Chapter 128: Chapter 128
Tian Chenhui still followed and went back.
The little attendant received orders to bring the person back.
Back in the courtyard, the situation inside had been mostly discussed.
Mr. Meng said that today would count as the formal introduction, no need to rush at noon, he’d invite everyone to a restaurant to sit for a while.
Because today’s event was unannounced, and no relatives were called by the bride’s side, Hu Honglian felt uneasy and somewhat reluctant to attend the meal.
Tian Xiang didn’t understand much and didn’t say much, waiting for the family’s arrangements.
Although Tian Chenhui returned, he stood outside, not daring to go in.
Hu Honglian chatted a bit with Jiang Qin.
Jiang Qin understood her meaning and told Mr. Meng that perhaps the meal could wait for a few days until there were preparations on this side.
Isn’t having a matchmaker enough when proposing marriage? What more preparations are needed?
Mr. Meng only had this precious grandson, Meng Cheng’an. He was unaware of his children’s affairs as his wife handled everything before.
Jiang Qin explained to Mr. Meng that generally, when a new son-in-law visits for the first time, this side still needs to call some relatives to give face to the girl.
Oh, so that’s how it is.
Delaying it for a few days is fine too; after all, this time he would stay here a bit longer to handle these matters before leaving.
The urgency today indeed left people unprepared.
Mr. Meng turned to look at his grandson, met Meng Cheng’an’s eager gaze, and waved his hand, "This is simple. It’s not even eleven yet. Tell me who you want to invite, and I’ll arrange cars to bring them to the restaurant!"
Jiang Qin laughed, seeing how anxious the Meng Family was, and said to Hu Honglian, "That’s fine too, anyway, it’s still early, plenty of time for anything. There’s no need for a special day; Mr. Meng has already arranged the restaurant."
Jiang Qin wasn’t sure if it was arranged, but it was right to say so.
Hu Honglian looked at her daughter.
Tian Xiang glanced at Meng Cheng’an, seated opposite, who was looking at her pitifully. Her heart softened, and she secretly nodded to Hu Honglian.
Hu Honglian smiled, "Then let’s arrange it this way."
Hu Honglian quickly gave the address of her husband’s lumber mill; the child’s father must attend.
Then there’s her family, Tian Xiang’s uncle and cousin, and such.
That’s about it, as Old Tian Family doesn’t have any really close relatives. If they hadn’t fallen out with the neighbors, they’d invite them, but now, it’s unnecessary.
So, there aren’t many people to invite.
But for Hu Family’s side, since it’s in the suburbs, it’s best for someone to guide them; otherwise, it’s hard to find among all small courtyards on a first visit.
Hu Honglian mentioned her second son; why hasn’t he returned yet?
If the son returned, he could guide the driver.
As Hu Honglian was complaining, Tian Chenhui cautiously poked his head in, "Mom, Xiangxiang, I’m back."
Why is this child sneaking around?
Hu Honglian quickly pulled him inside, first introducing Mr. Meng, then talking about him guiding the driver.
Tian Chenhui nodded silently, yet his gaze kept darting towards Meng Cheng’an.
What a trouble, his face indeed hadn’t healed, with a large bruise around his eye.
But seeing Mr. Meng laughing like a silly old man, he probably didn’t know about him hitting Meng Cheng’an.
Tian Chenhui got his task and soon left with the guard.
The people in the room chatted for a while before preparing to leave for the restaurant.
Tian Xiang went back to her room and changed into her best set of clothes, even redoing her hair in front of the mirror.
But no matter how much she adjusted, it was still two big braids, nothing special, though her mindset was different.
When Tian Xiang finished getting ready, they were about to leave.
Meng Cheng’an lagged behind a step, silently walking at the back with Tian Xiang.
Tian Xiang asked him softly, "Is your body okay?"
When discharged from the hospital, the doctor advised him to rest in bed for at least a week.
Yet this person was immediately running around.
Tian Xiang still remembered him being unsteady on his feet when he opened the door this morning.
Meng Cheng’an: "I’m fine."
As long as their relationship was restored, he had vitality.
They were speaking softly to each other.
Ahead, Tian Shuyang suddenly came out of the house laughing and voluntarily greeted Mr. Meng, "Mr. Meng, great to see you’ve finally come, I’m Tian Xiang’s first cousin."
This person was so enthusiastic; if not for the guard beside Mr. Meng blocking him, he might have rushed to shake hands.
Tian Shuyang shamelessly clung to the relationship, finished talking to Mr. Meng, then called Hu Honglian aunt, called Tian Xiang little sister, and said he just arrived this morning, the whole family was back.
Hu Honglian despised this shameless guy, but with Mr. Meng present, she couldn’t say anything.
Tian Xiang signaled Meng Cheng’an with her eyes.
She knew what this person wanted to do, but she definitely didn’t want to take him along.
Tian Xiang’s first cousin indeed!
Why hadn’t anyone mentioned him before?
Mr. Meng didn’t think much of it, just felt a first cousin was blood-related, and on such an important occasion today, he thought to invite him for a meal.
Mr. Meng smiled, about to invite, when his precious grandson behind him gave a soft cough, subtly reminding him.
It seemed every family had its own issues.
Mr. Meng chuckled, saying to Tian Shuyang, "Xiangxiang’s first cousin, hello. Today, things are quite busy. We’ll get together another time!"
Mr. Meng finished speaking and walked away with his hands behind his back.
Tian Shuyang stood there bewildered, and when the group left the courtyard, his face turned dark and awkward.
At this time, the compound residents, previously required to stay in their houses, slowly came out, watching outside while murmuring and discussing in amazement.
Pan Yuzhen, seeing Tian Shuyang looking upset, went over to console him, "Shuyang, during the time you were away, your parents and sister did many indecent things, and you can’t blame the second family for holding grudges. Listen to your aunt’s advice, don’t dwell on it, live your life well; even if you can’t link yourself to this relationship, after all, you’re still a Tian. As long as you don’t cause trouble, people outside will respect you for the family’s name."
Pan Yuzhen spoke reasonably, and Tian Shuyang took a deep breath, "Thank you, Aunt."
Pan Yuzhen laughed, "Just don’t say I’m being nosy."
Meanwhile, Hu Honglian and her daughter sat in Mr. Meng’s car heading to the restaurant.
It was the first time riding in a car, and Hu Honglian found it quite novel, but somehow felt uncomfortable as they went along, feeling dizzy.
Oh no, in such a good car, she was getting carsick.
Fortunately, the place wasn’t far; otherwise, it would have been embarrassing.
Since someone had arranged things in advance, when they arrived, they were escorted to the private room on the second floor.
The restaurant arranged by Mr. Meng was also the best and largest in the city.
The restaurant manager, upon hearing Mr. Meng was there, put down his work to personally come and serve tea and order food.
Mr. Meng didn’t waste words; whatever good wine and food, serve only the best.
This time returning to Beijing, he was given over a decade’s worth of wages and subsidies, now holding a huge sum, spending freely.
The restaurant served the best tea and hors d’oeuvres, and they happily chatted, waiting. It wasn’t long before Tian Weibing and Hu Family’s group arrived.