CHAPTER 272: CHAPTER 272: CALL ME UNCLE

"Xiao Yue." Zhang Hualian’s gaze stayed fixed on Tang Yue without ever leaving. Originally, giving birth to Tang Yue was an immense struggle. Back then, she and Xiao Yue’s biological father were about to discuss marriage. But in the end, he left her and Xiao Yue. It was only then that Zhang Hualian discovered she was pregnant.

Everyone advised her against keeping Xiao Yue, but she thought about it being her own child, and being stubborn back then, she believed Xiao Yue’s biological father would definitely come back for her. After her parents scolded her, they supported her decision, so she secretly gave birth to Xiao Yue.

When Xiao Yue was first born, because of insufficient nutrition, she was even smaller and thinner than other children, a tiny and skinny creature smaller than a monkey, all skin and bones, looking like a little kitten. At that time, she was really worried she wouldn’t be able to raise Xiao Yue.

During the day, she had to work to earn her work points, and at night take care of Xiao Yue. Although her mother said she would take care of Xiao Yue, she couldn’t bear to let her mother do it both during the day and night.

That year, Zhang Hualian became just skin and bones, and Xiao Yue turned one but was still smaller and thinner than her peers.

Zhang Hualian felt guilty towards her daughter; her parents arranged for her to meet suitors, but for the sake of Xiao Yue, she couldn’t bear to do it.

Not until later when she met Tang Zhengde. At that time, her younger brother Zhang Huafeng married Liu Cuixong into their family. Liu Cuixong didn’t make things easy for her, showing no kindness at all. As her father’s health worsened, Zhang Hualian didn’t want to be a burden to her parents, especially since Tang Zhengde was very kind to Xiao Yue.

So Zhang Hualian decided to marry Tang Zhengde.

After marriage, Tang Zhengde treated them, mother and daughter, very well. Xiao Yue was just over two years old, and always called Zhengde ’Daddy’. Zhengde doted on Xiao Yue as if he were her real father, even though his mother constantly urged them to have their own children, but Zhengde insisted on waiting until Xiao Yue was ready before having children.

So they waited, and not until Xiao Yue was over three years old did they have Tang Jun.

Looking back now, it was the happiest and most joyful time. Life was simple but full of hope, and deep down, Zhang Hualian had accepted Tang Zhengde.

After Tang Jun was born, Tang Yue’s temperament began to change, she no longer grew as close to Tang Zhengde as before. Her father passed away due to illness, and Zhang Hualian felt she was almost unable to cope, but it was Tang Zhengde who stayed by her side. He carefully tried to please Xiao Yue, but every cold expression from Xiao Yue made her heart ache.

She had thought that in this lifetime, Tang Yue might never accept Tang Zhengde. However, Tang Yue seemed to suddenly mature, and at that time, she was nervous, fearing Tang Yue was just pretending. But gradually, Zhang Hualian came to realize that Tang Yue had truly grown up.

Now, in the blink of an eye, Xiao Yue, once tiny and kitten-like, had grown into a graceful young woman. The whole family was happy together, and even the mere thought of her daughter getting married filled Zhang Hualian’s heart with a deep sense of reluctance.

"Mom, what’s wrong with you today?" Tang Yue picked up a sliced apple and handed it to Zhang Hualian, saying, "Mom, eat an apple. We are mother and daughter after all, if there is anything, don’t talk to dad about it – just tell me, our little secret between mother and daughter."

"Okay." Zhang Hualian bit into the apple, and although it was the same apple, the one fed by her daughter tasted even sweeter. She smiled and asked, "Xiao Yue, there is something I want to ask you today, and you must answer me truthfully."

"Okay."

Tang Yue responded very obediently.

Zhang Hualian unconsciously sat straight and said: "Xiao Yue, your Uncle came over to say that the Mo Family wants to propose marriage. They want to feel out our opinions first, so I want to ask you, is this marriage going to happen or not?"

"Ah..." Tang Yue thought her mom and dad had quarreled, or that she had been aggrieved by something. She kept reflecting inwardly, wondering if she had done something to anger her mother.

Who knew, when Zhang Hualian spoke, it was not about that at all.

A marriage proposal, Mo Siyu hadn’t mentioned this.

Tang Yue looked bewildered, but her heart was thumping wildly—Mo Siyu was coming to propose.

She was really going to marry Mo Siyu; her last wish before she died in her previous life was coming true.

Zhang Hualian continued, "I think getting engaged is a bit early, but if you and Mo Siyu truly love each other, being engaged is better for you. In Jing City, he can take care of you, and it’s more proper."

"But, Xiao Yue, you’re only nineteen and already getting engaged, I..." Zhang Hualian hesitated, torn and unsure what to do next.

"Mom," Tang Yue cleared her throat, seemingly casually, "Mom, getting engaged just means settling this marriage matter, not getting married immediately, right?"

Tang Yue blinked, trying not to seem too eager.

"Yes, after getting engaged, you can marry one year later or even two years later. By then, you’ll only be in your second year of college," Zhang Hualian followed Tang Yue’s lead, speaking and then she stopped, looking intently at Tang Yue.

Tang Yue’s face flushed, and she seemed to hear nothing else, her heart pounding loudly within her chest.

"Girls really do grow up and leave home," Zhang Hualian said as she gently stroked her hair. Seeing Ye’s hopeful look reminded her of her younger self.

Zhang Hualian became serious and said, "Xiao Yue, even if you are engaged, when you are in Jing City, you must not actually be together with Mo Siyu or have a relationship. Engagement is just a formal agreement; without marriage, it doesn’t count. Understand?"

"I understand." Tang Yue nodded, throwing herself into Zhang Hualian’s arms, softly saying, "Mom, I’ll be good. Don’t worry."

"Silly child, you are my daughter, if I don’t worry, who will?" Zhang Hualian said with a smile.

This matter was settled, and Zhang Hualian messaged Tang Mingli, agreeing to the marriage proposal but details needed further discussion.

Tang Mingli felt relieved and went to find Mo Siyu.

"How is it? Did Uncle Tang and Aunt Tang agree?" Mo Siyu asked eagerly.

Tang Mingli immediately laughed, having never seen Mo Siyu this eager before.

"Why don’t you call me ’little uncle’ and let me hear it?" Tang Mingli looked at Mo Siyu proudly. In the past, they had fought over who was older and who should be called brother; neither conceded, always addressing each other by name.

Now Tang Mingli was technically a generation above Mo Siyu, which pleased and delighted him greatly.

"That’s great." Hearing this, Mo Siyu knew the Tang Family had agreed; he turned to head home to report the news.

Tang Mingli quickly grabbed Mo Siyu, saying, "You haven’t called me yet!"

"Tang Mingli, when we get engaged, I will call you then," Mo Siyu said earnestly. "By then, you’d better be ready with the red envelope."