Chapter 38 The Deceived Girl in the 1970s: Fake vs. Real Daughter Story (38)

Soon, it was time for Chen Zhibin to leave. That day, Xiaoxiao took time off to see him off.

Chen Zhibin said he wanted to take her to meet his parents before he left so that if anything ever happened while he was away, she could go to them for help.

Carrying the gifts she’d prepared, Xiaoxiao nervously said, “Maybe… let’s not go? I’m sure I won’t have anything urgent that would need Uncle or Auntie’s help.”

Chen Zhibin chuckled, “What’s wrong, getting nervous? Sooner or later, the bride has to meet the in-laws.”

“Who are you calling a bride?”

“No, no! My wife is beautiful.”

“Who’s your wife? I haven’t agreed to marry you yet.”

“That won’t do. You already agreed to be my girlfriend, which makes you my wife. Chairman Mao said: ‘Dating without the intention of marriage is hooliganism.’ Wife, you’re not planning to toy with my feelings, are you?”

Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes and walked into the courtyard with her things.

She had to admit, thanks to Chen Zhibin’s playful teasing, her nervousness had eased quite a bit.

Outside the courtyard, Chen’s parents had been waiting. They were wondering why the two hadn’t come in yet.

Now, seeing them at the gate, Mother Chen called out warmly, “You didn’t have to bring anything!”

Then she turned to scold her son, “Chen Zhibin! What’s wrong with you? How could you let a girl carry things? What are your hands for—just decoration?”

Chen Zhibin: …Xiaoxiao wouldn’t let him carry them, saying it wouldn’t be polite.

But before he could explain, Mother Chen had already taken the things from Xiaoxiao and handed them to him, grumbling, “Go put these away. Honestly, what’s the point of being so tall if you’re this useless?”

Then she pulled Xiaoxiao into the house and introduced her to Father Chen. After that, she made her a malted milk drink.

Xiaoxiao politely greeted the elder and thanked Mother Chen.

Seeing Xiaoxiao a little stiff, Chen Zhibin turned to his mother and said, “Mother, you’re so biased. Xiaoxiao gets malted milk, and I haven’t even had a sip of water.”

Mother Chen looked at her son and replied sarcastically, “And who are you? Do I know you?”

Chen Zhibin acted dramatically, “Father, did you hear that? Your wife doesn’t even want her son anymore!”

Father Chen replied matter-of-factly, “Hmm, we’ve got a daughter-in-law now. What do we need a son for?”

Chen Zhibin exclaimed, “No way! Am I just a tool for bringing home a daughter-in-law?”

Father Chen nodded.

Mother Chen said, “What else? You just take up space and eat food otherwise.”

Chen Zhibin turned to Xiaoxiao with puppy-dog eyes. “Xiaoxiao, they don’t want me anymore. Will you take me in?”

Watching the light-hearted banter between them, Xiaoxiao burst out laughing, her earlier nerves completely forgotten.

When she smiled, her dimples showed. Mother Chen lit up, excited. “You really do have dimples! So pretty! From now on, you’re my daughter.”

Her son wasn’t lying—her smile really was sweet and heartwarming.

Having a girl like Xiaoxiao in the family felt like a blessing. Mother Chen resolved to make sure her son married her soon.

Although they had been a bit worried at first—given Xiaoxiao’s difficult upbringing and estranged relationships with both her biological and adoptive parents—they had feared Zhibin was only attracted by her looks and might not know her character.

But after this visit, all those worries vanished.

Mother Chen chatted warmly with Xiaoxiao and even took her out shopping. But instead of buying for herself, she bought clothes for Xiaoxiao.

“Auntie, I really don’t need anything. I already have clothes, and I don’t like Dacron,” Xiaoxiao tried to refuse, seeing the synthetic fabric.

In this era, Dacron was a luxury—anyone who owned some wore it with pride. But Xiaoxiao really didn’t like it.

Mother Chen thought Xiaoxiao was just being polite and bought her a set anyway.

Xiaoxiao: She honestly preferred cotton or linen. But since it was already bought, she didn’t want to ruin the mood.

It wasn’t that she was picky—Dacron just didn’t breathe or absorb sweat well. But the weather was mild now, so it was wearable.

Lunch was cooked by Father Chen and Zhibin. Sister Chen even came home specifically to join them and meet Xiaoxiao.

The moment she arrived, she gave Xiaoxiao a warm hug and said, “The moment I saw you, I knew Zhibin was up to something. He totally tricked you into this. But don’t worry—big sister has your back now.”

Just because Xiaoxiao didn’t mind her living with them, she was firmly on her side now. If Zhibin dared bully her, she’d be the first to beat him up.

Everyone had a cheerful meal together. After lunch, those with work went back to work, and the couple was left alone.

Chen Zhibin brought Xiaoxiao to his room and took out a wristwatch, fastening it on her wrist. “Do you like it? I’ve wanted to give this to you ever since you agreed to be my girlfriend. But the voucher was hard to get, so I only got it yesterday.”

“I love it. “Thank you,” Xiaoxiao replied.

Then Zhibin handed her a passbook. “Buy whatever you want with this. Spend freely.”

Xiaoxiao opened it and was stunned; it had over four thousand yuan?!

In future’s money, that wasn’t much, but in this era, it was a fortune.

Zhibin explained, “Part of it is my salary. The rest… well, you know us drivers—we sometimes help people transport a few things.”

Xiaoxiao looked concerned. “Is that okay? Isn’t that kind of thing forbidden?”

Zhibin reassured her, “Don’t worry; everyone does it. And the quantities are small. If we ever get questioned, we just say it’s for our families.”

Xiaoxiao nodded. As long as it wouldn’t get him into trouble.

Zhibin hugged her tightly. “I really don’t want to go back to work.”

Xiaoxiao teased, “Well, if you don’t work, how will you support me?”

Zhibin grumbled, “All your fault for not agreeing to marry me sooner.”

Xiaoxiao replied, “I’m still not of legal age. Don’t forget that.”

Zhibin said slyly, “So… does that mean once you are, it’s a yes?”

Xiaoxiao: …

Zhibin gently lifted her chin, looking deeply into her eyes. “Let’s make it a deal. On your birthday, when you become an adult, I’ll come back and celebrate with you. Then… we get our marriage licence, okay?”