After Becoming a Scummy Alpha, I Refuse to Get Divorced - Chapter 32

On the afternoon of the third day at her in-laws’, Zhu Qingran found herself “drafted” back into the kitchen.

“Little Zhu, listen to me: you call the shots, and I’ll do the legwork. We’ll make a perfect team.”

Count Du Jingtan looked at Zhu Qingran with an expression of immense esteem, as if their goal today was to conquer this little—well, actually, not-so-little—kitchen. The Du family kitchen was on par with a five-star hotel’s back-of-house; it took a good ten seconds just to walk from the entrance to the back.

Zhu Qingran had galloped through this territory once before, but she sensed that the Father-in-law’s sudden request wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

“Father-in-law, what exactly do you want to make? I’ll do my best, so there’s no need for you to waste your energy,” Zhu Qingran said, massaging her aching legs. She was purely being polite, offering a few “scene-setting” words of courtesy.

But what do you do when the Father-in-law takes those words literally?

“Great! Then I’ll leave the hard work to you, Little Zhu!”

Indeed, polite small talk must be timed carefully. Rubbing her sore back, waist, legs, and elbows, Zhu Qingran grabbed a nearby apron, prepared to dominate the kitchen once more. If you want to know who the King of the Kitchen is, look no further than the Du family’s son-in-law!

Hearing that Zhu Qingran was taking up the ladle again, her “Little Darling Wife” hurried over to help her with her apron.

“Ah Ran, tonight is the 70th birthday of Sister Chensi’s grandfather. My dad’s idea was to prepare some snacks to bring over. If you’re not feeling up to it, let them handle it. We should just—”

Du Shiyu didn’t rush to tie the apron; instead, she whispered some insider intel. If she had pushed just a little harder, Zhu Qingran might have actually declined the Father-in-law’s invitation.

But wait—who were they cooking for? The grandfather of the “Childhood Friend” rival?

Could Little Zhu back down? Could Little Zhu play the coward?

Absolutely not!

“So, we’re cooking for Big Sister Chensi’s grandfather? How old is the gentleman? How are his teeth? What are his favorite foods?”

She could choose not to do any of it—but a cliché menu wouldn’t be worthy of Zhu Qingran showing off in front of a rival! Please, call her the Interstellar Empire’s Number One Showstopper: Nicholas Zhu-Show-Off.

“Chensi’s grandfather? He’s in his seventies, but he’s sturdy. He loves the kind of food young people like—Candied Mini Chilies, Candied Latiao. Little Zhu, just follow your heart. I have high hopes for you!”

Du Jingtan gave Zhu Qingran a heavy, supportive pat on the shoulder—the ultimate sign of an old Father-in-law’s trust. Not one to disappoint, Zhu Qingran donned her “battle armor” and charged into the kitchen.

“Ah Ran, don’t push yourself, you—”

In less than half an hour, Zhu Qingran emerged. She had packed the birthday dishes into elegant containers and displayed them with a flourish.

“Ta-da! ‘Peace and Prosperity,’ ‘The Gathering of Heroes,’ and ‘Deep Sea Treasure Soup.’ Plus, a bonus watermelon fruit platter!”

After triumphantly removing her apron, she showcased the four items. The family, hearing that the son-in-law had cooked again, gathered around to admire the grand feast. However, Zhu Qingran kept the containers tightly sealed, ensuring maximum suspense.

It took thirty minutes to cook, but Zhu Qingran and her wife spent over an hour tucked away in their room “getting ready.” When they finally emerged, Du Shiyu’s face was flushed—whether from the long wardrobe change or the lingering intimacy, no one knew.

This time, Zhu Qingran took the wheel of the energy-saving electric car. She drove with extreme stability, cruising slowly down the main road like a vintage limousine. Old-school vinyl records played in the car, their grainy, classic texture washing over everyone’s senses.

The Fu family birthday banquet wasn’t massive, but it was attended by many prestigious relatives. As long-time family friends, the Dus were invited directly into the presence of the patriarch, Old Master Fu.

Old Master Fu was a distinguished Alpha. Despite his age, he sat with a regal, kingly aura. Guests lined up to offer auspicious words and expensive gifts. Having seen it all, the Old Master favored gifts that were either handmade or held practical significance. For example, the high-status Professor Fu Chensi brought two pots of succulents. They were common varieties, but they had been nurtured so well they felt full of life.

The Old Master seemed to be in a great mood, laughing as he praised the plants. Seeing how easygoing he was, Zhu Qingran was confident her gift would be the “King” card of the night.

“Uncle Fu, long time no see! I hope you’re in good health!”

As Du Jingtan led the family forward, Old Master Fu smiled and shifted his gaze to Zhu Qingran and Du Shiyu.

“Little Shiyu! You haven’t visited your Grandpa Fu in quite a while. What have you been up to? I heard from Chensi that you were kidnapped by a little rascal!”

The Old Master reached out affectionately to take Du Shiyu’s hand. Zhu Qingran’s eyes practically burned holes into where their hands might meet. Even if he’s an elder, does everyone just get to hold my wife’s hand?

Du Shiyu did not give him her hand. Instead, she stepped forward and presented the food containers.

“Grandpa Fu, we brought a few modest dishes. I hope you don’t mind.” As Du Shiyu opened the containers, the “unveiling ceremony” began.

The eyes of the crowd were glued to the box. Word had spread that this gift was prepared by the Du family’s mysterious son-in-law. Some guests found her face familiar, and a few had already realized her true identity. But at this moment, they were more interested in what kind of food could earn Count Du Jingtan’s absolute confidence.

The moment the lids were lifted, the bustling atmosphere seemed to freeze. Everyone held their breath, eyes widening as they beheld.

“Peace and Prosperity?”

Even in her high position as a Count, Du Jingtan could clearly see what this dish was: Deep-fried Crispy Rice Crust (Guōbā)!

“The Gathering of Heroes?”

After the initial shock, Du Jingtan turned to the next dish. Before they left, Zhu Qingran had promised a balance of hot and cold, meat and veg. Du Jingtan had been skeptical—could a human really make a balanced feast in thirty minutes?

She believed it now. “The Gathering of Heroes” was literally a plate of raw cucumber sticks, green leaves, radish slices, tofu skin, and wood-ear mushrooms, served with a single side of beef sauce.

A “true” balance of meat and vegetables.

Then there was the “Deep Sea Treasure Soup”: Seaweed, Tofu, and Egg Drop Soup.

A “true” treasure hunt in the deep sea.

It was a meal that was “tasty and affordable, and a waste if you don’t eat it.” The Du family was already used to Zhu Qingran’s “God-tier” maneuvers; it was the Fu family who now had to summon the courage to accept this.

As the closest junior to the Old Master, Fu Chensi—having survived the Candied Mini Chilies yesterday—was no longer surprised.

“Grandpa, this is a token of Little Zhu’s sincerity. I hope you like it!”

As Fu Chensi handed the utensils to the Old Master, a collective gasp rippled through the room. The drama was almost too much to handle!

“Whether I like it depends on the taste,” the Old Master said, putting on a stern face. “Since the Du family’s son-in-law personally prepared this, I must give him face and try it. But if it’s not good, I shall scold him.”

As he solemnly lifted his spoon, the entire room stood with mouths agape.

“The CEO of IO Group, Zhu Qingran, is serving home-cooked leftovers as a birthday gift?”

“The Fu Patriarch’s grand birthday feast is this?”

“How to infiltrate the Interstellar elite for fifty bucks!”

“Zhu Qingran: The Divine Hand of the Galaxy—making it to the finals with half a watermelon!”

The entertainment reporters were typing so fast their keyboards were about to break, but the public never got to hear the Old Master’s review.

The problem wasn’t that the food was bad—it was that the Old Master’s dentures weren’t up to the task.

What is it like when the “Peace and Prosperity” crispy rice crust knocks a patriarch’s dentures loose? In short, after the Old Master tasted the food, there was a noticeable gap in his front teeth.

Consequently, when he praised Zhu Qingran’s “unique skills,” the CEO simply chose to smile politely and stay as far back as possible.

The banquet wound down after Zhu Qingran was served the largest slice of cake in the room. However, after the birthday party ended, a very unusual gathering began.

“That Du family son-in-law, Zhu-something. You! Come here, come here.”

Old Master Fu was clearly having the time of his life. In high spirits, he crooked a finger, beckoning Zhu Qingran to come closer.

Zhu Qingran maintained her aloof, distant persona, but her “Little Darling Wife,” fearing that Zhu Qingran might be put on the spot, insisted on accompanying her.

“Grandpa Fu, is there something else you wanted to say? Ah Ran has been busy all day, so perhaps—” Du Shiyu began, trying to soften the atmosphere.

From the sidelines, Fu Chensi gave her a subtle, knowing wink: Don’t interfere with this!

Du Shiyu could ignore other people’s business, but when it came to her “husband,” she couldn’t just let it go. She shot back a look of her own: I’m interfering, and that’s final!

As the two exchanged silent volleys, Old Master Fu leaned in and began to whisper to Zhu Qingran.

“Little Grandson-in-law, how’s your tolerance? How about a drink between us?”

Old Master Fu was actually going to drink! Rumor had it that he never broke his sobriety except for the most monumental holidays. Even today, at his own birthday banquet, he hadn’t touched a drop. But now.

“Listen to me, kid,” the Old Master said. “I’ve got a bottle of fine liquor hidden away. I was planning to save it for my granddaughter’s wedding, but thinking about it now, today is as good a day as any. Let’s just drink it!”

Old Master Fu decided then and there to open the Nu’er Hong (Daughter’s Red). With a wave of his hand, someone was immediately dispatched to fetch the bottle.

Based on Zhu Qingran’s understanding of the Fu family, the “granddaughter” he spoke of was none other than Fu Chensi. Opening a bottle meant for a wedding day seemed a bit inappropriate for an outsider like her, but with the Old Master’s insistent coaxing and Fu Chensi’s reassurance that it was fine, Zhu Qingran went along with the toast.

However.

The moment the first glass went down, Zhu Qingran felt a wave of confusion.

This taste.

This flavor.

Wasn’t this just a bottle of that cheap, six-dollar “Jiangxiaobai” baijiu?

Bonus Mini-Theater:

Ever since Old Master Fu’s birthday banquet, Zhu Qingran and Grandpa Fu became the unlikeliest of friends. They spoke on the phone twice a week, laughing and chatting away.

Du Shiyu remained puzzled by this until one day, she cornered Zhu Qingran to get the truth.

Wife: Why were you so terrified of Grandpa Fu at the banquet, yet now you’re best friends with him?

Zhu Qingran: The old man isn’t scary. What’s scary is that gap in his teeth where his denture fell out. I was constantly worried a piece of stray vegetable was going to fly out of there and hit me in the face.

Wife: Uh, so that was the reason?

Zhu Qingran: That’s not even the worst part! I’m the “junior” here, so I have to bow down. If he had sprayed a piece of green leaf onto my head, I’d literally have “green on my head”! How could I let myself be cuckolded by a vegetable?

Du Shiyu had an epiphany. With a knowing “Oh,” she pulled out a newly purchased frog hat and plopped it onto Zhu Qingran’s head.

Little Zhu: Now literally green on her head.