Chapter 252: Chapter 252

In the 1980s, discussing marriage was not like later times, where meeting the parents and then talking for four or five years before getting married was acceptable. At this time, once children established a relationship, if both families found the arrangement suitable, they typically aimed to get the couple married within about a year.

After dinner, the daughters-in-law of the Lu Family all went to sleep, and Li Xianglu, as the sister-in-law from the groom’s side, naturally took her place on the Qin Family’s side. She was recording some demands from the Lu Family.

It was about the preparations needed for the engagement before the school starts, which had already been discussed; they would marry upon graduation.

The engagement itself would be simple: the families would come together for a meal. The groom’s side would buy a few sets of clothes and some jewelry for the bride’s side.

Li Xianglu felt confused, wondering what they had been discussing as it suddenly moved to engagement talks – the men were quite efficient indeed.

On the way back, Li Xianglu saw Qin Xi’s slightly furrowed brow but didn’t ask further, thinking it best to discuss it later when they returned home.

Qin Zhen, however, was alternately nervous and excited, his expressions oddly striking.

After reaching the courtyard, Li Jianqing had just finished dining with Mr. Li and was cleaning up. Seeing everyone return, he quickly prepared tea and sat aside.

Mr. Qin spoke first: "The talk went well overall. The Lu Family thinks highly of Qin Zhen, saying he is sincere. They believe Anna won’t be at a disadvantage marrying him."

Mr. Li, pleased to hear today’s discussion went well, immediately responded: "That’s good to hear. If they approve, then things should proceed smoothly."

Mr. Qin glanced at his eldest son and sighed, "They want Qin Zhen to pursue a career in the military."

What? Mr. Li’s eyes widened. Qin Zhen studied finance; if he pursued a military career, wouldn’t he essentially be serving the Lu Family?

Li Xianglu was also surprised, realising the crafty plan of the Lu Family.

Mr. Li looked at Qin Xi, then at Mr. Qin.

Mr. Qin knew what Mr. Li was deliberating and said, "After discussing with Qin Xi, we think Qin Zhen’s impulsive nature might not suit him well elsewhere. The military might discipline him."

Mr. Li nodded, "Did you finalize this with the Lu Family?"

Qin Xi shook his head, "Not yet. I voiced my opinion. I planned to have Qin Zhen work in finance in Shanghai, handling fiscal matters. But for now, this might wait. Undergoing military training might benefit him."

Li Xianglu suddenly interjected, "What about Qin Zhen’s studies?" He can’t just drop out; he’s only two years away from graduation.

Qin Xi spoke, "The Lu Family suggests he transfers to a military school starting this term."

Ah, Li Xianglu exclaimed in surprise, "And what do you think, Qin Zhen?"

Qin Zhen, still in high spirits, eagerly responded, "I’m willing! I initially wanted to apply to a military academy, but couldn’t the first year. I wanted to enlist, but my brother wouldn’t allow it. Now I finally have the chance."

Alright, Li Xianglu decided to overlook this naïve viewpoint, turning to the grandfather: "The Lu Family intends to have the engagement this holiday. They’ve already stated their terms."

This surprised Mr. Li, but recalling his youth when many got married after just a few meetings, the astonishment soon passed. The two youngsters had been together for half a year, which to him meant they had developed deep feelings.

Qin Xi then brought up buying an apartment, which Mr. Qin agreed to, mentioning he saved over two thousand yuan intended for his younger son’s house purchase.

Somewhat apologetically, he told Qin Xi: "I only saved two thousand, which should’ve been split between you both. But since Qin Zhen urgently needs it, I’m accounting it for him first. When I save more, I’ll give it to you." Mr. Qin never favored one over the other, believing both sons, regardless of their success, deserved equal consideration.

Qin Xi smiled, shaking his head, "Dad, keep your savings. I’ve already arranged the finances for Qin Zhen; we just need to view the property."

Mr. Qin strongly objected, insisting the home purchase for Qin Zhen should come from his own means and not rely on his brother and sister-in-law’s finances. Such an arrangement would compromise his role as a father, so the money must be accepted. Qin Xi had no choice but to agree.

With matters tentatively settled, everyone retired for the night, while Li Xianglu busied herself in their room rummaging through items, finding a large box of jewelry unearthed from beneath the ground previously, which included a share for Qin Zhen.

Since jewelry was to be provided to Lu Anna, Li Xianglu decided to allocate Qin Zhen’s share from this collection, emphasizing the importance of the bride’s side.

After dividing the treasures, Li Xianglu picked out a box, twenty centimeters long and seven to eight centimeters deep, filled with various gemstones, gold and silver beads, and some coral bracelets and gold jewelry, and handed it over to Qin Xi.

Qin Xi was sorting gold, having arranged exchanges, so he needed to weigh it at home and note it down.

Seeing the plethora of items in the box handed by Li Xianglu, he frowned, "Isn’t this a bit too much?"

Li Xianglu shook her head, "Given the Lu Family’s status, how could this be too much? Let’s not buy clothes, just get the fabric directly."

Qin Xi nodded, closing the lid, "You handle these; I’ll return tomorrow at noon. Ah Ba has sourced a small Western-style house, seven or eight stops from our home, returning to the original owners after being vindicated, costing one hundred twenty thousand. We’ll go have a look tomorrow afternoon."

Li Xianglu took the box, nodding, "Do we have enough money at home?"

Qin Xi nodded, "Exchanging this gold should cover it. It’ll be tight later on. If you still want to invest in property, we’d have to wait."

Li Xianglu shook her head, "Why bother buying so many houses? If buying, only purchase in Shanghai."

Qin Xi smiled, drawing her into an embrace, "Speaking of which, we actually do own a house in Shanghai."

Ah? This took Li Xianglu by surprise.

Qin Xi chuckled, "Remember when we went to Shanghai together? I secured a house, very cheap, exchanged for some grain."

Li Xianglu frowned, "Surely not one of those dirty alleys?"

Qin Xi shook his head, "No, it’s a mansion."

Li Xianglu, disbelieving, shook her head, "A mansion, you’re kidding right? How could anyone be so foolish to trade a mansion for some grain?"

Qin Xi, still smiling, replied, "You might not believe it, but it’s true. The deed is in my desk drawer. Go take a look."

Li Xianglu, ever eager about wealth, nearly jumped up and rushed to the neighboring study.

Originally, Li Xianglu’s single room, due to their marriage, had been converted into a suite, turning the adjoining Qin Xi’s room into a study and guest room.