CHAPTER 372: 357 EARLY RISE

Ye Binyi recalled the appearance of her daughter-in-law and then looked at Jiang Father’s timid demeanor. The memories of the heartbreaking pain from years ago surged back, further intensifying her emotions.

Her body was evidently unable to withstand such emotions. She took a deep breath and said, "If it weren’t for Jinghuai and Yanyan, I’d really want to toss that Tian Sangsang out of the house. With how she is, I absolutely cannot accept her as our Jiang Family’s daughter-in-law!"

"Yanyan has lived by her side for these past few years and hasn’t been led astray—this is all thanks to Yanyan’s own maturity."

"I heard from Hua Jun that Jinghuai’s transfer to Beijiang this time was because of my ’wonderful’ daughter-in-law’s actions. Look at her—making such a big mess! Heaven knows what kind of trouble she’ll stir up for our family in the future. Our family can’t afford any more turbulence, but in my eyes, she’s the type that thrives on causing trouble."

"A proper family’s daughter wouldn’t get pregnant before marriage, would she? If she had even a bit of sense, she would know how to behave properly. But look at her—no sense of propriety, even dragging Jinghuai down with her!"

"This matter is a permanent stain. Now, out of nowhere, I’ve ended up with a daughter-in-law, and anyone with eyes can clearly see what’s going on. Everyone will gossip about it in the future. Poor Yanyan, born at the wrong time, now having to bear the brunt of the gossip because of her."

Over all these years, this was the longest stretch Ye Binyi had spoken at once. She gasped for breath, sitting on the bed and trying to calm herself. This daughter-in-law seemed born to antagonize her.

"Binyi," Jiang Father cautiously handed her a cup of water and said softly, "Your health can’t handle anger like this. Don’t judge someone based on one incident. Jinghuai and her—one willing, one yielding—what more can we say? I think the daughter-in-law is pretty decent; it’s simply your bias."

Ye Binyi took the cup, drank a sip, and sneered, "You men just like that kind of demeanor. I never imagined Jinghuai would take after you. Anyway, I simply don’t like her. From the very first glance, I disliked her. Don’t even think for a second that I’d give her a kind expression!"

Jiang Father didn’t dare to argue.

**

The winter morning was still dim and gray when Tian Sangsang woke up. Sleep paralysis again. She clutched her collar defensively and muttered, "Jiang Jinghuai, what are you trying to do? Don’t start playing shape-shifting games first thing in the morning."

He could barely hold himself back anymore.

"Last night, there wasn’t... Can’t we...?" His voice sounded pitiful, tinged with grievance.

Tian Sangsang couldn’t stand the way he was looking at her and awkwardly turned her head aside. "Which book says there needs to be a daily schedule for that? Isn’t that something excessive? Besides, look at me now, disheveled and grimy. You seriously feel up for it?"

Jiang Jinghuai chuckled softly, assuming she was just shy. He leaned down to approach her.

Tian Sangsang pushed him away hurriedly, crossing her arms over herself protectively, and eyed him suspiciously. "Tell me, have you secretly taken some Cordyceps behind my back?"

He went silent for a moment, his tone slightly dangerous. "What do you mean by that?"

Ah! Tian Sangsang dared not speak further and looked at him with a solemn expression. "Then have you forgotten we still have something to do today?"

"Morning stroll around Beijing with you and Yanyan? Afternoon visit to the main residence to see relatives?" Jiang Jinghuai glanced outside at the hazy fog. "Still early. An hour left until wake-up time." After saying this, he moved closer, pulling her into his arms.

Tian Sangsang’s face turned crimson as she pressed against his hand and said, "Before that—there’s still one more thing!"

He stared into her watery eyes at such close range. Her graceful figure seemed an unspoken invitation, and his deep eyes flashed with a sparkle. "You mean now?"

Sleazy scoundrel! Knowing that he had misunderstood her, Tian Sangsang widened her eyes in exasperation. "Can you stop thinking about that all the time? You need to remember that you’re supposed to be a self-disciplined man!"

"I’m not, especially with a wife this beautiful," he replied matter-of-factly. "Any man would. Besides, I won’t be swayed when negotiating on this matter. And in a few days, I’ll be leaving again.

"No, absolutely not!" Tian Sangsang dodged him, her voice weak as she pleaded, "I need to go make breakfast for Dad and Mom."

"No need. Aunt Zhang’s got it covered."

"No, today’s the first day—this is a must. I have to wake up early to make breakfast as a token of my gratitude for Mom and Dad."

He suddenly pinched her chin. "Who’s more important—me or my parents?"

"Your parents," Tian Sangsang replied without hesitation.

A smile flickered in Jiang Jinghuai’s eyes. "Good girl. Fifteen minutes later, I’ll tell you what you want to know..."

After a brief pause, they got dressed. Tian Sangsang stretched her waist as she asked, "What flavors do your parents like?"

Jiang Jinghuai replied, "My mom likes mild flavors. My dad—whatever my mom likes."

Tian Sangsang probed further, "Be more specific."

Jiang Jinghuai offered, "My mom—sauerkraut stewed with vermicelli. My dad—whatever my mom likes."

She exclaimed, "Wow, I think your dad really adores your mom. He follows her in everything!"

Jiang Jinghuai smirked slightly, a trace of sarcasm in his smile. "Hmm."

Tian Sangsang headed downstairs. The sprawling living room was eerily quiet; no one else had woken up yet. In the kitchen, Aunt Zhang was washing vegetables. Aunt Zhang was a few years older than Ye Binyi, had an honest look, and appeared kind and approachable.

Seeing her, Aunt Zhang was visibly surprised.

"Aunt Zhang, let me handle breakfast today," Tian Sangsang said with a smile, cutting off the words Aunt Zhang had been about to say, "It’s my first day here, and I’d like to make a meal for Mom and Dad. There are a lot of things I don’t know, so I’ll be relying on your guidance for help."

"Alright," Aunt Zhang agreed and lent a hand while occasionally glancing at her.

The breakfast wasn’t overly elaborate, but Tian Sangsang remembered Jiang Jinghuai’s words to keep it mild. For anyone with heart issues, she prepared foods that were particularly beneficial to the heart.

Aunt Zhang observed that Tian Sangsang was quite methodical in her cooking. At the very least, the dishes she made weren’t off-limits, and they even tasted better than her own cooking.

Although it was just some millet porridge and a few simple dishes, the evident care she put into it couldn’t be ignored.

Slices of cucumber stir-fried with meat looked thin and fresh, the fragrance of the dish enticing. The egg wrap stuffed with diced tomatoes and scallions—something Aunt Zhang had never thought of before—was delicately thin and unique. Her tofu dish morphed into jade tofu, and she even made refreshing pickles. Lastly, she prepared sauerkraut stewed with vermicelli, knowing it was Ye Binyi’s favorite.

When the table was finally arranged, Tian Sangsang gazed at the spread of dishes and allowed herself a silent smile. Mom and Dad should like it. Just as she finished setting the table, she spotted Jiang Jinghuai leading Meng Shuyan downstairs.

She nervously glanced upstairs and blinked at him. "Have Mom and Dad woken up yet? When will they come down for breakfast?"

"Awake; they’ll be down soon."

Jiang Jinghuai fetched a coat and helped her into it. Tian Sangsang cooperated obediently.

At that moment, Meng Shuyan cheerfully chimed, "Mommy, Daddy said he’s taking us out to eat breakfast!"

Huh? Once she had her coat on, she turned and looked at him in confusion. Morning sunlight filtered through the nearby window, softly illuminating her delicate and radiant face.

"I know a small shop with great steamed buns, congee, and delicious soy milk," he said.

"But I made breakfast..."

He raised an eyebrow. "You made it for my parents, didn’t you?"

Tian Sangsang curved her lips into a smile, beaming with joy.