After some pleasantries, Xia You had formed an impression of the Ren Family, quite similar to how Ren Minghang had described. Mr. and Mrs. Ren were a political couple, and Ren Minghang’s brother and sister-in-law also followed in their parents’ footsteps. Ren Minghang’s little nephew wasn’t present, apparently sent to his grandmother’s house to avoid causing trouble.
"Xiao You, is it? Come sit over here, don’t just stick around my silly son," Mrs. Ren chided her own son, stepping forward to pull Xia You over.
"Mom, who talks about their son like that," Ren Minghang complained, but was pulled aside by his father and brother.
As Xia You saw the father and sons discussing with their heads down, she realized they were assessing her. Turning to the two women by her side, they exchanged smiles.
"You don’t need to be so formal, Xiao Yu and I are quite easygoing," Mrs. Ren said, then inquired about Xia You’s commute before shifting the conversation to amusing stories about Ren Minghang’s childhood.
The Ren men continued murmuring by the side: "Son, she’s not bad, you have better taste than your brother in this respect." Hearing Mr. Ren’s comment, Brother Ren objected, "Dad, don’t play favorites; mom introduced Xiao Yu to me, are you saying mom’s judgment was poor?" "Quiet, boy, don’t raise your voice, or people will start thinking all our marriages are arranged."
"It’s time to eat," Mrs. Ren, after a brief chat with Xia You and satisfied with her articulation and responses, seemed pleased. She had heard from her eldest son about Xia You’s unreliable brother and worried that Xia You might have picked up bad habits. But now, she thought Xia You was much better compared to herself when she was younger.
Also, when asking questions earlier, Mrs. Ren was somewhat hasty, but Xia You did not show any discomfort, speaking at a calm pace, which unknowingly slowed Mrs. Ren down as well.
"Just wait a bit longer, dad said he’s on his way," Mr. Ren announced. The old man had gone out in the afternoon and ended up playing an extra round of chess, forgetting the time.
It was only after a reminder from a caregiver that he remembered he had to visit his prospective granddaughter-in-law. He had hit the evening traffic at six or seven, and had just called to say he was nearby.
"Xiao You, are you okay?" Ren Minghang detached himself from the male group and moved next to Xia You, earning rolled eyes from the other two men in the family.
"Mother-in-law and the others are very kind, let’s go see your room," Xia You comforted him with a pat on the hand. First, it was the Ren Family scrutinizing her, now the waiting servants, making her feel uneasy.
Ren Minghang, eager for more time alone with Xia You, led her upstairs.
After the two left, the Ren Family sat back down. "Grandpa will surely like Xia You," Ren Mingyuan said, recalling his parents’ reactions to his wife, which weren’t as favorable as to Xia You.
"Just because she comes from a military region’s regular army, he’ll be satisfied with her," Mr. Ren solemnly noted. Like most men, he preferred daughters over sons.
Years ago, Mr. Ren’s insistence on teaching had infuriated Grandfather Ren. Later, his switch from teaching to politics had further angered his father, who cursed regretfully, wishing he had a daughter who could have donned the Military Uniform and earned praise for her striking presence.
To compensate for this regret, Grandfather Ren had strongly advocated for the construction of female military forces until he retired from his Marshal position, still fondly remembering his "Female Military Training Plan."
"However..." Mrs. Ren offered a different view, "Don’t you think Minghang is too accommodating to Xia You, almost to the point of appeasement?" A mother naturally feels a bit bitter seeing her own son be so compliant with another woman.
"The men of the Ren Family are traditionally devoted to their wives," Mr. Ren and his eldest son agreed in unison.
When Xia You entered Ren Minghang’s room, she was captivated by the large glass wall the same size as the wall.
Ren Minghang’s room was neat, with shelves, fighter jet models, photographs from childhood to adulthood, a desk, and a bed, showing all traces of a man in his twenties.
Ren Minghang embraced her from behind. Her wig was gently swept aside by Ren Minghang, his breath lingering near her ear. Their silhouettes were reflected on the glass wall.
"Xiao You, my parents really like you," Ren Minghang said joyfully.
"Yes, I like your family too," Ren Minghang came from a distinguished family, yet his relatives were not difficult to relate to. The recent conversations had elements of probing, but these were nothing compared to the care the Ren Family showed for Ren Minghang.
"Do you like me?" Ren Minghang’s time with Xia You was too short, so short it felt unreal. Their relationship, like their shadows projected on the glass, was clear when the light was on, and he feared it might disappear as soon as the light went out, so he kept her tightly embraced, a real existence.
How to respond. Xia You didn’t have the heart to tell Ren Minghang that her acceptance of him and his family was based on certain motives. But she didn’t want to hurt Ren Minghang, who seemed like a soap bubble blown into the air, too delicate to burst.
"Minghang, your grandfather is here, time to come down," Ren Minghang heard his mother’s reminder at the door, responding with a call. (To be continued. If you like this artwork, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote and buy a monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)