Chapter 294 - Chapter 294: Visit Again
Chapter 294: Visit Again
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Jiang Xia kept thinking about the Liu family’s house all the way. She always felt that there was something strange about it, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. This peculiar feeling started when she met the matchmaker, Madam Sun.
Throughout the journey, she replayed the entire scenario in her mind, analyzing the situation from beginning to end.
She recalled when Madam Sun entered the Zhang family house and looked around at the houses, a determined look in her eyes.
She was just a matchmaker; even if Liu You and Zhang Hu truly got married, these houses would have nothing to do with her, right?
Moreover, Liu You was very proud. After facing several setbacks in the Zhang family, with her personality, she would have likely given up on the marriage. Yet she persisted, which was quite suspicious.
What struck Jiang Xia the most was the Liu family’s house. The deliberate addition of two tall floors, from which they could monitor every move of the Zhang family every day, made sense now. No wonder when Jiang Qing’s family came over, Liu You knew instantly and hurried over early in the morning.
All these oddities gave Jiang Xia the chills.
Unable to contain her curiosity, Jiang Xia asked, “Third Brother, do the Liu family and ours interact frequently?”
Third Brother Zhang, fourteen years old, was just a few months older than Jiang Xia, so she respectfully referred to him as “Third Brother.”
With his head down, Third Brother Zhang continued on the way home. Usually a man of few words and one who disliked constant chatter around him, he had taken a liking to Jiang Xia due to her quiet demeanor during their walk. Hence, his tone was friendly.
He replied, “Not really. Father chose this location near the mountain top to be farther from other hunters. Occasionally, he’d go to the village at the foot of the mountain with Liu’s father for a drink. However, it’s not often, maybe once or twice a month, and it’s mostly because Liu’s father has been very persistent in inviting him.”
Jiang Xia felt that something was amiss. Considering the Zhang family’s reclusive lifestyle and having such an overly enthusiastic neighbor like the Liu family, they must have some hidden intentions.
By the time Jiang Xia and Third Brother Zhang returned home, Zhou Lan had almost finished preparing the meal. The courtyard was filled with the delightful aroma of food.
Third Brother Zhang had never smelled such appetizing dishes before, and his eyes were automatically drawn to the kitchen.
In the past, before Zhang Ping got married, Zhang Ling was responsible for cooking. After the marriage, Jiang Qing took over. The dishes they made were similar, and Third Brother Zhang would always politely eat them and give a few compliments, but deep down, he didn’t find them particularly delicious.
When Zhao Wan was teaching a few children how to read, she once introduced the phrase “delicious dishes.” Third Brother Zhang always thought this phrase was an exaggeration. He believed that no matter how the dishes turned out, they tasted like what his second sister and sister-in-law made.
However, it wasn’t until last night when he tasted the dishes prepared by Zhou Lan that he truly understood the meaning of “delicious dishes.”
The aroma alone was enough to make his mouth water uncontrollably. The meat was so tender it melted in the mouth, while the vegetables and chili were refreshingly crisp.
Lost in the memory of last night’s dinner, Third Brother Zhang’s eyes were fixed on the kitchen. He couldn’t help but swallow his saliva, which Jiang Xia noticed, prompting her to suppress her laughter.
Jiang Xia didn’t say much, but she deeply admired Zhou Lan’s culinary skills. She believed that even chefs from five-star hotels in the future couldn’t compare to Zhou Lan’s cooking.
Ever since she was young and tasted Zhou Lan’s dishes, Jiang Xia became very picky about food. After entering university, she couldn’t stand the taste of the meals in the school cafeteria.
Jiang Chuan and his wife doted on Jiang Xia. They specially bought a house near the university Jiang Xia attended. The family lived together, enjoying diverse meals every day.
Suddenly, Third Brother Zhang felt someone tugging at his pant leg. He looked down to find the chubby-faced Jiang Gu. For a moment, he was taken aback.
Jiang Gu said earnestly, “Third Brother, you’re drooling.”
Third Brother Zhang’s face turned red. In a flustered manner, he wiped away his drool and quickly went into the kitchen to help.
Holding back her laughter until her face turned red, Jiang Xia finally let out a chuckle when he entered the kitchen. Jiang Gu looked at his second sister with a puzzled expression, having no idea his comment was so funny.
As the dishes were being served, the Liu family arrived again.
This time, it wasn’t just Liu You but also her father, Liu Neng.
Without waiting for anyone to greet him, Liu Neng warmly took a seat at the dining table and, making himself at home, said, “Everyone, please, take your seats.”
The saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.” It seems Liu You’s forwardness was something she learned from her father..