Chapter 134: Chapter 134

The Meng Family sent over six large gifts this time and also gave the Tian Family a betrothal gift of 1888 units.

The usual betrothal gift rate outside is generally 288, with good conditions possibly adding another 100, but not — multiplying several times over.

The Tian couple once again felt astonished, unsure whether or not to accept so much money.

Mr. Meng sighed, "While I was away, Xiangxiang suffered, and money is merely an external possession. This small compensation is hardly worth mentioning."

Speaking of the past, Hu Honglian felt quite embarrassed. At that time, her daughter truly suffered, not only facing the scorn from the outside world but also receiving significant pressure from within the family.

Thinking about it, Hu Honglian began to blame herself, as she was only concerned about herself and ended up neglecting her daughter’s feelings.

Considering that whatever the Meng Family gives, they must equally reciprocate, Hu Honglian was persuaded and accepted it.

At the room entrance, Tian Xiang stood watching for a while and then asked Meng Cheng’an, "Do you want to come to my room and sit for a bit?"

There are too many people today, the small hall was already filled.

Meng Cheng’an replied, "Sure."

Tian Xiang turned and headed back to her room with Meng Cheng’an following behind.

Earlier there were also people from Tian Xiang’s side, but now everyone was outside chatting with the old man.

Tian Xiang’s room wasn’t large; just a canopy bed, a small desk, along with a chest and a wardrobe already crowded the space.

Though cramped, having a private room was quite fortunate since housing was tight. Especially during festive reunion times like New Year, children assigned to rural areas returned home with their families, often squeezing into a space to sleep.

Tian Xiang pulled out the only chair in the room for Meng Cheng’an to sit, while she herself sat on the bed.

The door remained open as the two talked inside.

After entering the room, Meng Cheng’an noticeably felt a bit restrained, sitting formally and even somewhat apprehensive to look at Tian Xiang.

Tian Xiang asked him, "What are you doing?"

Yesterday, while rehearsing the program at the factory, they snuck a kiss in the dressing room when no one was around; yet today, seeing him revert to his nervous youth from back then?

Meng Cheng’an didn’t know why either; entering this room with her scent filling his senses suddenly made him nervous.

The two sat in silence for a while before Meng Cheng’an pulled out a blue box from his pocket and handed it to her.

Tian Xiang asked, "What’s this?"

Tian Xiang questioned, "Why two watches? A watch is also among the large gifts, and there’s already one outside."

Meng Cheng’an replied, "This is from my grandmother for her granddaughter-in-law."

Alright then, even the deceased grandmother of the Meng family left something for her granddaughter-in-law.

Tian Xiang accepted it, realizing it was the pocket watch she had seen before, only now enclosed in a box.

Previously Tian Xiang insisted on not accepting it, as it appeared too valuable.

But she had no choice this time, given it was specially for the granddaughter-in-law.

Tian Xiang accepted it, contemplating passing it down later to her daughter-in-law.

She tucked the box under the pillow and then went to the wardrobe, opening it and taking out two paper bags.

Inside these two paper bags were two scarves, two belts, a watch, and a pair of shoes.

These were the gifts prepared by the bride’s side for the groom today.

Initially, a watch wasn’t necessary, only needing to prepare a couple of decent outfits, but Tian Xiang found Meng Cheng’an’s usual clothes quite good; unable to buy such quality ones, she opted for something else.

Tian Xiang said, "I know you have a watch, but this is my sentiment. You can alternate wearing it in the future."

Meng Cheng’an’s eyes glimmered as he quickly removed the watch from his wrist to put it in his pocket, and let Tian Xiang put the new one on him.

Tsk, this guy sure knew how to handle things!

After Tian Xiang had helped him, he remarked, "Looks nice."

She bought it, so of course, it looked nice.

With the watch gift exchange, Meng Cheng’an felt more at ease, glancing at the books by Tian Xiang’s desk, and noticed quite a few comic books, smilingly asked, "Are these books interesting?"

Tian Xiang replied, "Yes, do you want to pick one to read?"

Tian Xiang really loved reading comic books.

Meng Cheng’an laughed and flipped through, pulling out Tian Xiang’s health and fitness book.

"Is this also a comic book?"

Feeling perplexed, he was about to open it when Tian Xiang darted over and snatched it away.

"This one isn’t, choose another."

Meng Cheng’an said, "Huh? But I just want to read this."

"I told you, it’s not a comic book."

Tian Xiang kept it behind her back, not letting him see.

This was a martial arts book she had dug from the library’s old warehouse to deal with Lu Feng.

Back then, it seemed fine, but now she felt it rather silly!

Moreover, she wasn’t practicing anymore and had been going to the troupe afterwards.

The more Tian Xiang hid it, the more Meng Cheng’an wanted to look.

The two ended up tussling over the book, eventually cornering Tian Xiang.

By this time, Meng Cheng’an’s focus had already drifted from the book.

Seeing her smiling with blush cheeks, he wanted to kiss her.

Tian Xiang noticed his amorous gaze and knew his intention, reminding him, "This is my home, and the door is still open."

Meng Cheng’an, splashed with cold water, reluctantly stepped aside.

Just then, they were called for dinner outside, prompting Meng Cheng’an to head out.

The Tian Family set up three tables today, with two small ones lined up in the hall seating ten men who were drinking.

And then two rooms where tables were arranged over desks with borrowed chairs for seating, everyone squeezed while eating.

The two tables inside the room mainly seated women and children, not drinking and quickly finished.

The outside table lasted from shortly after noon until past three, with the dishes reheated twice.

Tian Xiang stepped out a few times, softly advising Hu Honglian not to persuade the old man to drink due to his age.

Hu Honglian nodded, she understood.

Moreover, given the old man’s status, no one dared to drink with him.

Also, Meng Cheng’an hardly ate meat, so refrain from serving him any dishes.

What? Someone who didn’t like meat?

Surprising, but if her daughter said it, it must be true.

When the gathering outside dispersed, the Meng Family grandfather and grandson were both quite tipsy.

The old man was alright, clear-headed, and spoke with Tian Weibing, saying it was rude of Meng Cheng’an’s father not to have been able to come this time, and he planned to come and offer apologies as soon as he could.

Tian Weibing nodded earnestly.

He was a researcher, embroiled in national affairs, which they understood.

After dining, the gift exchange was considered complete, and the two were now officially engaged.

Mr. Meng prepared to leave, instructing the two guards accompanying him to support his precious grandson.

Meng Cheng’an had drunk until unsteady, yet reluctant to leave, approached Tian Xiang standing at the door, wobbling to hold his fiancée’s shoulder, grinning broadly, head swaying as he leaned against her shoulder.

Tian Xiang quickly supported him, inwardly relieved.

Just now, she’d worried he might try to kiss her publicly, practically frightening her to death.

Ultimately, Meng Cheng’an was escorted out by the two guards.