Chapter 72 - 71: Future Mother-in-Law’s Gift

Chapter 72: Chapter 71: Future Mother-in-Law’s Gift

Xiao Ran expertly twisted the handlebars, and the electric scooter moved forward.

Noon was the hottest time of day. The sun was blinding, and the air was muggy and hot.

By now, the campus was teeming with people. Some were heading to the cafeteria, others were going out to eat. As far as the eye could see, it was just a sea of heads.

When they saw the girl sitting behind Xiao Ran, a few female students started gossiping in low voices, fanning themselves with their hands.

"Why is Teacher Xiao always with that girl lately? What’s their relationship, anyway?"

"Are you blind? She’s got her arms around his waist. What kind of relationship do you *think* it is?"

"So does that mean I’m totally out of chances? And here I’ve been going to the library so much just for him!"

"Hey, I think I heard Teacher Xiao is already married."

"Don’t spread rumors! No way. How old is Teacher Xiao, anyway?"

"Oh, come on, stop staring. It’s not like he’s going to get off his scooter and hand you a fan if you keep looking."

In truth, most people at the university had no idea whether Xiao Ran was married or what his exact relationship with Yan Xici was.

That was one good thing about a big university. There were lots of people and lots of gossip, but everyone seemed to chat for a minute and then forget. Nobody had the time or energy to dig deep into anyone else’s business.

Hearing this, the girl who had spoken first looked crestfallen.

’After all this time, I finally find a real catch at school, and it’s over before it even started?’

...

Qiu Yuru had some free time this morning.

So, she went to the market, bought some pork ribs and chicken, and planned to make winter melon and pork rib soup, as well as Geleshan spicy chicken.

They were all dishes her son loved.

On the way back, she stopped by a small shop and happened to spot a beautiful bracelet.

It was a sterling silver bracelet with star and moon charms.

It shimmered beautifully under the lights of the display case.

It just wasn’t quite right for someone her age; after all, she was already forty-five.

It would be perfect for a young woman in her twenties, though.

Gazing at the bracelet, Qiu Yuru was lost in thought.

’Maybe... I should buy it for Xici. It can be a thank-you gift for taking care of me.’

’Come to think of it, I didn’t bring anything when I arrived, but she’s been so thoughtful and prepared everything so carefully. It’s really kind of her to have put in so much effort.’

’She was young once, too. She knew that nineteen or twenty is the age when a girl cares most about being beautiful.’

’It’ll just be a small token from an elder like me.’

At that thought, she bought the bracelet without a second’s hesitation.

She left the jewelry store feeling utterly satisfied and headed home.

Back home, she glanced at the time. It was already eleven o’clock.

Qiu Yuru didn’t take a break. She went straight into the kitchen, tied on an apron, and began to bustle about, starting on lunch.

As her hands got busy, her mind couldn’t help but drift back to her son’s childhood.

Back then, she ran a fireworks and firecracker shop. She never had time to make a proper, delicious meal for her child, always rushing and just making whatever was quickest.

She always thought she would make it up to him properly once things weren’t so busy.

But unexpectedly, "busy" turned into many years, and there was never a moment to stop.

By the time she finally had some free time, her son was already grown up. He went off to college and lived in the dorms, and later, he got married and started a new life with his wife.

It’s not always a case of the child being ready to provide for their parents only after they’re gone.

Sometimes, by the time you’re ready to truly spend time with your child, you find that he’s already independent, a grown adult who doesn’t need you as much anymore.

Thinking of this, Qiu Yuru shook her head with a wry sigh.

’I guess that’s just life.’

She had just finished stir-frying the last dish when she heard the beep of the electronic lock. Turning around, she saw Xiao Ran and Yan Xici had returned.

Seeing Qiu Yuru busy in the kitchen, Yan Xici rushed in and offered enthusiastically, "Auntie, let me help."

Qiu Yuru looked at her fondly.

’It’s so nice to be young,’ she thought with a sigh. ’You look beautiful in anything. Unlike me. Now that I’m older, I can’t pull off even the most beautiful clothes with the same flair.’

She beamed. "Oh, no, that’s alright, dear. I’m all done. We can’t have you getting that pretty white dress dirty."

Then, remembering the bracelet she’d bought, she pulled the girl over to the dining table and picked up a delicate little box.

"Oh, right, Xici. I was in such a rush when I arrived that I didn’t bring you a gift. This is just a little something to show my appreciation."

Staring at the small box in Qiu Yuru’s hand, Xiao Ran froze.

’For some reason, this feels like a mother-in-law giving a gift to her daughter-in-law for their first meeting,’ he thought.

His face was a picture of astonishment. ’Holy cow, a first-meeting gift?’

’When Mom met Yan Li, it was also really sudden, and she hadn’t prepared anything. But she never mentioned getting her a make-up gift the next day or anything.’

’So why is she being so nice to Yan Xici?’

’It’s giving me the mistaken impression that she actually supports us being together!’

’This is a dangerous signal.’

The girl beside him was even more surprised than Xiao Ran.

Her delicate brows twitched, her luminous eyes wide with astonishment.

Her lips were even parted slightly in surprise.

Likely not expecting a gift from his mother at all, she waved her hands in a fluster, her gaze earnest.

"No, I can’t, Auntie! This is too much, I can’t possibly accept it!"

’I’m already so embarrassed to be imposing on them, getting free room and board.’

’If I accepted a gift on top of that, I’d be completely shameless!’

’A polite girl would never do something like this!’

Seeing her reaction, Qiu Yuru chuckled. "Oh, don’t be silly. I just picked it up on a whim when I was out today. It’s perfect for a young woman like you, so just take it."

She simply wanted to show a small token of her appreciation.

’Besides, it’s not like it’s anything expensive. I didn’t expect the dear girl to get so shy about it.’

The young woman subconsciously took a step back. "I really can’t, Auntie."

Her parents had taught her from a young age not to accept gifts from people. Besides, she was truly embarrassed to have his mother spend money on her.

Seeing her stubborn refusal, Qiu Yuru looked at her son helplessly. "Look at her. It’s just a bracelet. Quick, you talk to her!"

It was truly just a simple little gift, nothing expensive. She had simply bought it because she thought it would suit the girl.

Xiao Ran had been planning to just enjoy the show, but after his mom called him out, he had to at least look like he was helping.

He smiled at Yan Xici. "If my mom’s giving it to you, you should just take it."

’Honestly, seeing Mom be so nice to her makes me really happy,’ he thought.

’And the reason why is just too simple.’

’He thinks she’s wonderful.’

’A great girl deserves to be treated well!’

With that, Xiao Ran took the box from his mother’s hand and flipped it open.

Inside, a silver bracelet with a row of star charms rested on a black velvet cushion. The largest charm was shaped like a crescent moon.

The whole thing was sparkly and delicate—exactly the kind of thing young women love.

He nodded, giving his mom a look of approval. "Good taste. You made a great choice."

With that, he gently took the girl’s slender, pale wrist. He lowered his head, carefully fastening the bracelet around it with one hand.

The girl was clearly stunned by his sudden action.