Chapter 72 - The Bai Family

Back home, Tang Huaijin sat down for dinner with his sister. After some contemplation, he decided to share some news with her. Putting down his chopsticks, he said, “Sis, your work situation and my book’s publication should be sorted out soon.”

“Hmm?” Tang Yaoyao looked up at her brother, asking softly, “Did you get Xia Xinya to help?”

“No, it was Bai Yuerou. Her father seems to have connections with your publishing house,” Tang Huaijin replied with a smile. “And judging by her demeanor, those connections are quite strong. It’s practically a done deal.”

Bai Yuerou… Tang Yaoyao recalled the gentle-looking girl. Her impression from last time was quite positive, and she didn’t seem to have any romantic involvement with Huaijin. Instantly, she felt cheerful and said, “That’s wonderful. You must thank her for me.”

“Of course, don’t worry.” Seeing his sister genuinely smile again, Tang Huaijin felt relieved. Although she showed no signs of stress, he knew she was under pressure. She cherished her role as the elder sister and was devoted to taking care of him. Without her job, how could she support her brother?

With the weight lifted from her heart, Tang Yaoyao snuggled up to her brother on the couch to watch TV for a while before feeling sleepy. Lazily rubbing her eyes, she gave Tang Huaijin a quick peck on the cheek and dashed off to bed.

…

The next morning, Tang Huaijin arrived at school accompanied by the ponytailed girl.

Entering the classroom, he took his seat and turned to Bai Yuerou, saying, “Morning, Yuerou.”

Sensing his urgency, Bai Yuerou smiled warmly and said, “Morning, Huaijin. Yesterday, I showed your book to my father. You don’t mind, do you?”

“Not at all. You’ve helped me out; how could I possibly be upset with you?” Tang Huaijin, seeing her calm demeanor, felt reassured and relaxed a bit.

“That’s good,” Bai Yuerou said with a gentle smile. “My father read your book and thought it was excellent. After hearing the story from me, he decided to help you. He called the publishing house uncle last night and arranged for us to have dinner at his place tonight.”

“That’s a relief. Thank you, Yuerou,” Tang Huaijin said, exhaling deeply and looking at Bai Yuerou with gratitude.

“However…” Bai Yuerou hesitated for a moment. Seeing Tang Huaijin’s curious glance, she bit her lip and said, “My father has a request.”

“Go ahead.”

“He hopes you can join us for dinner tonight. Having you there would make it easier to explain the situation to the uncle.”

“No problem at all; it’s only right,” Tang Huaijin replied with a smile.

After chatting with Bai Yuerou, Tang Huaijin felt uplifted. He glanced at Xia Xinya, who seemed a bit downcast, and greeted her, “Morning, Xinya.”

Xia Xinya merely glared at him, not responding. Stupid flirt, always seeking out Yuerou and ignoring her. Now he finally acknowledges her.

She looked at Bai Yuerou, expressing her dissatisfaction, “Yuerou, I want to go too.”

Bai Yuerou was momentarily surprised but quickly responded with a smile, “Sure, that’s no problem.”

This brat better not cause trouble, thought Tang Huaijin, frowning slightly. “You can come, but don’t cause any trouble.”

Seeing Tang Huaijin’s reluctant expression, Xia Xinya’s anger flared. She glared at him and snapped, “Oh, so you admit it. You like Yuerou, don’t you? Otherwise, why wouldn’t you want me to come? Afraid I’ll interrupt your time together?”

Noticing Bai Yuerou’s awkward expression, Tang Huaijin rolled his eyes at Xia Xinya and said, “There wasn’t anything going on, but the more you talk, the more it seems like there is.”

Xia Xinya’s expression froze, her lips pursing as she fell silent.

Bai Yuerou glanced at Tang Huaijin, biting her lip and letting out a quiet sigh.

The day of classes quickly came to an end. Throughout the day, Xia Xinya had unwisely provoked Tang Huaijin several times, only to be met with his exasperated flick on the forehead. She then tearfully sought Bai Yuerou to vent her grievances.

After school, Tang Huaijin packed his bag and left the school with the two girls.

The Bai Family’s female bodyguard seemed aware of Tang Huaijin’s visit. Upon seeing him, she greeted, “Young Master Tang.”

Tang Huaijin was momentarily taken aback by the title and chuckled, “I’m not a young master. No need to call me that.”

The bodyguard nodded silently and opened the car door for them.

This time, Xia Xinya had learned her lesson. She let Tang Huaijin enter first, ensuring there was space between them, and shot him a teasing look.

Tang Huaijin ignored her, closed his eyes to rest, preparing for his upcoming meeting with Yuerou’s father and the publishing house’s boss.

Xia Xinya hummed triumphantly, then turned to play on her phone with Bai Yuerou. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Bai Yuerou seemed distracted throughout the ride. Even when Xia Xinya laughed herself silly at funny videos, Yuerou only offered a few polite chuckles.

Upon arriving at the Bai Family residence, the car came to a gentle stop, and Bai Yuerou led them inside.

The Bai Family’s villa wasn’t as extravagant as the Xia Family’s, but it was impressive nonetheless, with top-notch design and architecture. Bai Yuerou pressed the doorbell a few times.

A middle-aged woman wearing an apron opened the door with a welcoming smile. Her gaze immediately fell on Tang Huaijin, and after a quick assessment, she beamed with satisfaction and ushered them in.

Bai Yuerou handed out slippers to the guests. Xia Xinya received a pair of pink slippers and naturally greeted the woman sweetly, calling her “Auntie,” before padding into the living room.

The slippers prepared for Tang Huaijin were brand new, tags still attached, which made him feel a bit flattered. He looked at Bai Yuerou and softly said, “Thank you.”

Bai Yuerou smiled gently without speaking.

After changing into the slippers, Bai Yuerou led him to the sofa, where Xu Jingwen sat nearby, smiling as she appraised Tang Huaijin. The more she looked, the more pleased she seemed. “I’m Bai Yuerou’s mother. You can call me Auntie. You’re Tang Huaijin, right? Can I call you Jin?”

Xu Jingwen appeared to be of a certain age, but she was well-maintained, with few wrinkles and a warm smile that mirrored Bai Yuerou’s dimples, exuding a gentle charm.

Tang Huaijin, aware of his own appealing appearance, noticed her cheerful demeanor and thought she seemed much friendlier than Mrs. Xia. He replied with a smile, “Hello, Auntie. Of course, you can call me whatever you like. I’m sorry for intruding.”

Tang Huaijin’s clean and handsome appearance, coupled with his clear and sincere gaze, conveyed a youthful vigor. His slightly lowered gaze showed respect without losing his composure.

Listening to his polite and natural response, Xu Jingwen couldn’t help but feel even more satisfied. Having lived over fifty years, it was her first time meeting a prospective son-in-law, and she finally understood the saying that a mother-in-law grows more fond of her son-in-law the more she looks at him.

Last night, Bai Yuerou had pulled her parents into the living room to discuss something as soon as she returned home.

Bai Renli was a useless fellow, a bookworm who had turned Rou into one as well. After hearing his daughter’s request, he simply hugged his book and retreated to a corner to read.

As the father was a bit of a waste, it naturally fell upon Xu Jingwen, the mother, to take charge. Although she wasn’t against her daughter dating, she felt it necessary to scrutinize the boy her daughter liked. Xu Jingwen had originally planned to give him a bit of a hard time.

But upon seeing Tang Huaijin, all those plans for a stern welcome vanished. No one knows a daughter better than her mother, and Xu Jingwen was well aware of the type Bai Yuerou liked-cultured and artistic young men. Wasn’t she the same? Back then, she had defied her family’s objections and married Yuerou’s father, a poor teacher.

However, Bai Yuerou’s taste was much higher than hers. Xu Jingwen had been merely a lovestruck girl who had read a few books, while Bai Yuerou had been an avid reader from a young age, practically a bookworm herself. Only someone like Tang Huaijin, who possessed both looks and talent, could catch her eye.

Seeing her mother simply smiling and observing Tang Huaijin without saying a word, Bai Yuerou’s face slowly turned red. She looked at her mother and complained, “Mom, when is Dad coming back?”

“Huh?” Her daughter’s reminder snapped Xu Jingwen back to reality, and she smiled sheepishly, teasing, “Look at me, it’s all Jin’s fault for being so handsome. You’ve got your aunt completely mesmerized.”

Tang Huaijin smiled shyly and replied softly, “You’re too kind, Aunt.”

Xu Jingwen nodded with a smile, glanced at the clock on the wall, and said, “My husband should be back soon.”