Xie Sui found a small restaurant and asked everyone to wait inside, eat something, and have some tea. It was much better than freezing outside.
However, Uncle Xie was worried and took turns waiting with Aunt Xie, afraid they might miss their son. Truly, parents’ hearts are always for their children.
Finally, Xie Chen came out. Uncle Xie was excited and said, “You’re finally back. Give me your things, and come inside to warm up quickly.”
It wasn’t just Xie Chen who returned, but also a young girl with rosy cheeks and bright eyes, who boldly nestled beside Xie Chen. Uncle Xie was momentarily stunned.
Upon entering the small restaurant, Xie Sui had already rented out the entire place, giving them a space to talk.
“This young lady is…”
Aunt Xie had already guessed something but wasn’t entirely sure. Her smile was a little superficial. In those days, people were conservative, and forward girls were often disliked by their families.
Xie Chen hesitantly introduced, “This is my classmate, Hu Pan. She wants to visit our village to conduct a survey.”
Hu Pan greeted them generously, “Uncle, Auntie, I apologize for the imposition. This is a small token of my appreciation, a gesture of my sincerity. Please bear with me for any future disturbances.”
She presented milk powder, malted milk, and sponge cake, which were considered generous gifts.
Uncle Xie was not eloquent. Aunt Xie was displeased. Why was a young girl following her son? If she wasn’t his girlfriend, what was going on?
Xie Sui accepted the gifts with a smile and said, “Welcome, welcome! Classmate Pan’s willingness to engage with the grassroots and conduct investigations is something we should learn from. I’m Xie Sui, Xie Chen’s cousin. We’re family, not outsiders. Welcome!”
Xie Sui extended his hand and lightly shook Hu Pan’s. Aunt Xie’s expression worsened. Why was she shaking a man’s hand?
“Have some tea first to warm up. Everyone, let’s settle down at my place first. This dreadful weather is extremely cold.”
Xie Chen wore a pair of black-rimmed glasses, appearing refined and scholarly. He didn’t quite connect with Xie Sui, but as cousins, they didn’t have much conflict.
Xie Chen said, “Xiao Sui, I heard you started a factory. How’s the business? I need to learn from you. I plan to set up a few township enterprises in the future to improve our town’s economy and the villagers’ lives. Since you’re doing well, please help your cousin more.”
Xie Sui replied, “No problem. Just tell me what you need. Our Xie family finally has someone in an official position. Grandma will surely be happy.”
Xie Chen was full of ambition, looking as if he was about to embark on a grand undertaking. Xie Sui wasn’t optimistic. A university graduate, just out of school, he thought too naively.
Don’t underestimate a town’s leadership. It’s not easy to secure a position like this.
Xie Sui was somewhat puzzled. Xie Chen, a university graduate, could become a town mayor. Without connections, it wouldn’t be easy. Generally, graduates were assigned to enterprises for stable jobs. To directly become a mayor, one needed to build connections and have deep relationships early on.
Most such positions were for young people from privileged backgrounds to gain experience. For a farmer’s son like Xie Chen to pursue a political career would be very difficult.
Hu Pan seemed a little worried, especially as Aunt Xie wore a long face, making her smile somewhat strained.
Xie Sui, seeing that the time was right, led everyone back to his courtyard. Fortunately, there were enough rooms to accommodate everyone.
Lin Wanwan had just returned. Xie Sui was too busy to manage the factory, but she had to check on it daily. She brought a pound of meat and some vegetables for the housekeeper to cook.
Seeing the crowd, she asked Xie Lan to buy some cooked food and wine.
“Wanwan, this is Miss Hu Pan. She’s here for grassroots investigation. I’ll leave her in your care. You’re around the same age, you’ll have plenty to talk about.”
“Oh, hello Sister Panpan! Come in and sit. Are you cold? You’ve arrived at a good time; the first snow of winter is a good omen!”
Hu Pan smiled, “Hello Sister Wanwan, I’m fine, not too cold.”
“You’re wearing so little. Don’t sacrifice warmth for style. Let’s go inside and warm ourselves by the fire.”
Lin Wanwan was enthusiastic and spoke well, quickly striking up a conversation with Hu Pan. Hu Pan found that Lin Wanwan didn’t seem like a village girl at all; she was cultured and knowledgeable. After chatting, she learned Lin Wanwan was an educated youth, and her respect for her immediately increased.
In Xie Sui’s room, the atmosphere was less pleasant. Aunt Xie immediately questioned Xie Chen, “What’s the deal with that girl?”
Xie Chen replied, “I told you she’s a classmate. Don’t overthink it. She insisted on coming; she’ll leave after a few days of sightseeing.”
Aunt Xie didn’t believe him. “Really? She’s not your girlfriend? I’m an experienced woman, her eyes clearly showed affection for you.”
Xie Sui was baffled. “Auntie, you know the girl likes cousin, and you’re still sulking? Shouldn’t you welcome your future daughter-in-law warmly?”
Aunt Xie retorted grumpily, “What respectable girl runs to a man’s house? She’s promiscuous. I don’t want a daughter-in-law like that!”
“Ha!”
Xie Sui was speechless. Was Aunt Xie acting like a mother-in-law?
He felt some sympathy for Hu Pan. Uncle Xie’s family was truly annoying. If it weren’t his own uncle, he would have thoroughly chastised them.
Sighing, he said, “Auntie, what era is this? How is this considered frivolous? This is a brave pursuit of love. The girl has clear and honest eyes; she’s quite good.
Think about it, our family is just farmers; we have no throne to inherit. It’s a blessing that she came to our home, and you’re still being picky. I truly don’t know where your sense of superiority comes from.”
Aunt Xie angrily said, “Our Xiao Chen is so promising! Plenty of girls want to marry him. What kind of girl can’t he find? Why would he be desperate for her?”
Xie Sui looked at her like she was an idiot. “Xie Chen might be someone in the village, but in a big city, frankly speaking, he’s nothing!
Don’t get angry. Your own son is a treasure, and so are other people’s daughters. A daughter-in-law is meant to be cherished, not mistreated. We must have basic courtesy.
In my opinion, cousin, you don’t deserve this girl, do you?”
Aunt Xie was unhappy. “Why are you siding with outsiders? Who used to be irresponsible, neglecting their wife and children?”
Xie Sui’s face darkened. “Auntie, I’m discussing the matter at hand. If you want to chat like this, we can’t continue. Fine, I don’t care about your family matters anymore. I need to talk to my wife. You entertain the person you brought back yourself.”
He hated people who didn’t understand anything but were stubborn, unreasonable, and difficult.
Xie Chen said, “Xiao Sui, you’re right. I don’t deserve her. Her father is the mayor. I don’t want to drag her down, but she insists on following me. What do you think should be done about this?”
Aunt Xie was flabbergasted. “That makes her a princess! Do they expect you to become their son-in-law?”