Chapter 37: They Must Not Be Allowed to Leave

At this moment, Boss Jin could no longer hold back.

He let out a hearty laugh, stepped forward, and said, "Mother-in-law, you must be joking, right? I know Master Chen well. His repair skills are truly extraordinary. Having your daughter by his side, she is bound to enjoy a good life in the future."

Chen Jianghai looked up at Boss Jin. Knowing the man was speaking up for him, he offered a slight smile in appreciation.

Hearing Boss Jin actually defend Chen Jianghai, Xue Chunli’s eyes widened in disbelief. She could have dismissed the earlier words of the matchmaker, Sister Sun, as being part of some collusion arranged by Chen Jianghai. But Boss Jin? What influence could Chen Jianghai possibly have to make someone like him speak on his behalf? Did he have that much standing? Could this good-for-nothing actually have turned over a new leaf?

At this point, Xue Chunli began to believe a little of what Lin Wanqiu had said.

"Boss Jin, what a coincidence. I never expected to run into you here." Chen Jianghai stood up and offered him a cigarette. He then offered some to Lin Jianguo and Lin Jihua, both of whom accepted.

"Everyone, don't just stand there. Why don't we sit down and talk?" Chen Jianghai gestured toward the chairs, speaking with calm composure.

At this moment, no one present refused; they all took their seats, including his mother-in-law, Xue Chunli.

Watching Chen Jianghai, Boss Jin felt more and more that this young man was someone of substance. He had remained silent before, but once he spoke, he effortlessly took control of the situation. Lin Jianguo and Xue Chunli stared at their son-in-law, feeling as if he had become a stranger. Facing a man like Boss Jin, Chen Jianghai showed no sign of nervousness; instead, he held the initiative.

Lin Wanqiu watched Chen Jianghai silently, a glint of admiration in her eyes.

"Boss Jin, it turns out we are both sons-in-law of this neighborhood," Chen Jianghai said with a smile after lighting his cigarette.

Boss Jin nodded. "Indeed. I suppose we can consider ourselves neighbors. So, have you given any more thought to my proposal from last time?"

It seemed Boss Jin remained fixated on that suggestion. Chen Jianghai waved his hand dismissively. "Boss Jin, your business is doing so well; there is no need to invest effort in me."

Boss Jin replied seriously, "Business is hard to come by these days. Besides, one shouldn't put all their eggs in one basket. Having an extra path to wealth is never a bad thing."

Xue Chunli, bursting with questions, finally couldn't hold back. "Boss Jin, do you know him?"

"Know him? Of course, I know him." Boss Jin nodded. "Some time ago, the air conditioner in my shop broke, and it was Master Chen who fixed it. Seeing how skilled he was, I wanted to open a repair shop with him, but Master Chen has high aspirations and didn't agree."

Everyone present was stunned by this revelation. Was this truly the same "useless" son-in-law that Xue Chunli had described? Even a man like Boss Jin wanted to partner with him, which was proof enough of Chen Jianghai’s competence.

Chen Jianghai added, "Boss Jin is too kind. My business is just a small operation; I don't need any partnerships!"

The two men began to chat casually, with Lin Wanqing occasionally chiming in. After all, having worked hard in the city for years, she was quite knowledgeable. As for Boss Jin, he had traveled far and wide in his early years, making him even more worldly. Yet, as Chen Jianghai chatted with them, he not only led the conversation but frequently brought up things that were entirely new to them—concepts that sounded incredibly advanced.

Having lived through the information explosion of his previous life, Chen Jianghai knew far more than both of them combined. Even if two more Boss Jins were added, they would still be no match for him. The others in the room could only listen to the trio’s deep discussion, unable to find a way to interject. They realized then that compared to these three, they were like frogs at the bottom of a well.

The conversation lasted for over half an hour. Boss Jin and Lin Wanqing felt they had gained a wealth of insight, leaving them feeling that the trip had been well worth it. Chen Jianghai shared several marketing strategies that left Boss Jin so excited he could hardly wait to try them out. Lin Wanqing, too, felt she had benefited greatly.

Boss Jin couldn't help but exclaim, "Brother, I truly didn't expect you to know so much. Forget your technical skills; with your extraordinary perspective alone, you would never go hungry anywhere."

Lin Wanqing said nothing, but she was deeply shocked. Someone with such insight could not be a man of no talent; surely he would be able to provide a good life for her sister. If that was the case, his earlier promises were likely not just empty words.

Chen Jianghai only smiled slightly at Boss Jin's words, not taking them too much to heart. Having spent his previous life working hard for others, he would naturally not start his new life as a wage earner.

Lin Jihua, who had intended to come over to show off, found that all the attention had been stolen by Chen Jianghai. "Let's go, let's head home," he said, rising to his feet in a huff.

Boss Jin understood his father-in-law's mood and said with a smile, "Brother Chen, let’s talk again when we have the chance."

"Certainly," Chen Jianghai replied gracefully.

As he reached the door, Lin Jihua suddenly turned back with a smirk. "Oh, by the way, I almost forgot. The color TV my son-in-law bought me will arrive this afternoon. Come over tonight to watch it!"

This was a blatant display of vanity. Xue Chunli was furious and didn't want to respond, but Lin Jianguo felt compelled to agree. Seeing the sour expressions on the couple’s faces, Lin Jihua left, feeling satisfied. No matter how impressive your son-in-law is, he still isn't as rich as mine.

After Lin Jihua’s group left, the room fell into silence. The Lin family looked at Chen Jianghai with curiosity, as if they didn't recognize him at all. Everyone wanted an explanation, but Chen Jianghai returned to his quiet, low-key self, sitting honestly on his stool as if everything that had just happened had nothing to do with him.

Lin Wanqiu was the first to speak: "Mom, Dad, I'll do the dishes!"

"Wanqiu, you rest. I'll do it," Chen Jianghai said, quickly standing up.

Xue Chunli and Lin Jianguo exchanged glances. This was not what they had expected! How had Chen Jianghai suddenly changed into a completely different person?

Originally, Chen Jianghai and Lin Wanqiu had planned to leave that afternoon, but as soon as they mentioned it, they were met with opposition. Xue Chunli’s reason was simple: Chen Jianghai’s behavior was too strange. Were they in such a hurry to leave because they were afraid of being exposed if they stayed too long?

It must be said that Xue Chunli’s capacity for suspicion was truly remarkable. But there was no helping it; Chen Jianghai had acted like such a "good-for-nothing" in the past that today’s events felt too abnormal for her to accept all at once. Could a lazy, gluttonous man suddenly turn over a new leaf, master a profitable trade, and start changing his life? Xue Chunli would never believe it, even if she died.

Of course, her attitude was shifting—from disdain to deep suspicion. Furthermore, if Chen Jianghai left now, it would be difficult to bring up the divorce later. Xue Chunli wanted him to stay for a few more days; if everything today was a facade, he would surely slip up eventually.

Yes, they could not be allowed to leave.