While Zhu Queqi was talking to Gu Ansheng downstairs, Zhu Mother had already started clearing the dishes upstairs. Seeing Zhu Queqi return home, she didn’t hesitate to start scolding her again, repeating the same lines over and over: “What use is being so pretty if you can’t get married? And here you are, sweeping the streets…”
Zhu Queqi had been up before dawn, worked all day, barely eaten at noon, and was both hungry and exhausted. Seeing that none of the food had been saved for her tonight, her temper flared. She straightened her neck and shot back: “I can’t get married? Don’t worry—I’ll marry someone far better than you one day!”
Her words hit Zhu Mother like a thorn. Normally, Zhu Mother’s word was law in the Zhu household, and today, for the first time, her own daughter dared to defy her openly. Enraged, she threw down the dishcloth, rolled up her sleeves, and was ready to strike.
At that moment, there was a knock at the door.
Zhu Father, sensing trouble, had already retreated to his room. This was the usual pattern: whenever Zhu Mother was about to hit her, he would pretend not to notice.
Seeing Zhu Queqi standing there, neck stiff, face full of defiance, Zhu Mother paused, glared at her, and went to open the door. As soon as it opened, she raised her voice and shouted: “Who is it? Knocking at this hour—don’t you have food at your own place? Come to beg at my house?”
Still fuming, Zhu Queqi didn’t even glance toward the door. Then a familiar voice came from outside:
“Auntie, hello. My name is Gu Ansheng. I’m here to see Zhu Queqi.”
Gu Ansheng?
Zhu Queqi spun around in surprise—and indeed, it was him! She hurried over, astonished. “Gu Ansheng? You came up here? Weren’t you going home?”
“Yeah, I was about to go, but I remembered there were still some snacks I bought for you in my basket that I hadn’t given you,” Gu Ansheng replied calmly, handing her the bag he was carrying.
Zhu Mother hadn’t yet reacted when Zhu Father peeked out from the bedroom. Sensing an opportunity, he asked, “Young man, you and our Queqi—what’s the situation here?”
“Uncle, Auntie, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Gu Ansheng, and I work at the Bureau of Industry and Commerce,” Gu Ansheng said, pausing briefly before continuing seriously: “Queqi and I are dating. I wanted to take this opportunity to invite both of you to the state-run restaurant on Meijiang Road this Saturday for a meal, so both families can meet and discuss wedding details. Would that be alright?”
“Getting married? Sister’s getting married?!” A clear voice rang from the inner room. Zhu Queqi’s little brother peeked around the doorframe, eyes shining. “Does that mean I get a big treat?”
“None of your business! Go back to your homework! Adults are talking; children stay out!” Zhu Mother shouted. The little chubby boy immediately retreated, making sure to slam the door behind him—though who knew if he was pressed against it, eavesdropping.
Seeing the scene, Zhu Father couldn’t hide in the bedroom any longer. He straightened himself and, putting on the authority of an elder, invited Gu Ansheng in properly.
Zhu Mother peeked outside and noticed neighbors spying from the hallway. She quickly ushered Gu Ansheng in and slammed the door behind him.
Gu Ansheng didn’t sit down. He walked over to Zhu Queqi and gave her a reassuring look. Once Zhu Mother stood by Zhu Father, he spoke again: “It’s getting late, Uncle, Auntie. About the meal this Saturday—do you think that works?”
“Don’t mind my earlier words. The aunt was in a bad mood, a little sharp with you,” Zhu Father interjected.
“How could I mind? Auntie, just call me Ansheng,” Gu Ansheng said lightly.
“Ahnsheng, it’s not that I’m meddling,” Zhu Mother’s tone softened, a warm smile spreading across her face. To anyone unaware, she seemed doting and affectionate. “Queqi is my only daughter. I always hoped she’d find a good family. Some things I have to ask you—don’t take it the wrong way, alright?”
“I understand, Auntie,” Gu Ansheng replied simply, though he knew the family had never truly cared for Zhu Queqi when she was sent to the countryside; no warm letters or clothes were ever sent.
Gu Ansheng was handsome and carried an air of intellect. Zhu Mother found herself increasingly pleased, shedding her usual sharpness in favor of a gentle, caring demeanor. “So, Ansheng, how many people are in your family?”
“Five, including me. My dad used to be a soldier; my mom was the deputy director at the Grain Bureau. Both are now retired. My older brother took over my mom’s work at the Grain Bureau. My sister-in-law is a teacher at an elementary school in the city,” Gu Ansheng answered thoroughly before she could ask further.
Hearing this, Zhu Mother’s eyes lit up. She exchanged a glance with Zhu Father—she’d hooked a “golden son-in-law”! They needed to act fast and not let him slip away. Zhu Queqi, embarrassed by her parents’ sycophantic behavior, turned to Gu Ansheng: “It’s getting late. I’ll walk you out. You’ve got work tomorrow.”
Gu Ansheng didn’t object, allowing her to guide him outside. Zhu Father and Zhu Mother seemed about to say something more, but Zhu Queqi interrupted: “Anything else, we can discuss it when we meet your parents this Saturday.” After all, Gu Ansheng’s mother was no pushover; in her past life, Zhu Mother hadn’t gained an inch—this time would be no different.
Near the door, Gu Ansheng stopped and turned to Zhu Father and Mother. “By the way, Uncle, Auntie, I think Queqi shouldn’t go back to work starting tomorrow. The job’s tiring and doesn’t pay much. It’d be better for her to stay home, read, and prepare for the upcoming exams. Don’t you agree?”
“Yes! Absolutely!” Zhu Mother nodded eagerly, agreeing with whatever the “golden son-in-law” said. “I’ve told her before—don’t go back to that job, but she never listens. Now that her future husband has spoken, Queqi, stay home and behave!”
Seeing her parents fawn like that, Zhu Queqi was inwardly mortified.
Gu Ansheng, satisfied that his point had been made, didn’t linger. As he went downstairs, he insisted that Zhu Queqi not follow him and reminded her: “Wash up and get some rest. Don’t overexert yourself.”