Power and Wealth
Chapter 1953 – Engagement
Around seven o’clock.
With the main tasks of the day completed, even though there were still many follow-ups to discuss and explore, Dong Xuebing’s responsibilities were essentially wrapped up for the day. Just moments earlier, he was practically “drunk” and almost ready to pass out at the Fang family’s home. Yet now, he was suddenly refreshed and full of energy, chatting casually with Grandpa Fang, exchanging polite remarks with Fang Shuiling’s parents. His face showed no hint of discomfort, completely ignoring the odd looks from the others around him.
“Weren’t you drunk just now?”
“How did you sober up so fast?”
A few of the younger members of the Fang family rolled their eyes. Some were also puzzled as to why their grandfather had changed his mind so suddenly. They went over to inquire with their grandfather.
“Grandpa.”
“Please reconsider.”
“How can our sister marry into their family?”
Grandpa Fang didn’t respond to any of their questions.
Dong Xuebing noticed this and said with a smile, “Grandpa Fang, dear elders, I’ll be heading out now. Later, I’ll have Xiao Ran and the others discuss the engagement arrangements with my third uncle and aunt. Actually, why wait? Good things shouldn’t be delayed. How about we do it tomorrow? Let’s meet for lunch tomorrow. Third Uncle and Aunt, I’d be honored if you could join us. You pick the place, anywhere is fine. I’ll inform my big uncle and the rest of the family. How does that sound to everyone?”
Dong Xuebing was essentially scouting out the Fang family’s attitude with this visit. It wasn’t a formal proposal—after all, the children weren’t present, nor were their parents. A proper proposal would require the involvement of both families, something beyond Dong Xuebing’s current responsibilities.
The third uncle and aunt said nothing but turned to look at Grandpa Fang.
Grandpa Fang directly replied on their behalf, “Alright, tomorrow at noon.”
“Great, haha, I’ll be off then.” Dong Xuebing turned and headed for the door. After taking a single step, he spun around and said, “Please, everyone, stay seated. No need to see me out—we’re about to become family, no need for such formalities. I’ll visit again another day. Apologies for the disturbance today.”
“Stay seated?”
“Who was planning to see you out?”
No one in the room had any intention of seeing Dong Xuebing out. But now that he’d said this, not escorting him out would seem impolite.
In the end, one of the younger members of the Fang family reluctantly stepped forward. “Let me find a driver for you.”
Dong Xuebing waved his hand dismissively. “No need. Haha, with this little bit of alcohol? I can still drive at 200 miles per hour.”
A few minutes later, Dong Xuebing hopped into his car and sped off, leaving the villa in a flash.
Once he was gone, the Fang family’s living room instantly felt much quieter. Everyone breathed more easily, as if the air itself had been revitalized. Finally, they had sent this guy packing. The “Plague God” nickname suddenly made perfect sense to them—he indeed was a troublemaker.
Meanwhile, at Senior Xie’s residence.
Just like the Fang family, the elders and younger generations of the Xie family had also gathered at Senior Xie’s home since morning. Except for Xie Guobang and Xie Guojian, who had stepped out in the afternoon and returned just in time for dinner, everyone else had been chatting at home all day, discussing politics, family affairs, and everyday topics.
“Oh dear, it’s already past seven,” Ci Lifen said with a frown.
Xie Ran, visibly restless, muttered, “Why isn’t Brother-in-law back yet?”
Xie Jing blinked and suggested, “Should we call Brother-in-law and ask?”
“Better not,” Xie Ran said after some thought. “If Brother-in-law isn’t back yet, he’s probably having dinner at Xiao Ling’s house. Things must be going smoothly; otherwise, they wouldn’t have invited him to stay for dinner. That’s most likely the case. When I called my Brother-in-law earlier, he said everything was going well. He even mentioned that Xiao Ling’s family had invited him for tea, and he was chatting about TV dramas with Xiao Ling’s mom.
Fang Shuiling was skeptical, “No way, my mom never watches TV dramas.”
Han Jing chuckled, exposing Dong Xuebing, “Oh, you should just take whatever Xiaobing says with a grain of salt. That boy’s words can’t be trusted.” The mother-in-law was well acquainted with Dong Xuebing.
Ring, ring, ring.
Fang Shuiling’s phone rang.
“Quick, see who’s calling!” Xie Ran was more anxious than she was.
Fang Shuiling quickly fished out her phone, “Ah, it’s my mom.”
“Pick it up!” Xie Ran’s expression betrayed a hint of nervousness.
Fang Shuiling glanced at the elders in the living room. Even though no one was paying her any attention, she stepped out the door to the villa’s courtyard before answering.
“Mom,” Fang Shuiling said cautiously.
Her mother’s voice came through, lukewarm, “What’s wrong? Didn’t you eat enough at their place? Why does your voice sound so weak?”
Fang Shuiling quickly replied, “I’m just worried, Mom. How did things go on your end? What about Dad and the others?”
Her mother snorted, “You’re something, huh? All grown up, with hardened wings, and now you’re siding with outsiders, is that it? How many times have I told you? But you never listen! You just had to keep seeing that Xie Ran, didn’t you? Are you trying to drive me and your dad to an early grave?”
Fang Shuiling played the pity card, “No, Mom. Didn’t I always listen to you and Dad before? You told me which university to go to—I went. Told me to get a master’s—I did. Told me to pursue a doctorate—I went ahead with that too. Even the majors I chose were all based on what you and Dad wanted. Not once did I disobey you. But this time, Mom, it’s different. This is my lifelong happiness. Just this once, I have to listen to myself.” Her tone grew firmer as she spoke.
Her mother fell silent for a moment, then sighed, “Sigh.”
“Mom, I’m begging you,” Fang Shuiling pleaded. “Please help me out at home, especially with Grandpa. He always listens to you.”
Her mother said, “Oh, please, as if I needed to say anything. Xie Ran’s elder brother-in-law has already said enough for everyone. Honestly, I don’t know what’s going on with Xie Huilan. I’ve met her before—such an elegant and beautiful woman. How on earth did she marry a man like that? But I’ll give it to him; that boy does have some real skills.”
Fang Shuiling was stunned, “Mom, are you saying…”
Her mother reluctantly admitted, “Your family has agreed to you and Xie Ran being together.”
“Really? For real? Mom, you’re not joking, are you?” Fang Shuiling’s eyes were already welling up. “What about Grandpa? Did he agree too?”
Her mother replied, “It was your grandfather who made the decision.”
“What happened? Didn’t the family disapprove?” Fang Shuiling couldn’t believe it.
Her mother hesitated for a moment before explaining, “Xie Ran’s elder brother-in-law came over today. Initially, the family had already made up their minds. We didn’t even let him through the door. But somehow, I don’t know what he did; he managed to sneak in as if it were nothing. And once he was inside, he refused to leave. We tried to send him off politely, but he pretended not to understand, all smiles and jokes, sticking around to chat, drink tea, and even staying for dinner. And in the end—guess what? He wanted to spend the night! I mean, what kind of person would do that?
Fang Shuiling chuckled, “That’s just Brother Dong for you—such a character. Then what happened next, Mom? Tell me!”
Her mother continued, “Well, then your second aunt got upset. You know her temper—she started arguing with Dong Xuebing, saying that unless pies fell from the sky, she’d never agree to you and Xie Ran’s relationship. And wouldn’t you know it? Dong Xuebing pulled some trick, snapped his fingers, and somehow, an actual pie fell from the sky, nearly hitting your second aunt!” Her mother recounted the story precisely as it happened. “Anyway, your younger aunt also got mad while she was in the house. She said if the family’s decision caused you any harm, she wouldn’t hesitate to sever ties with them. Additionally, there were some political considerations at play as well. For all these reasons, your grandfather finally agreed. Tomorrow, your dad and I are supposed to meet with Xie Ran and his parents to discuss the engagement and the bride price.”
“Tomorrow?” Fang Shuiling asked in surprise.
“Yes, tomorrow,” her mother confirmed.
Fang Shuiling nearly jumped up in excitement. “Mom, I love you so much!”
“Stupid girl,” her mother scolded. “Even though your grandfather agreed, I still think this is a bad idea. I don’t like that Xie Ran kid at all. Once you marry into their family, you’re likely to face difficulties. Just wait and see. Don’t come crying to me when that happens, hmmph.” Although her mother realized the decision was final, she wasn’t thrilled about it. Still, when it came to negotiating the bride price, she planned to demand a high sum. With most families, she wouldn’t care about the amount, but this was the Xie family. She intended to take full advantage. If they refused, that would be even better since she didn’t want Fang Shuiling to marry into their family anyway.
Inside the villa.
Fang Shuiling came back inside.
“How did it go?” Xie Ran immediately stood up.
Everyone, including Xie Guoliang, turned to look at her.
Fang Shuiling’s face was beaming with joy. “My family agreed! My grandfather also gave his approval. My parents said the two families should meet tomorrow for dinner and discuss the details. She blushed slightly, maintaining some modesty as she mentioned it.
Xie Ran slapped his thigh excitedly. “That’s fantastic!”
Ci Lifen smiled, “Looks like there’s going to be a happy event in the family.”
Xie Guoliang nodded approvingly. “Xiao Ran, take Xiao Ling upstairs to inform Grandpa.”
“Got it!” Xie Ran grabbed Fang Shuiling’s hand and eagerly headed up the stairs.
Han Jing sighed with emotion, “Wonderful, really wonderful. Look at how happy those two are, haha.”
Xie Ran’s mother, Xia Yanzhen, however, remained silent. Like Fang Shuiling’s mother, she likely had her reservations and wasn’t entirely on board.
Ten minutes later.
The whole family gathered in the living room to discuss the news.
The front door opened, and Dong Xuebing finally returned. “Dad, Mom, Uncle, Aunt, Second Uncle, Second Aunt—I didn’t let you down. Everything is settled with Xiao Ling’s family. Seeing Xie Ran and Fang Shuiling’s joyful expressions, he smiled. “Oh, you all know already? Great.”
Han Jing laughed, “Well done with this.”
Dong Xuebing replied humbly, “It’s thanks to Xiao Ling’s family being reasonable and respecting the kids’ wishes. I didn’t do much.”
Xie Hao chuckled, “I told you, didn’t I? Who is my brother-in-law anyway? When he steps up, there’s no problem he can’t handle. You all didn’t believe me—look at this, huh? Look at this!”
Dong Xuebing laughed, “Stop exaggerating, kid, haha.”
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