"Young mistress, I don't mean to speak out of turn," said housemaid Li, "but you really ought to pay more attention to the young master. If you show him more care maybe he won't go out all the time." Seeing Su Nian engrossed in watching the main door, Li couldn't help but advise.
"I will." Su Nian replied with a mere smile, her insincere promise obvious to anyone.
"Young mistress, honestly, the young master is a good man. He's young and of course his ways are a little wild, but deep down he's a good man. As for those women outside, don't take them to heart. The only daughter-in-law recognized by the old master and mistress is you. Here's the young master's phone number, try to call him more often and show some interest. Even the toughest man can become soft as butter."
Although they hadn't known each other for long, Li saw Su Nian as a refined and polite young lady. Her edginess was perhaps just a way to protect herself.
She sympathized with Su Nian's plight, yet deeply cared for the young master whom she had watched grow up. She sincerely hoped the two could find happiness together.
But it seemed Su Nian didn't think the same way.
One afternoon, Su Nian's cellphone rang. It was Mrs. Zheng Luo Qing, inviting her to go shopping.
Despite nearing fifty, Luo Qing was very well maintained and looked only just over thirty.
While there was no chemistry between Su Nian and Zheng Haoyu, Mr. and Mrs. Zheng Peng absolutely adored her. Coupled with Su Nian's early parental demise, they treated her as their own daughter.
Unknowingly, the pair had spent the entire afternoon shopping. Luo Qing bought many things for Su Nian, including large amounts of clothing and jewelry. Despite knowing Su Nian was a fashion designer, Luo Qing still extravagantly shopped for her until Su Nian insisted she did not need so many things.
That night, Su Nian was planning to return to the villa, but Luo Qing couldn't resist the opportunity to bring her son and Su Nian together, leading her straight back to the old Ouyang family house.
"Tonight, I'll cook my best dishes for you. I'll call Haoyu, and tell him to come home for dinner," Luo Qing offered, knowing that Haoyu was initially very resistant to the marriage. She was now doing whatever she could to get the two to spend time together.
"Thanks, mom," Su Nian replied with a smile. She didn't care much about her relationship with Haoyu, but she didn't want to hurt the elderly couple's feelings.
As soon as they returned home, Luo Qing headed to the kitchen to make dinner for her beloved daughter-in-law.
When Zheng Haoyu arrived, Su Nian was watching TV in the living room with Zheng Peng.
The television was broadcasting a news item about Haoyu's dalliances in the city. The atmosphere in the room instantly became tense, and Haoyu glared fiercely at Su Nian.
Rolling her eyes, Su Nian excused herself, "Dad, I am going to help mom in the kitchen."
"Look at the mess you've made." As soon as Su Nian left, Zheng Peng scolded his son.
"I'll tell you this, Xiaonian is an excellent girl, you are not allowed to bully her."
"Tch, it was you who asked me to marry her. You should have predicted such consequences," replied Haoyu, unbothered.
Zheng Peng wanted to say more, but seeing Su Nian returning with utensils, he swallowed his words.
Luo Qing made a sumptuous dinner — sweet and sour pork, braised pork, tomato stew with beef brisket, and a crispy chicken dish prepared by Su Nian, along with an array of vegetable dishes. Given everyone loved meat, Su Nian, without being fastidious, served the elders and expressed her love for Luo Qing's cooking.
"Mom, the braised pork is really delicious," Su Nian mumbled upon tasting it.