Chapter 135: with translation of chapter title

A moment later, Chu Guilan was the first to react: "Ay yo, look at my memory! Old Lin's blood niece indeed wasn't in the cultural troupe, but there is a niece from a distant relative's family; that appearance, she's really pretty..."

"Mom, how can you say that? Not praising your own daughter but praising someone else's daughter—I… I'm going to be unhappy." Chu Miaomiao also hurried to smooth things over: "Now, only your home-cooked meals can soothe my wounded heart..."

"The food is already ready, come, follow me in to serve it!"

"Mm-hmm."

Qin Miao also hurried to speak: "Uncle Zhang, come, sit, let us two have a chat."

"Okay, thank you."

After Zhang Wanhe sat down, I finally realized, this is my home, right? How did it become you hosting me?

Although I still had doubts in my heart, … the words were already spoken, and I even had Old Lin prepare a gift; this matter could spread throughout the capital in three days—if I were to back out now, wouldn't it make all the prominent people in the capital laugh at me?

This is already a case of uncooked rice turned into cooked rice!

"You brat, I have to put the ugly words up front—if you dare bully my daughter, just see how I'll deal with you!"

"Rest assured, I will treat Miaomiao as the most important person in my life, I will dote on her, not deceive her, I will fulfill every promise I make to her, every word I say to her is sincere; when she is happy, I will share her joy, when she is unhappy, I will find a way to cheer her up..."

"Enough, enough, you brat, when did you become so thick-skinned? Saying these words, don't you blush and feel your heart race?"

"These are my sincere words..."

In the kitchen, Chu Miaomiao's smile blossomed like a flower.

San Shui's words are sincere; he will fulfill every promise he makes to me. When we were in school, he promised to marry me after summer vacation, and he really did—though he used some means, but… it's no big deal, it's all so we can be together!

Chu Guilan looked at her daughter and also smiled: "Looks like you're very pleased with San Shui."

"Mom…"

"Come on, bring the dishes to the table!"

"Kid, is my cooking better, or Old Lin's?"

"Of course, our own home's cooking is better!"

"Come, try the braised pork—this is Miaomiao's mom's signature dish, simmered low and slow for five or six hours, just to entertain you!"

"Thanks, Mom!"

Qin Miao answered so refreshingly that after he had swallowed the braised pork, he noticed the atmosphere was off; looking up, he saw several people staring at him in surprise, especially Chu Guilan, whose face was slightly flushed.

"San Shui brother, we haven't changed our forms of address yet, you just…"

"Cough cough, sorry, Auntie, seeing you makes me feel especially close; I lost my mother when I was young, and you let me feel maternal love again after a long time; after I marry Miaomiao, I will treat you as my own mother."

"You brat, how do you view me?"

"Of course, you're my real dad!"

"Alright, Dad, Mom, let's hurry and eat."

Chu Guilan picked up her chopsticks, her mood still unsettled; this son-in-law is much better than the eldest—sweet talk, he won't say a word, just like a mute gourd.

This Qin Miao kid, not bad!

This meal was eaten in harmony; after finishing, Qin Miao slipped away to take his leave—getting married requires preparing many things; unfortunately, his Land Rover hadn't returned, and in this era there are no highways, driving from Ha Cheng back to the capital, who knows what he'll encounter on the road, especially with snow-covered routes everywhere, fraught with danger.

Next, I'll need to travel often; without a car it's inconvenient—my father's factory just has a broken 212…

"By the way, a batch of Eastern European Volans have recently been imported; your father's factory has been filing reports wanting to replace a vehicle—you happen to drive one back; although those two-box cars aren't suitable as official vehicles, they're still much better than Qingshan Factory's 212."

"Thanks, Dad! You are my real dad!" Qin Miao said this from the bottom of his heart.

This father-in-law is awesome!

Qingshan Factory has money now, but in this era you can't just buy a car with money—you need quotas!

Western cars may be high quality, but they're also expensive; thus, starting in the 1980s, as relations with Eastern Europe eased, many Eastern European automobiles were imported, the Volan being one of them.

It has four round headlights, a two-box hatchback shape, somewhat resembling early Volkswagen Golfs.

Once it entered the East, amidst the streets full of 212s, old Shanghais, and Red Flag sedans, it stood out, attracting many glances. Of course, because of its two-box design, it isn't very suitable as an official vehicle, so many ended up with taxi companies.

In this era, taxis are also pretty impressive, right!

"Alright, let's go—let my driver take you to pick up the car!"

Watching Qin Miao's departing back, Zhang Wanhe felt a complex mix of emotions.

Behind him, a pair of arms wrapped around: "Dad, did that shout from San Shui just now touch your heart? Is it sweet?"

"Sweet my ass, this San Shui is just a flatterer!"

"Hmph, just because he doesn't say it doesn't mean he's not happy inside, Dad, let me tell you: from now on treat San Shui like a son, use him however you need, San Shui he…"

"Alright! Let's go home, we still need to talk properly—did you two live together at Ha Gong Da?"

"No, absolutely not! You can ask my sister!"

"Hmph, that's about right! Listen, young ladies, don't do anything improper…"

Qingshan Factory remained bustling, with more vehicles queued at the gate than last time; probably because the New Year is coming soon, many units are waiting to purchase supplies for the holiday.

When the Volan passed the queued vehicles, many people widened their eyes.

This car has no rear end! What kind of car is this! …But… looking at it, I still feel envious.

Beep beep!

Qin Miao pressed the horn, and the gatekeeper came running out: "Hello, leader, hello, leader—San Shui? San Shui is back, San Shui is back!"

Soon this news spread throughout the factory; Qin Jianhua, who was monitoring production on the front line, sprang up and ran outside—his son had written earlier saying he would return, though he hadn't specified the exact day; given the many affairs at Ha Gong Da, even if his son didn't come back, he could understand.

We've only just entered the twelfth lunar month, and his son has already returned!

"Factory Director Qin, put on your overcoat—it's cold outside!"

Qin Jianhua had already run out.

After not seeing each other for several months, his son had grown taller and more robust; in his every gesture, he now bore a special temperament… not bad, not bad!

"Dad!"

"Hmm, San Shui!"

Come on, get in the car, let's go find Master Er first.

Master Er, the most famous fortune-teller in Gate Ditch District, a few years ago, because of these matters, he was also dealt with; back then those little brats feared nothing; now, those people who want to have their eight characters told, Master Er refuses to do so.

What are you doing?

Figuring out the wedding date!

The wrinkles on Qin Jianhua's face vanished in an instant; he split his mouth open, laughing brightly: "Good, good, good!"