Chapter 20: Give It a Try
Joe was somewhat surprised by Jiang Xu’s reaction. “Did something happen to you during this time?”
He felt like something was off, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.
“No.” A dark light flashed in Jiang Xu’s eyes. Based on his interactions with Zoe and Bernd, the original owner’s personality was actually quite similar to his own.
“Are you still angry about this whole thing?”
“No.”
“You say no, but ever since you found out you had to get married, you haven’t come home once.” At this, Joe became a bit angry. “Look at you. Even if you didn’t like him, registering for marriage is a major event. You, on the other hand, disappeared without a trace.”
In Zerg society, Cichong did have low status, but not in the Jiang family.
“……..” Jiang Xu had no way to argue and remained silent.
“You’ve come back with fewer words this time.” Joe sighed.
“Isn’t it better to be more composed?” Jiang Xu asked in return.
“Being composed is good. You’re an adult now that you’re married; don’t throw tantrums just because things don’t go your way.” Jiang Cheng was also surprised by Jiang Xu’s behavior. He had expected him to start another argument, but instead, he had peacefully brought the Cichong home.
He picked up the Bi Luochun tea from the table and took a couple of sips. “How long are you staying this time?”
“I’m leaving tonight. I have things to do tomorrow morning.”
Joe disagreed. “No. The banquet will end late. Rest at home tonight and leave tomorrow.”
Just as Jiang Xu was about to refuse, Jiang Cheng made the decision. “Listen to your Cifu. Spend the night talking with him. He misses you dearly.”
“Yes.” Since it had come to this, Jiang Xu felt it would be inappropriate to refuse again.
“Pay attention during the banquet tonight.” Jiang Cheng set the empty tea cup back on the table with a soft clack. “Your Cizu has been busy for a long time for tonight; even your Cifu and I couldn’t avoid it. We only returned to the capital yesterday, yet it’s being held tonight. It shows how much importance he places on it.”
“Even if you don’t like that Cichong, you must at least give your Cizu face. As for how the two of you are in private, I don’t care.”
Marriage cannot be forced, and this was the consequence his Cizu insisted upon.
Jiang Cheng glanced at the Cichong standing obediently across from Zolan, listening intently with a respectful expression. He assumed Zolan had finally gotten the bug to accept the marriage.
“Yes, Xiongfu.” Jiang Xu listened carefully to the information being revealed.
Seeing his calm expression, Jiang Cheng sighed. “Don’t blame your Cizu for this. The marriage was set by your late Xiongzu when he was still alive.”
He shook his head. It had been over twenty years, yet his Cizu still hadn’t moved on.
Jiang Xu looked at the other’s suddenly melancholy expression; it seemed there were things that neither he nor the original owner knew.
Joe, watching Jiang Xu’s reactions and tone of voice all evening, touched Jiang Xu’s head with relief and affection. “You’ve grown up. A bug who’s married is indeed different.”
Feeling the touch on his head, a strange sensation rose in Jiang Xu’s heart.
He tilted his head to look at Joe and saw eyes full of concern.
It was different from how his grandparents looked at him, but he could clearly feel the love the other bug held for him in his heart.
Is this what parental love feels like?
Jiang Xu remained silent.
In another corner of the room.
Zolan reached out and gently stroked the top of Fei’s head. “You really do look like your Cifu, though your personality isn’t as lively as his was.”
Fei looked at him in surprise. “You… you knew my Cifu?”
“I did.” Zolan looked at Fei with a long, distant gaze. Through Fei, he saw another similar face. He looked at him warmly, a hint of a smile in his eyes as he reminisced. “I saw you too, though you were very small then, still in your egg.”
“You…” Fei was curious. “How did you know my Cifu?”
Given the Jiang family’s status, he couldn’t understand how they could have crossed paths with his family.
Zolan’s expression shifted, and his voice lowered. “Your Cifu saved my life. I also lived at your house for a period of time back then.”
Fei had many more questions—for example, why he must marry Jiang Xu, and why it was so rushed.
But then he thought better of it; who would care about a Cichong’s thoughts?
Zolan seemed to see through Fei’s thoughts and said seriously, “Child, this marriage is for your own good. I would not harm you.”
“?” Fei looked at Zolan in confusion.
“You will know the reason soon enough.” Since words were not proof, Zolan didn’t say much more and shifted the topic to Jiang Xu. “Little Xu is someone I watched grow up. Although he has a bit of a temper, his character is fine.”
“Try to get along with him. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll protect you, and you can live a good life in the Jiang family. With the Jiang family as your shield, you can avoid a lot of trouble.”
Before this, Zolan had investigated Fei’s affairs and naturally knew his views on Xiongchong.
Fei pursed his lips and unconsciously glanced at Jiang Xu in the distance.
Zolan followed his gaze and thought for a moment. “Did he bully you?”
“N-no.” Fei quickly retracted his gaze. “Xiongzhu treats me very well.”
“That’s good. Listen to Grandfather: try to reach out to him. In the Zerg race, it’s truly not easy to find such a Xiongzhu.” Zolan spoke with absolute sincerity.
Suddenly, he turned and called out to the standing Jiang Xu, “Little Xu, come here.”
Jiang Xu’s silence was broken by this call. His heart skipped a beat; was this the “settling of scores” moment?
He gave a respectful gentleman’s bow to Jiang Cheng and Joe. “Xiongfu, Cifu, Cizu is calling for me.”
“Mm, go on.” Jiang Cheng leaned back against the sofa with his eyes half-closed and waved him away.
Jiang Xu felt a wave of inexplicable guilt under the gaze of the two bugs. He stood beside Zolan. “Cizu, did you need me?”
“You, today…” Zolan carefully looked Jiang Xu over from head to toe. “Why are you so obedient?”
“?” Jiang Xu was embarrassed. Did the original owner have a wild side to his personality?
“Xiongfu said that once married, one should be more steady.” He silently used Jiang Cheng as a shield.
“Mm,” Zolan said with some relief. “You’ve grown up. If your Xiongzu were here, he would be very proud.”
He looked at Jiang Xu and saw more and more of his late Xiongzu’s shadow in him.
At this thought, his eyes darkened. Yes, he was looking more and more like his late Xiongzhu.
However…
With rare kindness, he reached out and touched Jiang Xu’s head, warning him: “Now that you’re married, don’t be as willful as before. Little Fei is a good child. If you treat him with that Zerg attitude, watch your legs.”
Perhaps influenced by his Xiongzu, they were all very devoted.
But this marriage… they did owe this child somewhat.
He retracted his hand, his expression shifting. “If there’s anything you like, Cizu will give it to you as a gift.”
“……..” Jiang Xu sized up the two Cichong: The carrot and the stick?
Translator’s Note:
Joe and Zolan are so sweet to Jiang Xu, aren’t they? But Jiang Xu’s “No” to falling for Fei was so fast, it almost felt like a defensive reflex!
Also, we get a hint about why this marriage is happening—Fei’s parent saved Zolan’s life. In Zerg webnovels, a life-saving debt often leads to these “forced” marriages to protect the savior’s child. Zolan is clearly trying to give Fei a permanent sanctuary.
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