It had to be said that Su Yun was a practical woman, and a very rational one too.

She believed in repaying kindness, but she would never treat her daughter’s marriage as a joke.

Su Yun sighed and said, "About this... your Aunt Du isn’t trying to make things difficult for us. She said that if it really isn’t possible, we’ll just have to think of another way."

Qin Jiao said, "Mom, I still don’t want to get married right now, but I understand the tough spot Aunt Du and her family are in. This whole situation is really Shen Zhengfeng’s fault for going too far. How about this? I’ll go talk to Shen Yi and see if we can figure out another way to resolve this."

Su Yun had always respected her daughter’s decisions, so she nodded. "That could work. You’ve always been resourceful. Have a good talk with Shen Yi. You’re both smart kids; maybe you can come up with a solution."

In truth, Su Yun had never told her daughter that Du Liya had offered them a share of the profits and management of the cafeteria. In Su Yun’s mind, if her daughter liked Shen Yi, they would agree to the marriage even if Du Liya offered them nothing.

Conversely, if her daughter didn’t like Shen Yi, they wouldn’t agree no matter what they were offered.

Meanwhile, Qin Jiao stepped outside and saw Shen Yi, shirtless, helping to bank soil around the plants. The Shen Yi of this lifetime was a bit taller and stronger than the one from her past life. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

’He had the exact same features, but his disposition was completely different. One was bright and handsome, the other sickly and violent. It was like they were two entirely different people.’

Qin Jiao called out, "Shen Yi, come here. I need to talk to you."

After speaking, she turned and went into the kitchen area. It was bright and empty, with just a table and chairs inside.

Shen Yi stopped what he was doing. Nearby, both Qin Zhonghui and Beidou were watching him. Qin Zhonghui had mixed feelings. He felt that Shen Yi was a good kid, but the thought of this boy having coveted his Xiao Jiao for so long filled him with a father’s typical resistance and aversion.

As for Beidou, a handsome man with mixed-race features who was always smiling, he was now facing Shen Yi, winking and giving him suggestive looks.

If Qin Zhonghui hadn’t been standing right there, he would have shouted words of encouragement to Shen Yi directly.

Shen Yi pulled on the tank top he’d set aside and headed inside. As he passed under the covered porch, Mr. Du also shot his grandson a meaningful look.

’Whether you can win her over is all up to you, kid!’

’Don’t you dare fail and embarrass yourself!’

Shen Yi felt the pressure mounting. He strode toward the room serving as the kitchen, but just then, Xiao Shi came out. She balled her little fists and whispered, "Go for it, Brother Shen Yi! I really hope you become my brother-in-law! But you have to make my sister happy!"

’Great,’ Shen Yi thought. ’Now everyone in the entire courtyard knows about my feelings for Qin Jiao.’ He patted Xiao Shi’s head and nodded.

’This little girl gets it! All those tasty snacks I’ve been secretly giving her for the past year weren’t for nothing!’

With a mix of complicated emotions, Shen Yi entered the kitchen. Qin Jiao was already seated and had poured two glasses of water. It looked like she was settling in for a long talk.

Qin Jiao glanced at the little "tail" behind Shen Yi, and then at the people in the courtyard who all seemed to be watching them. She cleared her throat. "Come in and close the door. I have something important to discuss with you."

"Okay."

And just like that, the little tail, Xiao Shi, was shut outside, along with the gazes of all the elders.

Qin Jiao watched Shen Yi sit down without saying a word. "What’s with you?" she asked. "Feeling guilty?"

"I’m not guilty," he said. "It’s just that you look so serious, it makes me feel like I need to be serious too. Jiao Jiao, just tell me what’s on your mind."