Chapter 42: Xiao Qingru’s Plans

Xu Muzhou brought two roast ducks to the Xiao family, naturally staying for dinner.

At the table, he and Xiao Qingru formally announced to the family that they were officially dating.

Though they had been somewhat prepared, the parents couldn’t help feeling bitter sweet. Their daughter was grown and could no longer be kept close.

“Xu, from now on, we’re entrusting Qingru to you,” said her father. “If she ever does something wrong, tell us directly, and we’ll make sure there’s fair criticism where it’s due.”

Xu Muzhou understood the parents’ feelings, after all, they’d raised her for nearly twenty years, and now she was with him.

“Uncle, Auntie,” he said earnestly, “I will accept your guidance. If I ever don’t treat Qingru well, you are welcome to correct and discipline me I won’t have any complaints.”

Xiao Huai, her brother, interjected, “You’ll have to answer to her big brother too.”

“Yes, to both of you,” Xu Muzhou replied graciously.

The parents were pleased with his respectful attitude his demeanor alone outshone someone else by miles.

Sitting straight in his chair as if giving a report to his superiors, Xu Muzhou made Xiao’s mother chuckle, “Relax a bit, we won’t interfere too much in young people’s relationships. As long as you both know your boundaries, that’s enough.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Xiao Qingru laughed. “We’re just dating no need to be so serious.”

“Dating without marriage in mind is just messing around,” her brother teased. “Are you telling me you haven’t thought about marrying Xu Muzhou?”

Xu Muzhou’s heart raced he’d been thinking about discussing marriage with her soon. If she wasn’t ready, he’d wait. However long it took for her to want marriage, he would be ready.

He would never pressure her into any decision, but once she decided, there’d be no turning back.

Xiao Qingru shot her brother a glare. “We just started dating today, why talk about marriage?”

Her father disagreed. “Once you’re sure of each other, what difference does it make whether you marry sooner or later?”

Her mother added, “With your jobs, you’ll rarely get time together. If you’re sure about each other, there’s no reason to delay.”

Xiao Qingru fell silent, seeming to weigh their words.

“Auntie, Uncle,” Xu Muzhou said, “Qingru has her own career, so she shouldn’t have to accommodate my schedule. When she’s ready, I’ll submit the marriage application.”

Xiao’s mother hid a smile, wondering if he was just clueless or playing it cool. “It’s your decision,” she said. “When you’re ready to marry, just let us know, and I’ll plan the wedding.”

Xiao Qingru felt a bit embarrassed. “It’s early, let’s talk about it when the time comes.”

After dinner, Xiao Qingru invited Xu Muzhou upstairs. Inside, she felt they could speak openly without fear of being seen.

Stepping into her room for the first time, he was struck by the soft, fresh scent of soap just like her.

Blushing, he shuffled to her desk, moving stiffly as she indicated he should sit.

“I think I should talk with you about my plans,” she began.

Collecting himself, he nodded. “Go ahead, I’m listening.”

“While my parents made good points, I still want us to date a while before we decide about marriage.”

“Being with you whether dating or married works for me,” he replied.

Her mood brightened, and she playfully pinched his cheek. “Sweet talker are you sure you’ve never practiced with other girls?”

“I learned on my own.”

“Quite a talent,” she teased.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

In truth, Xiao Qingru feared if he pushed marriage now, she’d feel pressured.

“To me, dating means either of us can back out. If I’m not who you truly want, please tell me honestly, and we’ll part on good terms. I’ll be just as open with you.”

Xu Muzhou’s eyes darkened, the thought of separation unfathomable.

His arms circled her waist, and his frame leaned closer. Though his demeanor seemed intimidating, his voice was soft.

“If I do anything you dislike, tell me, don’t hold back. I’ll change anything you don’t like just don’t leave me.”

She saw the hint of worry in his eyes, and her heart softened. Had her words been too harsh?

Quickly, she rose to her toes and patted his head. “I said ‘if’ do you know what ‘if’ means? You’re getting worked up for nothing.”

“There’s no such thing as ‘if’,” he replied confidently.

Her laughter drew them even closer.

“I’d like to kiss you,” he whispered.

Xiao Qingru had never heard such a thing before. She recalled her father’s warning about Xu Muzhou’s boldness. Now she understood he could be relentless in romance too!

“If you don’t say no, I’ll take it as a yes,” he murmured.

He leaned in, capturing her lips in a gentle, blooming kiss.

Both their first kiss, they looked into each other’s eyes, blinking in surprise.

She thought to herself that kissing wasn’t quite as dizzying as it was said to be.

Leaning back slightly, he whispered, “One more time.”

Before she could answer, his soft touch met her lips again, and this time, Xu Muzhou understood how it felt.

He gently cupped the back of her head, his kiss deepening as he chased that softness.