Chapter 68: Don't Overthink It

TL: Etude

"Okay, I got it!"

Chen Jianghai nodded and then entered the warehouse.

Looking at the warehouse piled with old electrical appliances, Chen Jianghai also felt somewhat overwhelmed.

After all, he only had one pair of hands, and the current workload was immense; the workspace was starting to feel cramped.

Expanding the space was indeed imperative!

So, he planned to look around in the afternoon for a suitable shop.

Once the shop was up and running, he would hire a couple of trustworthy apprentices to assist, which would allow him some respite.

After all, to grow the business, having the right people was crucial!

"Brother Jianghai, you're here!"

Zhao Yuxi, who was busily writing, looked up and called out crisply.

"Yep, Yuxi, studying hard, I see."

Chen Jianghai smiled and responded.

"I'll pour you a glass of water!"

Saying this, Zhao Yuxi quickly walked to the door, picked up the kettle, and poured a large glass of cool boiled water.

"Thank you!"

Taking the glass, he drank some water, pondered his next move, then rolled up his sleeves and continued his assembly work.

Zhao Yuxi also continued to sit by the table, reviewing her lessons with a slight smile.

It wasn't until noon that Chen Jianghai finally took a break from his tools, called Changgui and Yuxi, and had a quick meal at the restaurant by the door before rushing off.

When he arrived at the Zhongbai First Store, Lin Wanqiu was standing at the doorway on the steps.

"Wanqiu, have you been waiting long?" Chen Jianghai locked his bike, walked up quickly, and asked, taking Lin Wanqiu's hand.

Lin Wanqiu shook her head, "No, I just came from the factory too."

"Then let's go inside!" he said, pulling Lin Wanqiu along with him.

Lin Wanqiu felt a bit shy as Chen Jianghai held her hand, wanting to pull away but also reluctant to do so.

In this era, holding hands in public was already considered a relatively intimate act.

As they walked, Chen Jianghai asked, "What do you think we should buy?"

"Mainly bedding and some daily necessities," Lin Wanqiu stated directly, having already made up her mind.

"Okay, afterwards, we'll go to the market to buy some chicken, duck, fish, and meat. My parents are not coming here often; we should treat them well. Oh, and we'll get a couple of good bottles of liquor and cigarettes from the grocery store."

"Jianghai, don't buy anything too expensive, the ordinary stuff is fine!" Lin Wanqiu said hesitantly.

Chen Jianghai waved his hand dismissively, "It's okay, don't worry about it."

Unable to persuade Chen Jianghai, Lin Wanqiu just nodded and said, "I'll leave it to you then!"

"Do you know if mom has any preferences?" Chen Jianghai continued to inquire.

Lin Wanqiu thought for a moment, then shook her head, "My mom doesn't really have any specific hobbies..."

"That makes it easy, buying her clothes and shoes can't go wrong!" Chen Jianghai immediately responded.

Lin Wanqiu was momentarily speechless.

That seemed like a sensible approach...

Half an hour later, Chen Jianghai emerged with large and small packages, his forehead glistening with sweat.

Seeing this, Lin Wanqiu couldn't help but chide him, "Look at you, I said to buy just a quilt and some household goods, why did you buy so much, are you planning to open a shop at home?"

"It's not too much; we'll need all of this. It's also a way to let them feel at ease," Chen Jianghai laughed at her exaggeration.

Hearing Chen Jianghai say this, Lin Wanqiu immediately understood.

Chen Jianghai had probably guessed the real reason her parents were coming to visit.

"Jianghai, don't overthink it!" Lin Wanqiu said to Chen Jianghai with a touch of embarrassment, cautiously.

"I'm not stupid? Since we got married, your parents haven't even come to see you; they probably came this time because they still don't quite trust me, right?" Chen Jianghai stated lightly.

"It's not like that, not at all!"

Lin Wanqiu quickly shook her head to explain, "They... they just want to see how I'm doing and, by the way, to see you..."

As she continued, she found herself unable to concoct more of the tale, bowing her head, too shy to even look at Chen Jianghai.

Chen Jianghai put down what he was holding and gently grabbed Lin Wanqiu's hand, saying, "Wanqiu, you don't have to worry. I'm not blaming them. It's actually good that they're coming. They'll see that I haven't mistreated their precious daughter."

"Rest assured, once they see the changes in our home, they will definitely not treat you the same way they did before." Lin Wanqiu raised her head, confidently asserting.

Chen Jianghai replied, "Wanqiu, what are you talking about? Your parents have always been decent to me. It's just that I haven't worked hard enough in the past, which disappointed them."

Hearing Chen Jianghai take all the responsibility upon himself, Lin Wanqiu felt both pleased and pained.

This meant he truly wasn't angry.

At that moment, Lin Wanqiu's heart was filled with emotion.

This man was now considering her in everything he did, truly leaving no stone unturned.

She believed that her parents would see him in a new light as well!

Then, Chen Jianghai hailed a tricycle, and, along with Lin Wanqiu, who was carrying a pile of items, they both got on.

At this point, Lin Wanqiu no longer fretted over the fare.

What she wanted now was for Chen Jianghai not to have to work so hard.

What's the big deal about spending a little money on a ride? Her husband had worked hard enough, it was only right!

The tricycle stopped in front of Old Jiang's courtyard, and after Chen Jianghai opened the door, he began to move the stuff.

Lin Wanqiu wanted to help, but Chen Jianghai stopped her.

"Wanqiu, let me handle the heavy lifting. You go and clean the room!"

"Yo, Master Chen, you're here! Is this your wife?" 

At this time, Old Jiang, having heard the commotion, walked out from the house, greeting them with a cheerful laugh.

Chen Jianghai nodded, "Yes, this is my wife, Lin Wanqiu. Wanqiu, let me introduce you. This is Old Jiang I told you about. The house we're renting belongs to his family."

Lin Wanqiu greeted politely, "Old Jiang, hello."

Old Jiang laughed heartily, giving a thumbs-up, "Master Chen, you're really something, getting such a beautiful wife."

"There's no stopping good luck when it comes!" Chen Jianghai replied with a chuckle.

Hearing this, Lin Wanqiu couldn't help but roll her eyes at him.

Even Old Jiang looked at him with surprise, then broke into a knowing smile.

Chen Jianghai didn't mind at all; his expression grew even more radiant.

Seeing the couple's playful banter, Old Jiang couldn't help but laugh as well.

"Master Chen is too modest. It's your skills, not luck. If you weren't capable, would her parents entrust their daughter to you?"

Hearing Old Jiang say this, Chen Jianghai simply smiled and nodded, saying nothing more.

But the speaker may be unintentional; the listener may take it to heart.

Lin Wanqiu cast a worried glance at Chen Jianghai.

However, noticing that his expression hadn't changed much, she somewhat relieved her anxiety.

Yet, the words seemed to plant a seed of concern in her mind.

"Old Jiang, we'll get busy then," Chen Jianghai said, quickly changing the subject.

"Do you need help?" Old Jiang offered warmly.

"No, no, I can handle these things myself. There's no need to trouble you," Chen Jianghai hurriedly replied.

"Alright then, I'm off to play chess."

Old Jiang didn't insist further, cheerily saying goodbye, and then prepared to leave.

"Take care," Chen Jianghai responded, then busied himself with moving the items, while Lin Wanqiu took on the task of cleaning the room.

By the time they finished, the sky had darkened.

"Wanqiu, I'll go buy some groceries. You head back first!" Chen Jianghai said, wiping sweat from his forehead.

"Let's go together!" Lin Wanqiu, linking her arm through Chen Jianghai's, said tenderly.