"As for ourselves, we also want to make a aningful gesture," Father Huang began. "After discussing with Xiaojue’s mother, we’ve decided to cover the cost of the three gold pieces and the banquet. You can keep any monetary gifts you receive. We also have a small rental property. When you have a child, we’ll give this property to our grandchild as a welco gift."
Mother Huang looked at Yan Xixi and added, "Rest assured, our family follows local customs. We don’t favor boys over girls. As long as it’s our flesh and blood, whether it’s a grandson or granddaughter, we’ll love them all the sa. Your father’s and my only wish is to be able to hold a grandchild soon."
"That’s right," Father Huang chid in. "Your mother and I aren’t that old yet, and we’re still quite agile. We can help look after the child. If you’re not used to it at first, we can also hire a confinent nanny."
Huang Xiaojue chuckled. "Dad, Mum, you’re overthinking things. You should keep the rental property for yourselves to supplent your inco. We’ll take care of our own children."
Mother Huang glared at him. "What would we do with all that money? I have my pension, and your father earns a good salary. We have more than enough for our daily expenses. Besides, you’re the one who bought us all our valuable possessions. You’re our only son. Who else would we leave our things to, if not our grandchild?"
Father Huang also laughed. "Xiaojue, we are already very, very satisfied with you. So many of my old friends have had to spend all their savings to buy a marital ho for their sons and arrange their weddings. With housing prices so high these days, it’s almost impossible for young people not to rely on their parents. But you’ve managed everything on your own, without putting any pressure on us. For us, just helping with your wedding preparations feels incredibly easy."
Yan Xixi was truly moved, and her opinion of Mother Huang changed significantly—no matter what, her love for her son was selfless and without any reservations.
Father Huang took out an almanac and flipped through its pages. "A friend of mine has already checked," he said. "There are two auspicious days for a wedding before next Labor Day: February 18th and April 27th. February would be too hasty, though. There wouldn’t be enough ti to prepare, and booking the banquet and everything would be inconvenient. So, my suggestion is April 27th. What do you two think?"
"I think April 27th is pretty good," Huang Xiaojue said, then turned to her. "Xixi, what are your thoughts?"
Yan Xixi truly couldn’t think of any reason to object. She gently nodded her head.
"Alright, let’s settle on that date then," Father Huang declared. "We’ll start preparing right after the Lunar New Year. You two should also get your wedding photos taken."
"Dad, don’t worry, I have it under control," Huang Xiaojue replied.
Father Huang then looked at Yan Xixi. "Xixi, co back with Xiaojue for the Lunar New Year. Feel free to tell us what you like to eat. You both work hard, so use the holidays to rest and recuperate properly."
"Thank you, Uncle, Aunt," Yan Xixi said.
As the family chatted and laughed, that evening, Yan Xixi felt an unprecedented sense of familial warmth. It was as if she were back in those long-desired youthful days, listening to stories around a brazier—a ti when her father was still alive, their family was comfortably well-off, and she had been the apple of her parents’ eye.
The old couple tactfully excused themselves to rest, leaving the young couple so space.
Huang Xiaojue pulled Yan Xixi aside mysteriously. "Co, I have sothing to show you."
"What is it?"
"It’s a secret for now."
They entered his bedroom, and he casually closed the door. With a swift move, he wrapped his arms around her. She giggled, but her laughter was soon swallowed by his kiss.
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