After Transmigration, I Picked Up A Husband and Daughter
Chapter 133: Awkwardness

Chapter 133: Chapter 133: Awkwardness

The three of them stood quietly at the doorway, facing Jiang Ziling in a subtly confrontational manner, with a faint trace of awkwardness permeating the air.

Jiang Ziling’s eyes were deep and profound. His usual reticence was magnified at that moment, as though even the air had been solidified by his silence.

He knew that their presence was due to Ah Yu’s enthusiastic invitation, so he courteously poured some clear tea for the guests and softly informed them that Su Yu was not yet back.

Beyond these simple pleasantries, he didn’t utter another word. His restraint and composure commanded involuntary respect.

Xie Qifen and Meng Yuanyou, although neighbors from the same village, were busy with their day-to-day lives and did not often cross paths, so their relationship was not particularly close.

At the moment, they sat with their hands nervously intertwined, occasionally exchanging unnatural glances. Clearly, this sudden gathering made them somewhat uncomfortable.

Just as the atmosphere became more delicate, Su Yu entered, bringing with her a fresh and natural aura that broke the existing stalemate.

Xie Qifen leapt up as though grabbing onto a lifeline, her concern overflowing, "Where had you been? We were getting worried."

Su Yu explained with a smile, mischief in her voice, "Thinking we had guests tonight, I ran down to the river and caught some fish, hoping fresh fish would add a touch of flair to our dinner."

With that, she gently set down the bamboo basket on her back, retrieving several lively fish. Their silvery scales glittered, looking particularly tempting in the evening twilight.

Xie Qifen and Meng Yuanyou both showed incredulous expressions, the former asking in astonishment, "Did you catch these all by yourself?" Her tone was filled with admiration.

Meng Yuanyou, from one side, had his gaze fixed on the fish in Su Yu’s hands, inwardly marvelling that although river fish were slippery and difficult to catch, she had managed to return fully loaded, which was no simple feat.

In contrast, Jiang Ziling appeared calm. He had long been aware of Su Yu’s capabilities. Her agility and precision never failed to amaze him, as these fish seemed to have been caught effortlessly before they even had a chance to struggle.

"Hey, you really are a master fisher!"

Xie Qifen sincerely exclaimed, her words tinged with admiration.

She then pulled Su Yu toward the kitchen, pointing to a pile of earthy fresh vegetables with an embarrassed smile. "These are freshly picked from our field. It’s my first time eating at your place, and I didn’t prepare anything fancy, just brought along some vegetables."

She also pointed to a small sealed pottery jar in the corner, securely covered with cloth, "And this is our homemade pickled vegetables. While it’s certainly not a rare delicacy, the flavor is genuinely authentic; you should try it."

Su Yu’s gaze fell on the unremarkable but fragrant little jar. Even through the tightly sealed lid, she could detect the enticing sour aroma slowly wafting through, direct to her taste buds.

She couldn’t help but lick her lips, imagining the wonderful taste of the pickled vegetables on her tongue, as if a bowl of spicy, sour soup could dispel all the heat and fatigue of a hot summer day.

"Aunt Wang, thank you so much. On a day like this, having a bowl of sour soup to quench my thirst would really be wonderful."

Su Yu’s laughter was as clear as spring water, filled with gratitude.

Seeing this, Xie Qifen felt as if a flower had blossomed in her heart, filled with relief, "As long as you don’t mind, I can make it often for you if you like."

Su Yu waved her hand sincerely, "Aunt Wang, you’re too polite. How could I ever disdain this? I’m still too grateful to express. Today, let me use your pickled vegetables to cook a special dish as a way to showcase my culinary skills."

As her words fell, Su Yu rolled up her sleeves, her eyes twinkling with eagerness, as if she had already envisioned the delicious plan.

The original plan of spicy boiled fish was changed to pickled vegetable fish due to the availability of pickled vegetables, which retained the tenderness of the fish while incorporating the unique flavor of the pickled vegetables, surely to leave a memorable taste.

"Great idea! You take the lead, and I’ll assist you."

Xie Qifen responded enthusiastically, and as she spoke, she quickly started making a fire and washing vegetables, instantly enlivening the kitchen.

Upon returning home, Xiao Xixi couldn’t wait to rush to the backyard and attentively tend to her flock of chicks and ducklings, adding water and feeding them, each movement showing her love and care for these little creatures.

Under Xixi’s careful care, this fluffy little group appeared especially lively and healthy, becoming a unique sight in this small courtyard.

As for Jiang Ziling and Meng Yuanyou, the two seemed somewhat out of their element in the main house, occasionally exchanging glances, trying to spark a conversation in the tranquility, but ultimately were left looking at each other speechlessly. Perhaps, on such days, quietly enjoying this rare leisure was a pleasure of its own.

Meng Yuanyou drank several cups of clear tea in one breath, but the bitterness of the tea seemed unable to calm the eagerness in his heart, and finally, he could no longer suppress the urge to break the silence.

He looked around, his gaze sweeping over every corner of the room, his fingers unconsciously rubbing on his rough knees, as though searching for the right words.

After a long pause, he finally squeezed out, "This, this house, it’s really well-organized, very cozy."

Jiang Ziling nodded gently, his tone carrying a trace of subtle gentleness and gratitude, "All thanks to Ah Yu."

When mentioning Su Yu’s name, his eyes softened, obviously, Su Yu’s arrival had not only added items to the house but more importantly, brought an indescribable sense of home.

Everything was neat and orderly, every piece of decoration perfectly placed, and the air was filled with the hope of a new life.

As the conversation halted, the air grew silent once again, becoming somewhat awkward.

Meng Yuanyou rubbed his nose uncomfortably, attempting to mask his own awkwardness.

Jiang Ziling sipped his tea; the aroma of the tea swirled in his mouth but seemed unable to dispel the restlessness within him.

He wanted to find something to do but was concerned about making his guest feel neglected, a discourtesy that tormented him internally.

Just then, Meng Yuanyou’s gaze inadvertently fell on the jar of wine he had brought, a spark lighting up in his eyes. An idea naturally emerged—wine often served as the key to unlocking conversation and could be the remedy to ease the current awkward atmosphere.

He placed the jar of wine on the table with swift movements, his tone full of enthusiasm, "Younger brother, this is the medicinal wine I personally brewed, it’s very beneficial for health. Come, let’s drink a glass to warm up."

No sooner had his words ended than Meng Yuanyou eagerly grabbed a coarse porcelain bowl and filled it with wine himself.