In an ordinary family, if they don't want an engagement ceremony, they simply won't hold one; but the Gu family is different, especially since they are currently in Y country. Regardless of what the young couple thinks, the Y country's aristocratic circles already know that Ji Zhinan is Gu Yibei's commoner girlfriend.

If the engagement banquet isn't held, those nobles will inevitably overthink things, thinking that they are family-oriented and don't value Ji Zhinan.

This will not only make those people look down on Ji Zhinan even more, but it will also affect the reputation of the Gu family.

"January 1st is just a few days after Christmas. It's a new year and a new beginning, and it's also New Year's Day in China. It's a very meaningful day, and I think that day is good."

"The engagement banquet and wedding ceremony are both essential. We can't let someone else's daughter suffer because she has to take care of the family."

"..."

Ji Zhinan was astonished, Mo Lin was overjoyed, and even Gu Yibei was surprised that his father would say such a thing.

Since Gu Yibei brought Ji Zhinan back, Gu Jue has neither expressed dissatisfaction nor shown any liking for Ji Zhinan as his daughter-in-law.

Now that he has taken the initiative to offer to hold an engagement banquet for the two of them, it can be seen as a tacit acceptance of Ji Zhinan as his daughter-in-law.

In aristocratic families, once an oath is taken, the two people are recorded in the family genealogy. Unless one party experiences a major event or an indelible stain that gives the other party a valid reason to annul the engagement, the two will be bound by that marriage for life.

Gu Yibei turned his head slightly to look at Ji Zhinan, who was still somewhat startled. His brows relaxed and a smile appeared on his lips.

His Nannan is truly remarkable; she can even win over someone like his father.

Just as Maureen said, the Gu family is large and powerful, with both power and influence. Unlike other noble families, they do not rely on marriage alliances to strengthen their family's influence.

Gu Jue preferred the intelligent but ordinary-born Ji Zhinan to a brainless noblewoman from a well-off family.

Money can be earned as long as you have a brain, but if you don't have a brain, no matter how much money you have, you're still brainless.

……………

Christmas is also the New Year in Country Y.

Early in the morning, the entire Gu family was filled with joy, and everyone's face was beaming with a bright smile.

"Merry Chrismas."

"Merry Chrismas!"

The maids were dressed in red maid outfits and wore reindeer hair clips, creating a strong Christmas atmosphere.

Maureen wore a very beautiful red cheongsam today, abandoning her usual elegant and classical style, exuding the beauty and charm of an oriental woman.

Ji Zhinan wore a similar red dress to hers, and the two of them looked like a mother and daughter standing together.

A large pile of gifts lay at Maureen's feet, all specially prepared for the household servants to thank them for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Seeing that the maids had arrived, but her son and husband hadn't, she turned to look at Ji Zhinan and asked, "Nannan, has Yibei come down yet?"

Ji Zhinan shook his head.

Gu Yibei hasn't come down yet.

Just then, the butler who was taking care of Gu Jue hurried downstairs: "Madam, Miss Ji."

He bowed respectfully at a ninety-degree angle; he was a very gentlemanly old butler.

Maureen glanced upstairs, her expression anxious, and asked, "Why isn't he coming down yet? I've been waiting for ages."

The butler looked troubled, hesitating to speak: "Madam, the master specifically asked me to come down here so he could tell you that he is not suitable..."

"Oh dear, I'll go up myself!" Maureen interrupted the housekeeper and strode upstairs in her high heels.