CHAPTER 396: CHAPTER 395: A NORMAL DILEMMA (PART 2)

Rural girls typically marry young, and now that Gu Xiaoying is married, it’s about time for Gu Xiaoqing too.

According to the village customs, she should be asking around the neighbors and finding someone to propose a marriage for her daughter.

But Gu Xiaoqing has a strong opinion of her own, and since she’s still in college, she intends to wait until after graduation before discussing marriage.

So, while this issue hasn’t surfaced in the form of traditional urging to marry, it has gradually become a mild concern for Li Xuemei.

Upon hearing her daughter’s definite response, Li Xuemei inexplicably felt a twinge of reluctance.

Could this be the so-called ’married daughter syndrome’?

"Shaohan, your uncle is very pleased you came to visit. You didn’t really need to bring any gifts; your sincerity alone is enough to make me happy. But I hope you understand the feelings of a father. I’m not opposed to your relationship, but I do have one condition."

"Old man, why are you being so pretentious?"

Li Xuemei was surprised, knowing in advance that Fang Shaohan was coming, but Gu Ruhai hadn’t mentioned any conditions!

Gu Xiaoqing was also taken aback. What’s going on with her father? Why suddenly come up with conditions? Their family has everything now, and Gu Ruhai doesn’t have any specific needs.

Besides, would Fang Shaohan even blink at a substantial bride price? Or is it that Fang Shaohan wouldn’t ’go by the book’?

Liu Ming stayed silent on the sidelines, but he found it amusing, as if it was about time his boss ran into some trouble, and it pleased him to watch from the sidelines.

However, Fang Shaohan smiled slightly and looked at Gu Ruhai, "Uncle, go ahead, I’ll definitely agree."

"The condition I have isn’t difficult."

"Please, tell me."

"Since it’s a marriage, it’s a matter between two families. I hope the two families can sit down together and properly discuss this matter."

"Of course."

Fang Shaohan promptly agreed.

Gu Ruhai raised his hand, indicating for Fang Shaohan not to rush, and said slowly, "So, I would like to visit your mother personally."

"Huh?"

Li Xuemei looked at her husband in puzzlement. What is this about?

Fang Shaohan sensed that this wasn’t just a simple meeting with his parents. After all, the two families had some interactions and knew a bit about each other.

Gu Ruhai’s serious intent was to see his grandparents. Otherwise, Li Xuemei and Gu Ruhai, being peers with He Cui and Fang Jianguo, wouldn’t use a formal term like ’visit.’

Gu Xiaoqing was also slightly startled. She knew her parents well; their main concern had always been Fang Shaohan’s official background.

It’s understandable, as Gu Ruhai, an ordinary citizen, despite having some money now, is still very wary of dealing with officials.

Historically, ordinary people have always had a fear of officials.

This is why Gu Ruhai’s words today were so shocking, leaving people feeling baffled and astounded.

"Though it’s a bit intrusive, please understand, Shaohan, that as parents, we wish only for our daughter’s happiness."

It was impossible for Gu Ruhai not to feel anxious, but when he thought about the possibility of Gu Xiaoqing being troubled by Fang Shaohan’s family, he felt the need to see for himself.

If the other party didn’t even want to see them, there was no point in reaching out for that ’high branch.’ If his daughter would be unhappy in the marriage, it would be better to cut ties early.

"Dad..."

Gu Xiaoqing wasn’t foolish. Her formerly timid father, who always obeyed his parents, was now willing to go to great lengths for his daughter, and she was deeply moved.

She also knew that under normal circumstances, it would take a hundredfold courage for Gu Ruhai to visit Fang Shaohan’s grandparents. In Gu Ruhai’s mind, it was like a village peasant meeting a high-ranking official, an overwhelming pressure.

But, for his daughter, to prevent her from facing hardship after marriage, he was determined to see the other party’s attitude with his own eyes.

"So, Shaohan, how about it?"

Gu Ruhai was stubborn. Once he made up his mind, he wouldn’t back down.

Fang Shaohan felt a bit troubled. Although his grandparents doted on him, he really didn’t know what to expect from his grandfather.

In a high position, no one at home dared to defy the elder’s decisions; the old man was authority... that was Fang Shaohan’s impression of his grandfather.

Gu Ruhai’s request... it was a bit challenging, but understandable too.

In normal families, when both sides get married, they eventually meet up to discuss the wedding arrangements.

Moreover, Fang Shaohan also needed to pass his grandparents’ test.

So, he nodded and replied, "No problem, Uncle and Aunt, I’ll take care of the arrangements. How about that?"

"Of course, we trust you entirely."

Gu Ruhai glanced at his wife and smiled, nodding in agreement.

Seeing that it was already noon, Li Xuemei hurriedly called Liu Ming, "It’s getting late; let’s go buy some groceries and cook a nice meal."

"Don’t bother, Aunt."

Fang Shaohan stood up and said, "Let’s eat out..."

"What nonsense, no matter how good the food outside is, it’s not as comforting as homemade family meals. You should sit and chat more with your uncle, I’ll be quick."

Gu Xiaoqing also got up to get dressed.

"Why are you getting up? Stay with your beloved. I have Liu Ming accompanying me; are you worried about your mom being whisked away?"

Li Xuemei smiled and had her daughter stay behind, "If you leave, Shaohan might not want to stay!"

The family gathered for a warm meal, where both Gu Xiaoqing and Li Xuemei showcased their skills, serving aromatic family dishes that left an unforgettable impression.

During the meal, they had a little drink. Liu Ming helped his father-in-law Gu Ruhai back to his room to rest, while Fang Shaohan sat for a bit, ready to say goodbye.

"No need to rush. I don’t think your grandparents will easily agree."

Gu Xiaoqing said softly, helping Fang Shaohan tidy his clothes.

Fang Shaohan blinked and replied with a mischievous smile, "While you’re not worried, I am. If I wait too long, what if someone else wins you over? Do you want me to be a bachelor for life? That would be tragic."

"Listen to you."

Gu Xiaoqing playfully punched Fang Shaohan’s chest, pouting.

However, she paused, and softly suggested, "Then, how about I visit your grandparents?"

For this, Fang Shaohan’s efforts alone wouldn’t suffice; she needed to gain his family’s acceptance too.

Since Gu Ruhai intended to meet the elders, she felt an even stronger need to make herself accepted beforehand.

"Hmm, I’ll have my parents pave the way with grandpa first, then I’ll take you over when he’s in a good mood."

Fang Shaohan gently kissed Gu Xiaoqing’s forehead and whispered.