Chapter 133: The Status of the Yan Men

“Hey, Dad, have you already eaten?”

A man and a woman approached from outside. The man was dressed in military uniform, and the woman wore a well-fitted wool coat. Both were middle-aged, their maturity adding a certain charm with the passage of time.

“We’re back.” Yan Guofeng kept a stern expression, hands resting on his knees, sitting upright.

“Dad, we’re home. It’s snowing again outside; with all the snow on the roads, we almost didn’t make it back today.” The woman smiled warmly as she greeted them. “Dashan, Xiaohai, Mom’s back.”

“Dad, Mom,” Yan Rushan stood up and took the items from Yan Guofeng’s hands.

“Dad, Mom, you finally came back. Grandpa has been asking about you for days.” Yan Ruhai took the items from Yan Rushan with a bright, cheerful laugh.

Mrs. Yan patted her youngest son’s head. “Good boy, you’ve grown taller and stronger.”

“Got another year older, of course taller,” Yan Ruhai chuckled. “Mom, let me tell you, big brother has a girlfriend now. She’s very beautiful and handsome—one of the most stunning I’ve ever seen. Tomorrow she’s coming home.”

“Really?” Mrs. Yan was so delighted she couldn’t stop smiling.

Yan Ruhai nodded repeatedly, pointing to the empty bowl on the table. “Really. Sister-in-law is very kind, Grandpa likes her a lot. Look, this mutton soup was sent by her; you were a bit late, we finished it all.”

Mrs. Yan’s expression froze for a moment as she glanced at her two sons. The elder seemed a little uneasy, while the younger showed no reaction. Clearly, they hadn’t thought to save some for their parents to also sample their daughter-in-law’s cooking.

“You little rascal, didn’t even think to save some for your mom. Go away.”

Yan Ruhai pouted, carried the bowl to the living room, placed it on the sofa, and returned to the dining room. Mrs. and Mr. Yan sat to the left of the old man, Yan Rushan took the first seat to his right, and Yan Ruhai naturally sat beside his elder brother.

Mrs. Yan glanced at the empty bowl, still faintly smelling of radish.

“Dashan, where is your girlfriend from? Who’s in her family? How old is she? What does she do? What’s she like? How did you two meet? How long have you been together? Tell me all about it.”

Yan Ruhai rubbed his nose, feeling a bit sympathetic for his big brother.

“Mom, you’re asking so many questions. Which one should big brother answer first?”

“One by one, I want to know everything.” Mrs. Yan shot a sharp glance at her youngest son. “Shut up and go cool off somewhere. We’re talking about serious matters here; kids should not interrupt.”

Yan Ruhai made a gesture sealing his lips. He dared not be too casual in front of grandpa and dad, afraid of getting scolded. He straightened his back, his whole demeanor spirited.

“Mom, my girlfriend’s name is Zhong Yuxiu. She’ll be twenty-one early next year and is still studying. She’s outstanding. Her family situation is such that she’s practically on her own. She’s patient, treats me well, highly capable at work, and has already independently completed several research projects.” Yan Rushan briefly outlined the situation.

Mr. Yan said nothing. He knew better than anyone what kind of person his son was. If his son liked her, she couldn’t be bad.

Mrs. Yan stared unblinkingly at her son.

“She’s doing research, and at only twenty-one, she already has several research achievements?”

“Yes, she’s exceptionally excellent. The higher-ups have even assigned her housing, and she now lives within the compound.”

Yan Rushan spoke simply, and Yan Guofeng waved his hand, taking over the conversation. “I really like this girl, Zhong Yuxiu. No matter whether you two approve or not, she will be the next eldest granddaughter-in-law of the Yan family once we meet tomorrow.”

Mrs. Yan was speechless; they hadn’t even met her yet, and she was already decided.

“Just listen to Dad.” Mr. Yan glanced at his wife, giving her a meaningful look.

Mrs. Yan nodded. “Dad, rest assured, I’m not the kind of mother-in-law who doesn’t understand. Whether I’m satisfied or not, I won’t make things difficult for her.”

“As long as you understand.” Yan Guofeng stood up. “Yanjun, come with me.”

Mr. Yan’s given name was Yan Hejun.

“Yes.” Yan Hejun rose and followed Yan Guofeng upstairs to the study.

Mrs. Yan looked at her two sons.

“Now that the old man has left, you two tell me more about my future daughter-in-law. What does she like to eat and drink? Don’t keep things to yourselves. If the hospitality tomorrow is lacking, you two will be held responsible.”

“She likes fruit, meat, and vegetables—whatever tastes good. She’s not picky. She usually drinks plain water, and she loves pomelos if there are any at home.” Yan Rushan finished, and Mrs. Yan felt reassured. “Alright, I know what to prepare for tomorrow’s meal.”

Yan Rushan said, “I agreed with Grandpa that early tomorrow we’ll buy a few dishes from the state-run restaurant. You can cook fewer dishes at home, prepare more fruit and snacks. We haven’t even prepared New Year’s gifts yet.”

“You three men at home don’t know how to live properly. You two boys are useless. Look at the time; the New Year is almost here, and you haven’t even prepared New Year’s gifts.” Mrs. Yan’s tone was full of disdain. Indeed, she had wished for a daughter from the start; what use were sons?

Unfortunately, regrets came too late. She couldn’t send them all back to be remade.

“Xiaohai, come with me tomorrow to buy New Year’s goods. Dashan, go buy the cooked dishes at the state-run restaurant and come straight home. Then pick up Comrade Zhong. Xiaohai, don’t tell me you don’t have time or I’ll have to break your dog legs.” Mrs. Yan spoke softly but threateningly. Yan Ruhai reluctantly nodded. “Got it.”

“I’ll personally wake you up tomorrow.” After giving instructions, Mrs. Yan added, “Now, you two get the food off the sofa. I’ll check the kitchen to see what can be made for dinner. A bunch of old men—if I don’t come back, you won’t eat. What good are two sons?”

Mrs. Yan grumbled as she headed to the kitchen. Yan Rushan took it in stride. Yan Ruhai pulled him close. “Mom’s complaining about us again. Maybe when sister-in-law arrives, Mom’s heart will finally soften.”

They both knew their mother had always wanted a sweet daughter. Unfortunately, that wish never came true. Now, in her older age, she had given up.

“That’d be nice,” he said, hoping it would be so.

Yan Ruhai pouted. “I don’t think so. The status of men in our family is already low…”

“You should say that to Dad.” Yan Rushan turned and walked toward the living room, carrying the food to the kitchen.

In the study:

Yan Guofeng sat down, and Mr. Yan Hejun sat opposite the old man.

“Dad, why did you call me up here?”

Yan Guofeng said nothing but handed over an investigation report.

Yan Hejun took it, puzzled, and after reading, shook his head. “Comrade Zhong’s background is a bit complicated. But she’s very capable. I’ve heard some news about sensors in the military, which are intended for weapons, but so far no results have come out.”