CHAPTER 294: CHAPTER 294: HONESTY 2_1

"No need, you all start eating first. I’ll make some cold dishes quickly and join you."

This meal was relatively harmonious. Huang Xiaojue was in high spirits, telling several amusing little jokes that had everyone laughing heartily. After dinner, Yan Xixi once again offered to help clean up the dishes. Huang Xiaojue stood up and said cheerfully, "Everyone, please sit down. No one is competing with me tonight. Mom, I’ll do the washing."

Huang’s mother gave him a glare. "A gentleman stays away from the kitchen. How is it proper for a grown man like you to do such trivial work? It’s fine, you all sit and relax. I can handle this."

"Mom, you’re just behind the times. Look, most top chefs are men. You and Dad work hard all year round. It’s only right that I help wash the dishes for you once a year."

Yan Xixi chimed in cleverly, "Yes, absolutely. Xiaojue and I will wash the dishes. Auntie, Uncle, you go and have some tea first. I’ll cut some fruit for you in a bit."

The elderly couple watched as their son expertly rolled up his sleeves and moved the dishes and utensils into the kitchen. Yan Xixi followed with a fruit plate.

The door closed. Water WHOOSHED from the tap as Huang Xiaojue efficiently operated the dishwasher. Just as Yan Xixi was about to wash the fruit, he grabbed her hand. He clearly saw the bruise on her wrist, probably from her struggle with Wan Donglin. Poor Xixi, he sighed inwardly. "Xixi, it’s enough that you’re here with me."

She blinked, whispering, "If I were washing the dishes, your mother would be happier."

He also blinked, whispering back, "I know my mom best. If she were alone with you, she’d say something unpleasant. I won’t give her the chance. Eventually, she’ll get used to it and won’t say anything more."

She giggled. He really seems honest, but he’s actually so cunning.

Meanwhile, in the living room, the elderly couple were also whispering to each other.

Mrs. Huang examined the gold bracelet, while Mr. Huang admired his new shaver, grinning. "This is imported. I saw it before but couldn’t bring myself to buy it. Little Xixi is quite thoughtful."

Mrs. Huang whispered back, "Can’t you see? She’s clearly regifting something bought with our son’s money. Such a large gold bracelet must have cost at least ten or twenty thousand. Could she afford that on her salary?"

"Old woman, stop nitpicking. Just wear it and be happy. What does it matter who paid for it? Just turn a blind eye."

"But it makes me uncomfortable to see our son so thoroughly manipulated by her. Even with washing dishes, she acts as if we’re mistreating her."

"She’s hurt, isn’t she? That’s understandable."

"Is she really that delicate? It’s just a minor scratch, and she can’t even wash dishes? She actually makes our son, a grown man, do it."

Mr. Huang said dismissively, "In the more than thirty years we’ve been married, I’ve washed dishes and cooked breakfast, and you’ve never once told me a man shouldn’t do such things."

"Can you compare to our son? He’s a general manager! What are you?"

"Hey, old woman, I’m an engineer, a senior one at that! Why am I suddenly so inferior in your eyes? Don’t be so blatant with your double standards, alright?"

"What do you understand? I hope our son marries a woman who will either share his burdens and strive alongside him, becoming a true partner in his career. Or, she could be a devoted wife and mother, managing the household meticulously so he can focus on his work without any worries about home. But looking at her, she can’t do either. You’ll see. Our son will have such a hard time accommodating and pampering her after they’re married. Ugh, it breaks my heart just thinking about him..."