CHAPTER 551: CHAPTER 311 CAUTIOUS WORDS AND ACTIONS

"Sister-in-law, where is your vinegar?"

Xiao Meier was busy at the stove, and Chu Qin was not idle either, her hands still dusted with flour, as she came over, "Here, here."

She handed the vinegar to Xiao Meier, saying, "Xiao Er, look at this fuss, I invited you and your hubby for a meal, and end up you’re the one cooking, and Xiao Chen went to pick up Brother Cao."

Xiao Meier took the vinegar bottle, smiling and saying, "Sister-in-law, you’re being too polite. We’re all family here. Besides, I just can’t sit still, seeing you busy made me itch to help."

Chu Qin also laughed, "Xiao Er, you’re really much more capable than me."

"Sister-in-law is the real deal, I just have these little skills," Xiao Meier skillfully supported the wok.

Watching Xiao Meier’s deft spoon flipping, Chu Qin genuinely admired, "You call this a little skill? The color of your sweet and sour ribs looks so delicious!"

The two chatted and laughed, although having met only a few times, but due to Chen Cheng and Cao Yue’s relationship, the two women also showed an unusual closeness.

"Recently your Xiao Chen has been quite the sensation," Chu Qin simply brought the dough mixing bowl over, "forming alliances, and even starting companies."

Xiao Meier served the sweet and sour ribs from the wok, "He hasn’t talked to me about his business, and I never asked."

"Ah? Don’t you two talk about work usually?"

"I don’t understand his business," Xiao Meier washed the wok, "He’s already so tired from outside, if I ask at home, he’ll only get more annoyed. Instead of bothering him, better let him relax."

Chu Qin seemed to understand why Xiao Meier was the one who moved into the Houhai Courtyard.

"So, I just manage the Wanbao Hall and Camellia well that he entrusted to me, not causing trouble for Xiao Cheng, I think that’s pretty good," Xiao Meier smiled, ready to cook the next dish.

Chu Qin nodded, "Xiao Chen is really lucky to have found you."

"Sister-in-law, you’re joking."

Xiao Meier’s cheeks slightly reddened, her tone carrying a barely noticeable sweetness, "I’m the lucky one to have met him."

Just then, the voices of Chen Cheng and Cao Yue talking came from the living room.

Chu Qin showed a joyful expression, "Look, they’re back."

The two women stepped out of the kitchen, looking towards the door.

Chen Cheng was holding a bottle of wine, Cao Yue was pulling a suitcase, both walked in talking and laughing.

"Wow, is all the food ready? It smells so good!"

As soon as he entered, Cao Yue smelled the inviting aroma and immediately showed a smile.

He placed the suitcase in the corner, walked straight to the dining table, looking at the spread of dishes, he couldn’t help but praise, "This is definitely Xiao Er’s handiwork."

"Brother Cao, are you saying my cooking is not good?" Chu Qin teased.

"Not at all, it’s just that it is a bit less than Xiao Er’s."

Xiao Meier laughed and said, "Brother Cao, don’t make fun of me. It’s all just home cooking, I hope it suits your taste."

"This really looks better than a five-star chef’s work." Cao Yue turned to Chen Cheng, "Xiao Chen, you should drink more tonight."

"No problem, as long as sister-in-law doesn’t mind, I’m down to the end."

Chu Qin smiled, "Then you brothers drink by yourselves, Xiao Er and I are going out to play."

"Ah? Sister-in-law, really not eating?" Xiao Meier asked.

"Just teasing them."

The four exchanged smiles, the atmosphere relaxed and cheerful.

Chen Cheng placed the wine on the table, approached Xiao Meier, wrapped his arms around her shoulders, softly saying, "You’ve worked hard, wife."

"No trouble, as long as you all eat happily," Xiao Meier responded, "There’s one more dish, then we can cook the dumplings."

"Alright, let’s do it together." Cao Yue rolled up his sleeves.

Chu Qin tapped him, "Go wash your hands first."

A casual family dinner quickly made its way to the table with the efforts of the four.

Cao Yue filled Chen Cheng’s glass, Xiao Meier, and Chu Qin with juice.

Cao Yue raised his glass, "Xiao Chen, Xiao Er, thank you for today. Xiao Qin and I toast to you both."

"Big brother, sister-in-law, you’re too kind, it’s all good."

Chen Cheng and Xiao Meier also raised their glasses, the four clinked glasses, and downed their drinks.

"Come on, Brother Cao, try Xiao Er’s braised pork," Chu Qin served a piece to Cao Yue.

"Ah! This taste is fantastic! Looks like the boss lady of Wanbao Hall’s skills are not just for show," Cao Yue nodded repeatedly.

Xiao Meier modestly said, "Brother Cao, I just make some home-cooked meals, I don’t really have skills, you flatter me."

"Xiao Er, don’t be modest," Chu Qin also spoke, "This braised pork is so lean yet not greasy, melts in the mouth, tastes even better than restaurants."

Chen Cheng looked at Xiao Meier, "Wife, Brother Cao and sister-in-law are not outsiders, accept the compliment. Besides, my wife’s cooking is of course the tastiest."

Xiao Meier playfully glared at Chen Cheng, her eyes full of sweetness.

Cao Yue looked at their loving appearance and smiled, "Xiao Chen, you really are fortunate."

Chen Cheng held Xiao Meier’s hand, passionately saying, "Yes, being able to pursue Xiao Er is the greatest fortune of my life."

Chu Qin looked at the scene unfolding before her, feeling somewhat emotional.

She and Cao Yue had been married for many years, also shared a great relationship, but rarely expressed affection as openly as Chen Cheng and Xiao Meier.

"Brother Cao, you should learn from Xiao Chen, say more sweet words," Chu Qin playfully chided.

Cao Yue was momentarily stunned, then quickly reacted, "I’m not as articulate as Xiao Chen."

"Brother Cao speaks of grand directions," Chen Cheng smoothed over, "I still need to learn from Brother Cao."

He raised his glass, Cao Yue smiled and nodded, and the two men drank another round.

Chen Cheng filled another glass, "This third glass, I must toast to sister-in-law."