Zhao Aiguo poured tea leaves into two cups, then poured out the first infusion, filling the cups to about seven-tenths full. He then carried the cups over, put them down, and pulled up a chair for himself, smiling as he said, "Uncle, Auntie, go ahead and ask!"
This frankness confused Liu's parents, who were afraid of asking something inappropriate that might hurt Zhao Aiguo's feelings.
Mr. Liu asked gently, "Little Zhao, do you have any brothers or sisters in your family?"
Zhao Aiguo shook his head. "I am the only child in my family. My grandparents, parents and I live together as a family of five."
Liu's mother and father nodded; the housing situation seemed rather cramped. Liu's mother was actually quite satisfied with Zhao Aiguo by now, and said with a smile, "Our daughter is rather simple and straightforward! If you really decide to be together, don't bully her! If she upsets you, come to us, and we'll give her a good talking-to."
"Auntie, don't worry! I will definitely..." Before she could finish speaking, Zhao's mother's voice came from the doorway of the living room, "Patriotism, patriotism..."
"Hey! They're here!" Liu's parents got up and opened the door. They saw four people enter: an elderly couple and a middle-aged couple. They all looked kind. Zhao Aiguo introduced them with a smile, "Uncle, Auntie, this is my grandpa, grandma, dad, and mom! This is my girlfriend Liu Man's dad and mom."
Still dazed, Zhao Aiguo had already decided on their relationship status. The two families shook hands, and Zhao Aiguo quickly made tea. Through conversation, he learned that these two fools' relationship was all about their own merits! They hadn't mentioned their family backgrounds at all. His own daughter had even planned to live in a dormitory after graduation, waiting for her assigned room after marriage, while Zhao Aiguo lived in a private courtyard with eight rooms!
Grandma Zhao said happily, "The children will be settling down in Beijing in the future. When you're not busy, come to Beijing. Our house is spacious and we can stay comfortably. We'll also visit you in Suzhou when we have time!" Father Zhao nodded, "Yes, yes, not counting the eight rooms in the house, there's a seventeen-room courtyard house!" Of course, he didn't mention this, otherwise it wouldn't give the impression of boasting.
During the conversation, it was also learned that Liu Man's parents both work at a military hospital, one is the vice president and the other is the deputy director, and his grandparents are soldiers.
The Zhao family felt somewhat ashamed, while Wei Shuqing could only laugh awkwardly, her head spinning. Meanwhile, the three members of the Zhao family were having a lively conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Liu.
Then Zhao's father said, "It's almost noon, let's go to my house for lunch and get acquainted with the place!" "Uncle, Auntie, no need for that, it's too much trouble for you! I'll treat you, we'll eat out!"
Zhao's mother waved her hand and said, "Don't be so polite. Let me tell you, my husband's ancestors were imperial chefs. They made excellent dishes. It would be a shame not to try them. Besides, we'll be relatives in the future. How can we not even recognize each other? Come on, let's go home!"
Turning to Zhao Aiguo, he said, "You should also ask for leave from work and go home for a meal!"
Zhao Aiguo said, "Okay! You guys go out first!" Then he asked for leave and borrowed a car. Zhao Dahu and Wei Shuqing rode bicycles, while Zhao Aiguo drove the remaining four people back.
Zhao's mother chuckled and said, "Don't worry, although Aiguo didn't graduate from university, we definitely won't let Xiaoman suffer with us." Then she whispered in Liu's mother's ear, "Aiguo also has a two-courtyard siheyuan (traditional courtyard house) not far from the Forbidden City! Don't worry, if he doesn't want to squeeze in with us, that place is very big! It's big enough for him!"
When Liu's father noticed the banners and newspapers hanging in the main room, he realized that this family was not simple either! Although they were a bit far away, it wasn't something he couldn't accept! His naive daughter was lucky to have bumped into Zhao Aiguo!
Once the dishes were ready, Zhao Aiguo picked out a few and said, "I'll take them to Xiaoman! You guys eat first!" He remembered that his little darling hadn't had much money to eat well lately and was just waiting to be fed!
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