Chapter 129: Chapter 129
Tian Xiang’s partner of humble origins suddenly turned into someone unreachable.
Everyone was bewildered when they arrived.
It was their first time sitting at the same table with such a high-ranking leader, let alone dining together. Except for the already relaxed Hu Honglian, the others couldn’t help but feel restrained.
No choice, there were guards standing outside, and those people were armed too.
Who wouldn’t be nervous!
But once all the dishes and drinks were served, the old man invited everyone, "We’re all family, don’t be shy! Eat up, if it’s not enough, I’ll add more."
Seeing the old man’s generous attitude, everyone gradually eased up a bit.
During the meal, the main topic was all about the two kids. After all, the old man’s affairs were off-limits for discussion.
Mr. Meng briefly mentioned Meng Cheng’an’s dad and two aunts who were away.
Previously, Tian Xiang heard from Meng Cheng’an that his dad was in Beijing and couldn’t come back. She thought he was imprisoned, but actually, he was a researcher. Although restricted because of the family, he was still working, not locked up.
Both aunts were quite accomplished outside, one was a professor, the other a renowned artist, and they were handling the procedures to return home to see the old man.
Now that the old man was okay, the kids could come back.
After discussing the basic family situation, the old man chuckled and said that the kids had been seeing each other for three months. Now they were officially visiting, and it was time to talk about the betrothal gift and set the engagement. He asked when they would get married afterward?
Mr. Meng was quite anxious. He had only this beloved grandson, Meng Cheng’an, and he wanted to accomplish these big matters soon so he could become a great-grandfather earlier.
Talking about this made Tian Xiang a bit embarrassed, and her face turned slightly red.
Meng Cheng’an, sitting next to her, was also delighted, trying to reach for her hand under the table.
Tian Xiang flicked his hand away, mindful of the many people around, and told him to mind his manners.
Regarding their daughter’s marriage, Hu Honglian said, "Xiangxiang just turned nineteen after the New Year and has only been working for half a year. The kids are still young; they should enjoy their youth a bit more before considering marriage."
This meeting was honestly a bit rushed.
With the Meng Family’s situation resolved, she was quite happy as it meant the kids could be together.
But suddenly, there was an exaggerated difference in status between the two families, like heaven and earth, which gave her other worries. Considering everything, it was better to let them interact more before discussing marriage.
Marriage is a union of two families, so every aspect needs to be considered, not just a matter of mutual affection.
Mr. Meng understood Hu Honglian’s perspective. He wanted his grandson to settle down quickly, but the bride’s family needed to agree as well.
The old man nodded repeatedly, glancing at his grandson to see what he thought.
Upon hearing that the marriage needed to wait, the smile visibly faded from Meng Cheng’an’s face.
That kid, why’s he so eager? Afraid his bride might run away.
The old man chuckled, saying that they should hold off on the marriage for now but discuss the betrothal gift. He’d prepare it and send it over, and the timing of the marriage could be left to the young couple.
Once the gift was exchanged, it was essentially settled, and there wasn’t any backing out under normal circumstances.
Hu Honglian was still somewhat hesitant.
The old man cleared his throat and mentioned that he’d be returning to Beijing in about half a month’s time. He had work and couldn’t stay here too long.
He would have to be based there long term.
Hu Honglian worriedly asked, "Then will Cheng’an go back with you later on?"
Hu Honglian only had this precious daughter and didn’t want her to be too far from home.
The old man shook his head, "That doesn’t matter. It’s up to the young folks themselves; I don’t mind. Besides, I’m well past retirement age. It’s just a few busy years left, then I’ll be able to enjoy my retirement."
So the old man really didn’t mind.
Alright, Hu Honglian breathed a sigh of relief.
The old man chuckled, asking Tian Xiang, "Do you want to attend university? Grandpa has two spots for you and Cheng’an to experience college life."
After asking Tian Xiang, the old man turned to ask Tian Chenhui, "Working in a barbershop is too monotonous. Why not switch to something else? Tell Grandpa where you’d like to go."
The old man also asked Tian Xiang’s two cousins, saying that working for so long as temporary employees was unreasonable, and he needed to look into it.
And her eldest cousin, having worked for so many years but still just being a regular worker without a promotion, wasn’t the factory a bit unfair?
The old man’s words left everyone shocked and speechless.
Finally, he turned to Tian Weibing, suggesting that it would be too inconvenient to work in a faraway lumber yard. Why not find a closer, more relaxed position and wait for retirement?
Oh, and Tian Xiang’s eldest brother who went to the countryside. He’s already married with kids; shouldn’t he be with family instead of staying in the countryside? Don’t you miss your grandson?
As for housing, don’t worry. Xiangxiang has been working long enough now to qualify for a house.
Tian Xiang’s only been working for half a year, how could she be eligible for housing allocation when others have to queue up for years?
But if the old man says it can be done, then it can be done.
Everyone was stunned. What was the old man up to?
Fortunately, Jiang Qin had left when they all came over for the meal. The place was full of family, so there was no one to hear this and accuse them of favoritism!
The old man reassured everyone not to worry about it.
He had endured so much hardship over the years; who would dare to criticize these small requests?
Everyone blinked, chuckled softly, and then Tian Xiang’s grandmother, Xu Jiafeng, persuaded Hu Honglian, saying that it was difficult for the old man to return, so they could take their time choosing a wedding date, but it wouldn’t hurt to have the betrothal gift settled first.
Tian Xiang’s three cousin sisters-in-law nodded in agreement, echoing the sentiment.
After all, everyone knew about the two now, and they were destined to marry sooner or later, so settling it would save a lot of gossip.
Even Tian Weibing nodded in agreement, suggesting they first handle the betrothal gift.
Hu Honglian finally understood; it turned out the old man was recruiting allies to convince her.
Hu Honglian looked over at her daughter.
Tian Xiang’s lips twisted slightly, "Why not handle the betrothal gift first?"
She also felt quite uncomfortable. Meng Cheng’an kept looking at her so pitifully. His injuries hadn’t fully healed yet, and having just been discharged from the hospital, he looked thin and pale, making him appear even more pitiful.
Thinking to herself, this person’s dark label was gone, but the title of big villain was still there. Wouldn’t she have to be careful?
Fine, let’s just settle it then, not like she ever considered being with anyone else anyway.
Everyone supported handling the betrothal first, and Hu Honglian gave in too.
As for the betrothal gifts, the four essentials were a must, and then a gift of 288.
Her request wasn’t too high or too low; it was the usual amount around them.
The bride’s family’s basic requirement was this; any addition would depend on how much the groom’s family valued the bride.
The old man waved his hand, agreeing. He would prepare his side immediately, and three days later they would exchange the gifts.
Hu Honglian was speechless and quickly stopped the old man; three days was simply not enough time.
An occasion as significant as the betrothal required preparation from the bride’s family as well. They’d also need to make some clothes for Meng Cheng’an.
Oh, there were such customs?
The old man didn’t know, thinking only that the groom’s family needed to bring over the gifts.
Alright, alright, the in-laws can make the arrangements.