Jiang Xiuqing hesitated. “Tomorrow? Isn’t that a bit too rushed?”
Gu Yimin frowned as well. He wasn’t eager to marry off his nineteen-year-old daughter so quickly.
Wei Mingyu gently advocated for her nephew. “Jiansen’s military duties leave him with limited flexibility. Before this year, he hadn’t been able to visit home for three years. He simply doesn’t want Xiaoxi to wait indefinitely.”
Hearing that an engagement might mean waiting years for an official wedding, Jiang Xiuqing’s resistance softened.
Gu Yimin looked at his daughter softly. “Xiaoxi, are you willing to relocate to the military base with him?”
Gu Xiaoxi glanced at Lu Jiansen before offering a subtle nod. “I am. I’ll follow Mom and Dad’s arrangements.”
Jiang Xiuqing smiled gently. “Then Xiaoxi, take Xiao Lu to the kitchen to help wash the vegetables while we finalize the details.”
In the kitchen, the two worked side-by-side in quiet harmony. As Gu Xiaoxi washed the greens, Lu Jiansen suddenly leaned down, whispering near her ear.
“In the future… I’ll be more gentle.”
Gu Xiaoxi nearly dropped the vegetable in her hand. Within seconds, a rosy blush spread across her cheeks.
Noticing the faint mark near her collar, Lu Jiansen felt a quiet spike of guilt. “I will treat you well for the rest of my life.”
Gu Xiaoxi nodded shyly. “I know! I believe you. But you’d better wash those vegetables thoroughly—I’m very particular about cleanliness, and my stomach is sensitive! As my parents say, I’m pampered, delicate, and can’t handle harsh treatment or stress. You can’t find me troublesome later!”
Lu Jiansen couldn’t help letting out a soft laugh. He nodded solemnly. “I’ll take good care of you.”
“Do you know how to cook?” she asked, tilting her head. “My mother always said I needed to marry someone who can cook so I wouldn’t suffer.”
In her previous lives, her early death was largely due to her frail constitution, compounded by poor nutrition in the countryside.
Lu Jiansen looked into her bright eyes and promised earnestly, “I’m no master chef, but my cooking is quite good. Whenever I’m home, I’ll prepare all the meals.”
Gu Xiaoxi’s eyes lit up. Hearing his promise, the lingering nervousness about getting married vanished.
To demonstrate his skills, Lu Jiansen personally cooked a lavish spread for dinner: braised pork belly, taro stewed chicken, eggplant with minced meat, lotus root pork rib soup, braised tofu, and fresh greens. Knowing Gu Xiaoxi enjoyed steamed egg custard, he prepared a delicate portion specifically for her.
The delicious meal thoroughly won over Gu Xiaoxi’s parents. Even Wei Mingyu was impressed by how quickly her stoic nephew had secured his in-laws’ complete favor through a single dinner.
After dinner, Lu Jiansen’s party took their leave to submit the official marriage paperwork.
As Jiang Xiuqing washed the dishes, she remarked to her husband, “Don’t you feel like the kitchen looks unusually clean today? Even the old wok and cabinets look brand-new.”
Gu Yimin nodded. “Xiaoxi must have spent a lot of time cleaning last night.”
Jiang Xiuqing smiled thoughtfully, looking forward to her daughter’s bright future.