"I understand. But, what is she doing here in the middle of this conversation?" Han Changhong looked at Zheng Mian.
Han Sheng Ming finally remembered that there was another yet very important existence in this room. He quickly held Zheng Mian's hand, trying not to offend her. Afterward, he declared, "Dad, Mian is my girlfriend. We are dating with marriage in mind."
Han Changhong's eyes landed on their intertwined hands before he thoughtfully asked, "Is this why you refused to get engaged to Tang Mei?"
Han Sheng Ming answered, "Even if I wasn't dating Mian, I wouldn't marry Tang Mei."
His voice was firm and resolute. Han Changhong noticed his unwavering eyes and then let out a deep breath. "You children sure know how to worry your parents," he commented.
Zheng Mian finally opened her mouth, "Do not worry, Mr. Han. I will take good care of your son. I won't let him do anything childish that will bring shame to you."
Han Sheng Ming was confused. He questioned his girlfriend, "Mian, shouldn't it be me taking care of you?"
Zheng Mian frowned at him in askance. She rebuked, "You cannot even take care of your engagement. How can you take care of me?"
Han Sheng Ming lowered his head. He mumbled with a sullen expression, "I still love you the most."
"..." Zheng Mian was speechless. 'How could he utter these words in front of his father of all people?' As she thought that, her face grew hot.
Han Changhong observed the young couple and spoke to Zheng Mian, "Can you arrange a meeting with your father? We need to talk about two families."
His voice wasn't crude or rough. Zheng Mian understood that he didn't dislike her for ruining the engagement. She smiled and answered, "Sure, Mr. Han. I will talk to my father tonight."
In the environment she grew up in, a couple didn't need a family discussion to get married or to be lovers. However, Chinese tradition didn't follow this rule. Since she decided to be with Han Sheng Ming, she needed to accept some of the terms of his family just like he got used to hers. That was why she agreed with this family arrangement readily.
Later, Zheng Mian talked to her father and her father invited Han Sheng Ming and his family to Paris.
Han Sheng Ming didn't wish to take his mother and sisters to Zheng Mian's house since his sisters couldn't stand Zheng Mian as she was a friend of Han Luo.
Both Han Changhong and Mr. Zheng had a good conversation and they asked about Han Sheng Ming and Zheng Mian's future plans.
Mr. Zheng didn't take this relationship seriously until now as he thought his daughter was just playing around since she was only twenty. From his experience, girls hardly get married in their twenties since they like to enjoy their lives more.
However, he saw how serious his daughter was and it amazed him. He never thought his carefree, playful girl would think of settling down so soon. She was even thinking about having her own family.
He was impressed with her change of thoughts and saw Han Sheng Ming in a new light. He had already run a background check on Han Sheng Ming and knew his family issues. Since this boy was loyal, hardworking, intelligent, and had a promising future, he gave his approval.
A week later, Han Sheng Ming, Zheng Mian, and Han Changhong came back to London.
"How was the meeting with Mr. Zheng?" The moment Han Luo saw them entering the house, she couldn't control her curiosity.
"It was good. My father-in-law thanked me for putting a leash on Mian," Han Sheng Ming proudly boasted in front of his cousin.
Han Luo laughed, "Haha, he did? Then it's good news. We should celebrate."
"Not that fast. We have yet to confront Elder Tang," Han Changhong reminded them.
Han Luo remembered something and told them, "Oh, about that, I already talked to Tang Mei. She agreed to come here tonight with her family. They will have dinner with us. We can discuss further with them. Then, we will proceed toward grandpa Tang."
"Let's do it then," Han Changhong agreed.
Later that night, Tang Mei and her parents came to her house along with Tang Yujin. Mo Yuan also came as he had some business with Han Luo. Han Changhong, Han Sheng Ming, and Zheng Mian cordially invited the guests into the house.
Han Sheng Ming started to feel nervous as soon as he saw Tang Mei. Her smallest glare gave him goosebumps. He flinched every time she looked at him.
When they were having dinner, Han Luo kicked Han Sheng Ming's leg without anyone's notice, asking him to speak up.
He wiped his forehead, gulped down a glass of water, and brought up the topic, "I'm sure you have an idea about why we are dining together. The engagement was so unexpected that I didn't have time to explain everything to everyone. Also, I didn't want to ruin Xiao Yujin's birthday party and grandpa Tang's good temper."
He took a deep breath and continued, "I'm sure you know by now what Tang Mei feels about this engagement. The feeling is mutual. I have a girlfriend and we are hoping to get married in the near future. Tang Mei wants to marry once she settles down her career. Thus, we need your permission to annul this engagement." After saying that, he bowed.
Tang Mei looked at Han Sheng Ming and she seemed quite surprised. She didn't imagine him to be so level headed and composed while he was talking about annulling their engagement.
She wiped her mouth with the handkerchief and stated, "I feel the same way. I don't want to marry a man who has a woman in his heart. Used products are not my type."
Tang Mei's mother slapped her daughter's hand and gave an apologetic gesture to Han Changhong.
Han Changhong already made a decision when he saw the pictures of Tang Mei wearing shorts and crop tops. After what she said, he had to believe in his son. He couldn't have this girl as his daughter-in-law. He had a feeling that she would slaughter them all after marriage.. That would be a homicide.