She wasn't really angry to begin with; a simple act of coquetry was enough to make Tang Sumei lose her composure. She turned to look at Qin Qinghuai, who was following closely behind, and asked in a low voice,
"Tell your second aunt the truth, what were you thinking? Why did you agree so quickly?"
A simple upturn of the corners of her mouth, and subtly...
"He's handsome!"
"you?"
Tang Sumei paused for a moment, then burst out laughing.
"You're still just a child!"
The group settled down in the west room, exchanged brief greetings, and then stood somewhat awkwardly to one side.
"Uncle, Uncle, Brother, what brings you all here?"
Without being asked, the two children went to pour water and cut watermelon for him, then turned around and went to the kitchen, where they stood guard at the door while preparing the meal.
Meeting the in-laws is a must, and this meal is essential. Since they are here and their elders are also present, they naturally cannot lose face. They brought a lot of things when they came, and there are plenty of things here as well, so they have no worries at all.
However, even though they knew the discussion was about a simple wedding, the two brothers' faces remained tense.
Inside the house, Xi Pingan smiled helplessly.
"You brat, such a big thing, and you don't even think of your uncle? You're really treating me like a stranger!"
He waved his hand hastily and in a panic.
"No, no, no, you've all been so busy lately. My second aunt has already come over to help me out, and I just didn't want to trouble you anymore."
Cheng Jin also pointed at her.
"You really are something else, still so aloof."
We are family. Aren't family members supposed to help and support each other?
Besides, we've been separated for so many years, it's already a miracle that we've been able to reunite. We, as your elders, haven't done anything for you.
Ultimately, marriage is a major life event, and it's not entirely the responsibility of the elders.
When it came to serious matters, everyone became serious and asked not only the simple questions they had asked before, but almost every question they could think of.
Having lived most of their lives, and especially with Tang Sumei's meticulous nature, she could think of things in great detail. She kept Qin Qinghuai questioning until his mouth was dry and he was drenched in sweat.
"Elders, I swear on this military uniform and on the ancestors of my Qin family that I will always be loyal and honest. If I ever break this vow, may my ancestors..."
"Stop it!"
Cheng Jin quickly called for a halt. "That's a good attitude," he said, "but your ancestors were truly unlucky to have such a descendant. Swear on your ancestors..."
"This oath, whether it exists or not, cannot guarantee anything."
"Now that the Qin family is vouching for you, you'll have to make do. But if you ever do anything to wrong Dandan, don't blame us for being ruthless."
Xi Pingan was also tapping.
"Your Qin family has power and influence in the capital, but my Xi family is not afraid of you."
I won't lie to you, Jian Dan and I have lived together since we were little. Although you call me your uncle, I'm more like an older brother, a father, and a playmate who depended on each other for survival. Even though we've been separated for so many years, and even though I'm now a member of the Xi family, I'm still a relative and elder that the little girl can rely on.
"If anyone wrongs her, without her even lifting a finger, the Xi family and I will be the first to object."
Fortunately, Qin Qinghuai didn't have any ulterior motives towards Jian Dan, and he agreed readily.
"Yes, Uncle, don't worry. I want to settle down with Jian Dan and live a good life. You won't believe me if I say how deep my feelings are for her now. However, you can keep an eye on me. If I do anything wrong, you can come and discipline me anytime."
He breathed a sigh of relief, glanced at Jian Dan, scratched his head,
"Besides, hehe, with our fighting strength, you shouldn't be worried."
Upon hearing this, several people laughed; it was indeed the truth.
That smile instantly lightened the mood.
Have you discussed this with your family?
The adults asked a bunch of questions, and now it was Cheng Chao's turn.
What are your family's requirements for your marriage?
Qin Qinghuai thought about the urgency on the other end of the phone, the way his parents seemed so anxious, as if they were afraid the other party would change their mind and leave him stuck with them. He was speechless.
"They're so afraid I won't be able to keep her, they wish they could fly over right now and help me snatch her back."
Hearing this, the group was fairly satisfied. Even though they wouldn't be living together after their daughter's marriage, they naturally hoped that she would be respected and loved by her husband's family.
Seeing this, Qin Qinghuai breathed a sigh of relief. Had he passed this hurdle?
"When my eldest and second eldest brothers got married, the family gave them a dowry of 2,000 yuan each. However, there were also four major items, furniture, fabric, and some miscellaneous items, which added up to several hundred yuan."
However, it's more convenient for us to prepare these large items here, so my family's suggestion is to simply convert them into a dowry and give three thousand yuan directly.
Seeing that none of the elders expressed any dissenting opinions, he then continued.
"As for the house, I've already applied for one at the border, but it's a single-story house with a small yard."
I'll have someone prepare the four main items and the furniture. Do you have any requirements?
Several seconds passed before Jian Dan realized that he was being spoken to.
"Uh, do I need to go over there with you?"
Qin Qinghuai's heart, which had just settled down, immediately jumped again.
"You...you don't agree?"
Jian Dan seemed to realize only then that she was getting married.
Although she had agreed, she thought it was just about having another person in her life. Only now did she realize that she had been naive.
Qin Qinghuai could clearly see the hesitation and struggle on her face, and he felt uncertain in his own heart as well.
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