After they left, Chu Honglin reluctantly joined the conversation between Chu Hongsen and Han Jingheng, managing not to embarrass himself too much.
But Cao Sanmei and Bai Xiaoxue were deliberately sidelined by Chu Zhenhua’s second aunt, Ge Yumei, and felt so awkward that they wanted to dig a hole in the ground with their feet.
At this point, if they left, it would seem even more unreasonable, so they sat there cursing people silently.
The Han Family was straightforward, and Chu Hongsen and his wife were not stingy, explicitly saying that they treated Chu Zhenhua as their own daughter. Without mentioning the dowry prepared by the old man, they went straight to, "Whatever amount of betrothal gift you give, we will make sure she brings back the same amount, besides my brother’s side giving an equal dowry, I, as the second uncle who spoils Zhenhua like my own daughter, will also give an equal dowry, hoping they have a smooth and happy life after marriage."
As soon as he said this, Chu Honglin nodded on the surface, but inside he blamed his younger brother for not informing him beforehand and making decisions on his own. Yet he didn’t seem to think that this matter had been agreed upon when the old man was alive.
Chu Hongsen knew exactly what kind of character his big brother had, and wouldn’t give him the chance to refuse, leaving him no room for regret and ensuring he wouldn’t back out on his promise.
As for their own family, it was something they had discussed a long time ago. Since they didn’t have a daughter, they had always treated Zhenhua as their own, so naturally, they couldn’t be stingy with her dowry.
Only Cao Sanmei and Bai Xiaoxue felt like they were on fire, thinking that giving Chu Zhenhua a dowry equivalent to the betrothal gift would empty the family, which was unacceptable.
But in this setting, they, as stepmother and stepsister, had no place to speak, and could only stew in anxiety.
Cao Sanmei coughed lightly from time to time, trying to remind Chu Honglin not to make a rash decision, but she almost coughed her throat dry without hearing Chu Honglin refuse.
The matter was quickly settled, and they even set the wedding date for the following year.
After discussing the main issues, they naturally started chatting casually. Cao Sanmei thought she could finally join the conversation and, for her daughter’s sake, had to wear a smile: "Mother-in-law, Zhenhua is fortunate to find such a good family with you."
Saying this, she pulled Bai Xiaoxue beside her: "Our Xiao Xue also looks quite lovely and is at the age to find someone. Do you think you could introduce her to an aspiring young man so that the sisters can keep each other company in the future?"
At these words, not only did the women stop talking, but even the men paused, making the scene very awkward.
Given how Bai Xiaoxue looked at Han Chaoxu earlier, how could they possibly help introduce her? Bai Xiaoxue is just trouble, and Cao Sanmei really dared to say it.
Seeing everyone’s eyes on her, she awkwardly chuckled: "Aren’t I just trying to find a good family for Xiao Xue? As a mother, I can never stop worrying."
This actually relieved some of her awkwardness, though it wasn’t far from the truth.
The engagement meal, which was supposed to be at home, was moved because Chu Zhenhua had been rehearsing for a New Year performance lately and only took half a day off.
Moreover, Han Chaoxu didn’t want her to be overworked, suggesting they eat outside, as Chu Zhenhua had already showcased her cooking skills at the Han Family before, so there was no need to do it again today.
Just then, the two who had gone out for a stroll returned, and Han Chaoxu entered saying with a smile, "It’s about time. Let’s go. We just checked, and the food is almost ready."
The group then got up and headed to the state-owned restaurant.