The first watch of the night had passed.
Caught off guard by Lin Yanqiu’s "smooch smooch" on his cheeks, Zhou Mikang’s face quickly reddened to his neck. Before he had the chance to push his mother away, Zhu Xinqin appeared at the door, chiding Lin Yanqiu while her eyes slyly glanced at him.
He knew all too well how vile Aunt Jing’s mouth could be. Seeing Chuxia frightened and hiding behind Zhao Yulan and Lin Baohe, Zhou Mikang stepped forward, shielded Zhu Xinqin from view.
"Aunt Jing, I don’t usually get involved in the spats between you and my mom, but this time, I have to. It’s not okay."
Zhu Xinqin looked him up and down and couldn’t help but burst into laughter, "Little Bee, are you scared? Hahaha..." Then, turning to Chuxia, "Xiao Chuxia, if you marry Little Bee, then you’ll have to live under the same roof as a jealous mother-in-law. Look how affectionate she was with her son just now. If she sees you getting cozy with her son in the future, won’t she be pissed to death?
Marrying our Xiao Zhe would be better. My son and I know how to keep it appropriate. No matter how happy I am, I absolutely wouldn’t ’smooch smooch’ my son’s face..."
Lin Yanqiu waved her hand to interrupt her, "Enough, enough. Quit your instigating. The marriage between my Xiao Mikang and Chuxia is already settled. Whatever you’re saying now is pointless and won’t change a thing, so you might as well save your breath."
"Settled or not, it was coerced by you. You’re oppressing others with power, and I just can’t stand it. Have you told Xiao Chuxia about Little Bee and Ye Meiru?"
Seeing Zhao Yulan’s and Lin Baohe’s expressions change, Old Master Zhou had no choice but to step in, "Xiao Zhu, I shouldn’t interfere in the affairs between you and Yanqiu, but this time it’s different.
The marriage between Little Bee and Chuxia has been decided. You barge into our home to make a scene and disrupt this, that’s not right, is it?
Besides, how are you going to let Xiao Zhe and Little Bee get along after this? Chuxia is Xiao Zhe’s student, so how are you going to let her and Xiao Zhe get along?"
Zhu Xinqin’s gaze flickered as she looked at Chuxia, "Xiao Chuxia, your aunt truly likes you. No matter who you end up choosing, you’ll always be a child I love. In the future, interact with Xiao Zhe just as you would normally. Also, I want to tell you, it’s most important for a girl to be strong and independent and not to give up her future because of marriage." After speaking, she nodded to Zhao Yulan and Lin Baohe, then turned to leave with Jing Zhe, "Son, let’s go home."
Before Old Madam Zhou could say anything, Zhu Xinqin cut her off, "Aunt Zhou, I know why you called me over and why you invited me to stay for dinner.
My son likes her, so I have to like her too. Even though I knew you were taking advantage of me, I still came over eagerly.
Of course, I don’t regret being used by you because I’ve said what I wanted to say. Xiao Chuxia knows my son’s feelings and understands our family’s stance, and that is enough for me.
As for whom Xiao Chuxia will ultimately marry, we respect her choice and will not forcefully interfere with rudeness. But Aunt Zhou, I advise you to let go of your prejudices and truly observe Xiao Chuxia. She’s many times better than Ye Meiru, so stop fixating on that woman.
Additionally, if Xiao Chuxia suffers any injustice after marrying into the Zhou family, I won’t stand idly by. She is my son’s student, and thus, I’m her mentor grandmother, and I have the right to protect her."
Having said that, she left without acknowledging Old Madam Zhou, who stood there with her mouth agape. Jing Zhe sheepishly smiled at everyone and hurried after her.
"I... I don’t dislike Lin Chuxia either." Old Madam Zhou stated dryly. Then, turning around, she retreated back to her bedroom to hide.
"This should be a joyous occasion..." Lin Yanqiu stomped her foot in anger, "I’ll settle the score with her later. If she doesn’t upset me, she just doesn’t feel comfortable." Then moving forward to grab onto Chuxia, "Chuxia, you must believe that our family will definitely treat you well."
"I know." Chuxia smiled and looked at the various expressions of the people, "You all want the best for me, I understand."
"As for the old lady..." Zhao Yushan looked apprehensively at everyone, "I know that it’s a tremendous fortune for our Chuxia to marry into your family, but the old lady..."
"I didn’t want to mention this, but since Xiao Zhu has brought it up, it might as well be out in the open, better early than late. This way, you can all be assured." Old Master Zhou sighed and gestured for everyone to sit down before continuing, "I believe you all have your concerns. With such a good match like Little Bee, how could he not find a bride?