Chapter 145 The meeting between the two parents
The day after the banquet, newspapers were all reporting that Qin Wu, the boss of the Qin Group, was engaged to a man.
Qin Wu did not let Lin Jianyan take care of this matter, and did not tell him about the company's affairs. However, Lin Jianyan guessed that there must be a shock in the company. Qin Wu did not tell him what the specific situation was, and he did not ask.
The two families made an appointment to have dinner together, and Lin Jianyan asked the driver to pick them up early.
After arriving at the hotel, Zhang Xiufang got out of the car and looked at the luxurious hotel in front of her. She nervously straightened her clothes and said, "My makeup is not bad, is it? Is this okay for me to wear?"
Wang Zhide put his arms around her shoulders, smiled and said softly, "You are so beautiful, don't worry." Zhang Xiufang nodded slightly, but still couldn't hide her nervousness.
"How can I not worry? Xiaowu comes from such a family and we are ordinary people. I am always afraid of bringing shame to Ayan." There was a hint of inferiority and worry in Zhang Xiufang's voice.
Wang Zhide patted her hands and comforted her, "Don't worry. I'm sure that they, such a powerful family, have already investigated everything about us. Besides, the Qin family can openly let Ah Wu and Ah Yan get engaged, so they definitely don't care about these things."
Lin Jiahao also said, "Yes, mother. Besides, my brother is not bad at all. They value my brother as a person, not his family. Even if his family is good, who can compare with Brother Wu's family in this world?"
Zhang Xiufang listened to what the father and son said, and her expression eased a little. "You are right, I was too nervous."
Zhang Xiufang took a deep breath and calmed herself down, "Okay, let's go in."
The hotel lobby was spacious and bright, with dazzling crystal chandeliers casting light on the polished marble floor, and guests coming and going were all dressed in fancy clothes. Zhang Xiufang subconsciously held Wang Zhide's arm tightly, trying to make her steps appear more natural.
All the Qin family members have arrived in the private room. However, perhaps due to the long distance, Zhang Xiufang and her friends have not arrived yet.
Qin Wu looked at his watch and said worriedly, "Why haven't Mom and the others come yet? Did something happen on the way?"
"No, I have to go check it out."
Lin Jianyan held his hand and said, "I'll go, you stay and talk to Grandpa and the others."
He said something to Mr. Qin and the others and walked out of the private room. As soon as he arrived at the living room, he saw Zhang Xiufang and the others coming towards him.
Lin Jianyan walked over quickly with a relieved smile on her face, "Mom, you are finally here. Did you have a smooth journey?"
Seeing Lin Jianyan, Zhang Xiufang breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "It was smooth sailing, but the road was a bit far and the car drove a little slowly. Are we not late?"
Wang Zhide patted her back gently, giving her some comfort and strength. Lin Jianyan was quick to sense his mother's emotions. He stretched out his arm to hold Zhang Xiufang's, and said with a smile, "We are not late. It is still early. Don't be nervous. We are just having a meal and chatting. Grandpa and uncle are very gentle."
Zhang Xiufang nodded, trying to calm herself down, and followed Lin Jianyan to the private room. Along the way, she silently encouraged herself in her heart, telling herself not to embarrass her son and to face the Qin family in the best state.
Arriving at the door of the private room, Lin Jianyan gently pushed open the door, walked in first, and said with a smile: "Everyone has been waiting for a long time, my mother and the others are here."
Everyone in the box looked over at them. Qin Wu immediately stood up and went to greet them, taking the gifts for them. "Mom, come and sit down."
After the three of them came in, they respectfully greeted Old Master Qin who was sitting in the main seat. Old Master Qin nodded with a smile. He did not have the dignity of a superior at all, but just an ordinary and amiable old man.
Seeing Qin Wuzhen's useless look, Qin Xiaogu rolled her eyes, then stood up enthusiastically and walked to Zhang Xiufang, holding her arm affectionately, "Sister, I am Qin Wu's aunt, we finally meet today, come, don't sit with those stinky men, sit with us, we sisters can have a good chat."
Zhang Xiufang was somewhat overwhelmed by Qin Xiaogu's enthusiasm, but it was difficult to refuse, so she could only look at Lin Jianyan nervously. Lin Jianyan smiled and nodded at her, indicating that she could go ahead without worry.
Aunt Qin pulled Zhang Xiufang to sit in the empty seat next to her, and her aunt and fourth aunt also came over and talked to her enthusiastically.
When the meal started, Qin Xiaogu always held Zhang Xiufang's arm, as if they were sisters who had not seen each other for many years.
She enthusiastically introduced the characteristics and origins of each dish to Zhang Xiufang, and while speaking she personally picked up the dishes and put them into Zhang Xiufang's bowl.
My eldest aunt and fourth aunt also joined in, sharing interesting things and tips in life with each other, and laughter broke out one after another.
There was no contempt or alienation as Zhang Xiufang had imagined. Instead, they were all very enthusiastic, which made Zhang Xiufang slowly relax and blend in. Her originally slightly stiff sitting posture became natural, the smile on her face became more brilliant, and her interactions with the Qin family became more natural and smooth.
The men were also chatting happily, and after two drinks they became brothers. Lin Jiahao was no exception and was pulled by his two uncles to join in the drinking contest.
The men's laughter became louder and louder under the influence of alcohol, and the crisp sound of wine glasses colliding was intertwined. Lin Jiahao was a little shy at first, but under the enthusiastic persuasion of the two uncles, he gradually let go of his restraint and responded with one glass after another with a red face.
Lin Jinyan didn't want to drink, so she sat next to Mr. Qin, and the two of them focused on eating. Lin Jinyan accompanied them silently, occasionally handing the old man a napkin or quietly reminding him which dish was worth trying.
It didn't take long for Lin Jiahao to get drunk. In the end, the men were all drunk but still refused to admit defeat. The women saw that it was almost time, so they suggested adjourning the meeting.
The eldest aunt stood up and helped the eldest uncle, "Let's stop here today. We all drank a lot. Don't hurt your body."
Everyone agreed and started to get up, put on their clothes and prepare to leave. Lin Jianyan quickly arranged for someone to call a taxi and supported the unconscious Lin Jiahao. Qin Wu helped Zhang Xiufang and Wang Zhide.
After helping the two out of the door, Lin Jianyan quickly asked the driver to open the door and let them in. Originally, he wanted to ask about what happened between Lin Jiahao and that classmate, but he couldn't ask since he was drunk, so he could only wait until next time.
Lin Jianyan said to Zhang Xiufang beside him: "Why don't you not go back today? I still have a lot of guest rooms. You can come back with me and stay there. Or if it's inconvenient for you, I can book a hotel for you."
Zhang Xiufang waved her hand and got in the car. "No, no, we are too much of a bother to you. Let your uncle De go back to sleep. We still have to go to buy goods in the afternoon. We won't bother you anymore."
Knowing that they were not the type to sit still, Lin Jianyan did not insist, "Okay, then be careful on the road."
Zhang Xiufang waved to him, and the car started slowly. Lin Jianyan stood where he was, his eyes following the direction the car was going.
Inside the car, Zhang Xiufang sighed softly and turned to look at Wang Zhide who looked a little dazed beside her, her heart filled with worry and reluctance for her son.
"The child is grown up now, and it's time for him to learn to let go." Zhang Xiufang murmured to herself.
Wang Zhide hummed twice, as if he was responding, or as if he was mumbling in his sleep. Zhang Xiufang smiled and shook her head, straightening Wang Zhide's crooked collar.
She knew that her son already had his own life and pursuits, and they could not help much. They could only support him silently from behind and try not to burden the children.