It was Saturday morning, and Liu Hui headed to the taekwondo studio for practice. His skills were growing sharper by the day; basic kicks and movements had become second nature, and a morning session left him invigorated. Just as he arrived home, he found a steaming spread on the table: mantou, fried dough sticks, and soy milk. A beautiful girl was bent over, mopping the floor.
“Jingyue, you’re back!” Liu Hui exclaimed in delighted surprise, rushing forward to sweep her into a hug.
“Stop that, change your shoes quickly! I just finished mopping. Look at this room! How have you managed to let it get so messy while I was gone? Is this even fit for living?” Liang Jingyue playfully pushed him away with a chiding tone.
Liu Hui immediately slipped into his slippers. During the time Jingyue had been away, he had missed her terribly; now that she was finally back, how could he not be ecstatic?
“Ahui, go wash your hands quickly and eat breakfast,” Liang Jingyue steered him toward the kitchen.
Liu Hui washed his hands somewhat dumbly and sat at the table. He smiled, “Jingyue, you should eat with me.”
“You eat first. I’ll join you once I finish mopping.” Liang Jingyue was a bit of a neat freak and couldn't stand a messy room.
“Oh!” Liu Hui ate his breakfast while admiring Liang Jingyue as she cleaned, feeling a deep sense of peace and joy in his heart. Perhaps only when he was with Jingyue could he truly calm down.
When Liang Jingyue finally sat down to eat, she noticed something was wrong. She saw that Liu Hui was eating very slowly, almost as if the food was difficult to swallow. He hadn't even finished a single mantou in all this time, yet he used to love the ones she made. Curious, she picked one up, took a bite, and found the taste was exactly as it always was.
“Ahui, what’s wrong? You don’t seem to like the mantou. You always loved them. Are you ill?” Liang Jingyue asked with concern.
Liu Hui grimaced, “It’s not that I don’t like them, it’s just…”
“What is it?” Liang Jingyue pressed.
“I already ate breakfast downstairs!”
After finishing, the two sat together. Liang Jingyue handed Liu Hui a gift box and smiled, “A present for you. Open it and see if you like it?”
Liu Hui was overjoyed. “You got me a gift? I love it! Actually, I’d love anything you give me!” He opened the box to find a necktie. However, given Liu Hui’s level of appreciation, he truly couldn't judge its quality. He happily tucked the tie away with care.
Liu Hui pulled Liang Jingyue into his arms and asked softly, “Jingyue, why are you so good to me? I know I don’t have much capability, no good job, and sometimes my temper flares up. You are so beautiful, even a movie star couldn’t compare.”
Liang Jingyue shifted in his embrace, finding a comfortable spot. She replied, “Because I like you! I like your ideals, and your sincerity. Besides, you’re so handsome!”
Liu Hui touched his own face. He had inherited his mother’s genes, making him look reasonably handsome, perhaps. But it was just presentable; not the kind of looks one could rely on to get by in life.
“But I actually just quit my job a few days ago—the one at the pharmaceutical company. If I can’t even hold down a job, will you think I’m useless?”
“But in my heart, your capability is immense. You just haven’t found the work that suits your abilities yet! And you are working hard for my sake, too. Isn’t there that saying: ‘A golden scale cannot remain long in a shallow pond; only when it meets the wind and clouds will it transform into a dragon.’ I believe that when you meet your own circumstances, you will soar to the heavens!” Liang Jingyue stated with certainty.
Liu Hui was deeply grateful for Liang Jingyue’s trust. His experiences over the last few days had been quite legendary, and wasn't the Planar Trade Device his very own 'wind and clouds'? Perhaps he truly could transform into a dragon and astonish everyone.
Mei Peng’s hospital acquisition was nearing completion, likely to wrap up in another day or two, though a few minor details remained unsettled. Liu Hui planned to surprise Liang Jingyue by telling her the good news only after he had fully taken over the hospital.
Liang Jingyue suddenly seemed to recall something. She broke free from Liu Hui’s embrace, sat on the opposite sofa, and said, “Ahui, didn’t you often ask about my family before?”
“Yes! But you never told me, always saying I’d know later, making such a fuss. Are you perhaps a spy from another nation, sent to Huaxia to steal our handsome male genes?” Liu Hui couldn't help but burst into laughter at his own joke.
“Ahui, I’m actually an alien. Haha!” Liang Jingyue playfully seized on his words.
“Ah, I’ve never touched an alien before. Let me try today,” Liu Hui pretended to be lecherous, reaching out with both hands toward Liang Jingyue.
“Ptooey, you haven’t touched me? You touch me every day!” Liang Jingyue slapped his hands away. Then she turned serious. “My father wants to meet you! As for who I am, you’ll naturally know once you meet my dad.”
“My father wants to meet me?” Liu Hui froze, a sudden panic rising in his chest. He asked foolishly, “Jingyue, why does my father want to meet me?”
Liang Jingyue playfully pinched him. “You’re dating his daughter; he wants to meet you, assess you properly, and see if you’re worthy of his girl.”
Liu Hui was stunned for a moment, but realizing this concerned his future happiness, he quickly regained his composure and got to the main point: “What do I need to prepare? It’s the first time meeting the old man; proper etiquette is essential. I want to make a good impression.”
“Just bring whatever they give when you first visit an elder’s home in your hometown!” Liang Jingyue admitted she wasn’t sure of the customs either.
Liu Hui racked his brain, recalling his hometown customs, and finally formed a rough plan.
“When will your dad see me?”
“This noon. I came specifically to tell you so you can prepare.”
“That’s so soon! There should still be time. Look, I’ll go prepare the gifts right now,” Liu Hui said anxiously.
Liu Hui and Liang Jingyue stood before a luxurious villa. Liu Hui was dumbfounded. He never imagined that Liang Jingyue’s family lived in the most upscale villa complex in Bashi City, a neighborhood reserved for the extremely wealthy and influential, where every resident held significant power in the city.
In the net bag he carried were two cartons of Zhonghua cigarettes and two bottles of Maotai liquor. The most exaggerated part was a fresh pig’s head wrapped among them. Liang Jingyue had been laughing so hard she couldn't speak since seeing the offering. Liu Hui offered a wry smile, explaining that this was the custom for a first visit to his hometown elder. Looking at the high-end villa and then at his gift, he felt deeply embarrassed. He instinctively tried to shift the net bag behind his back, intending to hide it.
Liang Jingyue noticed his movement and comforted him, “Don’t worry, my parents are wonderful. I’ve already told them about you, so don’t be nervous. Besides, they’ve never received such a unique gift in their lives!” With that, she couldn’t help but laugh again.
Liu Hui nodded with a forced smile, but his heart was drumming wildly. Given that Liang Jingyue lived in such a prestigious complex, her background must be extraordinary. How would her family view his relationship with her? Would there be some melodramatic scene of them being forcibly separated? This sudden turn of events left him dizzy and uneasy.
Following the housekeeper, Liang Jingyue linked arms with Liu Hui and entered the living room. The room was vast but sparsely furnished, lacking any sense of extravagance. In the center sat a middle-aged couple in their forties. The man was tall, with a resolute face that commanded respect without anger, browsing a magazine. The woman was petite, exceptionally beautiful, possessing an air of noble temperament, and she watched Liu Hui and Liang Jingyue enter with a warm smile.
Liang Jingyue approached them. “Dad, Mom, this is Ahui, the one I told you about. Ahui, this is my father, and this is my mother.” She introduced her parents to Liu Hui.
Liang Jingyue’s father put down his magazine, looked at Liu Hui, and nodded. Liu Hui quickly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said respectfully, “Hello, Uncle. Hello, Aunt. My name is Liu Hui. This is my first visit; please accept this small token of my regard.” At this point, he had no choice but to place the net bag on the table.
“Young man, sit down,” Liang Jingyue’s father gestured toward the sofa opposite them.
“Dad, Mom, this is Ahui’s offering to you; it’s their local custom. Ahui was very sincere, so you mustn't dislike it.” Liang Jingyue pushed the gifts toward her parents before nestling close to her father.
“Alright, let your father chat with Little Liu for a bit. We’ll go upstairs and look at Ahui’s presents together.” Liang Jingyue’s mother took the bag and led her upstairs.
“Dad, don’t bully Ahui! Ahui, I’m heading up now.” Before leaving, Liang Jingyue gave Liu Hui an encouraging look.
Only Liang Jingyue’s father and Liu Hui remained in the living room. The housekeeper soon brought a cup of tea. Liu Hui sat respectfully on the sofa, awaiting interrogation.
“Liu Hui, you don’t mind if I call you Little Liu, do you?”
“Uncle, it would be my honor if you called me Little Liu,” Liu Hui replied cautiously.
“Little Liu, where are you from originally?”
“Uncle, my hometown is a township beneath Bashi City, called Pingding Mountain Town.”
“How many people are in your family?”
“There’s my father and mother, so three people in total.”
“What kind of people are your parents?”
“My father is a very honest factory worker in the township, and my mother is highly educated. She is cheerful and kind to everyone.”
“How old are you this year?”
“Twenty-six this year, born in the Year of the Rat.”
“Which school did you graduate from, and what was your major?”
“Bashan University of Commerce and Industry. I majored in Business Administration.”
Their exchange was surprisingly smooth. Liu Hui sensed that Liang Jingyue’s father was quite amiable, not at all overbearing. He suddenly spotted Liang Jingyue peeking around the corner upstairs, giving him a thumbs-up gesture—the little rascal was eavesdropping! Liu Hui subtly signaled back, telling her not to worry.
“Little Liu, Jingyue helped you with a lot of housework when she was staying with you, didn’t she?” Liang Jingyue’s father suddenly asked.
Liu Hui felt awkward. He hadn't known Jingyue did chores for him before, but now, seeing her family’s stature, he realized she likely rarely did housework back home. The thought that the delicate Liang Jingyue was serving him made him assume her parents intended to reprimand him for taking advantage.
“Yes, Jingyue helped me with a lot of chores. But Uncle, I will do them myself from now on; I won’t trouble Jingyue anymore,” Liu Hui immediately promised.
“Little Liu, you misunderstood. Do you know? Jingyue has changed so much since she met you. She always has a happy smile on her face and has become much more diligent; she barely did any housework before. She’s also more understanding and better to us, her parents. There’s much more laughter in our home now. So, we should really thank you. If she wishes, let her continue!” Liang Jingyue’s father smiled.
“This… this… this…” Even Liu Hui, usually quite articulate, was rendered speechless by the unexpected reversal.
“Jingyue’s mother and I cherish her happiness above all else. Therefore, concerning her marriage, we completely respect her choice. If she chooses to be with you, we will not oppose it. When we were traveling abroad recently, Jingyue missed you so much that even I, her father, felt jealous. That’s why we arranged this meeting immediately upon her return.” Liang Jingyue’s father continued.
Liu Hui felt like the happiest man alive. His biggest worry had vanished; there was no cliché dramatic confrontation. He was momentarily unable to process it, feeling as if he were dreaming.
“Uncle, please rest assured, I will treat Jingyue well,” Liu Hui exclaimed with emotion.
“Little Liu, did you know me before this?” Liang Jingyue’s father suddenly asked.
Liu Hui blinked, looking closely at him. The man seemed vaguely familiar, but he couldn't place where he had seen him. He shook his head. “Uncle, you give me a very familiar feeling, but I can’t recall where we’ve met.”
Liang Jingyue’s father chuckled. “Do you ever eat at Juweixuan?”
Liu Hui suddenly remembered, leaping to his feet in shock. “You are Liang Bo, the Chairman of Juweixuan! I saw your picture at Juweixuan!”
Liang Bo nodded. “The young man has some perception.”
Liu Hui said excitedly, “Uncle, you are my idol! The Juweixuan chain you founded is known throughout Bashi City, the undisputed leader in the catering industry. Everyone says Juweixuan is elegant and the food is exquisite; to secure a table there, one must book a week in advance. Thanks to your Juweixuan, Western restaurants in Bashi City have been suppressed and haven't been able to grow. You have truly boosted the pride of the Huaxia people!”
Liang Bo humbly replied, “It’s merely because I unintentionally acquired a few secret recipes that enhanced the color, aroma, and flavor of Huaxia cuisine. It’s also thanks to the generosity of the people of Bashi. However, it currently only has a solid market here; outside the province, it doesn’t fare as well.”
Liu Hui countered, “Uncle is being too modest. I believe that if you decide to expand outside the province, it will be effortless, a simple matter.”
Liang Bo said, “Little Liu, if I were to expand beyond the province, could you come and help me? You studied Business Administration, and my company is in desperate need of talent like you. What do you say?”
Liu Hui was deeply touched. He understood Liang Bo’s implication. Liang Jingyue must have mentioned his unemployment to her father, and Liang Bo, wishing to spare his pride, was delicately offering him a position by framing it as needing his help rather than Liu Hui needing to rely on him. Had this happened ten days earlier, Liu Hui might have readily accepted. But now, armed with the Planar Trade Device, launching his own venture was imminent, though he would have to disappoint Liang Bo’s good intentions.
Liu Hui paused before replying to Liang Bo, “Uncle, thank you so much for your concern and kindness. However, a few days ago, I partnered with a friend to acquire a hospital, planning to establish a career in the medical field, so I must apologize.”
Liang Bo considered this for a moment, then smiled. “That’s good too. Young people should have their own careers. Having drive is commendable; I support you.”
“How was your conversation? You both look quite happy,” Liang Jingyue’s mother, Qiu Yue, and Liang Jingyue herself descended the stairs at the perfect moment.
“Haha, just chatting casually with Little Liu. Well, were you satisfied with Little Liu’s gifts?” Liang Bo laughed.
Qiu Yue held back a smile. “You can see for yourself, but I am very satisfied.”
Liang Jingyue looped her arm through Liu Hui’s. “Dad, Mom, since you’ve finished your review, can I take Ahui out to have some fun now?”
Liang Bo chuckled. “This girl. Take Little Liu out for a walk.”
Liang Jingyue turned to Liu Hui. “Let’s go to my room first!” Without waiting for his reaction, she pulled him away.
With his extraordinary hearing, Liu Hui could still faintly catch the conversation between Liang Bo and Qiu Yue even after they had walked a significant distance.
“Look at how happy this girl is. It reminds me of our situation back then. Love is truly mysterious.”
“It is. When I first visited your family, you were even more dramatic than she is now!”
“Don’t you start…”