Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Gu Xiaoxi was staring at a shiny, brand-new bowl in sheer astonishment.
Moments ago, she had accidentally chipped a ceramic bowl, which had mysteriously slipped into the [Used Goods Storage] within the jade space.
Instantly, a bright beam of light had connected the [Used Goods Storage] and the [New Products Showroom], forming a massive balance scale. The side holding the broken bowl dipped down, slid to the right, and instantly transformed the chipped bowl into a pristine, brand-new one!
This… is incredible!
Testing the space further, she gathered the household’s worn, chipped dishware, utensils, the dull kitchen knife, the old iron wok, and even the tattered dishcloths, placing them into the [Used Goods Storage]. Within seconds, every single item was restored into top-quality, brand-new household goods!
After upgrading the kitchen essentials, she cooked a simple bowl of noodles and sat in the living room to eat.
Suddenly, loud clanging and panicked shouts echoed from the courtyard outside.
“Fire! Fire! Old Mrs. Gu’s house is on fire!”
Gu Xiaoxi paused mid-bite. Her grandparents’ house?
In her previous lives, this fire hadn’t occurred for another three days. Her third uncle had set it after her grandmother refused to give him money. Why did it happen earlier this time?
In her past lives, the fire had only damaged half a room, though her grandmother claimed her life savings hidden in the wardrobe had burned to ashes. Gu Xiaoxi decided not to join the commotion—her grandparents favored her third uncle and aunt’s family while looking down on her parents. Going over would only invite unfair scolding.
Just as she finished her noodles, her mother returned carrying bags of fresh groceries.
“Xiaoxi, put these groceries in the kitchen. I’m going to check on your grandmother’s house.”
Gu Xiaoxi stopped her. “Mom, don’t go. If you go, Grandma will just blame you, claiming our family brought bad luck.”
Jiang Xiuqing froze. “Why would you say that?”
“I heard neighbors whispering outside,” Gu Xiaoxi lied smoothly. “Grandma was already complaining that you weren’t home because you were taking care of Grandpa at the hospital.”
Jiang Xiuqing’s heart sank, and she let out a weary sigh. “Fine, I won’t go.”
She was an only child, and with her mother gone, her ailing father in the hospital was her main priority. Turning around, she carried the groceries into the kitchen, focusing instead on preparing a proper meal for the evening meeting with Lu Jiansen’s family.
Before she could start, Director Wang’s cheerful voice sounded outside the gate.
“Xiuqing, are you home?”
Jiang Xiuqing and Gu Xiaoxi stepped out together.
Standing in the courtyard was Lu Jiansen. He looked exceptionally tall and striking in his crisp military uniform, possessing an aura that was impossible to ignore. Beside him stood a middle-aged couple—the man cultured, the woman elegant and refined.
Lu Jiansen’s eyes immediately locked onto Gu Xiaoxi. In the daylight, she looked even smaller, more delicate, and youthful than she had the night before. His gaze caught the faint mark near her collarbone, partially hidden beneath a light scarf. His ears turned slightly warm as he felt a quiet surge of self-reproach for his lack of restraint the previous night.
Noticing her nephew staring intently at the young girl, Wei Mingyu smiled and nudged Jiang Xiuqing playfully. “Sister Xiuqing, don’t they look like a perfect match?”
Jiang Xiuqing looked at Lu Jiansen, thoroughly impressed by his posture and handsome appearance. Seeing his genuine interest in her daughter, her heart relaxed.
Before anyone else could speak, Lu Jiansen stepped forward, standing at strict military attention.
“My name is Lu Jiansen. I am twenty-five years old, serving as a battalion commander in the Northern Military Region. I have no bad habits, my monthly allowance is 70 yuan, and after marriage, my entire salary and savings will be handed over for my wife to manage!”
Gu Xiaoxi stared at him, momentarily rendered speechless.
Jiang Xiuqing was equally stunned. This Commander Lu is certainly eager to state his intentions!
Wei Mingyu burst out laughing. Her usually stoic, intense nephew—who normally avoided women like the plague—was acting like an earnest, smitten youth.
Her husband, Yan Xueqi, cleared his throat with a chuckle before addressing Jiang Xiuqing politely. “Jiansen is an upright, responsible young man. His parents reside in the capital, so my wife and I are acting on their behalf today. His family background is respectable—his father is also a military officer, his mother works at the Cultural Bureau, and his two younger brothers serve in the military and medical fields respectively.”
Jiang Xiuqing was inwardly astounded—such a prominent family background! If anything, her family was the one marrying up. Still, in her eyes, her daughter was sweet, intelligent, and beautiful; she was worthy of the very best!
When Gu Xiaoxi’s father, Gu Yimin, returned home, he found his wife already happily discussing engagement details with Yan Xueqi and Wei Mingyu. After thirty minutes of discussion, he gave his formal consent.
Seeing the four elders agreeing, Lu Jiansen immediately chimed in with a serious request.
“Uncle, Aunt, I’d like to hold the formal engagement tomorrow, and as soon as my marriage application is approved, we can officially register and have Xiaoxi join me at the military base! My leave ends in seven days, and I don’t know when my next leave will be granted.”
He didn’t want to wait a second longer!