How I Tamed My Wolfish Husband Back in 80s
Chapter 285 - 287: Teasing_1

Chapter 285: Chapter 287: Teasing_1

Ma Hongxiang couldn’t help but feel envious.

Her own grandmother had many grandsons and granddaughters, and when together, they hardly spoke to each other, let alone shared meals.

She often told her father, "A girl will eventually get married; studying is useless. It’s better to marry off early."

It was only after she was admitted to Beijing University that their attitude softened somewhat.

But they also told her that once she made something of herself, she should take extra care of her brothers.

Thinking about this, she sighed to herself, the gap between people is really vast.

After finishing the hot and sour noodles, Li Qiao dumped out the soup, washed the dishes clean, and continued to chat about home and family with Ma Hongxiang.

Ma Hongxiang asked, "Where is the bathroom?"

Li Qiao, "I also want to go, let’s go together."

As the two were returning from the bathroom, Ma Hongxiang inquired about the exact location of Xue Sufen’s home.

Li Qiao pointed with her little hand.

Ma Hongxiang looked up, "If she lives upstairs, she should be able to see your house, right?"

"She can, she lives upstairs and often peeks at me."

Ma Hongxiang covered her mouth and laughed.

Around four-thirty, Old Mrs. Qin went out with her vegetable basket, returning with some shrimp and tomatoes and cucumbers. "In the summer, I don’t feel like eating anything too greasy, so I’ll have Jin blanch them later for dipping in sauce."

Li Qiao, "Okay."

About an hour later, Qin Jin got off work, gave a slight nod to Ma Hongxiang in the yard as a greeting, and then went straight into the kitchen to busy himself.

Ma Hongxiang whispered, "Your boyfriend just got off work and doesn’t even take a break."

"Men have more energy than women," Li Qiao said leisurely as she sipped her tea.

Old Mrs. Qin was helping Qin Jin and was being pushed out the door by him, "I can manage on my own, you rest."

Old Mrs. Qin smiled and sat down next to Li Qiao.

Ma Hongxiang said, "Old Mrs. Qin, your grandson is so hardworking."

Old Mrs. Qin, "He was very lazy before he got married, he wouldn’t even wash his feet before sleeping."

Qin Jin overheard and his face turned red with embarrassment.

If his classmate spread this around, Qiaoqiao would also lose face.

"My brother is even sloppier, doesn’t brush his teeth or wash his face, has yellow teeth, and his feet stink," said Ma Hongxiang.

Li Qiao couldn’t stop laughing; one was her grandmother, the other her younger sister.

....

Qin Jin prepared a large serving of beautifully plated blanched shrimp, a dish of stir-fried tomatoes and eggs, a dish of cold-smashed cucumbers, another dish of cold mixed preserved eggs, plus a large bowl of seaweed soup.

Ma Hongxiang was very reserved.

Li Qiao kept adding shrimp to her bowl, "My boyfriend makes really tasty shrimp, eat more."

"Mm," Ma Hongxiang took small bites. She initiated a conversation, "I heard from Li Qiao that you are working as an accountant now. Is it busy? Are you used to it?"

Qin Jin lifted his eyelids slightly, "It’s okay, I’m quite used to it."

Ma Hongxiang ran out of things to say and lowered her head again.

Li Qiao asked, "How long does it take to get to your home from here by bus?"

"About two days."

Old Mrs. Qin picked up the conversation, "That’s quite far. When you have time, you should visit our hometown. It might be poor, but the summer scenery is very nice."

Ma Hongxiang, "Our place is even poorer, the climate is dry, and the sky is full of dust, but I miss it after being away for a long time."

...

After dinner, Li Qiao directed Qin Jin to dig up the flowers at the corner of the wall, "Ma Hongxiang, this one has three buds, let me give it to you."

"Okay."

Li Qiao wrapped the roots in a plastic bag, "You can plant it when you get home with the bag; just don’t water it too often."

Ma Hongxiang thanked her and carefully held the seedling.

Li Qiao accompanied her back to campus.

Ma Hongxiang, "There’s no need to accompany me, it’s not far."

"I need to walk the dog anyway," Li Qiao said.

Ma Hongxiang, "When you go back to your hometown for the New Year, who takes care of the cats and dogs at home?"

"Professor Xue," Li Qiao said. "His father and my grandma grew up together, and the two families get along well."

Ma Hongxiang finally understood why Li Qiao indulged Xue Sufen. It wasn’t out of fear, but because the elders were acquainted. "I’m really envious of you, you’re good-looking and brave." In comparison, she felt ugly and spineless.

Li Qiao smiled, "You’re good-looking too, girls should be confident." She slightly pondered her words and continued, "One shouldn’t be too honest; whether you suffer or others suffer, it’s your choice. However, when it comes to arguments among classmates, as long as it doesn’t involve personal attacks, I think one should bear with it if possible, being impulsive is indeed of no benefit."

Ma Hongxiang hummed in agreement.

Li Qiao walked her to the school gate and then headed back.

The dog took the lead in front, pulling Li Qiao towards the outskirts.

The sky gradually darkened, shrouded in a light fog.

The figures of two young men came into view.

The dog barked loudly.

One of the young men turned around.

"Qiaoqiao."

"Xue, Professor Xue, are you also out for a walk?" Li Qiao happily greeted the two men.

"How come it’s just you? Is Jin not with you?" Xue Jingyi asked.

Li Qiao replied, "He’s at home cleaning the kitchen and grading papers."

Xue Jingyi laughed heartily, "This is the first time I’ve heard of someone grading papers after work. Doesn’t Jin complain?"

"Occasionally," Li Qiao said.

Xue Jingyi asked, "When are you going back to your hometown?"

Li Qiao responded, "On the 11th." She paused, then asked, "Does your unit have a car available? I’d like to borrow it for a wedding."

Xue Jingyi said, "We do have one, but it’s not good for private use. You should ask grandfather to borrow one. He can call for a car anytime, and with a dedicated driver, it wouldn’t be considered private use."

The previously silent Xue Lingqing spoke up, "Who’s getting married?"

"Counselor Xiang, you might not know him," Li Qiao said.

"Xiang Yang?"

"Right," Li Qiao nodded, "you know him? When I first came to Beijing..." She began talking about a math competition, where Counselor Xiang was a proctor.

Xue Lingqing replied, "I proctored as well, and I set the papers. Sufen was eliminated in the first round."

Li Qiao silently chuckled; if Xue Sufen knew her embarrassment was being discussed by Professor Xue right in front of her, she would probably die of anger.

.....

After dark.

The dog ran back to Li Qiao’s side. She grabbed hold of it and bid farewell to the two men.

Xue Jingyi was also planning to head home.

The three of them walked together.

Li Qiao inquired if Xue Jingyi would be at home the next day.

"I will be. Old Mrs. Qin has called me over for a blind date. Do you know any eligible girls? Ones who are good-looking and gentle," Xue Jingyi said casually.

Li Qiao shook her head, "No." Then immediately nodded, "Actually, there is one. She’s an educated youth from our place, also a university student, about your age, and quite pretty. Her school is not far from Beijing, just a three or four-hour train ride. I have a picture of her."

"Let me have a look," Xue Jingyi showed some interest.

Li Qiao offered, "You can come to my place and see."

"Sure. I’ve been wanting to visit your garden for a long time," Xue Jingyi laughed.

...

Passing the entrance to the family compound, Xue Lingqing was ready to head home. Xue Jingyi grabbed him, "Little uncle, come with us, what if I don’t like her but you do? I’ll let you have her."

Xue Lingqing: "...."

Li Qiao held her forehead. Could a potential partner be passed on like that?

Li Qiao led the two men into the courtyard.

Old Mrs. Qin, who had just finished bathing, was sitting in the yard enjoying the cooler air.

Upon seeing them, she greeted them warmly and brought out some fruit as a treat.

Xue Jingyi hurriedly declined, "Old Mrs. Qin, there’s no need to go to any trouble."

The yard was brightly lit as the uncle and nephew took their seats.

Li Qiao went inside to fetch the photo album.

Qin Jin opened the curtains and caught Xue Jingyi’s gaze.

The latter gave him a mischievous smile, teasing, "You really are diligent. With your perseverance, not just one certification, you could get ten easily."

Qin Jin: "...."