Jiang Lao, with a stern expression, ended the call, not knowing what Jiang Chenyu had said on the other end. "Jiang Chenyu, remember this—your father knows best. You have thirty minutes to show up in front of me," he declared angrily before hanging up.
He then turned to his daughter-in-law, who was standing aside, looking a little lost. "Nuannuan, just wait. I'll make sure Chenyu comes back and apologizes to you."
Gu Nuannuan quickly shook her head. "No, it's not necessary, Dad," she said. After all, she was the one who had teased him first.
But not long after, Jiang Chenyu did come back.
As soon as he entered the room, his gaze immediately fell on his new bride, who was now hiding behind Jiang Lao. In Jiang Chenyu's mind, this woman was putting on an act, trying to appear pitiful in front of his father.
Gu Nuannuan's heart raced when she saw him. What if he told Jiang Lao about how she had been calling him "nephew"?
Thinking quickly, she smiled sweetly and greeted him, "Husband, you're back."
Jiang Chenyu narrowed his eyes at her, noting how quickly her attitude had changed. Just moments ago, she was teasing him with "uncle" and "nephew," but now, all of a sudden, she was calling him "husband."
"Get lost," he said coldly.
"Husband, I was wrong," Gu Nuannuan quickly admitted, playing the part of the obedient wife. She had already decided that no matter what Jiang Chenyu said next, she would bite her tongue and refuse to admit to any wrongdoing.
Jiang Lao, however, was furious. "Jiang Chenyu, did I raise you to treat your wife like this?" he bellowed.
Jiang Chenyu remained silent, enduring his father's scolding without complaint. He looked at Gu Nuannuan with disdain and roughly shook her off before sitting down on the sofa. "If you have something to say, say it," he muttered.
"Apologize to Nuannuan," Jiang Lao demanded.
Jiang Chenyu's eyes darkened as he stared at Gu Nuannuan, making her feel guilty. Why was she suddenly the one deserving of an apology?
Gu Nuannuan couldn't take the pressure anymore. It was clear that she had been the one to provoke Jiang Chenyu in the first place. Wanting to avoid further drama, she quickly interrupted, "Husband and wife are one; my husband doesn't need to apologize to me. Dad, don't be upset. He's back now, so why don't you two chat? I'll go back to the bedroom."
Before anyone could respond, she scurried off like a rabbit, making a quick escape to the bedroom.
Once inside, she leaned against the door, relieved that she had gotten away so quickly.
Over the next half hour, Gu Nuannuan reflected on her situation. She realized that in this household, she could not afford to offend Jiang Lao. He was essentially her biggest supporter here. Her childish behavior the night before had already annoyed him, and if he found out that she had been calling his son "nephew," it would be all over for her. She couldn't afford to completely anger Jiang Lao.
At the same time, she realized she couldn't push Jiang Chenyu too far either. Irritating him was one thing, but truly angering him could make her life miserable in the future.
It was one thing to think rationally, but her temper often got the better of her. As much as she resolved to keep a level head, her hotheadedness usually won out.
Suddenly, the door burst open with a force that nearly knocked her over. Gu Nuannuan stumbled forward before quickly steadying herself. She turned to see Jiang Chenyu standing there.
"Hi~" she greeted him with an awkward smile, raising her hand in a wave. "Uncle?"
Jiang Chenyu couldn't believe how easily this woman switched her attitude, or how effortlessly she could lie. The girl in front of him was testing his patience like no one ever had.
Without a word, he raised his hand and firmly grasped the back of Gu Nuannuan's neck.
"Ah! You're attacking me!" she protested as he pressed down, forcing her head lower.
"Jiang Chenyu, let go!" Gu Nuannuan shouted, struggling to lift her head as her neck was pushed down by his grip. She could only look at his lower abdomen, unable to move.
But she wasn't about to back down completely. Though she couldn't lift her head, she refused to give in without a fight. Raising her hands, she grabbed his wrist and tried to pry his fingers off. "Let go!" she demanded stubbornly.