Upon thinking this, Su Zelin rarely spoke with such a pleasant tone: "Panpan, you really don't need to try so hard to please me. We're friends, equals."

He decided that from now on, he would instill the concept of friendship in Huang Panpan, interact with her as a friend, and let her learn more about him.

Over time, she would come to see him as just like any other boy around her—nothing special, still someone who has to poop—and her obsession would naturally fade away.

Huang Panpan was stunned for a moment, tears suddenly welling up in her charming peach blossom eyes.

This is the first time the senior has called me "Panpan." So gentle.

Persistence pays off. Have I finally touched the senior's heart?

Su Zelin cleared his throat, reasoning with her: "Since we're friends, there's no need to keep giving gifts. Otherwise, it would feel too formal, right?"

Huang Panpan nodded: "I get it, it means the senior no longer sees me as an outsider from now on!"

No, you don't get it!

Su Zelin was a bit dizzy.

How does this girl interpret things?

Her thought process is quite unusual.

That's not what I meant at all!

The outside is not a good place to talk; it could easily lead to misunderstandings among neighbors. Plus, with Su Zelin's change in strategy, he simply invited Panpan into the house.

"Brat, why did you go to that..."

Zhao Lixia paused mid-sentence when she saw the young junior behind Su Zelin, her mouth agape.

"Ah, Panpan?"

"Auntie, I'm here to bother you again!"

Huang Panpan bowed to Zhao Lixia first.

"No, no, we're all friends here!"

Zhao Lixia quickly recovered.

She had a rather good impression of her son's junior and felt some sympathy for what she went through as a child.

"I heard the senior did exceptionally well in the college entrance exam, especially scoring full marks in English and becoming the top scorer. So I came to congratulate him and also uncle and auntie!"

Huang Panpan smiled again.

"That's very thoughtful of you!"

The mention of "top scorer" made Zhao Lixia beam with pride.

In small towns, news travels fast. Almost everyone in Willow Branch Lane knows that her son's English was the top score. Yesterday evening, while shopping for groceries, the uncles and aunties in the alley chatted with her for a while. Granny Qin had never felt so proud in her life.

"I passed by Old Liu's Noodle Shop and bought some egg cakes and food tubes for you. Uncle, Auntie, give them a try!"

Huang Panpan placed two bags on the kitchen table.

"Oh dear, Panpan, there's no need to bring gifts when you visit. Next time, don't do this!"

This time, Granny Su didn't refuse, as a breakfast gift wasn't too costly.

It appears the future mother-in-law doesn't see me as an outsider either.

Huang Panpan thought to herself.

However, gifts should still be given once in a while.

Nobody minds a thoughtful gesture!

And according to the daughter-in-law guidebook, occasionally giving gifts to the mother-in-law is a good way to maintain a good relationship.

Even if the elders say they don't need anything, they are actually quite happy inside.

"Auntie made some scallion pancakes as well, Panpan, try some too!"

Zhao Lixia brought out a plate of snacks from the kitchen.

"Sure, thank you, Auntie!"

Huang Panpan didn't hold back, picking up a piece and popping it into her mouth.

"Wow, it's delicious. Auntie, you're so good at cooking!"

As she tasted, she showered her with compliments.

The daughter-in-law guidebook notes—praising the mother-in-law's cooking will definitely please her!

Even if the food isn't to your taste, you must show appreciation. This way, the mother-in-law feels fulfilled and more approving of the daughter-in-law, thinking she understands her.

As expected, Zhao Lixia's face lit up with a broad smile.

"Oh, Panpan, you're really good with words, unlike my boy here!"

"Not at all, I'm just telling the truth. Auntie has not only a good temper but also great cooking skills. You must have been very pretty when you were younger. I think the senior must have inherited your good genes to be so handsome!"

Huang Panpan seized the opportunity.

This doesn't require the daughter-in-law guidebook.

Every woman loves to hear compliments, even if they're half serious.

Zhao Lixia couldn't even close her mouth from smiling so broadly, feeling both elated and a bit proud.

I knew it, the boy took after me. Last time, Jianjun just wouldn't admit it!

"Haha, back in the day, I was alright. I worked at a steel mill and was considered one of the best there. There were many suitors lining up from the boiler room to the factory gate. But now, age has caught up, and I'm full of wrinkles!"

Su Zelin was taken aback.

This girl is really something, connecting so well with my mom. I didn't see this in our past life!

But in our past life, she never interacted with my parents, and given her background and nature, she didn't have to please anyone, so her talent in this area never surfaced.

This shows that Huang Panpan actually has high emotional intelligence; it just depends on whom she chooses to show it to.

If guided well, she might not always stubbornly cling to old ideas forever; there's hope for her.

But these things should be handled with care, like channeling water instead of blocking it.

It wouldn't hurt to have more interactions with her as friends, so she doesn't put me on a pedestal. Over time, perhaps Panpan will realize how immature her high school crush was and decide to let it go on her own.

Mom was still reminiscing about her time as the factory's beauty.

"Ahem, ahem…"

Su Zelin couldn't stand it anymore and couldn't help but cough a few times to give a hint.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.