Chapter 172: Meeting the Parents

Chapter 172: Chapter 172: Meeting the Parents

’...Meeting the parents? A boyfriend?’ The two successive revelations made Su Wan’s gaze fall upon Zhao Yuan.

She sized him up, feeling that Zhao Yuan’s face was somehow familiar. But she’d met so many people that she couldn’t immediately place who he resembled.

But the issue at hand wasn’t who Zhao Yuan was; it was the fact that Zhang Yun had found a boyfriend.

"Have you taken him to see Uncle and Aunt?" Su Wan needed to confirm this, as they hadn’t called to tell her anything about it.

Zhang Yun nodded repeatedly. "Yes, they’ve met. Ah Yuan has even been to our village several times, and he treated Mom and Dad to a meal in the county seat."

"Mom and Dad told my cousin that I found a boyfriend. My cousin said that if they approve, he’ll have someone look into Ah Yuan. If he’s a good match, we can get engaged and then get married."

Su Wan saw the shy and expectant look on Zhang Yun’s face as she gazed at Zhao Yuan. It was clear she had developed genuine feelings for him.

But she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

"I see. So why have you come to the Capital? To have your cousin vet him for you?" Su Wan didn’t beat around the bush, asking this directly in front of Zhao Yuan.

Zhang Yun shook her head shyly and linked her arm through Su Wan’s in a familiar gesture. "No, Sister-in-law. Ah Yuan is from the Capital. We’re here this time to meet his family."

"I’m a little nervous. I don’t know if Ah Yuan’s parents will like me."

With an anxious look, Zhang Yun stole a glance at Zhao Yuan.

Zhao Yuan immediately stepped forward and stroked Zhang Yun’s hair. With a look of concern, he said gently, "Xiao Yun, don’t be nervous. My parents are both very kind people; I’m sure you’ll get along with them."

"Besides, I’m here. I won’t let you be treated unfairly," Zhao Yuan quickly assured her.

Touched, Zhang Yun blushed and shyly lowered her head, murmuring a soft "mhm."

Su Wan was always the rational one. She was capable of doubting even Lu Zhengchuan, let alone... ’At first glance, Zhao Yuan’s comforting words sound fine,’ she thought. ’But if you really think about them, aren’t they just empty platitudes?’

’If he truly didn’t want his girlfriend to be treated unfairly, he wouldn’t be so certain they would get along. Instead, he’d be worried about what to do if they didn’t.’

’Answering with such confidence... it was most likely just sweet talk.’

Although Su Wan thought this, she didn’t interfere with Zhang Yun’s relationship. After all, you can’t reason with someone who’s in love.

"Have you gone to meet his parents yet?" Su Wan asked.

Seeing how calm Su Wan was, the smile on Zhao Yuan’s face deepened.

"Not yet, Sister-in-law. I think it would be a bit rude to go see his parents directly. My mom also told me to find you and my cousin first after coming to the Capital."

"If we’re going to properly meet the parents, it should be with the whole family over a meal. I just don’t know if you and my cousin have time, Sister-in-law."

Zhang Yun was a little nervous, afraid that Su Wan wouldn’t agree.

Su Wan remained impassive. ’The Zhang family are Lu Zhengchuan’s relatives,’ she thought. ’How we deal with them is ultimately his decision. If I get too involved, it’ll just be a thankless effort.’

"There’s no rush. We’ll discuss it with your cousin and then decide. This is about your marriage, after all, and I want you to be happy." Su Wan then turned to Zhao Yuan. "Mr. Zhao, a man of such fine character as yourself surely isn’t in a hurry to marry Xiao Yun. These things must go through the proper steps, wouldn’t you agree?"

As Su Wan’s clear eyes rested on him, Zhao Yuan got the feeling that she had somehow seen through him.

He forced a smile and replied, "Of course, Sister-in-law. I adore Xiao Yun, so naturally, I must respect her and her family. It’s only right that you all want to test me. After all, this is a lifelong commitment."

Hearing this, Zhang Yun’s eyes curved into crescents as she smiled.

Su Wan glanced at how easily impressed Zhang Yun was, then at Zhao Yuan, whose behavior seemed a little too rehearsed. In her heart, she did not have a good feeling about him.

But she didn’t let any of this show on her face.

"Have you two had lunch yet? As for what’s next, you could go do something together, or Xiao Yun could come home with me. Mr. Zhao, you could go home first and tell your family you’ve found a girlfriend, so everyone has time to prepare."

Su Wan was asking for their opinions.

Zhao Yuan looked at Zhang Yun with reluctance. "Xiao Yun, why don’t you go with Sister-in-law for now. If you need anything, just give me a call."

He added as a reminder, "You know the number, right?"

"Mhm, I remember," Zhang Yun nodded sweetly.

Watching him, Su Wan suddenly asked, "Mr. Zhao, where do you live? I’ll write it down."

Zhao Yuan seemed surprised by Su Wan’s direct question. ’Shouldn’t she ask Zhang Yun about this after they get home?’

Zhao Yuan’s eyebrows twitched in surprise. He smiled and said, "I live in the family housing compound for the Capital Hongjuan Textile Factory."

"The Hongjuan Textile Factory... Hmm, I’m quite familiar with it," Su Wan said, as if it were an idle thought. "I know someone who lives there. Coincidentally, she has the same surname as you. I wonder if you know her."

Zhao Yuan’s heart skipped a beat, but he kept his composure and asked, "What’s her name? Our factory has a lot of people, but not many with the surname Zhao. I grew up there, so I just might know her."

Su Wan raised an eyebrow and tossed out a name. "Zhao Xiangxiang. Do you know her?"

Zhao Yuan’s expression stiffened for an instant before he broke into a wide, surprised smile. "Sister-in-law, you know my sister? If it’s not someone else with the same name, then Zhao Xiangxiang is my second-oldest sister!"

"What? What a coincidence!" Zhang Yun exclaimed in delight, cupping her cheeks. "Ah Yuan, we’re really meant to be!"

Su Wan scoffed internally. The smile on Zhao Yuan’s face seemed exceptionally mocking. She finally understood why she’d felt that something was wrong.

’This isn’t fate, it’s a disaster!’

"Is that so? Then do you know how Zhao Xiangxiang and I met?" Su Wan’s voice was cold. Now that she had confirmed his sister’s identity, the look she gave Zhao Yuan was devoid of any warmth.

Zhao Yuan managed a smile. "How did you two meet, Sister-in-law?"

"Zhao Xiangxiang pursued my third brother, but he wasn’t interested and rejected her. She continued to pester him, and after things finally ended, she tried to force me to pay her money." Su Wan stared at Zhao Yuan, not missing the flicker of anger that flashed in his eyes.

’In fact, when I mentioned Zhao Xiangxiang, he clearly wasn’t surprised. He must have known who I was all along.’

’So... his relationship with Zhang Yun couldn’t possibly be as innocent as it seemed. Zhao Yuan was probably using her to get revenge on me.’

Though Su Wan had her suspicions, she wasn’t going to jump to conclusions until she had investigated thoroughly.

"What? Sister-in-law, why would Zhao Xiangxiang try to force you to pay her money?" Zhang Yun frowned, taking an instant dislike to this Zhao Xiangxiang and speaking in a critical tone.

That was just her nature—direct and outspoken.

She completely failed to notice the cold glint that flashed in Zhao Yuan’s eyes at her thoughtless words.

"Xiao Yun, don’t say that. There must be a misunderstanding. Why would my sister do something like that?" Zhao Yuan said, defending Zhao Xiangxiang.