“This is Qingjiu’s good friend, Bao’er, right?”
Although Hilda’s voice was imposing, it also had a reassuring and relaxing effect.
Even in such an awkward situation, her voice made Yu Bao’er relax slightly.
“Mmmm.”
Yu Bao’er nodded vigorously as she quickly thought up an excuse to leave.
“I’m going to my room to pack up. Take your time to chat, Aunties.”
“Pack up? Why are you packing up?”
Huo Yingcheng’s mother looked perplexed.
“Qingjiu is returning to her maiden home next week. Bao’er is likely going back with her.”
Hilda explained on Yu Bao’er’s behalf. Yu Bao’er nodded in agreement.
“That’s right, Auntie.”
Yu Bao’er speedily fled after that.
Seeing Yu Bao’er flee so eagerly, Hilda then said, “You’re too anxious. Look how you’ve scared her.”
“I have no choice. That darned son of mine refuses to find a girlfriend. Now, your worries are gone, but mine is still present! I have a pretty good impression of this girl. There are some sparks between her and my son. If not, with my son’s temperament, he wouldn’t have accompanied her around the city these few days. But from the way things look now, I was indeed a tad too anxious. It seems like the two of them have yet to sense it!”
Huo Yingcheng’s mother sighed. “Now, your Qingjiu is already pregnant. I don’t know when I will get to carry a grandson.”
“Men are in their prime at 30. With Yingcheng being such a good catch, there are plenty of girls lining up to marry him. You don’t have to worry.”
“How can I not? After all, he’s not getting any younger. He keeps brushing me off with the excuse of not having found the suitable one. How can I not fret?”
…
The two women continued chatting about Huo Yingcheng, while Yu Bao’er was back at her room packing up.
“Amitabha!”
Yu Bao’er patted her chest. When she recalled what happened earlier she still felt a tightening sensation in her chest.
It was too scary to be stared at by your elders so fervently.
Yu Bao’er took out her luggage but instead of packing up, she sent a message to her family group chat.
Yu Bao’er: Mom, let me solemnly ask you something. I’m 22 now, you think it’s time for me to properly find a serious boyfriend with the intention of marriage?
Their family group chat was online 24/7. Unless they were busy, they would reply instantly.
Yu Bao’er set down her phone and started packing her clothes. Shortly after, she heard her phone vibrate. She picked it up.
Mom: Why? Did something happen between you and that young lad in the photo yesterday?
Yu Bao’er: What nonsense is that, Mom! I’m merely asking!
Mom: Then why the hurry? You’re only 22. A woman is in her prime at this age. You should play and eat to your heart’s content. Why worry about not being able to get married? Don’t worry, you won’t be left on the shelf.
Yu Bao’er: Why does that sound disparaging to me…
Mom: [Oh really?.jpg]
Her mother sent her a meme in retort.
Most importantly, after that, her older brother came to join in the fun.
Yu Kairan: What do you mean by it’s time to find a serious boyfriend and discuss marriage now that you’re 22? I remember you saying you were serious every time you dated a boy, no?
Yu Bao’er: You believe the words I said when I was in kindergarten?
Yu Kairan: Of course.