You're my wife, don't doubt it!

“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.” Xiao Yao recited the prayer fluently: “Lord, bless us and the food you have given us, and we thank you for all that you have given us. Glory be to the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

Yu Te-xuan, Yu Bao-lu, and the Bald Crowd: "Amen!"

The three men picked up their chopsticks, while the two bald men remained seated awkwardly. Yu Texuan glanced at them again before they finally picked up the chopsticks the waiter had given them.

After the waiter left, he closed the door behind him. With that click, Yu Baolu finally spoke his first words: "My father said you have the spirit of St. Francis. You seem to be from St. Francis Middle School, right?"

“Yes,” Xiao Yao nodded, “It used to be a church school, but it was later converted into a public middle school.”

Yu Baolu sneered.

“Oh,” Yu Texuan said, “you go to the same school as Da Yang.”

"Actually," Xiao Yao said, "we were classmates."

"I see." Yu Texuan nodded.

"So what is your future career path?" Compared to Yu Texuan's politeness, Yu Baolu was quite blunt.

"Shanghai Theatre Academy?" Xiao Yao said.

“Not bad, it suits you very well,” Yu Baolu said with a smile. “With your acting talent, you might have a bright future in this industry.”

Xiao Yao understood that Yu Baolu wasn't praising him, but he could only manage a couple of dry laughs.

Xiao Yao thought to himself, "I'd better be careful not to use too much force."

Yu Texuan turned and glared at Yu Baolu, who then fell silent.

"I heard from my son that you're planning to be baptized next Easter?" Yu Texuan asked while picking up some food.

“Yes.” Xiao Yao was secretly surprised. How could Yu Baolu know about this? Then he realized that this “son” must refer to Yu Bo.

"How did you come into contact with faith?" Yu Texuan asked him.

Xiao Yao knew that the Inquisition process had only just begun.

Of course, the answer to this question cannot be truthfully stated as "to woo your granddaughter."

Xiao Yao delivered the answer he had prepared long ago.

"If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening," Xiao Yao said solemnly.

He saw Yu Baolu's expression and realized that he had overdone it again. He quickly cleared his throat and said, "I've always been someone who likes to daydream since I was a child. I think about things like where I came from, where I'm going, and the meaning of life."

"Oh?" Yu Texuan said.

He almost repeated everything he had said to Yu Lihua in Chapter 186—his philosophical thoughts since childhood, his fear of death, the purpose of the universe, his fascination with atomic physics, quantum mechanics, and chemical string theory in junior high school. He spoke at length, observing Yu Texuan's expression and eyes as he spoke, convinced that he was on the right path.

"Later, around the time I was in the second year of junior high school, I felt that a world with God would be better." To further enhance his initiative, Xiao Yao created a new storyline: "In addition, I have loved reading Chinese and foreign world literature classics since I was a child. Through some foreign classics, I came into contact with elements of the church. At that time, I was in the small town of Dongru and couldn't find a church. At that time, around 00, the Internet was not developed. I searched all the Xinhua bookstores and private bookstores in Dongru, but I couldn't buy a Bible. So I bought a copy of Hendrik Willem Van Loon's 'The Story of the Bible' and used it as my Bible. I read it for two years."

Speaking of which, I stumbled upon Hendrik Willem Van Loon's "The Story of the Bible" while browsing the Xinhua Bookstore with Shen Jie during the few days I lived next door to Mei Yu.

Seeing the old man's moved expression, Xiao Yao felt a sense of moral guilt, but he was caught in a dilemma and had no choice but to finish the story: "Later, after I came to Shanghai for high school, I happened to see Yu Luying praying before cooking in the cafeteria, so I struck up a conversation with her."

Actually, Yu Luying didn't pray much at school—or did she? I can't quite remember.

"Later she gave me my first Bible," this part is true: "Then she took me to the Sacred Heart Church across from the school, and that's how I met Father Bo G... uh, Father Yu. Of course, because of this, and also because we were both members of the literature club and the poetry club, we gradually became friends..."

"Alright, that's enough." Yu Baolu interrupted him impatiently: "The question asked how you came into contact with the faith, not how you tricked our big sheep into your hands."

“Uncle Yu, what you said is a bit inappropriate…” Xiao Yao thought for a moment and felt that arguing on the ground was better than swallowing his anger.

Yu Texuan raised his hand to stop the two and said, "Young friend's sharing has moved me deeply. By the way, I hope my sudden invitation today has not been too impolite or disruptive?"

Xiao Yao thought for a moment and replied, "To be honest, I was a little surprised at first, but considering my relationship with Da Yang, it wasn't so surprising after all..."

“To be honest, for me, the decision to invite you was also impromptu and hasty,” Yu Texuan stroked his white beard. “To tell you the truth, I have been observing you all this time.”

Xiao Yao pretended to be surprised and said "Ah," then waited for him to continue.

“I saw a young man with a sincere heart,” Yu Texuan explained, “It’s like seeing myself back then, hehehe.”

"I am flattered." Xiao Yao was telling the truth, because he felt that Yu Texuan was not just being polite.

“You’re not always the most disciplined person, but you’re quite bold—you’re the kind of person who’s willing to stand up and take action for what’s right, regardless of societal norms,” Yu Texuan commented. “Of course, your pious old man has also noticed and is pleased with you. Your group leader, your history teacher Li Teng, your roommate, and many other campers and logistics staff all have very high opinions of you.”

"I... don't deserve these compliments," Xiao Yao said with genuine humility.

At the same time, he began to doubt whether his reputation was really as good as Yu Texuan said, to the point that he began to suspect that the old man was just being polite.

"So I would like to get to know you, young friend," Yu Texuan concluded, "regardless of whether you and Da Yang end up together, I would like to make friends with you despite the age gap."

Xiao Yao stood up, and Yu Texuan pressed his palm down: "Sit down, sit down—eat your food, don't just keep chatting."

Xiao Yao was indeed a little hungry, and he relaxed a bit, grabbing several mouthfuls of food with his chopsticks.

"How long have you been with the big sheep?" the unfriendly judge Yu Baolu asked again.

“If we start counting from when we officially became a couple,” Xiao Yao said honestly, “it’s actually only been about a month? It’s been about a year since we became friends.”

Just as Yu Baolu was about to say something, Yu Texuan took over the conversation again: "To be honest, young friend, besides the intention of making friends and having a chat, there is actually another matter I need your help with—because I have indeed found you to be a reliable person, I have dared to make this request."

Xiao Yao hurriedly said, "Grandpa Yu, as an elder, you don't need to speak like that. It makes me feel uncomfortable. Please just tell me what you need. As long as it's within my ability, I will do my best to help."

"Great!" Yu Texuan chuckled happily, "During the time you've been dating Da Yang, has she ever talked to you about her father?"

“Yes,” Xiao Yao nodded. “Judging from Yu Luying’s, uh, and some of her mother’s descriptions, this father seems to be a… morally flawed person.”

Oh no, why am I starting to speak like the old man, in a mix of classical and vernacular Chinese?

“That’s right,” Yu Texuan stroked his white beard and said seriously, “As the ancients said, a man fears choosing the wrong profession, and a woman fears marrying the wrong man. This young girl is still inexperienced and can easily be deceived. At this time, we, as elders, must keep our eyes open, keep a close eye on our children, and judge whether the son-in-law is of good character. What do you think, young friend?”

"That's right, that's how it should be," Xiao Yao could only reply.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Yu Baolu's ambiguous smile, and he sensed that the old man's words were also loaded with meaning. The anxiety that had just eased a little was once again heightened.

Chapter 310 Why don't you break up with Shen Jie?

2023-08-26

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Yu Baolu's ambiguous smile, and he sensed that the old man's words were also loaded with meaning. The anxiety that had just eased a little was once again heightened.

After saying this, Yu Texuan fell silent and began to concentrate on disassembling the crab in front of him.

Given the Yu family's status and the old man's position, there was no need for him to personally handle the task of eating the crab. However, seeing the old man's composure and Yu Baolu's indifference, Xiao Yao didn't dare to press the matter, and the room fell silent for a moment.

In no time, the crab, which the old man had just skinned and deboned, was put back together perfectly, as if it had just been served.

The old man placed it aside with satisfaction and then picked up another crab.

Since he had no intention of continuing the conversation, Xiao Yao, in order to alleviate his anxiety and calm his nerves, began to deal with the roast suckling pig in front of him.

Having lived for 16 years, he had only ever eaten pork and had never seen a pig "lying down." This was the first time he had ever seen a live roast suckling pig—well, that doesn't quite sound right.

You still remembers that on the first night Shen Jie returned home, you were having dinner at Yu Luying's house. Shen Jie sent you some photos of her family's welcome dinner, which included roast suckling pig. You even jokingly asked her to send some over.

The pork skin was indeed fragrant and crispy, but the meat was just average. It didn't have the legendary "melt-in-your-mouth" tenderness; it just tasted like ordinary lean pork...

The essence is still in the dipping sauce, Xiao Yao thought.

"Is the food to your liking?" Yu Texuan finally spoke again after finishing the third crab figurine. Xiao Yao quickly looked up, pretending to listen attentively.

"Don't mind me, I'm old, young people should eat more." Yu Texuan said nonchalantly, picking up his chopsticks again to urge them on.

Xiao Yao suddenly realized that he was the only one eating meat dishes, while Yu Baolu and the two bald men were only eating seafood, vegetables, and steamed eggs. He blurted out, "Oh dear! It's Friday today, I forgot!"

It's a bit suspicious. Even with meticulous planning, there's always a loophole. Is this another case of entrapment?

“It’s alright,” Yu Texuan chuckled. “Young friend, you haven’t been baptized yet, so you have no obligation to fast.”

But Xiao Yao couldn't continue eating. He wiped his hands and sat up straight.

Yu Texuan then continued, "When I first met Da Yang's father, I also thought he was a handsome and talented man, academically accomplished, hardworking, and from a respectable family. If he were also of good character, he would be a rare and excellent son-in-law. My family also fully understood why Li Hua fell in love with him. Unfortunately, the final result is what it is now."

"Is that so?" Xiao Yao agreed, but thought to himself, "Is it really okay for you to talk to me about your family affairs like this?"

“Your Aunt Lihua thinks we objected because he’s a foreign teacher, but that’s not the case,” Yu Texuan continued patiently peeling crab legs. “When it comes to people, first impressions are only a reference. If you observe them for a while, their pretense will be exposed. A couple is meant to stay together for life. You can’t just look at one moment, and you certainly can’t just look at their appearance. No matter how good-looking or talented a person is, if they are dishonest, you can’t entrust your life to them.”

"That's natural."

“Da Yang’s father later agreed to be baptized and join the church, which was unlikely to be a sincere act,” Yu Texuan said, looking at Xiao Yao. “In this respect, he is different from you.”

"Completely different." So you're comparing my birth to that one, aren't you?

“Da Yang’s father attracted women with his good looks and talent,” Yu Texuan continued, “Of course, you certainly don’t have those qualities…”

Xiao Yao was a little angry. "Are you saying to my face that I'm ugly and stupid?"

“So, this also shows that you have other outstanding qualities in the eyes of the big sheep.” Yu Texuan said, “Now it seems that you are, after all, of the blood of my Yu family—perhaps the same as the points that I admire about you.”

“Dad, just say whatever you want to him. Why do you always compare yourself to kids?” Yu Baolu said, offering a fair perspective.

“Ahem,” Yu Texuan said, “But your Aunt Lihua doesn’t understand our good intentions. She only thinks we’re making things difficult for her and ruining her love. Lihua may seem unassuming on the surface, but she’s actually very stubborn when it comes to things she truly cares about…”

"It's all because you spoiled him," Yu Baolu interjected.

"Does parents spoiling their children mean they're indulging them?" Yu Texuan retorted stubbornly, then muttered to himself angrily, "I never imagined that your Aunt Lihua would entrust the wrong person to, yet she remains obstinate and has even committed a disgraceful act in order to defy the family."

“Dad,” Yu Baolu called out.

Yu Texuan remained silent, seemingly waiting for Xiao Yao to speak.

"Well, you are all elders, and as a junior, I shouldn't make any rash comments," Xiao Yao said cautiously.

"You've heard about what happened afterward, haven't you?"