"Watch the occasion a bit, we know you two have a good relationship, but do you have to be so lovey-dovey in front of us?"
The teasing made both of them blush, and Liu Xin’an quickly raised his glass, obediently toasting Bae Juhyun’s parents.
Bae Juhyun followed suit, of course, she eventually gave in to Liu Xin’an’s request, finishing the round of toasts with a glass of liquor.
After a few warm shots of soju, the slight sense of unfamiliarity between the two families began to fade.
The elders started chatting casually, and naturally, most of the conversation centered around him and Bae Juhyun.
No longer needing to chat, Liu Xin’an finally had the time to start peeling shrimp for his girlfriend.
Recently, she’s been quite fond of shrimp, perhaps because she didn’t get enough at lunch.
Liu Xin’an actually doesn’t like peeling shrimp; he usually eats them with the shell.
"Hey~ I never get this treatment. Sometimes I’m really envious of Juhyun."
Watching her son being so gentle with Bae Juhyun, Park Jinsuk was a bit emotional.
"Alright, I’ll give you one too, stop complaining." Liu Xin’an casually put the shrimp he was holding into his mother’s bowl, mainly because if she kept talking, Bae Juhyun would want to find a hole to hide in.
"Is this how you dismiss me?"
"Want me to peel another for you?"
"I’m not interested in shrimp; I’m actually interested in something else."
When Park Jinsuk said this airily, both Liu Xin’an and Bae Juhyun’s alarm bells went off in their minds.
The others didn’t know Park Jinsuk, but after so many encounters, Bae Juhyun knew very well how unpredictable this elder could be. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel⸺fire.net
"Let me get you another one." Liu Xin’an tried to keep his mother’s mouth occupied with peeled shrimp.
Unfortunately, his plan failed.
"When are you two planning to get married?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the two fathers, who were chatting, instinctively looked over.
As the focus of the topic, Liu Xin’an and Bae Juhyun were left quite embarrassed.
Pressuring them to marry was not unreasonable; after all, Bae Juhyun is already 30 this year, and Liu Xin’an is 28, neither is a young child anymore.
Of course, marriage isn’t determined by age alone; work is also a factor.
Obviously, Bae Juhyun’s current job doesn’t support her getting married early.
But such things can’t be used as an excuse to brush off the elders.
Seeing Bae Juhyun’s discomfort, Liu Xin’an quickly jumped in to help explain for his girlfriend.
"Right now, it’s crucial for her..."
"We’re not pushing you two to have a wedding and have kids, nor are we asking Juhyun to end her career early; it’s just that for you two, you need that certificate."
Liu Zhengjiang chimed in to explain for his wife.
"Whether it’s for Juhyun’s future work, or for future plans to develop in China... having that certificate will make things much easier, including travel back and forth for Xin’an and Juhyun."
"Of course, the decision lies with you two; I’m just explaining the pros and cons. Brother, what’s your opinion?"
The topic shifted, and Bae Juhyun’s father, who had been silent, finally spoke slowly.
He looked at his eldest daughter, his deep eyes filled with tenderness.
In fact, he is quite satisfied with Liu Xin’an as a son-in-law, both as a person and for the things he does... including the various supports he has given to Bae Juhyun afterward.
Of course, the thought of his dear daughter being taken away is something any father finds hard to accept.
But, truth be told, rather than having her taken away by those jerks he looks down upon, being with Liu Xin’an might be the best outcome for Bae Juhyun.
At least he can see that his daughter truly has her heart set on this young man.
"As long as Juhyun is willing, both her mother and I have no objections."
Bae Juhyun’s mother nodded in agreement, expressing her stance.
They invited Liu Zhengjiang and Park Jinsuk over for this very matter.
Now, certain that Liu Xin’an’s family is not as intimidating as the so-called ’chaebols’ in their country, the last bit of hesitation in their hearts vanished.
All eyes then turned to Liu Xin’an and the bewildered Bae Juhyun seated beside him.
Liu Xin’an took a deep breath, gently holding Bae Juhyun’s small hand under the table, giving her courage in this way.
"We’ll make our decision ourselves."
His calm answer made several elders smile.
Indeed, it wasn’t exactly the answer they wanted, but as Liu Zhengjiang always taught Liu Xin’an, Xin’an’s life is his to control.
Rather than agreeing right away, Liu Xin’an chose to follow his own ideas, which actually made Liu Zhengjiang feel more gratified.
Of course, Bae Juhyun’s father was pleased as well.
If he could have it his way, he surely would prefer his daughter not to rush into marriage...
Is Bae Juhyun such a poor catch for anyone?
"Alright, we won’t rush you, but remember to notify us in advance when you decide."
"No need, I’ll just talk to Old Dai."
Liu Zhengjiang raised an eyebrow, now more curious about his son’s unexpectedly acquired connections.
Especially after Zhang Jirong mentioned this matter to him not long ago.
"How did you know the Cultural Consul?"
"He’s my online friend; he watches my livestreams. After I came here, he reached out to me, and we got acquainted over time."
"...Is that possible?"
Liu Xin’an shrugged with a smile: "I also find it quite amazing."
The most crucial question had been answered, so the elders stopped discussing matters concerning the two kids.
Relieved, Liu Xin’an and Bae Juhyun finally let out a big breath.
They managed to get through it.