Chapter 18 Xu Huaian Meets His Parents

“You’re not grateful to the third son, and now you even have the nerve to fuss over how much I gave him. Let me make this clear today: not only are your father and I buying Shi Qingqian a watch, but we also covered the bicycle. Every detail, every single thing—nothing can be left out—we’ll make sure it’s all ready. If you feel unhappy about it, tough luck. If you can’t bear it, you can leave. Your father and I are still alive; we can give our money to whoever we want. You have no right to interfere.”

Li Guihua was left speechless by Zhang Lanxiang’s tirade, her face darkening. Xu Huaiguo tugged at her arm and whispered, “Go back inside.” Li Guihua shot him a glare but didn’t dare to argue further. Given how much Zhang Lanxiang cared about Xu Huaian, Li Guihua feared she really would be sent back to her parents’ house. She clutched Little Kid and slunk back into the room, sulking.

Shi Qingqian was utterly amazed by her future mother-in-law’s combative spirit. Indeed, the sharp tongue of a Chinese “auntie” should not be underestimated.

Zhang Lanxiang turned to Shi Qingqian, her expression completely changed—gone was the anger from before.

“Qingqian, don’t pay her any mind. She’s just jealous. You and Huaian focus on living your life together. What I said earlier is true: every detail has been taken care of, from the watch to the bicycle. Your uncle and I have made sure everything is ready for you.”

Shi Qingqian smiled. “Auntie, you don’t have to go to so much trouble.”

Zhang Lanxiang waved her hand. “No, it’s not right. You’re such a good girl—pretty and educated. Coming into the Xu family is Huaian’s luck. We won’t treat you any differently.”

Xu Huaian immediately added, “Mom is right.”

Looking at Zhang Lanxiang and Xu Huaian, Shi Qingqian felt a warm surge in her heart. Her intuition had served her well; she truly hadn’t chosen the wrong man.

“Uncle, Auntie, Huaian and I want to go to the city tomorrow. I also want to pick out some of my dowry items.”

Zhang Lanxiang immediately agreed. “Go ahead, have some fun in the city. Since the third son is home, he can accompany you. Just buy dowry items that you’ll actually use; our family doesn’t have those rigid rules.”

Shi Qingqian nodded, already thinking about practical items she wanted to get.

“Third Uncle, take us on the bicycle!” Big Kid tugged on Xu Huaian’s shirt, his eyes full of anticipation.

Little Sister and Second Sister chimed in, “Third Uncle, we want to go too!”

“All right, I’ll take you for a ride,” Xu Huaian said, putting Little Sister and Second Sister on the front bar and Big Kid on the back seat. He rode around the yard with them for a couple of laps.

Xu Huaian’s father, Xu Huaiguo, and Xu Huaimin looked on, itching to ride too—after all, no man dislikes bicycles. Once the kids had their fill, Shi Qingqian suggested letting the three men try it out. They each took turns riding, excitedly experiencing it.

Xu Huaian’s father exclaimed, “This bicycle is truly a wonderful thing! The Xu family now has this rare treasure!”

Xu Huaiguo and Xu Huaimin nodded repeatedly, eyes filled with curiosity and excitement.

After dinner, Xu Huaian’s mother hurried him out of the house, sending him to sleep at the second uncle’s to prevent any mischief. Once most of the villagers were asleep, Shi Qingqian quietly left with the medicine she had bought earlier that day.

Xu Huaian was already waiting outside the gate, and together they went to the hut where the relocated family lived. Ensuring no one was around, Shi Qingqian lightly knocked on the door.

“Who is it?”

“Cousin, it’s me.”

Hearing Shi Qingqian’s voice, those inside hurriedly opened the door. “Qingqian, come in quickly.”

As Shi Qingqian entered, Tang Jincheng immediately tried to close the door, not noticing there was another man behind her.

“Cousin, don’t close the door, someone else hasn’t come in yet.”

“Who?” Tang Jincheng looked out, saw the visitor, and his face immediately fell. Reluctantly, he made a slit for them to enter.

Xu Huaian stepped in, scratching his head awkwardly. “Uh… Cousin, about what happened this morning… I didn’t know you were Qingqian’s cousin. I’m very sorry for the offense.”

“Who’s your cousin? Stop shouting,” Tang Jincheng snorted, turning his face away to reveal a bluish-purple bruise. “Just saying sorry isn’t enough. You really hit hard.”

Shi Qingqian looked at her cousin’s injured face, then at Xu Huaian, puzzled. When did they even fight?

Xu Huaian leaned close to Shi Qingqian and whispered what happened that morning.

“What are you doing, getting so close?” Tang Jincheng immediately stepped between them.

“Step aside, don’t block the way,” Lin Jiahui, their aunt, pulled her cousin back and turned her gaze to Xu Huaian. “Qingqian is here. Who is this?”

Shi Qingqian hooked her arm with Xu Huaian’s and introduced him. “Auntie, this is my fiancé, Xu Huaian.”

“Hello, Auntie, Cousin,” Xu Huaian greeted politely.

At that moment, deliberate coughs came from behind Lin Jiahui.

Shi Qingqian whispered to Xu Huaian, “That’s Uncle.”

Xu Huaian quickly went to the bedside, respectfully saying, “Hello, Uncle.”

Tang Yuliang slightly nodded, his eyes appraising Xu Huaian from head to toe. Tang Jincheng snorted quietly nearby, clearly still angry about the morning incident.

Lin Jiahui smiled to ease the tension. “All right, don’t just stand there. Sit down and talk.”

Once seated, the atmosphere was slightly awkward. Xu Huaian spoke first. “Uncle, Auntie, I was too impulsive this morning. I sincerely apologize. I didn’t know he was Qingqian’s cousin, so I acted rashly.”

Tang Yuliang paused before speaking slowly. “Young people are easily impulsive, I understand. Qingqian is my only niece; I don’t want her wronged. If anyone bullies her, even if it costs me my life, I will see justice done for her.”

Xu Huaian solemnly nodded. “Uncle, rest assured, I will take good care of Qingqian and make sure she suffers no wrongs.”

Satisfied, Tang Yuliang nodded.

Shi Qingqian looked at Xu Huaian sitting upright, trying not to laugh at his serious demeanor. Her smile broke the slight tension in the room.

Tang Yuliang glanced at her and feigned anger. “What are you laughing at? I haven’t even scolded you yet. I finally arranged work for you—why did you run off to the countryside?”

Shi Qingqian lowered her head, slightly embarrassed. “Uncle, I know you mean well, but I wanted to be closer to you all.”

Tang Jincheng interjected, “Hmph, you’re just stubborn. You deserve a beating.”

Shi Qingqian giggled and quickly took out a large bag of medicine. “This is the medicine we bought according to Doctor Meng’s prescription. Let’s have him check if it’s correct.”

Tang Jincheng knew she was deliberately changing the topic, and seeing Xu Huaian present, he didn’t press further. To give his sister some face, he turned and knocked on Meng Wangfei’s door.