Chapter 41 – In-Laws
Novel Title: 我们已经分手了 (We Have Broken Up)
Author：御小凡 (Yu Xiaofan)
Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)
Protagonists: 刘帆 (Liu Fan -MC), 陈谦 (Chen Qian -ML)
*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*
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Liu Fan’s resignation surprisingly hit Guo Yan the hardest.
The young girl cried her heart out, leaving Liu Fan both flattered and astonished, not realising he was so well-liked by her. Liu Mengjiao remarked, “Give me a break, she sees you as a symbol of coming out. Your resignation feels like a defeat for her minority group.”
Liu Fan was left speechless.
Liu Mengjiao helped Liu Fan pack up his things. “So, are you planning to join Mr. Chen’s company?”
“Yes, his company encountered some troubles recently. Although I’m not sure how much I can help, it won’t hurt to check it out,” Liu Fan said as he put his stuff into a cardboard box. Resigning from their company didn’t take much time—just hand over current tasks, which Liu Fan had already completed, leaving nothing important to pass on. Plus, with Liu Mengjiao still there, any questions could be directed to her, making Liu Fan feel at ease about leaving.
Liu Mengjiao blew a reluctant kiss. “Although I’ll miss you, I can’t stand in the way of your pursuit of happiness. If you need any help, just let me know.”
“Speaking of happiness,” Liu Fan smiled, glancing at her, “you seem pretty happy lately, glowing even. Got any news to share?”
“Oh…” Liu Mengjiao looked at the ceiling for a moment, her expression particularly calm. “It’s not official yet. I’ll tell you when it is.”
Liu Fan understood immediately. “Is it really Zhou Chi?”
In the past, Liu Mengjiao would have eagerly shared every detail with him, her emotions constantly swinging. She was the type who read too many novels and lost hope for real-life romance. She started a relationship only to laugh at herself before having regrets, treating her romantic misadventures as jokes to share with Liu Fan.
This time, her silence suggested it might be serious.
Liu Mengjiao shrugged. “You guessed it right.”
Liu Fan teased, “Looks like he’s good for you. You’re full of energy and glowing with happiness.”
“Is that so?” Liu Mengjiao touched her face and complained, “I’ve been eating at his place a lot recently and gained quite a bit of weight. It’s so annoying. I keep telling him not to cook so well…”
Liu Fan mused, lovebirds can’t help but show off their happiness. Luckily, he wasn’t single either. So he couldn’t feel hurt by it.
Tang Guangfeng, across from them, seemed a bit restless. This was especially with the silent, teary-eyed girl next to him, staring at her computer screen in stark contrast to her usual demeanour. Liu Fan didn’t greet him, as there was no point in pretending to be friendly when the other person clearly disliked him.
Liu Mengjiao asked, “Is Mr. Chen coming to pick you up?”
“I haven’t told him yet. He’s picking up his mom tonight to come over for dinner,” Liu Fan said, lifting the cardboard box. “I’m heading out first.”
***
Liu Fan brought his things back to Chen Qian’s apartment. He then went directly to Sun Yiyi and Liu Xing’s place. The old couple was already busy, seemingly preparing a feast.
“Why are you back already? Took a day off?” Sun Yiyi asked, holding a spatula. “Well, that’s good. Don’t keep people waiting.”
Liu Fan didn’t want to discuss it with Sun Yiyi, so he mumbled a vague response and started helping out. However, the more he helped, the more he got in the way, and finally, an exasperated Sun Yiyi kicked him out.
Feeling dejected, Liu Fan returned to the living room and saw Liu Xing memorising something from a small notebook as he was muttering to himself. “Hey dad, what are you reading?”
“Your mom gave it to me,” Liu Xing said with a pained expression, handing it to Liu Fan. Liu Fan took a look and was rendered speechless. It was Sun Yiyi’s handwriting, listing what should and shouldn’t be said, filling several pages densely. In short, it was a ‘Dos and Don’ts for in-law conversations’.
His mom really had put her heart into it.
Sun Yiyi was busy in the kitchen, so Liu Fan helped Liu Xing memorise the notes. Time flew by, and when the doorbell rang, Sun Yiyi rushed out and exchanged a glance with Liu Xing. They were both looking as if they were preparing for battle.
Liu Fan: “…”
Sun Yiyi pointed her spatula at Liu Xing, who cleared his throat, straightened up, and went to open the door. “Chen Qian, you’re here?”
“Good evening, Shushu,” Chen Qian said, leading Zhao Rou inside and handing the things he was carrying to Liu Fan, who was following behind his dad. “This is my mother, Zhao Rou.”
Zhao Rou smiled nervously and nodded at Liu Xing. “It’s been a long time. We used to live on the same street.”
Luckily, they were old neighbours, so they could reminisce about the past. Chen Qian and Liu Fan stayed in the living room to keep them company. Zhao Rou offered to help in the kitchen but was stopped by Liu Fan. Seeing her sitting uneasily, Liu Fan gave Chen Qian a look. Chen Qian got up to help Sun Yiyi in the kitchen, leaving Liu Fan and his father alone with an awkward Zhao Rou.
After a few seconds of awkward silence, Zhao Rou spoke first. She asked, “Does Chen Qian… know how to cook?”
“He cooks really well!” Liu Fan eagerly responded. “Even though he doesn’t like eating much himself, his cooking is excellent. He can make Chinese dishes, Western dishes, you name it. Just tell him what you want.”
Zhao Rou seemed lost in thought. “I see… When he was a child, he never stepped into the kitchen at home. He must have learned after living alone.”
“Nah, it’s a talent. Liu Fan also moved out early. But his best dish is still instant noodles,” Liu Xing interrupted Zhao Rou’s sentimental moment, patting Liu Fan on the back. “Whether Chen Qian lived alone or not, he’s capable. Look at Liu Fan, living with us or not, he can’t take care of himself. His mom worries every day if he’s going to burn the house down or sell himself off. Even with insurance, she’s still worried.”
Liu Fan: “…”
So, you and mom just worry about these things at home?
Zhao Rou was amused by this, warmly focusing her attention on Liu Fan for the first time. “I’ve always thought Liu Fan was adorable as a child. And now he’s grown into such a fine young man. Our Chen Qian…-“
She paused, probably thinking it was inappropriate to praise a boy in the same tone as one would a daughter-in-law.
Liu Xing slapped his thigh, getting carried away. “Yeah, we have no idea what Chen Qian sees in him. His mom even told me, Liu Fan doesn’t earn as much as Chen Qian but eats more. Next to Chen Qian, he’s just a sidekick, isn’t he?”
Liu Fan: “…”
Mom! Come out! Look at dad! He’s forgotten everything you wrote in that little notebook!
It seemed Sun Yiyi’s sharpness was wasted on Liu Xing. What could he do with such a father… Liu Fan glanced aside, feeling utterly speechless.
No parent dislikes hearing others praise their child. Zhao Rou smiled and said, “That’s not true. Liu Fan has always been very considerate. When they were kids, they played so well together. You know, Chen Qian had a bit of a temper and didn’t have many friends because he scared them away. Luckily, Liu Fan was patient and must have let him have his way a lot, right?”
“Not at all. I have many faults too. We both made compromises for each other,” Liu Fan replied graciously. “My dad isn’t wrong. Chen Qian has taken care of me a lot. He can be short tempered sometimes, but he cools off quickly and never holds grudges. It’s hard to stay mad at him. As for me, I may be more easygoing. But I’m also forgetful and inattentive, so I rely on him a lot.”
Zhao Rou smiled, nodding approvingly. “Two people living together will always have their ups and downs. A few arguments are normal. Your personalities complement each other, which is why you can have a lasting relationship.”
Liu Fan smiled, and Liu Xing followed suit. When Sun Yiyi and Chen Qian came out carrying plates, they saw a harmonious atmosphere reminiscent of a victorious reunion.
Sun Yiyi’s heart tightened. Liu Xing’s tendency to be improper made her uneasy, so she quickly interrupted, “Come, come. It’s time to eat.”
Liu Fan stopped Zhao Rou from getting up. Together with Chen Qian, he helped Sun Yiyi bring the food in and out, creating a picture of domestic bliss in the eyes of others.
Sun Yiyi and Liu Xing switched places, warmly welcoming Zhao Rou. Sun Yiyi’s conversational skills were on a different level than Liu Xing’s. She deftly engaged Zhao Rou in several topics, skillfully avoiding any mention of Chen Qian’s issues, making Zhao Rou feel at ease.
They had a lively meal together. Zhao Rou watched Chen Qian, who had completely integrated into the Liu family atmosphere, sighing quietly to herself and discreetly wiping her eyes.
Their family situation was different from hers. Sun Yiyi, who was not one to stand on ceremony, comforted her by steering the conversation towards happier topics.
Sun Yiyi directed Liu Fan and Chen Qian to wash dishes together to bond. Chen Qian took on most of the work while Liu Fan stood nearby, drying the dishes with a towel.
After putting away a dried dish into the cupboard, Liu Fan said, “Let me tell you something.”
“Go ahead.” Chen Qian was in a good mood today. He felt it was the best possible outcome that Zhao Rou was accepting of him and getting along so well with Liu Fan’s family.
“I resigned,” Liu Fan said.
Chen Qian paused, setting down what he was doing. “What happened?”
“You said if I wasn’t happy, I could come over to you,” Liu Fan continued drying as he murmured, “Regretting it now?”
After a moment, Chen Qian replied, “There’s been a lot going on at the company lately…”
“Yeah, I know. Isn’t it a good time for me to come help out?” Liu Fan didn’t look at Chen Qian. He was speaking to himself, “Just make sure the benefits are good. All I need is one perk.”
“What perk?” Chen Qian asked.
Liu Fan turned to him with the towel in his hands, saying, “It should come with owning a certain general manager. Will you give it to me?”
Chen Qian stared at him for a while, then lowered his head to continue washing dishes. There was a smile displaying on his lips. “Give you what? Wasn’t it already yours to begin with?”
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*Translator’s Note: I’m so happy that LF left that company. There’s no reason to let yourself be victimised further by a toxic coworker, okay? -K
Next update: 2024.10.16
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