Chapter 204 Family Banquet

"Auntie is right, liking someone is indeed an unstable factor. But if there's no liking at all, and the relationship is only maintained by cold self-interest, it's even more unreliable. After all, who can sleep with one eye open forever?"

Fu Zhixu betrayed him!

"It's because of my silly daughter that I've already suffered once. That's why we parents have to be extra careful."

“I understand completely. Shi Shi is such a wonderful person, and you two must have put in a lot of effort to raise her. When I was with him, I also fantasized countless times. If I could have a daughter like Shi Shi in the future, who would sweetly call me Dad, it would be the happiest thing in the world. If my child had ever been hurt in a relationship, I would probably want to tear that person to pieces.”

Professor Shi was distracted by Fu Yingzhou's words, which seemed to stray from the main point: "There's no need to be so extreme. Dwelling on the past is harmful to both yourself and others; we should focus on the future!"

Fu Yingzhou looked as if he had learned something. He even said in a very sincere tone, "You're right!"

Shi Shi and Kong Pan: ...

Sycophant!

Fu Yingzhou showered the elderly couple with compliments, making them feel completely at ease.

This wasn't the first time Shishi had brought a boyfriend home, so her parents couldn't help but compare them.

Fu Zhixu was aloof, and even when he tried to lower himself to ingratiate himself, it came across as stiff. Fu Yingzhou, on the other hand, was a few years older and more empathetic to the feelings of parents. Moreover, as a politician, he always managed to touch people's hearts with his gentle words.

Mr. and Mrs. Shi weren't fools. They naturally knew the difference between him and Fu Zhixu.

Fu Zhixu was ambitious, and nothing could stop him from climbing the ladder.

Fu Yingzhou was equally ambitious, but he needed the warmth of his family at home as the last line of defense in his heart.

For the former, family is merely a constraint. For the latter, however, family is a necessity.

Having made up their minds, Shi's parents became even more affectionate towards Fu Yingzhou. Shi Shi watched this scene, her heart filled with mixed emotions. The original owner of this body had thought she and Fu Zhixu would have a bright future, but she never expected to be so cruelly hurt by him. And Fu Yingzhou, this man who had suddenly barged into her life, had unknowingly won the hearts of the original owner's parents.

Shi's mother said to Fu Yingzhou, "It's rare for Xiao Fu to come here, and we haven't prepared anything. So we'll have your Uncle Shi show off his skills; he's a very good cook."

"I was surprised by your sudden arrival, and it's already very kind of you not to blame me for being an unwelcome guest. Home-cooked meals are the most precious. I'm really looking forward to Uncle Shi's cooking," Fu Yingzhou replied with a smile.

"Then you'd better eat more later!" Mr. Shi laughed heartily, got up and went into the kitchen.

Seeing Fu Yingzhou so at ease, Shi Shi felt a little uneasy. She quietly pulled Kong Pan aside and whispered, "How can he be so eloquent? He's got you all wrapped around his little finger."

Kong Pan joked, "You should be secretly happy. He genuinely wants to fit into this family." After saying that, she gestured for Shi Shi to go and keep Fu Ying company. She then turned and went into the kitchen to help Shi's father.

In the kitchen, Shi's father cooked while thinking about Fu Yingzhou's words, and felt that this child was indeed quite good.

But he felt it was useless!

He has no decision-making power, not even the right to speak!

"Pan, what do you think of Xiao Fu?"

"Not very good!"

"Old! Cunning! From a wealthy family!"

Mr. Shi: ? ? ?

“Older men are more caring! And he’s shrewd and resourceful, which is why he can protect Shi Shi. The capable should do more! He can handle everything, so our daughter can have an easier time!” Shi’s father argued fairly for a few moments, but then suddenly realized his mistake.

"I can accept being dissatisfied with the first two reasons. But why is having a good family background considered a drawback?"

"Too much trouble! Easily wronged!"

With a sizzle, Mr. Shi put the washed bok choy into the pot. While stirring it with the spatula, he said disapprovingly, "So marrying a poor man will solve everything?"

"You could marry someone from a similar social class!"

Mr. Shi added a couple of seasonings and said to his wife, "In today's society, the concept of 'marrying someone of equal social standing' is outdated. When two people are together, they either struggle together and are compatible in one direction, or they are two people from the bottom of society who stick together for warmth. What you call 'marrying someone of equal social standing' is, in my opinion, a kind of exchange of benefits. That's the most realistic approach."

"I can't argue with you, Professor Shi!"

The couple knew deep down that Shishi was a stubborn child, and once she made up her mind to bring him back, their objections would be futile. How many parents who truly love their daughters can truly go against their child's wishes?

Compared to other parents who pressure their daughters to get married, they wanted her to be more cautious about this matter. But fate isn't like programming; it can't be set up and sent at a set time.

Parents always feel that the other person is not good enough for their child! Even if the other person is perfect, they might still think that the other person is fake!

Mr. Shi patted his wife's shoulder reassuringly: "Peel the garlic cloves, our daughter loves garlic broccoli."

Although it's described as a casual meal, it can't really be that simple. Chinese people have strict rules: dishes shouldn't be served in sets of three, chopsticks in sets of five, or a full table of six. These are traditions passed down from our ancestors. When hosting a meal, at least eight dishes are required to complete the feast.

Mr. Shi is really amazing. He made six dishes, and the remaining two main dishes were ordered by Kong Pan from a restaurant.

When others bring loads of gifts to your door, you can't be sloppy on your own!

Soon, the food was served, and the family sat down together. Mr. Shi raised his glass: "Xiao Fu, welcome to our home. We hope you'll come often."

Fu Yingzhou quickly picked up his wine glass and said earnestly, "Of course, of course. It is my honor to receive your approval, Uncle and Aunt."

Looking at this heartwarming scene, Shi Shi felt the bitterness in her heart gradually dissipate, replaced by a sense of homey warmth. After the meal, Fu Yingzhou offered to help clear the dishes. Watching his busy figure, Shi Shi suddenly realized that this man could truly offer her a stable future.

After dinner, Kong Pan cut some fruit and brought it to the living room.

"Xiao Fu, you drank quite a bit just now. Have some fruit to sober up. Stay a little longer. I'll have Shishi take you there."

"Okay, thank you, Auntie." She looked like a well-behaved child.

"I can't call you Brother Niu anymore, I should call you Brother Ma."

"What is Brother Ma?"

"A master of flattery. A pioneer among our generation."

"This is nothing. If we hadn't just met today, it wouldn't be appropriate to bring up engagement directly. I'll show you something."

The implication is that he'd do anything to get engaged as soon as possible.

Shi Shi rolled her eyes at him, but couldn't help but smile.

At this moment, Mr. Shi walked over and said to Fu Yingzhou with a smile, "Little Fu, we are very happy that you came today. This is my collection. Now I'm giving it to you."

Mr. Shi's treasured possession is a jade Go set. The entire Go board is smooth and warm to the touch; such a large piece of mutton-fat jade is truly rare. The black pieces are made of black jade, and the white pieces are made of white jade.

She had only planned to give him a large red envelope, but Kong Pan had just seen the gift he brought and realized that his family was much wealthier than she had imagined.

A red envelope would be a bit embarrassing to give.