"Dad, how about it? Your son has good taste, right? I didn't embarrass you, did I?"
Seeing his father speechless for a long time, Chen Shuo stepped forward and asked as if seeking praise.
Chen's father was usually strict and not good at conversation. But when he saw how proper and sweet Su Xiyan was, although he didn't say much, he couldn't help but look at Chen Shuo's girlfriend a few more times.
"You rascal, stop joking around," Chen's father said, his words seemingly harsh but lacking their usual force.
Chen Shuo knew that this meant his father approved of the girl.
"It's been a long time since I've shown off my skills. Tonight when we get home, I'll make sweet and sour pork ribs for everyone."
Although Chen's father didn't directly say any words of evaluation, this statement alone was actually his highest praise.
Looking back on all these years, Chen's father had always been diligently busy with work, conscientious about his job. Even on weekends, he would try to devote his free time to work. It's no exaggeration to say that Chen's father could be considered a workaholic. He could dedicate everything for his work.
And in the little time he had, the only thing Chen's father would do for his family was his specialty dish of "sweet and sour pork ribs."
This was Chen's father's most proud signature dish. In Chen Shuo's complete memory from childhood to adulthood, his father had only made this dish about four times.
The first time was on Chen Shuo's sixth birthday, because after turning six, Chen Shuo was about to start elementary school.
The second time was when Chen Shuo won first prize in the city-wide essay competition.
The third time was when Chen Shuo got into university, and the fourth time was for Chen Shuo's coming-of-age ceremony.
Each time was quite meaningful, as Chen's father never cooked lightly.
But when he would personally cook, it was enough to show how much he valued the occasion.
"Xiyan, you're in for a treat. My dad doesn't make this dish easily. You must make sure to have a good taste when the time comes."
"Yes, it's like the sun rising from the west. Your uncle hasn't cooked for several years. We're also benefiting thanks to you this time," Aunt Xu Mei nodded and said.
Su Xiyan was overwhelmed by the honor.
She knew this was how Chen's parents showed their appreciation for her.
Perhaps the Chen family wasn't like the Su family, with vast wealth and a life of luxury.
Su Xiyan could have whatever she wanted, but what the Chen family had was that sense of importance.
They brought out all their best things, and although they weren't very precious, it showed how much the Chen family valued her.
The parents' liking was the greatest approval for Su Xiyan.
Su Xiyan wasn't a materialistic woman, nor did she like any comparisons. She could feel the importance from Chen's father, and she could feel the warmth of this family.
"Thank you, Uncle and Aunt. My father would like to meet you both, to have a meal together and chat when you have time."
As Su Xiyan spoke, she couldn't help but glance at Chen Shuo beside her. When saying these words, Su Xiyan also showed a hint of shyness.
What it meant for both sets of parents to meet was obvious, wasn't it?
Thinking of this, Su Xiyan felt her face getting warm.
"That's wonderful! I actually talked to your uncle about this before. It's just that everyone has been busy, so it kept getting postponed," Xu Mei was overjoyed.
Ever since she met Su Xiyan, she had been very fond of her.
She almost wanted Chen Shuo to marry Su Xiyan and bring her home the next day, but she was afraid of being too abrupt and scaring the young girl.
Because of this, she hadn't been hasty, but instead told Chen's father about this idea, wanting to discuss it with him.
She hadn't even told Chen Shuo, just to avoid putting pressure on the two young people.
Now that Su Xiyan's father had agreed to meet, it was a joyous result for the Chen family.
"Then let's not delay, let's go right away," Xu Mei said, about to set off.
But at the crucial moment, Chen's father stopped her: "You always lack manners. They've invited us, and we're just going to show up like this? Shouldn't we prepare something before visiting?"
Although Chen's father was a bit rigid, he certainly wouldn't neglect social etiquette.
"Look at me, I was too excited and forgot about all that," Xu Mei apologized repeatedly. She was only thinking about bringing such a good daughter-in-law home as soon as possible.
"Aunt and Uncle, my father doesn't care about those things. He'll be very happy as long as you can come," Su Xiyan said.
"Young lady, although your father might not care about these things, if we from the Chen family don't show any manners, wouldn't that make us a laughingstock and subject to gossip?" Su Xiyan's words were interrupted by Chen's father. To prevent Su Xiyan from taking it the wrong way, Chen's father added, "It might seem like we're being overly formal, but that's not the case. We not only want to save face for ourselves, but also want you to have face when you marry into our family."
Chen's father's words touched Su Xiyan deeply. That feeling of being valued felt so good.
Regardless of what Chen's father and the others planned, Su Xiyan decided to respect their wishes. Just as they respected her.
"Let's do as I suggest. First, we'll go to our home, and I'll cook a good meal for you. Then tomorrow, we'll pay a visit to your family. How does that sound?"
Chen's father's proposal wasn't rejected by anyone, and everyone agreed with his suggestion.
However, just before they left, their gazes fell on the Female Vampire in the corner.
From earlier until now, she hadn't made any movements. She was like a criminal waiting for her sentence to be pronounced. When she saw Chen Shuo looking at her, she closed her eyes, seeming to have resigned herself to everything.
"Come on, give me a quick end," the Female Vampire requested.
Chen Shuo didn't fulfill the Female Vampire's request. Indeed, if Chen Shuo wanted to, he could easily eliminate the Female Vampire with just a thought.
But he didn't plan to do so. Not for any other reason, but because his parents had pleaded for her, and she had treated his parents quite well.
Chen Shuo was just that kind of person. If others were good to him, he would definitely repay them doubly.
"How about this? Why don't you come back with us?"
Chen Shuo's words stunned the Female Vampire on the spot. With widened eyes and a gaping mouth, she stared straight at Chen Shuo.
She didn't understand what Chen Shuo was up to. It was well known that vampires and hunters had always been mortal enemies.
Even though Chen Shuo had already broken this rule, fundamentally speaking, Chen Shuo was an anomaly, a traitor.
Now asking her to join them, wasn't that asking her to betray the vampire clan?
"Chen Shuo, I've already handed the person over to you. Please don't torture me anymore. Give me a quick end, this is my last request."
The Female Vampire couldn't accept betrayal. Even if she was the last vampire left in Su City, she still had to stand her ground.
"Isn't it good to be alive? Why must you seek death?" Just as the Female Vampire had made up her mind, Su Xiyan spoke up from the side.