Shi Zhongzheng was deeply engrossed in conversation with the young man in gold-rimmed glasses. Previously unimpressed by him, today he found himself favorably comparing the two, and it became evident that the former far surpassed the latter in many respects. Though there were still some aspects that left much to be desired, he certainly wouldn't consider the impolite lad beside him as a suitable son-in-law.
Meanwhile, Xiang Ri was being overlooked as if he were transparent, yet he was quite content to relax, turning his attention to the television in the living room since he had no desire to engage with the old man.
Lian Junjian responded cautiously, his excitement mounting; his long-standing efforts had finally received acknowledgment. The mayor's newfound familiarity with him led him to believe that the matter he desired was about to come to fruition. Should this "matter" be secured, it would almost guarantee a smooth career ahead.
Though he was unaware of the connection between the young man and the mayor, it was clear from the latter's preference to engage solely with him that the young man must be someone disliked by the mayor. However, his audacity to act so comfortably in the mayor's home suggested a close relationship—perhaps a familial or friendly bond with the mayor. Reflecting on this, Lian Junjian couldn't help but smirk at the irony: had he not also risen to his current position, modest though it may be, thanks to his family connection to the mayor from high school? At twenty-eight, as a deputy director, he could boast about his status. If he were to establish a closer rapport with the mayor, he could soon drop the "deputy" from his title.
After spending several days indulging in melodramatic television shows with Chu Xiaonü, Xiang Ri found his tastes had shifted. He now perceived some value in these love-soaked, dramatic narratives, realizing that certain romantic lines were worth learning—an invaluable asset when trying to charm a young lady. Thus, he never missed a chance to watch such programs.
However, to the two conversing, his preferences seemed utterly childish. This wasn't to say that viewers of such content lacked intelligence, but they believed a grown man should at least explore science fiction or comedies, rather than be fixated on the romantic fantasies that appealed only to young girls. Such a penchant naturally invited ridicule from two reasonably sensible men.
Xiang Ri, oblivious to their judgments, dismissed their opinions, content to indulge in his own desires.
Before he realized it, he had finished two episodes, gleaning several particularly astute romantic lines. He envisioned how he would implement them later that evening with the young lady when Shi Meina, his disciple's mother, emerged from the kitchen, announcing that it was time for lunch.
Unaware of the additional guest in the living room, Shi Meina momentarily froze.
Lian Junjian felt awkward; he had not been invited to stay for a meal, yet he remained seated, contemplating an exit in embarrassment.
"Xiao Lian, don't leave today. Stay for dinner," Shi Zhongzheng said, casting a pointed glance at Xiang Ri.
"Thank you, Mayor Shi," Lian Junjian replied eagerly, foregoing pleasantries out of fear that a polite refusal might lead to being unceremoniously dismissed.
"Why are you being so formal? Your father is my classmate; just call me Uncle Shi," Shi Zhongzheng was determined to provoke Xiang Ri.
"Ah—yes, Uncle Shi!" Lian Junjian momentarily lost his composure; the unexpected goodwill made him giddy. With those two words, his chances of success with the "matter" seemed to have increased significantly.
"Good, let's all head to the dining table," Shi Zhongzheng nodded, leading him toward the table, seemingly oblivious to the presence of Xiang Ri, who remained engrossed in the television.
"Xiang Jun, have you seen Qingzi?" Shi Meina recalled Xiang Ri vividly and would not neglect him, appreciating his humor and the way her daughter admired him.
"Xiao Qing? She went upstairs to read," Xiang Ri casually replied, continuing to watch TV. The old man had not invited him to lunch earlier, which left him feeling slighted and extremely displeased. While he could shamelessly join the table, the presence of an outsider made him wary; if Shi Zhongzheng were to ask, "Did I call you for dinner?" he would be thoroughly embarrassed. He waited for his disciple's mother to speak up, hoping that would eliminate the need for the old man to comment. To be honest, after only two fried eggs for breakfast, he was quite hungry.
"In that case, Xiang Jun, why don't you go ahead and eat? I'll call Qingzi shortly," Shi Meina politely invited him to the table, pulling out a chair for him and presenting a platter filled with an array of colorful dishes. Neatly arranged on the plate were several rice balls wrapped in roasted seaweed, which were visually enticing.
"Xiang Jun, this is my homemade salmon sushi; let me know how it tastes."
Xiang Ri, blissfully unaware of the scrutinizing gazes of the other two, sat down and promptly grabbed a rice ball, shoving it into his mouth. A burst of fresh, fragrant, sweet, and sour flavors overwhelmed him, nearly causing him to swallow his tongue. Delicious! "This is fantastic!" he exclaimed in delight, quickly downing one and reaching for a second.
Shi Meina's eyes crinkled in joy; there was no greater thrill than receiving affirmation for her culinary creations. After quietly apologizing, she offered that he could ask for more if he wished, then bowed slightly before heading upstairs to summon her daughter for lunch.
Shi Zhongzheng expressed his displeasure with a mere cold snort, leaving the matter at that.
Lian Junjian grew increasingly curious about the identity of the young man who could command the mayor's wife—ah, rather, his aunt—to personally arrange a seat for him. He must be quite remarkable. However, he noted the mayor's expression and, despite his burning curiosity, wouldn't be foolish enough to provoke the elder's ire by inquiring about the young man's background at such a moment.
"Delicious!" Xiang Ri exclaimed, both hands busily devouring the sushi until his plate was empty.
At that moment, Shi Meina pulled a reluctant Shi Qing down the stairs. Noticing Xiang Ri's empty plate, she hurried back to the kitchen to refill it. Thankfully, she had prepared an ample amount earlier in the morning, avoiding the embarrassment of lacking food for her guests.
"Thank you, thank you!" Although he had already eaten a substantial portion, Xiang Ri still felt unsatisfied and wasted no time in eagerly devouring the freshly served food.
"Qingqing, do you have classes this afternoon? If not, take Xiao Lian out for a walk," Shi Zhongzheng suggested, casting a glance at the gluttonous young man enjoying his meal, deciding it was time for a firmer approach.
Lian Junjian's heart soared, and he nearly choked on his sushi, forgetting to swallow it as he mentally cheered: It's happening! A vision of himself in a prestigious position flashed before him.
"Dad, I have three important classes this afternoon," Shi Qing replied, frowning as she glanced at the man who had once sent her flowers, discomfort swelling within her anew.
"Ah, indeed, Zhongzheng, Qingzi's education must not be compromised," Shi Meina chimed in. In truth, she didn't dislike the young man who frequently visited; however, having witnessed him regurgitate food earlier felt like a grave insult she couldn't overlook. If she had to choose a son-in-law, she found the one focused solely on eating much more to her taste. Moreover, it seemed her daughter had a fondness for him, which only deepened her approval.
"Classes, you say? Then..." He initially intended to suggest taking a leave but quickly changed his mind upon catching his wife's warning glance: "Let's prioritize your studies, and we can discuss it another time."
"Indeed, indeed, studies come first!" Though Lian Junjian felt disappointed, he masked his feelings with forced agreement. He was somewhat anxious, sensing the mayor's wife's dissatisfaction with him but unsure of how he had offended her.
Xiang Ri held the last sushi piece, eating it slowly, wishing to catch his disciple's mother's eye so she might bring him another serving. He even lightly tapped his plate to attract her attention, but she was too engrossed in exchanging glances with the mayor to notice his obvious actions. With no other option, he redirected his focus to his disciple's plate.
"Teacher, is something wrong?" Shi Qing momentarily failed to grasp his deeper intention.
"Xiao Qing, are you able to finish that? Oh, I mean, if you can't finish the sushi on your plate, I could help you… um, take care of it!" Xiang Ri reluctantly bit off half of the remaining sushi, almost nicking his finger in the process.
"Teacher, I'm not hungry today. You can have these," Shi Qing said, pushing her plate toward him. She truly had no appetite, hindered by the presence of someone so insufferably intrusive.
"How could I possibly take your food?" Xiang Ri replied sweetly, yet his hand instinctively grabbed a piece and shoved it into his mouth. "Though I'm not particularly hungry anymore, we mustn't waste food, right? As the saying goes, 'Planting rice under the blazing sun, every grain comes with toil.' Ah, I suppose I must reluctantly help you finish it."
Upon hearing Shi Qing address this man as "teacher," Lian Junjian was stunned, and witnessing his shameless actions only intensified his jealousy. Who was this fellow, that even Qingqing treated him so kindly? A girl sharing half-eaten food with a man—he knew what that implied. Furthermore, it was clear that the mayor's wife regarded this young man with special favor, stirring a sense of crisis within him.
"Little brother, you seem to have misquoted; I believe there are two more lines to that poem," Lian Junjian was no longer concerned about the young man's identity; he merely sought to diminish his image before Shi Qing.
Xiang Ri didn't spare him a glance, continuing to eat with determination.
Lian Junjian felt utterly humiliated but realized that pressing further would only lead to greater embarrassment.
"Indeed, even elementary students can recite that poem flawlessly, yet a university student is unaware?" Shi Zhongzheng silently sought his wife's forgiveness, easing the tensions at home, and sighed with relief. However, seeing the young man's smug expression ignited his anger. If it weren't for him, he wouldn't have had to play the pitiable card to garner sympathy from his wife.
"Old man, are you deliberately trying to oppose me?" Xiang Ri grumbled after swallowing the sushi, clearly irritated. This man had no sense of decorum, clinging to a slip of the tongue with such fervor.
Lian Junjian felt as if struck by lightning, utterly stunned. "Old man?" Was he referring to the mayor?