Chapter 55: Cleared the Stage

Wang Guocheng glanced at Huang Yun, scratched his head in embarrassment, and replied to Fan Xiaoyao, "No need, you and Auntie can chat. I can manage on my own." In truth, when she offered to help, Fan Xiaoyao was only being polite; she would never dare set foot in the kitchen, knowing her own limitations. Still, she found it a little surprising that Wang Guocheng volunteered to cook.

Seeing Fan Xiaoyao's gaze still lingering in the direction of the kitchen, Huang Yun teased her, "What is it? Feeling sorry for him?"

Fan Xiaoyao blushed deeply. "Of course not! Auntie, you’re just making fun of me!"

Noticing Fan Xiaoyao’s distracted state, Huang Yun patted the seat beside her. "Come here, girl. Auntie has something to ask you."

Obediently, Fan Xiaoyao sat beside her, trying to appear at ease as she spread her hands. "Auntie, whatever you want to know, just ask. I’ll answer everything."

Huang Yun raised her eyebrows and pressed on, "How did you meet Xiao Wang? What’s his family background like? Have you found out anything about his character?"

Fan Xiaoyao let out a resigned sigh. "So, Auntie, in the end you’re still concerned about his family background, aren’t you? I’m dating him, not his family. Does his background really matter for our relationship?"

Huang Yun rolled her eyes at her. "You’ve just never suffered for it, that’s all. Knowing the family’s situation helps us understand his circle, so we can gauge the challenges you two might face in the future, figure out what difficulties could arise in your relationship. Love is about two people, yes, but when it comes to marriage, it’s not just you and him—it’s his family and yours. Do you understand?"

Fan Xiaoyao pulled a face. "Auntie, is it really that complicated? No wonder they say marriage is the grave of love—maybe it’s because it’s all so tedious."

Huang Yun nudged her. "By the way, what about Xiao Wang’s parents? I heard from your second aunt that he came here without telling them. They must be furious!"

Fan Xiaoyao scrunched up her face, looking at Huang Yun pleadingly. "Dearest Auntie, please let me off the hook. I honestly don’t know if his parents are angry or not."

To be honest, I haven’t even spoken with his parents on the phone. So, all those things you’re asking about—I really have no idea."

Huang Yun leaned in and whispered in Fan Xiaoyao’s ear, "Xiaoyao, if you’re thinking about marrying Xiao Wang, getting along with your future parents-in-law is absolutely crucial. Whether or not you live with them, winning their approval is a lesson you must master."

Sitting beside her aunt, Fan Xiaoyao fiddled with her hands. "Auntie, is the relationship between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law really as awful as people say? It makes me just want to date and never get married!"

Huang Yun gently tapped her on the forehead. "Don’t forget, you made a solemn promise to Grandpa to get married within a year. There’s no escaping that!"

Lately, Fan Xiaoyao had been preoccupied with her mother’s sudden and mysterious illness. Because Rong Jinfeng had developed a breast lump with signs of malignancy, the whole family pushed her to settle down and marry early, hoping she’d have a good future.

Lifting her cup, Fan Xiaoyao spoke softly, "Auntie, is it really possible my mom’s illness could turn cancerous?"

Huang Yun sighed. She herself had refused to believe it when she first heard about suspicious cells found in Rong Jinfeng’s body. Yet, faced with the facts, there was no other choice but to accept it.

Pulling Fan Xiaoyao into her arms, Huang Yun spoke earnestly, "Xiaoyao, with your mother’s illness, no one can say for sure. Sometimes it progresses quickly, and within a year, a person is gone. Sometimes it’s slower, and they last three to five years. But as her family, we don’t want her to leave with regrets, so Grandpa insisting you marry within the year is really out of desperation. After all, you and your brother are the ones she worries about most."

At these words, Fan Xiaoyao’s eyes grew red and her nose tingled. "Mom’s such a wonderful person—she’ll pull through."

When Wang Guocheng brought the first dish to the dining room and passed through the living room, he saw Fan Xiaoyao in tears and hurried over with concern. "Xiaoyao, what’s wrong? You were fine just now—why are you crying?"

Huang Yun reassured him, "It’s nothing. Xiao Wang, go finish up in the kitchen. I’ll comfort her."

Realizing Huang Yun wanted to be alone with Fan Xiaoyao, Wang Guocheng nodded and returned to the kitchen.

Huang Yun handed a tissue from the coffee table to Fan Xiaoyao. "There, wipe your tears. Your uncles have already discussed it—we’ll do our best to get your mother the treatment she needs, so don’t be sad. Right now, your job is to find a boy who loves, cherishes, and cares for you, someone you can entrust your life to, so your mother won’t have to worry..."

Since Wang Guocheng entered her life, after more than a week of getting to know him, Fan Xiaoyao had been secretly observing him. So far, in terms of interests, tastes, and overall feeling, Wang Guocheng seemed the perfect candidate for marriage.

"Auntie, do you think Xiao Wang is someone I can entrust my life to?" Fan Xiaoyao suddenly asked.

Huang Yun cleared her throat. "If he truly loves you, cares for you, and cherishes you, then yes—he’s someone you can count on."

As the two continued their conversation about suitable partners, Wang Guocheng removed his apron and called out to them, "Auntie, Xiaoyao, dinner is ready!"

Even when the first dish was brought out earlier, the aroma had already made Huang Yun swallow her saliva. But when she approached the table and saw the beautiful presentation and vibrant colors of the dishes, she couldn’t help her surprise. "Xiao Wang, did you really make all these dishes yourself? This looks as good as anything from a top restaurant’s kitchen!"

Wang Guocheng shyly pointed to the dishes and explained, "Auntie, I made all these myself. For some of them, I followed recipes I found online as I cooked. If anything’s not perfect, please forgive me."

With that, he pulled out a chair for Huang Yun. "Auntie, please have a seat." Then he went to Fan Xiaoyao and pulled out her chair. "My princess, please sit. This is the result of my first attempt at cooking!"

Huang Yun was genuinely impressed by Wang Guocheng’s first foray into the kitchen; she hadn’t expected him to be so talented, managing to prepare a feast that rivaled a restaurant’s.

She gave him a big thumbs-up. "You’re amazing—you’ve passed the test!"