si-mexico Chapter 93 The in-laws meet
Chapter 93 The in-laws meet
Xiao Bao settled his in-laws in and went home. When he returned to Lin Yue's clinic, Lin Yue was still waiting in his room. Xiao Bao's room was on the fourth floor; the entire floor belonged to him. Xiao Bao said to his mother, "Mom, we picked up Xiao Xue's parents today; they're in Xiao Xue's dormitory building. Where should we meet them tomorrow? Should we have a table outside or go to the canyon?" Lin Yue thought for a moment and said, "Since it's a meeting between the in-laws, to show sincerity, let's go to the canyon. It's quiet there, and it'll be convenient for the two families to chat. We can also give them the betrothal gifts while we're there. And then, well, you're not getting any younger, so after giving them the betrothal gifts, we can talk to his parents about your wedding. What do you think?"
Xiao Bao said, "Okay, how much should we prepare for the bride price first?"
Lin Yue thought for a moment and said, "What I've prepared is, uh, 300 million in cash, uh, cash. Do you think that's enough?"
Xiao Bao said, "Mom, whatever amount you prepare is fine."
Lin Yue said, "Xiao Bao, no, Mom doesn't want to give too much. Well, Mom is worried that their family's income might not be very high, and I'm afraid that giving too much will scare Xiao Xue's parents. Well, let's say 288 million or 166 million, and then prepare a few pairs of bracelets, and all the gold jewelry. I have two gold necklaces and two pairs of gold bracelets. Then there are earrings and other jewelry. Well, there are also a few antique paintings and calligraphy. Since her parents are also practitioners, I also prepared some books on cultivation. What do you think?"
Xiao Bao said, "Okay, Mom, it's up to you. Hmm, the wedding room is all decorated now, so what else do you need?"
Xiao Bao said, "If you need anything else, Xiao Xue and I can go to the city to buy it together."
Lin Yue asked Xiao Bao, "Do you have money in your card?"
Xiao Bao said, "Mom, what are you saying? After so many years in the army, I still have so much demobilization pay and salary that I don't know where to spend it. I do have plenty."
Lin Yue said, "I'll still transfer five million to you. You decide what to do with it."
Xiao Bao said, "Okay, Mom gave it to me. Hmm, my little treasure trove is getting bigger again." The mother and son chatted and laughed. After saying that, they both said "hmm."
Lin Yue said, "Then you should get some rest. Tomorrow at noon, you can pick them up and come over from the canyon."
Xiao Bao said, "Okay, then we'll wait for them inside. We'll just say we're family. We'll arrange two tables in the dining room where Grandpa and Grandma are. I'll go prepare the ingredients."
Xiao Bao said, "Thank you for your hard work, Mom. You've done so much for me."
Lin Yue said, "Of course, you're the only one of the three siblings who isn't married yet."
Xiao Bao said, "My second sister isn't married yet. I should say your second sister. She doesn't care about him anymore."
Lin Yue quickly tidied up and returned to the valley. She discussed the preparations with Gong Yong and then took out all the necessary ingredients to start preparing in advance. For example, some braised meat needed to be braised in advance and soaked overnight for better flavor the next day. They also braised eggs, chicken feet, duck feet, and other miscellaneous items, filling a large pot. Then, they slaughtered three free-range chickens: one for stewing, one for cold chicken salad, and one for spicy diced chicken. They prepared all the necessary ingredients in advance. They also got two ducks, one for sweet-skinned duck and the other for roast duck. After everything was prepared, they also prepared beef chops, lamb chops, and other cuts, processing the meat beforehand. With all the ingredients ready, the elderly couple went upstairs to sleep.
Lin Yue's parents, listening to their son and daughter-in-law busy outside, hadn't fallen asleep either. Knowing they would meet their granddaughter-in-law's family the next day, they were also very happy. Even after all four elders had fallen asleep, Xiao Bao and Xiao Xue were still chatting under the covers. Xiao Xue had been asleep at first, but a phone call or a text message from Xiao Bao woke her up.
Xiao Bao said, "Xiao Xue, let me discuss this with you. How much do you think is appropriate for the bride price?"
Xiao Bao and Xiao Xue said, "I don't know either."
Xiao Bao asked Xiao Xue, "Your sister-in-law, how much dowry did you receive?"
Xiaoxue said, "My parents only gave my sister-in-law a bride price of 188,000 yuan."
Xiao Bao said, "Oh. Xiao Xue, how much do you think is a suitable bride price?"
Xiaoxue said, "You can give me whatever you want, just don't take it."
Xiao Bao said, "That won't do. If it's according to my mom's wishes, she has prepared either 1.66 million or 2.88 million. Which number do you think is more appropriate? 1.88 million is still the best."
When Xiaoxue saw that there were three numbers, she sat up abruptly in bed and said, "Isn't this too much? Just a little bit will do."
Xiao Bao said, "My mom actually prepared three million, but she wanted an auspicious number and was afraid that giving too much would hurt your parents or scare you. So she discussed it with me and we decided to give 166, 188, or 288. The rest of the money was given to me. Today, my mom also transferred five million to me so that we can buy whatever we want."
When Xiaoxue heard these numbers, she was stunned. Firstly, she knew Xiaobao's family was wealthy, and secondly, she hadn't expected Mr. Lin to be willing to spend so much money on a girl from an ordinary family like her. Xiaoxue had assumed it would be a typical wedding with a dowry and a simple ceremony, but she hadn't expected Xiaobao's family to be so serious about it.
In the quiet of the night, Xiaobao and Xiaoxue finished their difficult conversation about the bride price. Faced with a choice, Xiaoxue seemed hesitant, so Xiaobao decided to leave the decision to his mother—188 million or 288 million, he would listen to his mother's arrangement. After saying goodnight to each other, the clock struck midnight, and the young couple gradually fell asleep, exhausted.
However, Xiao Bao, though asleep, was not at peace. His thoughts were still lingering on his conversation with Xiao Xue, marveling at her innocent and naive nature. At the same time, he was silently planning his actions for the next day, thinking of first returning to the canyon to get a delicious breakfast before going to Xiao Xue's house.
On a summer morning, while most people were still sound asleep in their warm beds, the sky was still dim and the air was thick with sleep. But for Xiao Bao, a professional soldier, 6:30 a.m. was his usual time for morning exercises. He quickly got out of bed, expertly put on his workout clothes, and without hesitation, headed towards the canyon.
In the canyon, the braised eggs, fragrant steamed buns, soft and sticky shumai, and steaming hot mantou that Mom had carefully prepared were all waiting for Xiao Bao. He carefully packed these foods into a box, put them into his backpack, and then slowly ran back home.
After arriving home, Xiaobao took a hot shower to revitalize himself. Then, filled with anticipation, he carried a backpack full of breakfast and went to Xiaoxue's house. Xiaoxue's house was quiet and peaceful; everyone was still fast asleep.
Xiao Bao skillfully entered the combination lock, entered the kitchen, and began a loving culinary journey. He first started cooking millet porridge and lean meat porridge; the porridge in the two earthenware pots simmered gently over a low flame, emitting an enticing aroma. Next, he placed steamed buns, shumai, braised eggs, and steamed bread into the steamer. After the food was cooked, he carefully transferred them to an electric steamer to keep them warm.
To give everyone more options, Xiao Bao started frying eggs again. He knew that although the breakfast he prepared was already quite substantial, and there might even be leftovers, it was always good to prepare more. In case someone didn't like noodles, there were fried eggs to satisfy their taste.
Just as Xiaobao was focused on frying eggs, Yang's mother and Xiaoxue's father were awakened by the sounds and aromas coming from the kitchen. Following the scent, they opened the bedroom door and went to the kitchen. There they saw a tall, handsome young man wearing an apron, busy at the stove.
"Good morning, Auntie and Uncle!" Xiao Bao greeted them warmly, his face beaming with a sincere smile.
Looking at the energetic and considerate young man before them, Yang's mother and Xiaoxue's father were filled with emotion and pride. At that moment, the warmth in the kitchen came not only from the steaming food, but also from Xiaobao's sincerity and love.
Xiao Bao's actions brought the first warmth of the morning to this family. This warmth, like the rising sun, dispelled the cold and illuminated everyone's hearts. Perhaps, love in life is like this, quietly blossoming in the ordinary little things, inspiring longing and bringing immense happiness.
On this peaceful summer morning, two children were fast asleep. However, the enticing aroma wafting from the kitchen, like a gentle hand, softly brushed past their noses, waking them from their slumber.
Rubbing their sleepy eyes, they skipped and hopped towards the kitchen in their cute pajamas. As soon as they entered the kitchen, they saw their future uncle, Xiaobao, busy with his grandparents serving food to the table.
Xiao Bao not only prepared a generous amount of staple food, but also thoughtfully included two refreshing pickled vegetables, their crisp texture a perfect accompaniment to the porridge. Then, Xiao Bao continued his work, steaming two sausages characteristic of Chengdu: one spicy, with a numbing and spicy kick; the other sweet, with a unique sweetness. He cut the sausages into small plates and neatly arranged them on the table.
The children stood by, watching Xiaobao's busy figure with curiosity and anticipation in their eyes. Every now and then, they would lean in to smell the aroma of the food, their little faces beaming with happy smiles.
At this moment, the warmth in the kitchen comes not only from the steaming food, but also from the heartfelt effort everyone put into making this breakfast. This breakfast is like a loving painting, depicting the warmth and harmony of family life.
On this ordinary yet special morning, everyone will soon sit around the dining table to enjoy this loving breakfast and start a wonderful day.
The morning sunlight had just begun to filter through the gaps in the curtains and into the room. The little girl's innocent voice rang out: "Brother, let's go wake Auntie up. We need to change our clothes and then come to the table for breakfast." Before the little girl could finish speaking, Grandma said, "Go quickly, go wake Auntie up, and change her clothes too. Come out now."
The two children skipped and hopped to their aunt's room first, gently knocked on the door, then pushed it open and shook their aunt, who was still asleep. The little girl said in her childish voice, "Lazy Auntie, Lazy Auntie, wake up!" The little boy mischievously pinched his aunt's nose.
Just then, Xiaoxue was finally woken up and sat up, saying with a resentful look, "I said I'm not awake yet." Xiaobao, who was following behind, stood by the bed wearing an apron. Looking at Xiaoxue's cute yet sleepy appearance, he couldn't help but reach out and pinch her nose, saying, "Get up quickly. After breakfast, we'll drive to the canyon."
Upon hearing this, Xiaoxue instantly snapped out of her daze and exclaimed, "Aren't we going out to eat?" Xiaobao replied with a smile, "Yes, we're going to eat in the canyon. No restaurant is as quiet and comfortable as the canyon. The environment is also great, and Mom and Dad make the best food."
Xiaoxue smiled and prepared to get up. Only then did she realize she was wearing a spaghetti-strap nightgown without a bra. In her excitement, the blanket slipped off her. Seeing this, Xiaobao blushed and his heart pounded. He quickly got out of bed and left the room.
Xiaoxue was still secretly enjoying herself when she suddenly saw Xiaobao hurriedly leaving, and only then did she realize what she was wearing. At this moment, Xiaoxue let out a scream, startling Xiaobao who was already in the kitchen outside, and also startling Ms. Yang and Xiaoxue's father, who were worried that something had happened to their daughter.
Ms. Yang hurried towards Xiaoxue's room. As she prepared to open the door, Xiaoxue was startled, as she was about to change her clothes. Seeing it was Ms. Yang, Xiaoxue complained, "Mom, why didn't you knock? Why did you just come in?" Ms. Yang asked, "What did you say?" Xiaoxue quickly replied, "Nothing, nothing. I'm getting dressed. You can go out now." With that, Xiaoxue pushed her mother out of the room, quickly locked the door, and then began changing.
This morning, though a little chaotic and awkward, was also filled with the warmth and joy of family.
After breakfast, Xiaobao told Yang's mom and Xiaoxue's dad at the table that they would all prepare lunch together. After breakfast, Yang's mom quickly went back to her room, found two new outfits, and after she and Xiaoxue's dad put them on, Yang's mom looked both presentable and elegant, while Xiaoxue's dad looked energetic and capable. The two children also wore their cute new clothes.
Xiaoxue casually chose a white dress with blue accents, fresh and elegant, and slung a simple crossbody bag slightly larger than a cell phone over her shoulder. Then, she applied a light makeup. Recently, the toiletries and cosmetics Xiaobao had given her had improved her skin, making it fair and smooth, like a peeled egg.
After everyone was dressed, Xiao Bao led everyone downstairs, got into his Land Rover, and sped off into the canyon.
As the car passed through the canyon cave, Ms. Yang exclaimed, "Xiao Bao, you have to go through such a long cave in your canyon!" Xiao Bao replied, "Yes." Ms. Yang asked curiously, "Is this cave so big? Can a car even drive in?" Xiao Bao smiled and said, "We got a pangolin to help us." Ms. Yang asked in surprise, "Is it a pangolin spirit?" Xiao Bao said, "Yes." After a moment of amazement, Ms. Yang fell silent.
After traversing this secluded section of road, despite the presence of streetlights, the long, ancient path still exuded a sense of mystery. Finally, Xiao Bao drove the car into a large courtyard. This courtyard was exceptionally beautiful; standing within it, one could take in the entire valley. The valley was serene, adorned with vibrant flowers, and breathtakingly beautiful at every turn.
Lin Yue and Gong Yong quickly left the kitchen of the old house and went to the yard to greet Xiaoxue's parents. This was Xiaoxue's second visit to this yard, and everyone showed great enthusiasm.
In a corner of the pavilion in the courtyard, fresh fruits and vegetables were displayed. Xiao Ning arranged for everyone to sit in a large glass room in the courtyard. This glass room was quite special; it was a great place to play mahjong and drink tea. In winter, it offered a view and warmth, while in summer, it provided a view and coolness, thanks to the air conditioning. The current weather was perfect for relaxing here.