The Stepmother’s Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era
Chapter 746 - 745: Sincerity in Marriage Proposal

Chapter 746: Chapter 745: Sincerity in Marriage Proposal

Upon hearing Qian Rong’s suspicions and doubts about She Zheming’s character, Pei Qiuxia felt uneasy.

But then she thought that the other party’s intentions were for her own good, so she suppressed her discomfort and explained seriously, "Rong, you’re overthinking it. Zheming, after all, is part of the system, his character and upbringing are trustworthy."

"During Qingming Festival, he even took me to the Martyrs’ Park to pay respects to his grandfather, and his parents, brother, and sister were all there."

Family background could be fabricated, but not just anyone could enter the Martyrs’ Park.

Qian Rong revealed a relieved smile, "That’s good then, I was just worried you were being deceived."

"I’m not that foolish."

"And how does his family treat you?"

"Quite well, his mom keeps asking me over for dinner whenever I’m free, she’s really enthusiastic."

Qian Rong made a face, "Don’t be fooled by such sweet talk. All mothers-in-law are the same; they’re all caring and warm before you marry into the family but start picking on you once you are married. I’m a living example."

Pei Qiuxia gave a brief laugh but didn’t say anything, her mind reflecting on the lessons Wenping had taught her.

If you can put up with it, stay; if you can’t, then separate.

"Do they know about your past? With such good conditions in their family, and Zheming having a good job, they must have high expectations for a daughter-in-law, right?"

"They probably know," Pei Qiuxia was uncertain.

After she and Zheming made their relationship official, the parents had met for a meal at a restaurant, and afterward, there was the Qingming Festival visit to the Martyrs’ Park.

She had only met Father Shen & Mother Shen twice in total. They seemed very open and amiable, but she couldn’t say much more about them.

Qian Rong advised, "I think you should consider it a bit more. You know hardly anything about his family, and if you marry so hastily, you might regret it later."

Pei Qiuxia was different from Huang Ju.

In matters of her own marriage, she was quite decisive and wouldn’t change her mind because of a few words from a friend.

"The wedding plan is already discussed with Zheming; we’ll get the marriage certificate first, and hold the ceremony in October. Both parents have no objections."

Seeing the happiness and sweetness on her face, Qian Rong couldn’t help but add, "Getting the certificate first is fine, but you can’t skip the necessary formalities. Marriage is a big deal; it can’t be rushed."

Pei Qiuxia agreed on this point.

Qian Rong began counting on her fingers, listing, "The betrothal gifts, gold jewelry, wedding banquet, wedding house—these are all essentials. His family can afford them; if they don’t offer, it means they don’t respect you."

Seeing Pei Qiuxia nodding without speaking, Qian Rong couldn’t help saying, "I’m serious, you shouldn’t ignore this. Don’t think discussing money is tacky. From these details, you can tell whether his family is sincere about having you as their daughter-in-law."

"If that’s the case..." Pei Qiuxia slowly said, "then their sincerity seems quite substantial."

Grandmother Shen, being the eldest daughter of a landlord family before liberation, left some inheritances to her grandchildren when she passed away.

What she left for Zheming was a small courtyard from the Republic era. Although the house was a bit old, it was still suitable to live in with some renovations.

The Shen Family gave a betrothal gift of sixty-six thousand, thirty-three thousand of which was Zheming’s own savings.

Besides the essential three-piece jewelry set, Mother Shen also gave an extra jade bracelet made of red fei.

The bracelet was an heirloom from Grandmother Shen. Originally a pair, the other was given to Zheming’s sister-in-law.

The wedding banquet was entirely handled by the Shen Family; Pei Qiuxia didn’t need to worry about anything.

Zheming’s brother-in-law, a professional photographer, took care of their wedding photos.

Listening to each of these items, Qian Rong felt like her heart was soaked in a vat of old sauerkraut, bubbling with sourness.

"One more thing—after the wedding, whether you live with his parents. You’ve seen the life I’m leading; don’t follow in my footsteps. If he doesn’t agree, then don’t get married!"

Pei Qiuxia nodded, "I think the same. I plan to use the betrothal gift money to renovate the courtyard a bit, and after the wedding, we’ll live there by ourselves."

"Have you discussed this with Zheming? Does he agree?"

"Yeah, he doesn’t like living at home either. He mostly stays in the dormitory."

Seeing the sweet and joyful smile on Pei Qiuxia’s face, Qian Rong felt a mix of emotions.

What a good man, why hadn’t she met him!

Before parting, Qian Rong suddenly told Pei Qiuxia, "Oh, by the way, Chen Sha is back from Shanghai City. She arranged a lunch at Ginkgo Building for Saturday noon. You should come early."

"Saturday?" Pei Qiuxia appeared hesitant, "Zheming and I had planned to go furniture shopping."

"Oh, there’s always time to look at furniture. Back when we were in school, we were so close to Chen Sha, and she finally came back and wanted to meet up. How can you not go?"

"Alright."

...

Before long, it was Saturday.

After tidying up her place and glancing at the clock on the wall, Pei Qiuxia picked up the phone and dialed She Zheming’s dormitory.

"Hello?"

"It’s me. What are you doing?"

Hearing her voice, She Zheming smiled, "Just woke up. I took the day off to rest a bit longer."

Hearing his answer, Pei Qiuxia couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty.

She Zheming had specifically taken a day off to go on a date with her and look at furniture and wedding supplies.

Who would have guessed that a class reunion would interfere, and they could only reschedule for the afternoon and evening.

Her fingers twined around the phone cord as she spoke in a gentle whisper, "If you’re free at noon, perhaps you’d like to come to the reunion with me?"

"A bunch of female classmates gathering and me being the only guy, wouldn’t that be a bit awkward?"

That was true.

Seeing she didn’t say anything, She Zheming comforted her, "It’s okay. Go ahead, and I’ll tidy up a bit and go home to see my parents for lunch, then pick you up afterward."

"Mhm."

After hanging up, Pei Qiuxia happily went to her room to change and put on makeup.

...

"She Zheming, what a coincidence to bump into you here."

Just as he walked out of the dormitory building, he immediately ran into Qian Rong.

She Zheming looked at her, surprised, "Aren’t you having a class reunion? Why did you come this way?"

The public security dormitory and Ginkgo Building were in completely different directions.

"A classmate wanted to eat goose here, so I bought some on my way."

Qian Rong explained with a smile and playfully invited She Zheming, "Why don’t you join the reunion too? Everyone’s eager to meet Qiuxia’s new’s boyfriend in person since Qiuxia always says you’re busy."

"I’ll pass today, maybe some other time."

"Could it be you’re afraid of an awkward scene meeting a romantic rival?"

She Zheming raised an eyebrow, "Romantic rival?"

Qian Rong hastily explained, "Just kidding. Qiuxia and Jiang Xinsheng are history. Today it’s just about classmates sitting down for a meal, nothing more."

...

At one in the afternoon, Pei Qiuxia walked out of Ginkgo Building and quickly crossed the street toward the white jeep.

Seeing her, She Zheming jumped down from the vehicle and circled to the passenger side to help her open the door.

"Please."

"What’s this all about?" Pei Qiuxia looked at him, unable to suppress a laugh.

Although She Zheming usually took care of her, opening the car door for her with such chivalry was still a first.

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