novelraw Chapter 87: Auntie, Just Call Me by My Name
Chapter 87: Auntie, Just Call Me by My Name
On the way back, the reserved Jia Xiufang and the already won-over Chen Zilong sat in the back seat. Qian, who was annoyed by Yu Minglang’s shameless presence, sat in the front seat, listening to Yu Minglang chatting to himself.
"Auntie, it’s almost noon, let me treat you to a meal. I’ve already booked the place, can you eat Huaiyang cuisine? I know a hotel that recently changed its chef, and their Lion’s Head is especially delicious."
"Uh, okay..." Jia Xiufang was still immersed in the huge shock of her daughter’s sudden boyfriend, answering whatever people asked her.
Afraid of saying the wrong thing, fearing a brick would come flying... that guy’s legs could break bricks, how strong must he be?
"Brother-in-law—"
"Chen Zilong!" Qian turned her head and grabbed a magazine from Yu Minglang in the car, throwing it backward to him, this brat, shouting nonsense!
"Then what should I call him?" the adolescent boy asked.
"Just call me Lang, we’ll talk about changing titles later." Yu Minglang finished speaking and felt someone stomp heavily on his foot. He glanced sideways at Qian, who snorted.
Villain, I can’t be bothered to talk to you.
Yu Minglang was meticulously planning how to leave a good impression on his future mother-in-law, so he chose to dine at the most expensive hotel in the city. It was owned by his brother, so they could get a discount and it would leave a good impression on the girl’s family.
As Yu Minglang was parking, Jia Xiufang, who got out of the car first, secretly pulled Qian aside to ask.
"Qian’er, is he really your new boyfriend?"
Qian glanced at Yu Minglang in the car. By this point, her path was already disrupted by this guy, being coy was pointless.
"Mm."
"You’re not in school anymore? Why are you dating?"
"Wasn’t it you guys who were anxious back then? You even set me up with Ni Jianren, almost getting me married."
Seeing Qian and her mother arguing, Yu Minglang didn’t rush to get out of the car, sitting calmly in the driver’s seat.
Even if they deliberately lowered their voices, with his lip-reading skills, how could Yu Minglang not understand?
"Is it the same? Back then it was because you weren’t doing well in exams, so we found you a boyfriend. You’re in school now, and you’re dating such an older man, such a successful businessman. Can’t you give us peace of mind?"
"How is he that old? He’s only six years older than me. Ni Jianren was also much older, why didn’t you think about that then?"
"How can that be the same?"
Jia Xiufang, angry, gave Qian a slap on the back. Yu Minglang instantly sat up straight.
What the heck, domestic violence against his girlfriend?!
"How is it not the same! Look how much better Yu Minglang is compared to that scoundrel?"
Yu Minglang’s eyes showed approval; very good, his girlfriend’s awareness was indeed commendable.
"You still need to study. Students should behave like students. It’s not like you need to struggle in society now! And look at him, so tall, bricks breaking under his strength, what if he hits you in the future!"
Jia Xiufang had endured domestic violence for half a lifetime and finally divorced, fearing her daughter would end up like her.
"What are you joking about, how could he ever hit me?" In her past life, she was so mischievous, always teasing Yu Minglang, yet he never got mad at her. Even during their most heated arguments, he only turned away with a dark face, never raising his voice at her.
In Qian’s eyes, he was a husky disguised as a wolf, looking fierce but actually harmless, at least towards her.
"Even so!" Jia Xiufang still wanted to say something.
Yu Minglang got out of the car, walked up to Jia Xiufang, and said with a smile.
"Auntie, we can go in now."
Jia Xiufang could only swallow her words and followed Yu Minglang into the private room, pondering what to say, but Yu Minglang gave her no chance, handing her the menu directly.
Jia Xiufang opened it and was shocked by the prices; even a simple cold dish cost more than getting her down jacket cleaned. Too extravagant.
"Maybe we should just forget it."
"I’ll do it." Qian took the menu, glancing at Yu Minglang calmly, scheming inwardly.
Use your face-scanning skills all you want! Show off in front of the girl’s mom; eat, eat a lot, make this big villain’s wallet hurt!
"Can we pack some to-go?" Qian asked Yu Minglang, her expression clearly saying, get ready to go broke!
"The ones for takeout I’ve arranged separately, just order what we’ll eat now."
"Scallion-fried sea cucumber, stewed crab meat lion’s head, triple roast duck, original braised shark fin..." Qian didn’t blink an eye.
Every dish she named, Jia Xiufang quickly calculated the price in her mind, and even a brief glance was frightening.
The first few dishes were already expensive, and now hearing her daughter dare to order shark fin, Jia Xiufang panicked and kicked Qian hard under the table.
"Ow! Pain!" It was Chen Zilong shouting in pain, looking aggrieved.
"Mom, why are you kicking me!"
Qian grinned mischievously, her legs were already on the chair knowing her mom would lash out.
"The portions are small, one won’t be enough; add another," Yu Minglang told the server.
Qian gave him a surprised look.
She hadn’t really intended to order shark fin, just to scare Yu Minglang, but this guy was unfazed. It wasn’t any fun if he handled it so calmly.
During a meal with Ni Jianren, just ordering a plate of prawns made his smile freeze, but Yu Minglang’s tolerance level was really high.
"Exactly, there’s no need for something so expensive, just order something simple, like shredded potatoes or sweet and sour cabbage." Jia Xiufang knew too well that if you eat at someone’s expense, you’re beholden. Having such an expensive meal would make her feel inferior.
"No worries Auntie, this is my brother’s place, we’re eating at cost here. These corrupt capitalists are extremely exploitative; the profit on one dish lets them sell five. But among brothers, we have a good rapport. Anytime you come here, just mention my name and eat as you please."
Yu Minglang took the opportunity to emphasize his presence again. Qian snorted; this guy was not dumb right now, cunningly talking up his brotherly bonds to her mom.
"Add some shrimp and hairy crabs. Auntie has lived by the sea for so many years and surely likes seafood. Let’s get two trays of crab roe dumplings too." After finishing the order, Yu Minglang handed the menu to Chen Zilong.
"Order whatever you like, little brother."
"What’s the most expensive—ah!" This time, Chen Zilong really shouted in pain.
Qian tugged his ear and handed the menu back to the server.
"That’s enough, we can order more if necessary."
She was taking advantage of Yu Minglang, but that didn’t mean Chen could do the same. Yu Minglang smiled at Qian.
Look, such a cute little girl, already thinking about saving him money.
"Um, big boss..." Jia Xiufang pondered how to start.
"Auntie, I’m Yu Minglang, just call me by my name."