Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Shen Zihao was a capable man.
Together with Xia Nuannuan, he first drove to the police station to file a report and then went to the municipal government bureau.
In less than half a day, they managed to get their marriage certificate.
As he held a marriage certificate that was hot off the press, Shen Zihao found himself in a rather distracted state of mind.
Xia Nuannuan even more so, she felt like she was dreaming and floating along.
They stood outside the municipal government bureau looking at each other, not knowing what to say.
The fact was that they had known each other for only a month and were almost strangers. Even if they added up all the things they had ever said to each other, it didn’t amount to much.
Shen Zihao cleared his throat and said, “Erm… your parents… dad and mom in-law… where are they now? We ought to be there to receive them.”
Xia Nuannuan hung her head and looked at her feet, feeling shy suddenly.
Mom and Dad in-law…
He was quick in adopting the new way of addressing them.
Glancing at Shen Zihao, she said after a pause, “I- I’ll call them to ask.”
After she made the call and got their address, Shen Zihao drove her to the high-speed rail station.
As they arrived at the place where they were supposed to meet, Shen Zihao saw a couple in the distance.
They were both in their fifties but looked older than his own parents. They were wearing obviously new clothes, yet it was easy to tell that these were low-priced goods.
Both of them were neat and clean. Dad Xia was a teacher and looked like a literati. Mom Xia, a very gentle lady, was a healthcare provider.
When Xia Nuannuan saw them, she was excited like a child. She hugged her father and then her mother.
She started chattering incessantly in high spirits. Finally, Dad Xia turned towards Shen Zihao and inquired, “This is Zihao?”
Zihao?
Shen Zihao was stunned for a moment before he realized the man was referring to him.
Hence, he rushed forward. As someone brought up in a good family, he came across well-mannered. He stood before his new in-laws and greeted them respectfully, “Father-in-law, how do you do? Mother-in-law, how do you do?”
As Xia Nuannuan stood by the side watching them, she felt a sense of relief at once.
She had been worried that Shen Zihao would come across as a spoilt brat from a wealthy family, and that he would be rude to her parents. However now, it looked like she had just been overthinking things.
Furthermore…
He had come across very gentlemanly when he greeted them.
However, Dad Xia and Mum Xia suddenly cracked up at his greeting.
Shen Zihao looked at them with a puzzled expression.
Dad Xia said, “The formality sounds awkward. Why don’t you just call us Dad and Mom, like Nuannuan?”
Readily following their advice, Shen Zihao greeted them again, “Dad, Mom, how do you do? It’s the first time we’re meeting, I do look forward to learning from you in the future.”
Grinning from ear to ear, Dad Xia nodded with approval. “Good, good.”
Then he turned to Xia Nuannuan and said, “Nuannuan, you’ve found yourself a good man!”
At once, her face flushed.
Quickly moving to carry her parents’ suitcases, she said, “Dad, Mom, let’s get into the car.”
Next to the two huge suitcases, her petite frame looked particularly delicate.
Shen Zihao walked over and picked them up instead, one in each hand.
These suitcases, that looked over-sized next to Xia Nuannuan, seemed almost weightless in his hands.
Dad Xia looked at the young man and exchanged a meaningful glance with his wife. He seemed satisfied as he gave her a knowing smile.
This son-in-law was not too bad!
After they got into the car, Shen Zihao picked up his cell phone and explained to his parents-in-law, “Dad, Mom, your visit was quite sudden and we’re not prepared at home. I’ll call them now and have them tidy up the guest room for you, and also book a hotel room. My parents can come and meet you both as well.”