Adding an update for yesterday, Nuan was not feeling well. Sometimes it’s beyond one’s control; please be understanding toward Nuan.
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"In-laws, come in, come in," noticing Zhao Yulan and others feeling uncomfortable, Zhou Jingping and Lin Yanqiu hurried forward warmly, hugging the couple and leading them inside.
At the same time, Uncle Zhou Gangping and Aunt Liang Xiaohong went to meet Zhao Yushan and Li Aiyuan, while Chuxia was grabbed by Zhou Jiping and Zhou Xiangping, one on each side.
If it weren’t for Mikang’s temperament, all the younger family members would probably have gathered around. Those who had not met Chuxia before were now sizing her up with curiosity, likely thinking similarly to third sister-in-law Liu Lingmei, wondering what extraordinary qualities this future third sister-in-law might have that could have changed Third Brother’s mind.
While holding onto Chuxia, Zhou Xiangping winked at Mikang, "Third Brother, go about your business, third sister-in-law is in good hands with me and second sister, don’t worry about her."
Mikang glanced at her and nodded, "Take good care of her."
All the younger family members were shocked, their eyes wide open; today was indeed an eye-opener. This future third sister-in-law must possess some special traits to not only be accepted by Third Brother, who usually didn’t show much interest in girls, but also to be so protected by him!
After everyone had seated themselves, Zhao Yulan and her husband along with Zhao Yushan and his wife were still a bit dazed, not quite remembering how they had walked over there.
Lin Yanqiu fondly held Zhao Yulan’s hand and introduced, "In-laws, everyone here today is one of our own. You’ve already met Laosan’s Uncle and Aunt, as well as his younger aunt and her husband..." she pointed towards Uncle Zhou Gangping and third sister-in-law Liu Lingmei, "...these are Third Brother’s Uncle and Aunt, and the boy and girl over there are their children; that girl belongs to the younger aunt’s family while the boy and girl are from Uncle’s family..."
Looking in the direction Lin Yanqiu pointed, Zhao Yulan and the others felt a bit dizzy and even thought everyone looked similar, just nodding and greeting mechanically. In fact, after greeting, they couldn’t remember who was who.
Lin Yanqiu was simply trying to ease the tension among the Lin family members. After finishing the introductions, she waved at the younger generation, "Don’t crowd around here; you haven’t seen each other for a long time, go play on your own."
"Whoosh..." The crowd immediately dispersed by half. Chuxia was taken by Zhou Jiping and Zhou Xiangping to the side hall, and naturally, the younger ones followed as well.
Third sister-in-law Liu Lingmei looked around and finally managed to suppress the urge to follow them.
"Drink some water, you must be tired from the journey," Old Madam Zhou invited warmly, which finally settled the anxious minds of Zhao Yulan and Lin Baohe.
What worried them the most was whether the Old Lady of Zhou Family had not yet accepted Chuxia. From what they had observed, aside from Old Madam Zhou, the other members of the Zhou family seemed to have no objections toward Chuxia. Yet, this one objection was critical, given her status.
Seeing the old lady not only accommodating the guests but also lowering herself to invite them, the couple became so excited they could barely contain themselves. However, remembering previous lessons, they both responded with smiles. After calming their emotions a bit, they carefully picked up their cups and sipped lightly––both to show respect to the Old Lady and to avoid spilling their drinks out of nervousness, which, for them, was extremely challenging!
Even now, the couple’s legs were still shaking. They covertly glanced at Zhao Yushan and Li Aiyuan, whose condition was not much better.
"Xiaomi, don’t you trust us?" Liu Lingmei teased Mikang, who was sitting next to Lin Baohe, "Afraid we will bully your in-laws so much they won’t dare to leave?"
"Yes," Mikang responded coolly, looking at her, "I don’t worry about others, just you."
"Pfft!" His comment made Aunt Liang Xiaohong burst out laughing, who then awkwardly explained to Zhao Yulan and the others, "He’s holding a grudge against his third aunt; she used to be the one in the family always eager to set him up on dates."
"I was doing it out of goodwill!" Liu Lingmei felt wronged recounting the issue, "I did it for him and he’s still mad at me. Listen to what he just said––it’s hard to be a good person."
"Enough. With the frequency you bring girls home every other day, not only him, but I’d be annoyed too," Uncle Zhou Gangping glared at his wife, "You’re always meddling in unreliable matters."
Liu Lingmei looked wronged and turned to Old Madam Zhou: "Mom, you be the judge."