The Mad Guardian

"When are we leaving?" Jiang Chuan asked.

"This afternoon, I've already booked the tickets," Qiu Qianyu replied.

"Alright, I'll go get ready then."

Originally, Jiang Chuan, Qiu Qianyu, and Jiang Xiaoru planned to go, but Jiang Xiaoru had to take a leave at the last minute because of some family issues.

So, it ended up being just the two of them.

The journey was uneventful!

Soon, the plane landed, and they arrived in Yun City.

Yun City is a tier-four small city, not very large but quite bustling.

After getting off the plane, Qiu Qianyu took Jiang Chuan to a supermarket and bought a lot of nutritional supplements, then she told Jiang Chuan something.

"Jiang Chuan, my uncle has a somewhat peculiar personality. If he says anything unpleasant, please don't take it to heart."

Jiang Chuan smiled and said, "Don't worry, your uncle is my uncle too. He is my elder, so even if he says something, I won't mind."

"That's good then, thank you, Jiang Chuan." Qiu Qianyu smiled faintly, feeling more and more content with Jiang Chuan.

Jiang Chuan smiled and asked back, "Oh? Thank me for what?"

"Thank you for coming with me."

Qiu Qianyu gave a cheeky smile. Clearly, she felt much more relaxed for this rare outing.

Jiang Chuan also sensed Qiu Qianyu's cheerful mood, which made him happy too.

Caring for someone, loving someone, feeling happy because she's happy, feeling sad because she's sad, this must be what it's all about.

The two of them had been together for more than three months, and a subtle affection had developed between Jiang Chuan and Qiu Qianyu.

This affection made it difficult for both of them to let go of each other.

After leaving the supermarket, they hailed a taxi and headed straight to her uncle's house with large bags in hand.

Qiu Qianyu's uncle is named Liu Qi, with the 'Qi' from 'qin qi shu hua' (chess from qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting).

Qiu Qianyu mentioned that her grandfather was a very knowledgeable man, and named her mother Liu Qin, while her uncle was named Liu Qi. If there were more children, they would probably be named Liu Shu and Liu Hua.

Jiang Chuan and Qiu Qianyu were chatting and laughing along the way and soon arrived at a very shabby old neighborhood.

This neighborhood had some years to it, with dilapidated buildings that gave off a distinct 1980s feel.

Soon, Qiu Qianyu saw her uncle Liu Qi.

The entire Liu Qi family happened to be home.

"Oh my, isn't this Xiaoyu? It's already been a year since we last met, and Xiaoyu, you've become even more beautiful!"

The speaker was Qiu Qianyu's aunt, named Wang Rong, who was heavily made up and had a sharp and sarcastic look.

"Mom, she's a princess from the big city, of course she'll grow prettier and prettier, unlike me, born in this dump, destined to be poor my whole life!"

A girl was putting on makeup over there, speaking in a sour tone.

Qiu Qianyu had mentioned to Jiang Chuan that she was Liu Qi's daughter, named Liu Fang.

Liu Qi reprimanded, "What are you talking about? Is this dump so bad? If you're capable, go find a boyfriend in the big city, then you won't have to be poor your whole life!"

After reprimanding, Liu Qi smiled and said to Qiu Qianyu, "Xiaoyu, that's just the way your cousin is, don't mind her. By the way, who is this... Xiaoyu, aren't you going to introduce him to your uncle?"

Three months ago, Qiu Qianyu and Jiang Chuan got married in a hurry without holding a wedding, and they hadn't even informed their relatives.

So, when Qiu Qianyu introduced Jiang Chuan's identity, Liu Qi was immediately surprised.

"What? You say he's your husband? You're already married?"

Liu Qi's expression immediately turned a bit sour, and he said, "Xiaoyu, I'm not trying to criticize you, but for such an important event as marriage, how could you not inform your uncle? At the very least, it's a matter of respect, don't you think?"

Qiu Qianyu also felt a bit apologetic and gave a sheepish smile, saying to Liu Qi, "Uncle, this was something my father decided on, and since we didn't hold a wedding, it was admittedly somewhat rushed."

Hearing this, Liu Qi's expression grew even darker.

"Hmph, your father is such a useless man, who cannot handle matters properly."

"By the way, where does this nephew-in-law of mine work? Which family's son is he?"

Qiu Qianyu originally didn't want to introduce Jiang Chuan, but since her uncle pressed the issue, she had no choice but to say, "Uncle, he is my driver now, and he's not from any family. His family are farmers in the Yanbei Suburbs."

"What? Farmer? And he's your driver?"

Liu Qi was originally quite courteous to Jiang Chuan, but upon hearing of his status, his attitude immediately changed.

...