Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder — I Rise to Female Lead Through Hard Work-Chapter 213: Be More Proactive

The house in Bright Alley was exceptionally lively today, as it was the first time for Ding Weihuo and Li Liying to meet their future daughter-in-law. Both had a very good impression of Feng Lishu. Though they were a bit anxious after learning about her family background, they didn’t expect her to be such a straightforward and tender-hearted girl in person.

"Auntie, I love your pickled fish the most. It’s so authentic; I think even the chefs in Jing City can’t compare to you," Huang Xiaobao said, happily picking at the rice and tender fish slices in his bowl.

"Auntie’s cooking is truly top-notch. This caramelized sweet potato is even tastier than the county government canteen’s," Feng Lishu said, having already eaten several pieces and still unable to stop her chopsticks. She suddenly wanted to marry into the family sooner to enjoy such delightful mother-in-law’s cooking; it felt like bliss.

Yi Roujing was also in high spirits while eating. She loved the braised pork trotters, adored the pickled fish, and found the caramelized sweet potato exceptional. She had quite a lot of each dish and ate two large bowls of rice. In the end, she finished with half a bowl of fish head tofu soup, satisfying her hunger.

After finishing the meal, Ding Ancheng took her hand and brought her outside for a walk in the yard to digest the food. He suspected his wife might be pregnant, not just because her periods were delayed, but also because Yi Roujing’s appetite was noticeably bigger than before. She might not have realized it, but Ding Ancheng had noticed.

Huang Xiaobao and Feng Lishu left one after another after chatting for a bit, having no intention of going outside in the scorching heat. They weren’t foolish enough to leave the house’s fan for the sun outside.

Ding Weihuo and Li Hongying finally experienced the power of the electric fan. The strong breeze brought a trace of coolness because a basin full of well water was placed in front of the fan, making it incredibly comfortable.

"This electric fan is really nice. It’s just a pity our village hasn’t gotten electricity yet," Li Hongying said somewhat regretfully.

"The wiring will start in September. Next summer, Dad and Mom will be able to use electricity," Ding Anguo replied. Since he worked at the county government, he was privy to this information earlier than others.

"That’s great," Ding Weihuo said with a hearty laugh.

"By the way, Dad, Mom, I’m planning to visit Lishu’s family tomorrow to meet her parents," Ding Anguo said, blushing slightly but wearing a silly smile.

Li Hongying chuckled, "Did Lishu invite you?"

Ding Anguo nodded.

Yi Roujing, listening on the side, was wide-eyed. How did someone like him find a girlfriend, she wondered.

Ding Anmin couldn’t take it either, "Second Brother, can’t you be more proactive? If you keep quietly waiting around, what if my future sister-in-law doesn’t want you anymore?"

Ding Anguo was puzzled, "What am I doing wrong?"

"Anguo, think of Xiaobao," Yi Roujing hinted. "Didn’t you notice how eagerly he pursued Anmin? He always found ways to visit our home, practically breaking through."

"And look at yourself," Yi Roujing added with a hint of frustration. "We know your personality, but in dating, you need to be more proactive so the girl feels secure and knows you genuinely want to marry her."

"I do want to marry Lishu," Ding Anguo stated seriously.

"Have you ever told her that?" Ding Anmin pressed further.

Ding Anguo blushed and remained silent.

Ding Ancheng put his arm around Ding Anguo’s shoulder and took him to another room.

"With Ancheng talking to him, it’ll be fine," Li Hongying reassured, "Since young, Anguo always listened to Ancheng. With his stubborn personality, once he sets his mind on something, only Ancheng can persuade him. It seems a new member is joining our family soon."

Ding Ancheng and Ding Anguo’s conversation remained a mystery to Yi Roujing and others, but starting from that day, Ding Anguo showed some changes.

At the power plant worker’s home, when Feng Lishu returned, Feng Guolun and Ruan Qingru were in the living room listening to the radio. Seeing their daughter come in, they greeted her with smiles and questions.

"How is Ding Anguo’s mother? Is she easy to get along with?" Ruan Qingru asked with concern.

"Yes, very kind," Feng Lishu replied with a smile. "Auntie even invited our family over for a meal. Mom, you haven’t tasted Auntie’s cooking; she’s even better than the local restaurant chefs, it’s amazing."

Ruan Qingru gave Feng Lishu a side-eye, feeling as if she had been subtly criticized.

"Oh right, Mom and Dad, Anguo is coming to our house tomorrow," Feng Lishu said, blushing a bit.

"Haha, he finally brought himself over," Feng Guolun chuckled.

"I asked a few acquaintances at the county government about him. They all have a high regard for Ding Anguo, and he’s quite popular. I’ve heard many girls fancy him."

Ruan Qingru found the situation amusing, "But he’s quite clueless. From what I heard, when a girl shows interest, it’s like performing for a blind man; he always maintains a business-like demeanor."

"Even with older folks trying to match him up, he flatly refused without even giving it a thought, saying his elder brother got married late. Oh, I heard it frustrated them quite a bit. But when they realized he ignored the girls showing affection, they seemed to calm down," Ruan Qingru laughed heartily.

Feng Lishu widened her eyes, "Mom, there were such things? I had no idea."

"It’s all hearsay. Would Ding Anguo ever brag about such things in front of you?" Feng Guolun smiled, teasingly, "It seems this young man has a good character. Dear, how about we prepare some dishes and entertain him tomorrow?"

"No fuss needed. I’ll pack food from the state-owned restaurant and buy some soda and wine. We can have a proper meal," Ruan Qingru suggested.

"You’re quite generous," Feng Guolun complimented with a smile.

On the morning of August 10th, Li Hongying had the gifts prepared for Ding Anguo to bring: a bottle of wine, a can of malt milk, a pound of milk candy, two cans of preserves, and a box of biscuits.

Ding Anguo was dressed in an army-green cotton uniform, wearing a pair of light leather shoes, and set off to the power plant on his bicycle.

Feng Lishu was waiting at the power plant gate. They agreed he’d arrive after ten, but when she got there, to her surprise, Ding Anguo was already waiting, making her quite startled.

"How come you’re here so early? Have you been waiting long?" Ding Anguo was known for his punctuality, but being early was unusual for him.

"No, I just got here," Ding Anguo confessed, feeling a bit anxious.

The night before, his older brother had a thorough discussion with him, asking if he sincerely wanted to marry her, if he truly liked her, and what would he do if someone else also liked Feng Lishu?

Thinking about Feng Lishu smiling at someone else, getting close, or sitting behind someone else’s bicycle and holding their waist made Ding Anguo feel restless and aware of the potential crisis.

Deep down, Ding Anguo had feelings, but he wasn’t expressive. Ding Ancheng advised him to try expressing them, to see if she preferred his words or silence.