Chapter 33: Relatives
Although Lin Jia voiced her dissatisfaction, deep down, she was overjoyed. Her heart was already fully devoted to Yang Yu. He had mentioned marriage before, but this time, he said it in front of her mother—this made it feel completely different.
Lin’s mother eagerly called their relatives to announce the good news.
With only Lin Jia and Yang Yu left in the living room, Lin Jia gazed at him tenderly. “Are you really sure about getting married?”
“Of course. Do you think I’d joke about something like this?” Yang Yu replied.
“I can’t shake this feeling that it’s all happening too fast. We haven’t been together for that long, and now we’re already talking about marriage,” Lin Jia admitted, feeling slightly uneasy.
“Silly, do you not want to marry me?” Yang Yu playfully ruffled her hair.
“Of course, I do. It just feels like a dream. You’re rich and talented—why would you choose me? I don’t even know how many young women must like you,” she said.
“Are you having pre-wedding jitters? Why are you overthinking?” Yang Yu laughed.
“I just want to know what made you fall for me. How did you even meet me? I have no memory of seeing you before,” Lin Jia bombarded him with questions.
Why is this woman so nosy? Does she really need to dig into everything? Yang Yu thought to himself. Could he tell her he had seen her in a movie? Obviously not.
So, he made something up. “I saw you once when I was in Chengdu on vacation. Your beauty captivated me. But I had an important contract to sign and had to rush back to Shanghai. Otherwise, I would’ve approached you back then.”
Lin Jia looked skeptical. “That sounds too much like a coincidence. I don’t believe it.”
“Believe it or not, you’re already mine. You can’t escape now,” Yang Yu smirked, picking her up and carrying her into the bedroom.
Two hours later, Yang Yu emerged looking refreshed, and Lin Jia’s face was glowing.
At lunch, Lin Jia could barely handle her mother’s knowing gaze. She wanted to crawl into a hole.
Yang Yu casually asked, “Where’s Uncle? Isn’t he coming back for lunch?”
“He went to have drinks at your little aunt’s place,” Lin’s mother replied.
“By the way, we’re meeting with the relatives tonight. Xiao Yang, you don’t have any objections, do you?”
“I’ll follow your arrangements, Auntie,” Yang Yu responded.
Lin’s mother nodded in satisfaction.
After lunch, she urged Yang Yu to rest while Lin Jia followed her into the kitchen to wash the dishes.
While scrubbing plates, Lin’s mother scolded her. “You two really don’t know how to control yourselves. It’s broad daylight! What if the neighbors heard?”
Lin Jia’s face turned bright red, and she stayed silent. What could she even say?
“Forget it. You young people handle your own business.”
“Oh, and remind Xiao Yang—your aunt is quite a character. Ever since she found a good son-in-law, she looks down on everyone. He should be prepared for that,” Lin’s mother warned.
“She’s just a snob. Acts like everyone owes her something, always looking down her nose at people. She’s unbearable,” Lin Jia scoffed.
“Watch your words! No matter what, she’s still family. And let’s be honest, her son-in-law is quite impressive—his father is a deputy county chief,” Lin’s mother reminded her.
“Then why even invite her? You know Yang Yu won’t tolerate that kind of attitude,” Lin Jia huffed.
“I think Xiao Yang has a good temper. Just don’t stir things up,” Lin’s mother replied, unconvinced.
That Evening—Private Room in a Hotel
Lin Jia’s family gathered with her uncle and aunt’s families.
Her father had two siblings—he was the eldest. Lin Jia’s little aunt and her husband seemed like honest, down-to-earth people, but her second uncle’s family exuded arrogance. They hadn’t even sat down before they started nitpicking.
“Big brother, you really handled this poorly. Jia Jia is almost getting married, and you only tell us now? Her second aunt has been worrying about her and even thought about setting her up with someone,” her second uncle complained.
“Exactly! Marriage is a big deal. You should’ve consulted us first,” her second aunt chimed in.
Lin Jia’s little aunt quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “It’s their relationship and their decision. Why are you two so concerned? This is a joyous occasion! I think Jia Jia has good taste—this young man looks impressive.”
Lin Jia’s father introduced Yang Yu to each family member, and Yang Yu politely greeted them one by one.
Although he found her second uncle’s attitude irritating, he held back since they were still family.
“Where are Xiao Li and Xiao Fei? Why aren’t they here yet?” Lin’s mother asked.
Xiao Li was Lin Jia’s cousin, two years younger than her, while Xiao Fei—her husband—was Li Fei, the son of a deputy county chief.
At the mention of her daughter and son-in-law, Lin Jia’s second aunt instantly puffed up with pride. “Xiao Fei is busy with work. He’s young but already on track to become deputy director soon. He’s at a crucial point in his career. We should wait for them.”
Hearing that, Lin Jia fumed. Why should we wait for them?