Chapter 40: The Three-Year Deadline

Afterward, Mother Su began discussing other matters, such as family situations and more detailed work-related issues.

Of course, there were also discussions about creating a better life, essentially about making money. So he talked about his writing of novels.

However, as they chatted, Su Qingwan felt something was off. Xu Lin, as a shield, is too good. Could this become a problem?

If only she had known how to make him appear more ordinary. But unexpectedly, this guy claimed to be able to write novels. Was it just a fabrication, or was it true?

In this way, a few minutes later, they reached the east gate of the residential area. Su Qingwan slowed down, and mother Su continued talking.

"If you have time, come to our house. My husband also wants to meet you."

"Okay."

"Xu Lin, shall I escort you inside? With so much stuff, it's quite a distance to walk to your building."

Su Qingwan suddenly interjected, but Xu Lin quickly waved his hand.

"No need, just a couple of steps."

It was enough to chat now. If the pseudo-mother-in-law came downstairs and said she wanted to visit, it might reveal the lie.

"Okay then."

"Xu Lin, take this fish with you," Mother Su said as he opened the door to leave.

"No, I haven't gone to get things for you yet; I absolutely can't take it; I'm off."

Xu Lin smiled and got out of the car, carrying a bunch of things and walking briskly towards the entrance of the residential area.

In the car, mother Su, who had been serious all along, watched Xu Lin get farther away. Her expression softened a bit. "He's a good kid."

"Do you think he's good?"

"Yes, do you know how we met?"

"?"

"He helped me with a small favor. In today's world, it's rare for anyone to be willing to help, even with small favors. His manners and personality seem good for now; he is honest and steadfast."

"Hmm." Su Qingwan nodded. If Xu Lin didn't seem so mature, she wouldn't dare let a student play the role of her boyfriend.

"Since you think it's okay, then go ahead. But when it comes to your dad, let him handle it himself. His standards are much higher than mine."

"I understand. I'll make him more outstanding before meeting Dad." Perfect; it gives her time to delay and then break up directly.

"Alright, go back now."

"Yeah, you bought fish. How should we cook it? I want sweet and sour."

"Sweet and sour!? Su Qingwan, you're not a kid anymore, and you still can't cook."

"Look, Xu Lin bought so much stuff. Today, he's cooking for his family. You can't even stir-fry tomatoes and eggs properly."

"I'm learning slowly, okay?"

"Then you cook today."

"No~ Mom!"

Su Qingwan glanced at Xu Lin, who had already disappeared at the entrance of the residential area. "Next time, let's see if you can cook for me. I doubt it!"

Back home, both bedrooms were closed, indicating that they hadn't gotten up yet.

But that was normal, considering they only slept at 1 a.m. yesterday and his parents had been working all day. They needed a good rest.

However, Xu Lin felt energized. He piled all the ingredients onto the countertop.

In his opinion, cooking shouldn't be too monotonous. While big fish and meat are essential, there should also be a mix of vegetables.

Whenever he returned to his hometown for the New Year, he looked forward most to his grandparents' stir-fried vegetables rather than the various lavish dishes.

Although those were delicious, they tended to lead to gaining a few pounds over the holidays, and digestion wasn't great. So this time, he decided to arrange things according to his preferences.

Although the weather had cooled, he opted for a cold dish—carrots, cucumbers, potatoes, and green peppers for a cold mixed three threads. Isn't it normal for cold-mixed three threads to have four varieties?

For hot dishes, he planned to stir-fry rapeseed greens, as both his mom and he liked them. His dad enjoyed "Three Fresh Delicacies," and since they sold potatoes and green peppers, he had those plus an eggplant at home.

Although the big star Chu didn't mention it, he could tell she liked tofu. So, he decided to make Mapo Tofu. However, considering her sensitivity to spice, he'd tone it down a bit while ensuring it's still flavorful.

The remaining part would be the meat—boiled pork slices, oil-braised shrimp, and sweet and sour pork.

His family members all liked spicy food, so naturally, boiled pork slices were a must. Initially, he planned for a spicy hot pot but couldn't find a booth selling tripe.

In addition to that, he bought a white-cut chicken and some other vegetables, such as cauliflower, shiitake mushrooms, and lotus roots. However, it was clear they couldn't finish everything in one meal, and there were leftovers from last night that shouldn't go to waste.

For four people, including Class Monitor Ji, that's five people. Currently, there are three vegetarian dishes, three meat dishes, and one cold dish. It was quite enough. Let's add a soup, even though the main staple would still be rice.

He glanced at the eggs in the bag but realised there were no tomatoes for the traditional egg drop soup. Finally, he opened the fridge, and a piece of seaweed caught his eye. That would do; his grandmother used to make it for him when he was a child.

But first, he went to post today's novel and quietly called for the big star, Chu. Sneaking into his own room, he gently pushed the door open.

This time, the door swung open directly. Upon entering, he found the bedding neatly arranged, and a faint fragrance lingered in the room.

"Indeed, a girl's living space is different from mine... Wait, where is she?"

Then he checked his parents' room, but it was also empty.

At that moment, the door clicked, and three people, resembling a family of three, walked in.

"Xu Lin, did you go for a run?"

"Uh... where were you all?"

"We went for breakfast and a stroll," Li Yuan replied while changing her shoes.

"And my breakfast?"

"You didn't have any? I thought you ate outside."

"Really, my biological parents~" Xu Lin sighed, heading towards his room, and an atmosphere of joy instantly swept outside the bedroom.

Sitting at the computer, ready to turn it on, he noticed it wasn't shut down but just in sleep mode. Before he could even move the mouse, a delicate hand grabbed his wrist.

"Xu Lin, don't..."

"Chu Qingchan, what did you do to my computer?"

"Um, I just flipped through your study materials."

"..." Xu Lin didn't know what to say. A person as upright as himself got caught like this after just a few days of not being vigilant!

You, a renowned big star, don't you have any shame?! You read secretly, even if it's my study materials? You are simply a female hooligan, worse than any other female hooligan!

"But I deleted them after reading."

"Damn, Chu Qingchan, you've gone too far!"

"I'll download a few for you next time."

"By the way, big star Chu, you appear cold on the surface but are always doing lively things. Just don't wet my bed."

"I didn't... I just looked!"

Chu Qingchan growled softly, her whole face turning red. It seemed she was genuinely embarrassed by his words.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing. She's just playing drunk."

Outside, Xu Feng and Li Yuan exchanged a glance. They thought having such a celebrity daughter-in-law wasn't bad. She was beautiful and had a good personality. Most importantly, the two seemed unexpectedly compatible. That was the most important thing.

But for now, their son needed to focus on studying, and he was still young. So, they didn't interfere, just letting things progress naturally, like between them.

Two hours later, Xu Lin posted the two chapters for today, saved two new ones, prepared to cook, and then heard his dad shout.

"Why did you buy so many vegetables? We haven't finished yesterday's yet."

"I'm cooking for you all today!"

"You can cook? I dare not enter your mom's kitchen."

"You'll see!" Xu Lin walked out of the bedroom toward the kitchen, only to be grabbed by his mom.

"You've never cooked before. Let me do it. Qingchan, what do you want to eat?"

"Shouldn't you ask your son first? Well, I'll do it; don't worry."

"Don't mess around."

"I'm really good; watch me."

"Then give it a try."

Chu Qingchan and Xu Feng walked over, the three of them standing outside the kitchen, seemingly waiting for him to make a fool of himself.

A small smirk formed on Xu Lin's lips. "The three-year deadline has arrived!"