Chapter 32: Picky eater
Oblivious of the thoughts that ran though their minds, Li Yu personally prepared all the necessary items; earrings, alcohol wipes and antiseptic spray. He packed it into a box before putting it into a gift bag and handed it over.
Finally, the arduous ear-piercing journey had come to an end. Jiang Yang’s eyes were red and his earlobes were also red. With a cold expression, he walked out the store. From the beginning to the end, he had not spoken a word to Qin Xu. Qin Xu peeked at him from the side and couldn’t help but admit that despite the expression being quite unhappy, he looked very handsome and felt very satisfied with the idea of getting his ears pierced.
On the way back, they sat at the back of the car and both were a little absent-minded. Qin Xu unconsciously rubbed his fingers along the handle of the bag while he mulled over something when his phone started ringing. He reflexively answered the phone and hung up after a few short responses.
By the time he returned to his senses, he became a little stunned. The calm expression on his face faded and, no longer as complacent as earlier, he turned towards Jiang Yang with a guilty conscience and nudged Jiang Yang’s shoulder.
Jiang Yang looked at him coldly.
Qin Xu smiled stiffly, “Earlier, I received a call from your mother. She said that your uncle brought over chicken. She made soup and wanted you to go home to have some…..”
Jiang Yang instantly grabbed onto his hand and the veins on both his hands and forehead appeared to protrude in anger. With a look of fury, he asked, “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”
He may be able to guide Qin Xu through the ordeal, but that guy is stupid to the point that he wouldn’t be surprised if he couldn’t handle it.
Qin Xu’s wrist hurt, and he guiltily rubbed his nose. Afraid that he would end up getting beaten to death, he didn’t dare say that he was too preoccupied recalling Jiang Yang’s tearful appearance earlier. Although Jiang Yang wasn’t very polite, this was a normal interaction between the two boys and this made Qin Xu felt a little happy inside.
He handed the phone over and said good-heartedly, “Call back?”
After a moment, Jiang Yang was barely able to calm himself down. He understood his mother’s personality well. Although she loves her children dearly, she would also sometimes be very strict and surprisingly harsh. If you don’t listen to her, you would find yourself faced with cold violence. For example ——- I told you that the milk tea is made from milk powder and the pearls are plastic. It’s bad for your body so you can’t drink it. You still want to drink? Then I’m not going to make dinner tonight. Let’s see what you do now.
So for something like Mother Jiang’s highly respected chicken soup, unless you have a good excuse, if you don’t go home to have some then you would be considered as being unfilial and disrespectful. Afterwards, you wait for your death.
Mother Jiang is just that domineering.
Jiang Yang didn’t take the phone and just threw away Qin Xu’s hand. He held his forehead, “Forget it. I’ll go back with you.”
“Go back? Back to your place?”
“Yes.”
“Why?” Qin Xu wondered. Wasn’t he afraid of being exposed?
“Don’t talk nonsense. If you ask any more questions, you’re dead.”
Jiang Yang had a look of impatience. After informing the driver the new address, he supported his chin and pondered over what he should do. Qin Xu watched him mull over things in silence and felt extremely curious. He didn’t have any aversion at the idea of going to Jiang Yang’s place, instead he felt slightly expectant?
The driver at the front overhead their conversation and didn’t find things strange. He just thought that youngsters nowadays talk to each other very strangely. It was just like his child back at home. When talking about his mum to him he wouldn’t say ‘mum’. Instead he would say, ‘your wife.’. The driver even thought that Jiang Yang and Qin Xu must be close cousins.
When they arrived at Jiang Yang’s place, Qin Xu followed Jiang Yang’s instructions and immediately introduced ‘Qin Xu’.
Jiang Yang said with a polite smile: “Hello Aunty.” At the same time, he felt particularly awkward inside.
Mother Jiang saw the unexpected guest and welcomed him in enthusiastically. She had always been very hospitable. She turned her head around and reprimanded her son for not notifying her in advance, especially since he had stayed overnight at that classmates place the day before. She asked: “Did Ah Yang trouble you last night?”
Jiang Yang instantly shook his head.
Mother Jiang smiled and said: “That’s good. Come, lets go at eat. The chicken soup should be ready now.”
Jiang Yuan sat on the side chewing on dried squid and, seeing her brother bring in the rumoured school idol that he didn’t get along with, her eyes suddenly lit up. It was as if she anticipated some juicy gossip. It’s no wonder the girls in her class constantly commented that it was like they were in a TV drama and that they were extremely handsome. The names of those two boys were naturally mentioned as the girls gossiped but, having grown up together with her brother, Jiang Yang had long become accustomed to his handsome face and felt nothing of it. However, the first time she saw Qin Xu she was amazed by his appearance. He practically looked like a celebrity who would soon debut.
With Qin Xu’s identity, Jiang Yang entered his own home. Although he intentionally controlled himself and acted like it was his first time here, it was a place that he could walk around with his eyes closed so if you looked closely enough, you would notice that something is off. With his mind filled with worry for Qin Xu he would give him a few pointers when no one else is paying attention.
Because of this, Jiang Yuan who watched from the side found it a little strange. This classmate of brothers, why does it seem like he’s familiar with our place? If I remembered correctly, this is the first time he visited?
Everyone sat down at the dining table and Jiang Yang sat next to Qin Xu. Because they didn’t know that there would be a guest, all the dishes today were home-cooked meals that the Jiang family loved; shredded chicken, sweet and sour pork, stir fried carrots with meat, stir fried fungus with meat and grilled squid.
Mother Jiang smiled and placed a piece of chicken into Jiang Yang’s bowl: “Qin Xu, feel free to grab what you like. Don’t be too polite and eat more.”
Jiang Yang nodded and said: “Thank you Aunty.”
Next to him the real guest had to act as if he is familiar with the family and could only silently eat his own food. Fortunately, Qin Xu’s ability to adapt is strong and he quickly adapted to the new environment.
After eating for a while, Jiang Yuan suddenly pouted and said: “Brother, why aren’t you eating the carrots? Is it because you noticed that it was made by me so you’re not eating it?”
Mother Jiang looked over and noticed that “Jiang Yang” really hadn’t picked up the carrots. She quickly said: “It’s pretty good.”
Then, grabbing a large bunch with her chopsticks, she placed it all into Qin Xu’s bowl. Qin Xu smelled the unique smell of carrots and couldn’t help but frown, “I don’t…….”
Jiang Yang heard this and soon remembered that this guy had always avoided carrots in first year and even said that carrots had a peculiar taste that he disliked. Jiang Yang however likes carrots. Wouldn’t it be strange if he suddenly said that he didn’t like it?
Jiang Yang quickly held him down and forced a smile: “Jiang Yang, don’t you love carrots?”