Chapter 55: Chapter 55 Grandma Xia Explains
Xia Chuyi suppressed a smile, she knew that Mrs. He must be very surprised. Mother Xia was notoriously stingy, yet she was willing to bring out something nice?
Back when the He Family and Xia Chuyi were arranging the engagement, Mrs. He visited the Xia Family but never received such treatment.
Soon, Xia Mei came out from the inner room with a bottle of yangmei preserves in a glass jar.
“Auntie, try these preserves, they’re really sweet!”
Xia Mei, with a smile beaming across her face, handed the jar to Mrs. He.
In those days, canned goods were quite a rarity.
“Oh my, Auntie, you’re too kind!” Mrs. He hastily demurred, her eyes lighting up with delight at the sight of the preserves.
Mrs. He casually complimented Xia Mei, “Oh my, it’s been so long since I’ve seen Da Mei, she’s getting more and more handsome!”
Her comment made Xia Mei blush shyly, set down the jar, and hide behind Aunt Xia, “Look what Auntie is saying!”
Xia Chuyi was holding back laughter inside.
Among the sisters of the Xia Family, Xia Mei was clearly the least attractive, yet Mrs. He was praising her in front of Xia Lan and Xia Chuyi. Whether she was sincere or not, Xia Mei, who usually thought too highly of herself, really believed it.
Xia Lan, standing to the side, was fuming with frustration.
“Aunt He, let me open it for you!” Xia Lan said with a smile, stepping forward to help Mrs. He take the jar, twisting off the lid, and directly scooping out a spoonful for her.
“How can I accept this…” Mrs. He’s face broke into a grin as she took a bite with hesitation and delight.
“Xia Lan, what are you doing!” Xia Mei couldn’t stand it any longer and jumped out.
“Sister Mei, what’s the matter? I’m just feeding Aunt He some preserves. Grandma asked you to bring them, do you not want to share?” Xia Lan was all in.
“Who said I don’t want to share? Why do you think Grandma asked me to bring out the preserves, don’t you know?” Xia Mei blurted out, “Grandpa and Grandma never intended for you to marry into their family!”
The room fell silent in an instant, and Xia Chuyi was nearly bursting with joy inside.
“Auntie… What is this?” Mrs. He asked, puzzled.
The members of the Xia Family exchanged looks, and finally, Grandma Xia stepped forward.
“Mr. He, since we’re all family here, I won’t beat around the bush. Let’s be clear with each other,” Grandma Xia took Mrs. He’s hand, asking, “You came today to discuss the engagement of our younger generation, didn’t you?”
Mrs. He nodded along with Grandma Xia’s words, “Auntie is wise; indeed, that’s what I’m here for.”
Grandma Xia stared intently at Mrs. He with her clear, old eyes, “Then, what is your family’s stance? You truly don’t mind a change in persons?”
Mrs. He’s gaze flickered, “Auntie, what are you suggesting? The two families haven’t formally made a commitment, and it hasn’t been widely publicized. Everyone just knows that the He Family and the Xia Family are discussing a marriage alliance. Who exactly it involves, who knows.”
“A marriage alliance is simply a means to cement good relations between the two families!” Mrs. He said with a smile.
As soon as Mrs. He finished her sentence, Grandma Xia understood her meaning—Mrs. He didn’t mind a switch in candidates.
“Mr. He, I won’t mince words either. Since you seek to foster good relations between our two families, let me propose a deal,” Grandma Xia pointed at Xia Mei, “Look at my Da Mei, she has capable brothers, has finished junior high school, is quite cultured, and she looks blessed…”
Before Grandma Xia could finish, Xia Lan couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Grandma!” Xia Lan cried out, tears welling up, and she looked at Mrs. He with a mixture of sadness and entreaty, “Aunt He, Brother Qing and I are truly in love!”