He Ximei quietly asked Su Peng for his opinion after the girl’s parents had called her into the room.
"Mom, Su Peng and I want to be like friends first. You know I’m still planning to set up a shop in the city and I don’t want to marry too early," Wu Wenli said, having earned quite a bit of money for her family, she held some sway at home.
"You silly child, I’m asking if he agrees. If he does, you should marry first. I’m telling you, all this dating and stuff is fake; getting married first is what’s real. Men, especially those who are well-off, might change their minds any time."
"Mom, if he’s that kind of person, I should be even more cautious. If after we married, he becomes inconsistent, it would be me who suffers. This shows how important it is to really know a person before marrying. Don’t you think?"
"My girl, I can’t win against you. I mean, Su Peng’s a catch; he’s exceptional-looking. If you don’t have too many objections, just go ahead and marry him. I’m telling you, a man becomes responsible and accountable once he’s married. With his good prospects, you must secure him, otherwise someone else will, and then what will you do?"
"Mom, I believe what’s meant to be mine will be mine; if it’s not meant to be, no matter what, it won’t be mine."
"Pengzi, what do you think of the girl? If you have no objections, Mom can arrange a time with them to settle this marriage. I think she’s great, attractive and seems to have a good temper. Pengzi, I’m telling you, it’s best to stop thinking about those you shouldn’t. Focus on what’s right in front of you. Do you understand?"
She knew her son’s heart all too well; it was still fixed on that one person.
But would that person be willing to be with him? Setting aside other things, her impure motives in approaching Pengzi and her intention to harm Xiaofeng made it impossible for her to be with Pengzi.
"Mom, don’t talk nonsense. I just feel that this is the time for my career to take off, I want to learn more. We could start as friends, and if we really find ourselves suitable, we’ll marry sooner or later."
After saying this, Su Peng wanted Xiaofeng to help him explain, only to find that Sister Xiaofeng and her two siblings were not around: "Where’s Xiaofeng?"
"Xiaonian had too much to drink, Xiaofeng took her out for some fresh air."
At lunch, the cooking was done by Wu Wenli, who not only had good tailoring skills but was also a competent chef. Seeing how great the girl was, He Ximei really wished he could just marry her off to Pengzi, but his son’s attitude was quite frustrating to him.
However, as both had agreed to start as friends, it revived some hope for both sets of parents.
That could mean there was still a chance for them to make it work.
On the way back, He Ximei criticized Su Peng a lot: "What are you even thinking? I’m telling you, I really like Wenli; you should get on well with her and stop thinking about all that nonsense."
"Xiaofeng, look at our mom, acting like marriage is some trivial matter. Marriage is a big deal, what if we find out later on we’re not suited for each other? It would be so embarrassing, don’t you think?"
"Mom, my brother’s thoughts are not wrong. Marriage is significant, we can’t just decide on it in a moment. It’s a new era now, we can only know if we’re truly compatible by spending time together. If it turns out we’re not compatible, getting a divorce later would upset you even more."
"Since you’re speaking up for him, what can I say," He Ximei sighed: "I’ve come to terms with the fact that I may not be able to hold my grandchild for another five years."
"My brother is already twenty-five, if we delay it further, by the time he’s thirty, it might be hard to even find someone who’d be willing."
"Pengzi’s thoughts aren’t wrong, let’s do as Pengzi thinks," Guaizi said softly.
Nearby, Xiaonian was still singing, switching songs occasionally, sometimes singing loudly and sometimes softly, but thankfully, her voice wasn’t too bad, sparing their ears.
"Mom, I really don’t have time to think about marriage right now. All I want is to learn more, otherwise with my current knowledge, how would I manage more people in the future? Isn’t that right?"
"Alright, I won’t bother you anymore." He Ximei of course understood her son’s aspirations and was genuinely content with his progress: "As long as you know what you’re doing, it’s fine. If you really want to start something with her, do it properly. And if not, just tell her directly, we can’t lead her on."
"Don’t worry, I know what to do."