Meng, you two handle it yourselves, we won't interfere blindly. You two must develop well, don't get together fast and break up fast. We're old, we can't take that stimulation. Besides, we're all in the same courtyard, seeing each other when we look down and up; it's not just awkward when we meet, but it also makes others laugh at us."

Wang Yan had brought his bankbook, so they couldn't be pretentious; they certainly had to say whatever they had to say, no need to hide anything.

Su Meng was unhappy: "Aiya, Grandma, look at my dad, Wang Yan and I have just started dating, and he's already talking about breaking up and what will happen in the future..."

Grandma Su looked at her granddaughter unpleasantly, then looked at Wang Yan: "I still haven't reacted yet. Yesterday you said you were dating, and today we're eating together; whoever comes, they'd be stunned."

"I understand Uncle's meaning, say whatever you have to say." Wang Yan laughed: "But Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, don't worry. Although we are young people, we are not that casual. Any relationship not aimed at marriage is hooliganism. My idea is to let Su Meng and me get to know each other for two or three months, and by October, if she feels there's no problem, then we'll get our marriage certificate."

Su's mother looked at her daughter, who was blushing and acting like an ostrich, and put a piece of meat into Wang Yan's bowl: "You two make your own decisions about these things, Wang Yan, eat more meat. You're right, it was us who misunderstood you. With your tall and big stature, it really takes quite a bit of money to be full. We're all family, don't be polite, eat more."

Wang Yan nodded in response and started eating and drinking.

The matter of dating was settled, and what followed was idle chat. There was nothing else, mainly asking about this and that to understand him. After all, although they lived in the same courtyard, there hadn't been much interaction before; they just greeted each other when passing by and that was it.

So the Old Su family asked what he did at work, if he was tired, if he was studying the curriculum after self-study, what books he usually read. When Su Meng took out the two loaves of bread Wang Yan had brought back, after understanding clearly, they also instructed him not to steal things. Anyway, they asked about all sorts of messy things, a comprehensive understanding.

Wang Yan of course talked a lot, talking about everything clearly, coaxing the four of Su Meng's family until they were very happy.

It was also in this happy atmosphere that Wang Yan didn't be polite at all, eating up all those dishes and eating four steamed buns, drinking a catty of wine. He let the Old Su family witness what it meant to be able to eat, personally understanding why Wang Yan speculated and profiteered, why he spent money lavishly on eating and drinking, further making the Old Su family forgive his small shortcomings.

Staying until nearly nine o'clock, Wang Yan left the Su family's door with Su Meng and returned to his own home.

Opening the door and entering the room, Su Meng let Wang Yan sit in the room, and she took a thermos to pour water for him to drink: "Not bad, Lord Wang, you performed well today."

"Is there a reward for performing well?"

"What reward do you want?"

"Let me kiss you?"

Su Meng wanted to slap Wang Yan unpleasantly, but caught off guard, she was grabbed by Wang Yan, pulled directly into his arms, sat on his lap, and he gnawed at her mouth.

After a long time, Su Meng finally gave Wang Yan a slap, reached out and wiped her mouth with disgust: "Annoying, your mouth is full of the smell of alcohol..."

Although she said that, she didn't get off Wang Yan's lap. They had only been dating for two days, and today she had directly received the approval of her family; the freshness hadn't passed yet, and they were being clingy.

After talking for a while longer, Su Meng finally left reluctantly.

Wang Yan drank a cup of water and carried the basin out to wash up. Just as he was brushing his teeth, Han Chunming walked in swaying.

He still had civic virtue, only speaking when he reached his side: "Lord Wang, not asleep yet this late?"

After all, knowing nothing, Wang Yan said with a smile, words that stabbed Han Chunming in the heart: "I just came back from Su Meng's house not long ago. You're swaying like this, you've drunk quite a bit. Is this because you're dating Cai Xiaoli, and you're happy?"

"Aiya, speaking of this, Lord Wang, you wouldn't have really told my mom about Cai Xiaoli, would you?"

"I told her. You two were so intimate, you didn't even avoid people, what was there that couldn't be said? Besides your second brother who might be feeling bad, your mom and your second sister were all especially happy. Didn't you see your house lights were still on? They were just waiting for you to come back."

Han Chunming shook his head, unable to laugh or cry. His sadness hadn't passed yet, and this was directly the next stage; he truly couldn't accept it. He asked: "What did Su Meng's family say? They agreed, right?"

"That's for sure, it's all settled. We'll date for another two or three months, and by October, if there's no problem, we'll get our marriage certificate. I'm telling you, save some money recently. If you don't bring a gift then, I'll pick on you. If you don't have money, then find one of your items to give me as a gift, I won't be picky about yours."

"You're still thinking about my little things? None of them can catch your eye."

"Why say that? Who doesn't want something that comes for free?"

"Don't worry, even if I have to borrow money, I'll bring you a gift, absolutely won't give you a chance to think about my little treasures. Bye-bye."

Han Chunming, after drinking, was very lively, swaying back to his room. Before long, it became lively in the room. Wang Yan had good hearing; across a distance and a door, he heard "Cai Xiaoli" here and "Cai Xiaoli" there in the room.

Although the task was Han Chunming's, in fact, it was already completed by now. Whether he was with Cai Xiaoli or not, he would absolutely not be with Su Meng. Without Su Meng causing trouble, he had already started a different life trajectory than the original one.

So the liveliness of the Han family had nothing to do with Wang Yan. After washing up, he returned to his room, turned off the lights, and went to sleep...

The next day, after another day of boring work, Wang Yan returned home by himself as usual. Han Chunming went out with Cai Xiaoli again, and Taozi sensibly didn't participate; he had followed Wang Yan back on the way. Wang Yan took a look; Taozi was actually fine, accepting it quite naturally. It was truly because the time they had known each other was too short; there were some feelings, but not many.

Returning to the alley, he saw that a stall had been set up under the street lamp outside the small shop, and they were playing chess.

He shouted: "Lord Commander, you're out early today, have you eaten?"

Old Man Guan had the golden nanmu bracelet he had previously on his left hand, shaking a fan in his hand: "Ate long ago. Kid, I heard you're dating that girl Su Meng in your courtyard?"

"We are dating, it's only the third day today, and you already know? You're well-informed."

"Where am I well-informed..." After pondering for a moment, Old Man Guan moved a pawn and continued: "That girl Su Meng is beautiful, and she's a high school graduate. Her grandma, her dad, and her mom are all teachers; her conditions are so good, many people are eyeing her. Now everyone in this area knows you're dating her, and they even say you ate at the Old Su family's house yesterday."

"Ho, it spread fast enough. But that's just as well, let those who are eyeing her give up and change their targets."

"You kid have already met your father-in-law, when are you going to hold the wedding feast?"

"It's July now, wait until October. Let's get to know each other more. When the time comes, you, Lord Commander, must not be stingy."

Old Man Guan laughed: "Lord Commander going to drink at your wedding feast is giving you face, you kid are still thinking about making me pay money? I'll tell you, no way."

"Hey, this old man, I won't even invite you then."

"My legs are on me, can you stop me?"

After speaking, he laughed with Wang Yan. It was just joking around.

Wang Yan laughed: "Chunming's wedding feast is also coming soon. You don't know yet, do you? He got together with a girl he used to be sent down with and works with now. Didn't you see Chunming didn't come back with me? He went out to deepen their relationship."

Old Man Guan was stunned for a moment, then laughed and scolded: "You brat, you found a wife and didn't even say a word to your grandpa, let alone bring the girl back for grandpa to see..."

"Don't be anxious, I estimate in a few days he'll bring her back. You'd better hurry up and prepare a meeting gift, don't have nothing when the time comes, then Chunming won't blame you, his master."

"He dares!"

Wang Yan smiled, greeted him, turned around, and pushed his bicycle back to the courtyard.

In the courtyard, he saw Han's mother drawing tap water into a bucket. He propped up his bicycle and asked: "Aunt, I didn't lie to you, right? What did Chunming say?"

"He admitted it, that's a good thing, and he said he'd bring her home to eat in a while." After speaking, Han's mother frowned: "But this is also a problem. You say his second brother and second sister are not married yet, and there's no place to live, this is annoying me..."

"Aunt, I think, if Chunming and Cai Xiaoli really make it, they can just live at Old Guan's place. Chunming is a disciple who has properly apprenticed, that's half a biological son. Old Guan's son ran abroad, he's the only one in that courtyard. If Chunming brings his wife to live there, he'll be overjoyed."

"Can that work? If this spreads out, what will those people outside who don't know the situation say about our family? Then how will his second brother and second sister marry?" Han's mother waved her hand in disgust and changed the subject: "I heard you're dating Su Meng in our backyard?"

"Yes, Aunt, if nothing unexpected happens, we'll be married in October."

"Very good, Su Meng is a good girl, you must treat her well. Prepare some cotton, quilt covers, and so on. When the time comes, I'll sew two quilts for you. You must buy red ones, the kind with mandarin ducks embroidered on them. When you go to buy them, tell them it's for a wedding and they'll tell you..."

Wang Yan nodded happily. This was the true kindness of the world, and he had to accept it.

Han's mother nagged and nagged, then suddenly said "ai": "We've been talking for a long time, why haven't I seen our Fifth Son? Out with Cai Xiaoli again?"

"Of course, he said he went to deepen their relationship."

"Good, more promising than his second brother." Han's mother lifted the bucket with an "ai yo": "Alright, you hurry up and cook."

Wang Yan nodded happily. Just as he was about to open the door to enter the room, he heard Su Meng's voice from the moon gate: "What are you peeping at?"

"Ah? I'm not peeping, I'm going to the bathroom, just walked here." As the panicked male voice sounded, immediately after, he saw Cheng Army Supervisor run out.

Seeing Wang Yan looking at him with a smile, he stood there explaining: "Lord Wang, I... I'm going to the bathroom." After speaking, regardless of Wang Yan's reaction, he turned his head and ran away.

Watching Cheng Army Supervisor's back as he fled in panic, Su Meng gave a thumbs up: "Lord Wang, you are the one with deterrence, look how scared Cheng Army Supervisor is. I'm telling you, he's a petty person, he must have been eavesdropping just now. Who were you talking to just now?"

"Chunming's mom." Wang Yan entered the room happily: "Chunming went out with Cai Xiaoli to contact each other, I just told her. Didn't we just talk about us dating? I didn't say anything wrong, right? Everyone knows today. Not only do they know we're dating, they also know I went to your house to eat yesterday."

Su Meng said with certainty: "It must be Cheng Army Supervisor who spread it! This petty person!"

"What's wrong with that? If he says it, he says it, it doesn't affect anything, I'm too lazy to be the same as him. But I estimate, he's probably stimulated and has a sense of crisis. You also know, this kid is very narrow-minded. Now that Chunming and I both have partners, what do you think he's thinking?" Wang Yan shook his head and smiled: "Don't talk about him, I don't want to pay attention to him. Chunming's mom just instructed me to buy red quilt covers with mandarin ducks and cotton, she wants to make new quilts for me. Tomorrow is Sunday, shall we go out for a stroll together?"

"Let's go..."

Looking at her blushing appearance, Wang Yan reached out and pinched her: "It's this time, not eating at home, what are you running out for?"

"Looking for you to go eat."

"Still eating? Is my father-in-law dissatisfied with me?"

"Aiya, no." Su Meng stared at Wang Yan changing clothes: "My mom said, now that we're dating and living in the front and back yards, they also agree with us, unlike those who live far away and can't reach. So, she wants you to come to our house to eat morning and evening from now on, saving you from being tired after working all day and having to come back and cook yourself, which wastes a lot of time. It just so happens that they'll bring you along."

"Is this entering the door as a son-in-law in advance? Very good..."

He had already explained everything to the Old Su family yesterday, not only proving that he wasn't a spendthrift who couldn't live a proper life, but also proving that he had some savings, and further proving what kind of person he was.

Now going directly to the Old Su family to eat, of course, was because of the relationship of being in the same courtyard, and he was an orphan with no father or mother, so doing this was also fine. In addition, maybe the Old Su family also wanted to take the opportunity to contact him more, see if he was consistent in word and deed, and observe him nearby. After all, if there really were problems, eating together every day would always reveal some flaws... ===== CHAPTER 564 =====