Chapter 50

"Xia, this dish is made for you by your wife. It's lotus root balls, which symbolize a perfect match and a happy family reunion. Please try it."

"Xia, this is houttuynia cordata that Wang Ma brought from her hometown. It's a cold dish that's good for the liver and eyes. Do you like it?"

"Xia..."

"Bang!" Cheng Mo couldn't take it anymore and slammed his chopsticks down. "Mom, Grandma, if you keep doing this, will my teacher be able to come next time?"

Chi Xia never expected that he and Cheng Yang, who clearly didn't set off together, would now be sitting at the same table with the Cheng family for a "reunion dinner," surrounded by the matchmaker team's mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo, who were chatting away.

Cheng Yang had only introduced Chi Xia to his family as his girlfriend to appease them, and he didn't care that they would misunderstand him even more thoroughly. He smiled and served Chi Xia some food, saying, "Try each dish and see what you like to eat."

Chi Xia held up her chopsticks. She wanted to eat, but the bowl was full of vegetables and there wasn't a single grain of rice in sight. She really didn't know where to start.

She had to try the entire Manchu Han Imperial Feast.

Cheng Mo seemed to have anticipated this awkward situation. He got up and served Chi Xia half a bowl of rice in a small bowl. "I warned you to be careful before. Just bear with it."

Chi Xia accepted it, saying, "Thank you."

Seeing that Cheng Mo was taking the initiative to care for someone, who was also his teacher, Cheng Mo's father smiled with satisfaction, "Xiao Mo has made great progress recently. It seems that Xia is indeed a very good teacher."

Cheng Mo: "Oh, so now you know she's my teacher."

Cheng Mo's mother glared at Cheng Mo. Although Cheng Mo had already explained that Chi Xia was just playing the role of his uncle's girlfriend to make his grandmother happy after the birthday banquet, the Cheng family still believed that Chi Xia was Cheng Yang's girlfriend.

In Cheng Mo's mother's words, young people's feelings can be cultivated. This is the first girl Cheng Yang has brought home named after his girlfriend. Even if she is fake, the family should help make her real.

Cheng Mo was speechless. He felt that he knew nothing about his elders urging him to get married, and began to worry about his future.

Since Chi Xia had arranged for Cheng Mo to visit his home, today's family dinner was relatively restrained. It wasn't at the old house, and not everyone was there. Instead, it was at Cheng Mo's house, where they invited Grandma Cheng and Cheng Yang to have dinner.

Grandma Cheng asked, "Where does Xia live? Is it far from the academy?"

Chi Xia swallowed the food in her mouth. "Moon Bay isn't too far."

Grandma Cheng frowned. "Far? How can it not be far? Although they're both within the first ring road, one is in the northwest corner and the other in the southeast. Why don't you move in with me? It's too lonely living alone in the old house."

Chi Xia's eyelids twitched slightly. It seemed she had really gone too far this time. She coughed lightly, and Cheng Yang quickly brought her a drink, "Here, freshly squeezed juice."

Chi Xia didn't believe Cheng Yang didn't know this was a distress signal, but the guy was pretending to be stupid. Chi Xia had no choice but to take a sip of juice, politely smile at the old lady, and say, "Auntie, thank you for your kindness, but I'm used to living there and don't find it troublesome."

Grandma Cheng took her hand and gently stroked it. "Child, I liked you the moment I saw you. My son, Ayang, doesn't know how to pursue girls. He's only ever liked studying since he was little, and now he's completely focused on his work. You're the first girl he's ever brought home, so as his mother, I naturally have to be extra careful for him."

Chi Xia: "Auntie, Cheng Yang is very popular at the academy."

Cheng Yang, who was looking down at his food, started coughing when he heard it. Everyone else perked up, stopped eating, and looked at Chi Xia. Only Cheng Mo covered his mouth, trying not to laugh, his eyes full of excited anticipation. This eccentric homeroom teacher never disappoints.

Grandma Cheng laughed, "Is that so? I had no idea."

Chi Xia glanced at Cheng Yang, whose face was gradually turning sour, and thought to herself, "You were the one who was ruthless first, so don't blame me for being ruthless later."

Chi Xia: "Yes. The female teacher who sits next to him in our grade office really likes him. They often go in and out together, and they talk and laugh a lot and have a lot in common."

Cheng Mo picked up a nut and threw it at his uncle. When Cheng Yang looked over, Cheng Mo mouthed: Anna.

Cheng Yang reached out to stop Chi Xia, but it was too late. His mother was delighted and asked, "Really? There's actually a female teacher willing to follow our A-Yang around?"

Chi Xia: "That female teacher is very beautiful, with excellent genes. I think Teacher Cheng and she are a perfect match."

Cheng Mo: "Pfft!"

Cheng Mo's mother patted her son, "What's wrong with you? You've been making so many little movements all night. Do you know that female teacher Xia Xia was talking about?"

Cheng Yang gave him a warning look, and Cheng Mo immediately shook his head, "No, no, no, how would I know? I'm very focused on my studies and have never observed these things about love and sex affecting one's mind."

Cheng Mo's father laughed when he heard this, "You're really shameless. I've collected several love letters that young girls have written to you from the mailbox at the door."

Cheng Mo raised an eyebrow. "You keep yours, I didn't look at it."

Cheng Mo's mother poured a drink for Chi Xia, saying, "Xia, no matter how beautiful or how much that teacher likes Cheng Yang, you are the one our family has chosen as our future daughter-in-law."

Seeing that there was a chance for things to turn around, Cheng Yang immediately raised his glass in a toast, saying, "My sister-in-law understands me best."

Grandma Cheng's face, etched with the marks of time, was painted with joyful notes. She held Chi Xia's hand tightly. She wasn't curious about the female teacher; she just wanted to know how much Chi Xia cared for her son and whether he was jealous of her son's closeness with other women.

After toasting Cheng Mo's mother, Cheng Yang stood up and turned to toast everyone else. "I'm ashamed. My family has been so worried about my personal life. I'll punish myself with a drink. Xia is mainly here for a home visit tonight, so let's focus on Cheng Mo."

Cheng Mo smiled as he stood up and clinked glasses with his uncle, "Finally, we're not diving like squid anymore?"

Cheng Yang glared at his nephew playfully, "I'll help you look into your early romance issue another day. Your grades are so bad, yet you still dare to accept love letters."

The whole family laughed.

After dinner, Cheng Yang took his mother for a walk in the yard to digest their food, while Cheng Mo's parents took Chi Xia to the study on the first floor, which was more private and comfortable than the bright living room.

With Cheng Yang acting as a bridge between Chi Xia and them, they naturally became much closer, and the study was a suitable place to discuss serious matters.

The maid prepared dessert, fruit, and tea, then quietly closed the door and stood outside waiting.

Cheng Mo's father, Cheng Songchuan, was the second most powerful person in Xinshi after Ye Feng's father. He was the deputy district head of Xinshi. When he sat there without smiling, his imposing presence was as firm as a pine tree.

He glanced at his son standing by the French windows, playing with the kitten outside, then turned to Chi Xia. "I heard from Cheng Mo that Xia has a lot of insight into talent. Based on your observations of Cheng Mo over this period of time, does he have any hidden talents that we haven't discovered?"

Cheng Mo's mother, Wen Xin, is the vice chairman of the Xinshi Chamber of Commerce. She is no ordinary person either. When it comes to the issue of their only son, Cheng Mo, she takes it very seriously. Wearing glasses, she sits quietly next to Chi Xia, waiting for her to speak.

Chi Xia: "I didn't find anything about Cheng Mo that was different from ordinary people."

Seventeen years had passed, and Cheng Songchuan had long been mentally prepared, but hearing Chi Xia say this, he couldn't help but feel a surge of disappointment and let out a heavy sigh.

Wen Xin held Chi Xia's hand, "These things can't be forced. Cheng Mo is a sunny, cheerful, and mischievous child, but he hasn't shown any particular talent. His father and I have found no less than a hundred talent development teachers for him. They came with great enthusiasm and certainty, but in the end, they all left dejectedly."

Hearing the two elders sigh, Cheng Mo turned away from the kitten, walked over casually, and said with a smile, "What are you doing? It's not like you can't live without talent."

Cheng Songchuan looked at him and said, “You are still young and do not know the importance of talent. Our family has prepared ample resources and connections for you, but you have no talent. In five or ten years, you will be replaced by talented people. This era is different from the past. How high a person can reach is inseparable from talent.”

Wen Xin: "Your father is right, talent cannot be compensated for by hard work."

Cheng Mo, hands in his pockets, remained indifferent, as if he truly didn't care. He sat down in the middle of the three people. "Instead of worrying about what you don't have, why not cherish what you already have and live happily and freely? Wealth and power won't always be in the hands of any one type of person or family. If it's not mine, you couldn't hold onto it even if you gave it to me, could you? Your past glory is enough for you. My life is something I must be responsible for myself."

Cheng Songchuan and Wen Xin both looked at Cheng Mo and suddenly became speechless. Although they knew that what he said made sense, they just found it hard to accept that their son would be mediocre because he lacked talent and could not live up to the power his parents had built.

Seeing the heavy atmosphere, Chi Xia said, "Cheng Mo, how about you take me to see your room?"

Cheng Mo frowned and leaned back. "Teacher, I'm a boy."

Wen Xin laughed, "What's there to be afraid of? When you go to school, Aunt Wang will go in and help you tidy up. I go there often too."

Cheng Mo immediately looked at his mother, crossed his arms over his chest, and exclaimed dramatically, "Mom, you guys are so weird!"

Chi Xia: "Although I can't guarantee it, a person's habits can reveal a lot of information. The bedroom is the most relaxing place for a person and holds the most of your secrets."

Sensing Chi Xia's unspoken meaning, Cheng Songchuan said, "Take your teacher there quickly."

Cheng Mo slowly stood up. "Alright, you're the one who wanted to see it."

Chi Xia followed him out, but the two elders were still unable to relax. Wen Xin sat down next to Cheng Songchuan, rested her head on his shoulder, and sighed deeply.

Cheng Songchuan stroked her long hair and said, "Never mind, children and grandchildren have their own blessings."

Cheng Mo led Chi Xia upstairs. He walked at a leisurely pace, with Chi Xia standing one step away from him. Cheng Mo smiled and turned to look at her, saying, "My uncle seems to really like you."

Chi Xia: "Which eye did you see that with?"

Cheng Mo: "You don't understand. My uncle seems cheerful and approachable, but he is actually very passive in relationships. He tacitly approves of the family's matchmaking, which means he likes the person."

Chi Xia: "That's because you know nothing about liking someone."

Cheng Mo paused, waiting for Chi Xia to come up with him, "Oh? Then tell me, what is 'like'? Does Ye Feng count for it?"

Chi Xia raised an eyebrow at him, "You really didn't have a puppy love?"

"Hey! Just asking out of boredom."

"You're really quite boring."

Cheng Mo's room was on the third floor, taking up an entire floor. He pointed upstairs, "The upstairs area is also my territory. I'll take you up there in a bit."

Chi Xia followed him down the corridor. "I thought your house was a manor like Ye Feng's."

Cheng Mo stopped and joked, "Isn't the manor qualified to invite you for a visit? Teacher, how come I didn't know you were so arrogant?"

Chi Xia pushed the door open and went in herself. "I was just guessing. Seeing that you two are like conjoined twins, I thought you were insisting that your dad buy a manor to match Ye Feng with you."

Cheng Mo followed him inside and burst out laughing. "Nonsense. If you're curious, I'll tell you about the origins of the Ye Feng family's manor in a bit."

"Great." Chi Xia looked up at the starry sky ceiling design, with lights embedded in the stars. Then she looked at the azure walls, the grass-green carpet, and at least a thousand pieces of furniture, none of them the same, nor any of them the same color. The brightly colored furniture looked like sea creatures at first glance. "Did you twist the sky and the sea together?"

Cheng Mo looked at his starry sky ceiling and the sea world space with satisfaction. "Yes, this is called reversing the universe."

After exploring the underwater world, parting the seaweed revealed Cheng Mo's bedroom. Chi Xia couldn't help but point to the white seashell bed inside, saying with a smile, "I didn't realize you had such a girlish heart. My apologies, little princess."

Cheng Mo's face darkened. "I'd be crazy to bring you in."