Because the family’s support was so overwhelming, one day, the Old Lady pulled out a movie ticket, the next day Brother Cao would go to Xiao Xiao’s parent-teacher meeting, and the day after that, Cao Yang wanted to eat the meal made by Mom, Gong Mingxia would have to go to the school to bring the child lunch. This pattern of cohabitation lasted until the Spring Festival of 1999, by which time Gong Mingxia herself had become somewhat resigned and helpless.
It was because during the New Year’s Eve dinner, Cao Yuan proposed to her. The whole family teased and cheered. Gong Mingxia didn’t actually want to give in so quickly; she had wanted to hold out a bit longer. After all, caving in so fast wasn’t her style. But Xiao Xiao really liked him, and Cao Yang respected her so much, treating her like his mother. Not to mention her position as an honorary concubine, she had always been treated like a true daughter all along.
So when Cao Yuan proposed to her, she really couldn’t refuse.
In the past, she would have refused because being married was no different from being single to her, looking after children and the elderly. But now, Cao Yuan had returned and had stable work. The future actually seemed hopeful. She might have never been married in her previous life, but she knew that a real marriage was about the mundane details of daily life, not so much about romance.
When she was faced with Cao Yuan proposing with a house, to be honest, she was caught between laughter and tears. Was this man being too straightforward?
"The money for the house comes from the bonuses and wages I’ve saved over the years, as well as the resettlement subsidy. My ex-wife also returned quite a bit of money, and together with a loan, I bought a four-bedroom house. However, the property deed isn’t available yet, and the new house still needs to wait another two years. Are you willing to pay off the mortgage with me?"
At this time, the Old Lady chimed in, "Because the new house needs renovations, to make it better, he borrowed two hundred thousand yuan. Moreover, this house is part of the school districts for Wenhua Road Primary and Experimental Middle School. Xiao Xiao will receive the best education. The places there already cost 2200 yuan per square meter. Our new house is 140 square meters, totaling 310 thousand yuan. Now with a twenty-thousand-yuan mortgage, do you feel that’s too much pressure?"
Gong Mingxia shook her head. "Mom, getting a mortgage is the trend nowadays. I understand that."
The Old Lady was pleased, "Then what are you hesitating for? Your name is going to be on the property deed."
"Say yes to him, say yes," chanted the two kids and one old prankster on the side, relentlessly egging her on.
Gong Mingxia looked up at Cao Yuan in disbelief. "My name? Brother Cao, aren’t you being a bit too rash?"
Cao Yuan smiled at her, "Actually, it doesn’t matter whose name is on it. After getting married, it will be joint property. The reason I’m doing this is to assure you in marrying me. Although I may not have any other talents, I will do my best to be a good husband and father,"
With these thoughts, he looked apologetically at Cao Yang, "I’ve been neglecting this child a lot because of work. It’s rare to see the two kids get along so well and to have such expectations for you and me. My mom also likes you very much, and I also think you’ll be a great partner. So, if possible, I hope you can give us both a chance. Maybe marriage isn’t as scary as you think?"
Only then did Gong Mingxia understand why a few days ago her "mom" had wanted to borrow her ID Card and bank card. She hadn’t expected that they, mother and son, would do so much for this family in silence. They had already shown their utmost sincerity. If she continued to be fussy, it would be too much. But marriage is a big deal. She couldn’t just agree impulsively, so she hesitated for a moment.
"Please give me a few more months. If I make up my mind, let’s get married on National Day, okay?"
Cao Yuan was as solid as Mount Tai, "Of course, even if we must wait until the New Year’s, it’s proper." ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel⦿fire.net
Gong Mingxia blushed, but Xiao Xiao was there pouting unhappily, "Mom, I’m starting elementary school this year. I don’t want the father’s column to be blank, so, please, let’s not wait until National Day, okay? How about Labor Day? If not, July 1st or August 1st could also work, right?"