Chapter 16 - 15 We just got our marriage certificate
Gao Chuan’s grandmother, Jiang Jing, moved to this villa district a year ago due to serious illness stemming from her old age. The buildings were in the typical Suzhou style, with gray-white brick and tile, beautiful lake views and elegant waters, located in the suburbs with a pleasant landscape. The elderly lady spent most of the past year here, having just been discharged from the hospital some days ago. Her condition was deteriorating by the day.
Gao Chuan had only simply mentioned his grandmother to Jiang An in passing, and through what he said, she learned that his grandmother might not survive the year. Her greatest wish was to see him married and with children. Jiang An thought of her own mother who had passed away—she hadn’t even seen her own daughter married, leaving nothing but deep regret.
Gao Chuan led Jiang An to a courtyard. A middle-aged woman wearing an apron came to answer the doorbell. Upon seeing Gao Chuan with a girl behind him, she wore an astonished expression, "Second Young Master, you’re here."
Gao Chuan nodded slightly and called out "Aunt Liu," then slightly turned to introduce her to Jiang An. Jiang An nodded politely in greeting. The next second, she heard Gao Chuan tell Aunt Liu that she was his wife; a blush quietly crept onto her face.
"Ah! Grandma will be so happy to see you’ve come," Aunt Liu beamed with joy as she sized up Jiang An, who stood composed and quietly, her small face hidden within her long hair, modestly curving her lips into a smile.
Aunt Liu cheerfully led the two inside the house, exclaiming loudly, "Old Madam, look who’s here?"
Jiang An followed Gao Chuan respectfully into the living room and saw an elderly lady dressed in plain elegance slowly standing up from the sofa. The lady spotted Gao Chuan at the front and smiled so broadly she could not close her mouth, "Ah, my treasure, you finally came to see this old woman." She excitedly approached Gao Chuan, looking him up and down affectionately.
Jiang An observed the warm and kind demeanor of the elderly woman, who did not seem like someone severely ill.
"Old Madam, this time the young master has brought his wife along," Aunt Liu giggled, prompting the old lady. Gao Chuan also turned and strode over to Jiang An, suddenly putting an arm around her, and introduced, "Grandma, this is Anan. We just got our marriage certificate."
Jiang An felt the palm on her waist and politely called out "Grandma." The lady’s eyes brightened upon seeing the affectionate couple, stepping forward to take Jiang An’s hand, "Ah, so this is my granddaughter-in-law, such a beauty!"
The old lady had been bedridden for most of the month, and only recently had her condition slightly improved. It was to everyone’s surprise that Gao Chuan, who had been the object of concern for his reluctance to marry, had suddenly brought back a granddaughter-in-law, she couldn’t hide her joy. Holding onto the girl’s hand, she led her towards the living room, while Gao Chuan, who seemed to be ignored, quietly placed the gifts he had brought aside and followed the two to sit on the sofa.
