Chapter 146

Chapter 146

On Little New Year’s Eve, two cars slowly pulled up one after the other in front of the Xie Family Old Mansion.

Old Master Xie had brought his sons, daughters-in-law, grandsons, and granddaughters to wait at the entrance early, ready to welcome the guests.

Xie Tan stood at the very front, nervously clinging to the Old Master’s arm. Her little mouth chattered nonstop. “Grandpa, can Sister Wanzi’s grandpa speak Chinese?”

The Old Master gave a perfunctory reply. “He can.”

Xie Tan asked again, “How should we behave later? What if they don’t like our family?”

The Old Master patted her on the head. “All of you, just smile. They won’t dislike us.”

On the surface, he was answering a child’s questions. In reality, he was warning the sons, daughters-in-law, and two grandsons standing behind him to know their place.

The households of the Second Uncle of the Xie Family and Third Uncle Xie stood neatly behind them. Aside from the Third Aunt of the Xie Family, who had given birth not long ago and was still in postpartum confinement, everyone else was present.

Once the two cars came to a stop, the Old Master immediately stepped forward.

As the doors opened, Xie Qiyan was the first to get out, opening the rear door for Rose and Xia Yongqing.

The first car held Xia Yongqing and his wife, not Richard and his wife. Old Master Xie inclined his head slightly, then slowly shifted his gaze to the second car. Beaming, he stepped forward to greet them. “Mr. Richard, Ms. Qiao Shu, please, please come in-”

The moment Xia Wanzhi got out, she saw the elders exchanging greetings. She looked past the crowd and met Xie Qiyan’s eyes, then smiled.

Xie Qiyan crooked a finger at her.

The Xie Family’s attention was not on them, so Xia Wanzhi happily abandoned her grandfather, grandmother, father, and mother to go hold hands with her boyfriend.

“Nervous?” Xia Wanzhi instinctively nuzzled her head against his arm, looking every bit like a sweet little bird leaning on someone.

Xie Qiyan’s palm was warm as he held Xia Wanzhi’s hand tightly and followed behind the main group. “Nervous about what? Not at all.”

“Keep pretending.” Xia Wanzhi snorted softly.

Xie Qiyan couldn’t help laughing too, and admitted it openly. “I’m nervous, sure, but I’m even happier. I’m about to have a wife. Tell me, am I more nervous or more excited?”

“Stop it!” Xia Wanzhi was smiling so hard her mouth wouldn’t close. She pinched him to keep him from showing off like a peacock.

Xie Qiyan really did stop messing around, then added leisurely, “I’m nervous because this is Grandpa and Grandma’s first time visiting the Xie Family. I’m worried they’ll have opinions about the others.”

Xia Wanzhi patted his hand. “Don’t be scared. I made a point of looking just now. Your second aunt is smiling even though she clearly has to force herself. Grandpa probably gave them a special reminder. Relax.”

Xie Qiyan clicked his tongue. “I’m still a little scared. How about you hug me?”

Xia Wanzhi raised her hand with a laugh, about to hit him.

Up ahead, Ms. Ross was holding Xie Tan’s hand. The moment she opened her mouth, she skillfully asked about final exam results and how much winter break homework had been finished. Xie Tan shuddered and instantly changed the subject. “Aunt Rose, why are Sister Wanzi and my brother walking so slowly?”

Rose looked back-

“I was wondering where you two lovebirds had disappeared to. So you’re hiding in the back, dating?”

That single call cut off the pair’s sneaky little flirting.

Everyone looked over at once, and the room immediately erupted in laughter.

Xia Wanzhi was so embarrassed she wanted to crawl into a hole. “…”

After they entered the inner hall, Rose asked Xie Tan again, “Why don’t I see your Little Stepmother?”

Third Uncle Xie answered for her. “She’s still in confinement.”

Rose was surprised. “She gave birth?”

Xie Tan nodded along. “She had a baby sister.”

She was no longer the Xie Family’s only Little Princess.

Seeing the loneliness in Xie Tan’s eyes, Rose forgot to even offer congratulations. She simply pulled Xie Tan onto her lap and coaxed her until she smiled.

Third Uncle Xie looked a little awkward and sensibly shut his mouth, lowering his head to drink tea.

Strictly speaking, Xie Qiyan should never have agreed to let them appear at today’s gathering.

Only now, when they noticed Richard and Qiao Shu seated in the place of honor sizing them up, did they understand Old Master Xie and Xie Qiyan’s intentions.

Even if they were not close to Xie Qiyan, there was still that layer of blood relation between them.

And that proved exactly how much the Old Master and Xie Qiyan valued this marriage.

Even if they had no use for them to speak, the Xie Family members had to be present. That was proper etiquette.

Old Master Xie was busy entertaining Richard and Ms. Qiao Shu. Most of what the elders talked about had to do with the two children, and Xie Qiyan was listening-

listening to the Old Master hold forth, doing his absolute best to list all of Xie Qiyan’s virtues.

Xie Qiyan: “…”

He was not quite used to it.

Xia Wanzhi listened with one ear and then the other. Hearing the Old Master praise him so hard, she couldn’t help laughing and tugged Xie Qiyan aside to whisper, “How afraid is Grandpa that you won’t be able to find a wife?”

Xie Qiyan glanced at her. “He’s afraid I won’t be able to marry you, my dear Little Princess.”

Xia Wanzhi’s eyes curved with laughter. “Be serious. So many people are watching.”

Xie Tan had already been secretly watching them. She put both index fingers on her cheeks and made circling motions, then called out, “Ew, Brother, shame on you!”

Rose was delighted and hugged Xie Tan, kissing her on the cheek.

The meeting between the two families was lively and cheerful. Even Xie Lin and Xie Nan had smiles on their faces-

After all, the visitors were members of the Becker Family.

Poor hospitality would be a grave offense.

Especially for Xie Nan, who was terrified Xia Wanzhi would settle accounts with him.

Xia Wanzhi’s seat happened to face Xie Lin. Suddenly thinking of something, she asked Xie Qiyan, “Your second uncle’s son is holding his wedding on the sixteenth day of the New Year?”

Xie Qiyan had not kept the date in mind and could not answer, so he simply asked Xie Lin directly.

Xie Lin immediately nodded and smiled with polished grace. “Yes, the sixteenth. When the time comes, I hope Eldest Brother will bring Sister-in-law over to share in the joy.”

“Xie Lin is getting married too?” Xia Yongqing was shocked. “Not bad. You’re the first one to beat everyone to it!”

Seeing that Xia Wanzhi seemed interested in the matter, Xie Qiyan asked her, “What’s wrong?”

Xia Wanzhi knew he knew nothing the moment she asked him, so she simply spoke directly to Xie Lin. “Second Brother, have you registered your marriage?”

Xie Lin was surprised by the way she addressed him. He froze for a moment before answering, “Not yet. We plan to do it after New Year’s, before the wedding.”

Xia Wanzhi nodded thoughtfully.

Xia Yongqing soon picked up the topic and continued chatting with them.

Xia Wanzhi did not hear what came after that. Everything around her was lively and bustling, but she was completely immersed in her own world.

“If they haven’t registered, then he isn’t the first,” Xia Wanzhi muttered under her breath.