Chapter 1675: Xie Duo Extra (8)
Chapter 1675: Xie Duo Extra (8)
Xie Duo took meeting the parents very seriously. For a first meeting, it’s not polite to go empty-handed, so he pondered over what to bring, finally setting his sights on Tang Wan.
Since her solo exhibition concluded, it sparked a craze for Cyan Feather in the Beijing circle. Many people wore imitation Cyan Feathers to call for the preservation of traditional crafts while caring for animals. Some people even organized fundraising events for animal protection.
Something too expensive might be declined by the Yuan Family and could cause pressure. Too cheap or common would also be unsuitable.
But after the Mid-Autumn Festival, Tang Wan and her family went into the mountains to visit Zhou Zhongqing, and they couldn’t be contacted momentarily, unsure of when they would return. Because of this, Xie Duo made two plans and finally saw Tang Wan on the day of meeting the parents.
His plan was to pick up the item in the morning, so it wouldn’t delay the afternoon meeting.
The Yuan Family’s stance was that the meal isn’t essential; they just wanted a meeting and a chat, so they set the meeting at a teahouse in the afternoon.
Unexpectedly, when Xie Duo arrived at Tang Wan’s studio, something happened...
Tang Wan fainted!
For a moment, Xie Duo’s mind went blank. He quickly rushed to take her to the hospital, to emergency, accompanying her for tests—busy and anxious, he was drenched in sweat.
The doctor then handed over a report and said:
"Congratulations, she’s pregnant."
"..."
At that moment, Xie Duo felt like he owed this family.
By the time Jiang Jinsang arrived, it was near one o’clock, delaying Xie Duo’s time to meet the parents. He was sweaty, his clothes crumpled from all the fuss, making it impossible to change and rush over in time, so he had to call Yuan Jianyue, asking if they could postpone the meeting.
Yuan Jianyue was at home, already dressed and putting on makeup, ready to go out when she received the call and was a bit surprised.
"I’m really sorry, but something urgent came up." Xie Duo hid in the restroom in the hospital room to make the call, outside was filled with the laughter of the family of three, while he was under gloomy clouds here.
"Urgent? Are you alright?"
"I’m fine." Xie Duo thought she’d be really angry, given the long-set plan, and standing her up was one thing, this involved her parents too, but she was concerned about him instead.
"It’s good that you’re alright." Yuan Jianyue put down her eyeshadow brush, though inevitably disappointed, she smiled and said, "It’s okay, take care of your business; I’ll explain to my parents."
"You’re not even asking what happened? Aren’t you afraid I’m lying to you?"
"Would you lie to me?"
"No!"
Xie Duo rubbed his temples, "If not, can we postpone it a few hours? I’ll treat your parents to dinner tonight..."
He hadn’t finished when there was a knock on the restroom door.
Opening the door, it was Jiang Jinsang.
"Calling your girlfriend?" Hearing about the parent-meeting situation, Jiang Jinsang knew today was important for him.
Xie Duo nodded.
"Let me explain to her." Jiang Jinsang gestured for him to hand over the phone, then took it, first introducing himself.
"Hello, I’m Jiang Wuye." Yuan Jianyue was surprised it was him.
"I feel it’s necessary to explain today’s situation. Xie Duo was delayed sending my wife to the hospital; I should be thanking him..."
Jiang Jinsang briefly explained, and upon hearing of Tang Wan’s pregnancy, Yuan Jianyue immediately extended her congratulations.
She briefly explained to her parents, who were understanding. Given the situation, Xie Duo was helping someone, so they didn’t blame him. This actually gave them a favorable impression of him.
Initially, their knowledge of Xie Duo came mostly from news media, flavored by their daughter’s accounts, showing personal biases.
Concerns that Xie Duo was hardened from business circles faded, seeing his genuine concern during the ordeal at the hospital; he seemed a reliable person.
"Given the situation, I’m sure he’s had a busy morning, so let’s not delay the meeting; we’ll change the date so he can rest." Yuan’s mom directly proposed a new date.
Xie Duo initially planned to make up for it at dinner with them, but was surprised when Yuan Jianyue said her parents suggested another date.
This made Xie Duo a bit anxious...
Everyone was being polite, maybe "next time" meant no chance?
"Are uncle and aunt upset because of the postponement?" Xie Duo was worried.
"No, my parents praised you. Don’t overthink it." Yuan Jianyue’s reassurance had little effect, only after the new date was set did Xie Duo relax.
Additionally, Tang Wan gifted him a Cyan Feather brooch, hoping her second pregnancy’s good fortune would bring him luck.
Xie Duo, initially hesitant to accept the gift, hearing of the promising luck, decided to accept it.
**
On the newly decided date, both families, along with Jiang Yanting and his wife, and even the matchmaker were present.
The matchmaker hadn’t expected these two to hit it off, when suddenly Xie called, inviting her for a meal, leaving her astonished.
Over the years, she’d introduced countless girls to Xie Duo. She had little expectation for Yuan Jianyue initially, as both were pushed by parents.
To be blunt, Yuan Jianyue was brought by the same means, and similar girls hadn’t worked with Xie before, so she didn’t expect them to connect and already be meeting parents.
That day, she tidied herself up—not too flashy—for the occasion.
The venue was near the Yuan Family, and Xie’s group arrived early.
Jiang Yanting saw Xie Duo looking tense, joking:
"We’ve known each other since school, rarely seeing you so nervous. Guess I’m curious what charm this girl has?"
"Initially, Xiaowu wanted to come since last time was delayed due to my wife..."
Hearing this, Xie Duo felt dark; enough with these two brothers!
Is he never escaping their shadow?
Soon, Yuan Jianyue’s family and the matchmaker arrived together. As the intermediary, she introduced both parties, and they sat down.
At that moment, Xie Duo assumed a humble demeanor, serving tea to everyone.
"Thank you." Yuan’s father was a senior executive at a state enterprise, her mother a homemaker, both looking very kind yet subtly observing Xie Duo, who they were inclined towards for their daughter, upon seeing him their approval grew.
Grandpa Xie, dressed up for today, talked with Yuan’s parents, naturally not overly praising his grandson and maintaining modesty:
"My grandson’s ever been opinionated since young; look at his age yet no girlfriend, but we’re powerless to rush him..."
"Marriage isn’t like business dealings. If he’s not in favor, I can’t force it."
"Fate’s unpredictable; see, our families are brought together?"
Yuan’s dad laughed, "Our daughter Yueyue really likes Xie Duo. Always complimenting him to us, even envying how much she praises him."
"I’m eager to see what makes the person she praises so good."
...
Yuan Jianyue blushed, under the table she kicked her father, "Dad——"
"Oh, shy now? Isn’t what I said true?"
Yuan Jianyue did indeed sing Xie Duo’s praises at home.
It was true, but no need for full disclosure at the first meeting with his family; isn’t her dad helping too much?
Everyone laughed, leaving Yuan Jianyue wanting to hide her embarrassment, sipping tea to ease it. Looking up, there was Xie Duo...
Smiling at her.
Her phone suddenly buzzed with a message:
[Turns out... you like me this much?]
Yuan Jianyue nearly fainted.
The position of Jiang Yanting, beside Xie Duo, watching; while the parents are engaged, the couple is texting under the table?
Just how eager are you two?
Having known him for years, first time seeing him this way; dating sure brings out a different side, especially for Xie Duo, dormant for so long...