TFSRITA Chapter 147

Yan Qing: “!!”

She instinctively flinched backward, startled by the wide, shocked eyes, but quickly calmed down because it was Chu Zhao.

Seeing she was awake, Chu Zhao smiled faintly, his lips curling into a gentle curve, and he spoke softly, “Qingqing, it’s time for lunch.”

Yan Qing was a bit surprised, patting her chest as she asked, “You came to call me for lunch?”

Chu Zhao nodded, looking obedient and a bit shy. “Mom asked me to come get you.”

Yan Qing eyed him suspiciously, yawning and rubbing her cheek as she mumbled, “Did she say anything else?”

Chu Zhao’s cheeks flushed deep red, unable to hide it; he didn’t look up, too shy to meet her gaze.

Of course, his mom said something else.

When he woke up from a nap and just finished eating, he wanted to go find Yan Qing, but his mom called him away. He was annoyed at being stopped from seeing Yan Qing.

Just before he was about to get upset, his mom asked, “Zhao Zhao, do you want to be with Yan Qing forever?”

Chu Zhao’s impatience was evident as he glared at her.

Wasn’t that obvious? Of course, he wanted her—she was meant to be his!

Zhou Huaiya said, “If you do, you have to treat her like your girlfriend. In a couple of years, Mom will throw you a wedding, so you can stay together forever.”

Chu Zhao’s frustration melted away. A wedding… a wedding indeed.

His furrowed brow smoothed out as he looked at her, asking, “What does it mean to treat her like a girlfriend?”

Zhou Huaiya gave a sly smile, gently pushing him into another room to explain.

Once it was all sorted out, Chu Zhao understood; he could go to Yan Qing’s room whenever now—his mom wouldn’t stop him. Since Yan Qing had these feelings, it was good to start building that connection early.

…

Yan Qing didn’t push Chu Zhao when he wouldn’t look up or talk, and she naturally dressed and walked out with him.

Zhou Huaiya and Chu Heng were busy cooking, and bustling around the kitchen, while Chu Yang was watching TV with Grandpa Chu, the house alive with activity.

Zhou Qin showed up again that evening, along with other villagers. She didn’t get a chance to say much; Zhou Huaiya kept a close watch on her.

Later, Zhou Qin dragged her daughter, Huang Jiyun, over as well. The girl from earlier seemed uncomfortable and shy, and when she saw the Chu family, she immediately jumped up and tried to run, but her mom caught her.

“Hmph! You’re such a child!” Zhou Qin released her grip as her daughter ran off, unable to get the words out, frustratedly walking away.

“Pfft…” Yan Qing laughed, finding the mother-daughter duo amusing.

Zhou Huaiya patted her hand gently, saying softly, “Don’t worry, I won’t let anyone get close to Zhao Zhao.”

Yan Qing: “…”

She cleared her throat.

Chu Zhao seemed to have heard something and was tense, glancing over, “Are you sick? Do you want some hot water?”

Yan Qing blinked in surprise, watching him.

Under her gaze, Chu Zhao’s rosy lips were shyly biting, not looking up, speaking softly, “Should I get you some water?”

Yan Qing smiled lightly, “Sure.”

Chu Zhao also smiled, quickly wheeling himself over to get the water.

Chu Yang wasn’t thrilled about him doing it either, but he went along, giving Yan Qing a stern look—their serious faces when they glare are quite intimidating.

So Chu Zhao said, “Yang Yang, be polite. She’s your future sister-in-law!”

Chu Yang: “…”

The rural New Year’s atmosphere was thick.

Even though they came back two days early, the village was already lively.

You could hear children playing and firecrackers from outside.

But it was a bit isolated from the town, making shopping for things less convenient.

It was the day before New Year’s Eve, and Yan Qing’s aunt was visiting early, so they needed to go out and buy some New Year’s decorations. Chu Yang drove Yan Qing to get the things, and of course, Chu Zhao came along too.

Once they had everything, Chu Yang handed two movie tickets to Yan Qing, speaking gruffly, “Do you want to go watch a movie?”

Yan Qing looked at him in confusion, “A movie?”

Chu Yang nodded, noticing his brother seemed interested. His tone was half-hearted, “I asked the staff, if they can help arrange a wheelchair.”

“Chu Zhao, do you want to go?” Yan Qing asked.

Chu Zhao immediately nodded, “Yes.”

His cheeks flushed slightly again, having completed another ‘boyfriend duty’.

Now that they had done everything, Yan Qing should agree to be his girlfriend.

He felt a bit nervous, clenching his fists; he heard you could hold hands in a movie theater.

“Fine, I’ll take you guys.” Chu Yang’s displeasure was evident as he rolled his eyes, feeling a weird mix of acid bitterness seeing his brother about to date. He lifted Chu Zhao out of the wheelchair and walked the two to the cinema entrance before leaving.

They couldn’t just tag along like a third wheel, right?

Chu Yang sent Yan Qing a message, saying he was waiting in the car.

…

The movie was a typical rom-com, with attractive leads entangled on screen. The cinema was filled with laughter, and Yan Qing watched intently.

Chu Zhao, on the other hand, seemed distracted, constantly looking at the person beside him.

As the movie ended and they were helped out by the staff, nothing much happened.

Yan Qing’s lips curled into a broad smile, still reminiscing about the movie as she pushed Chu Zhao downstairs. She was texting Chu Yang when her eyes landed on a nearby bubble tea shop. She felt a bit thirsty.