Chapter 291: Excuse Me, How Did You Two Go From Awkward Small Talk to Discussing the Bride Price?
The truth about the future daughter-in-law meeting her future mother-in-law could have come out right away, but it was better to wait a little longer.
When Lin Yibai finally realizes that "Sister Xia" is actually her future mother-in-law, that moment will definitely be a lot of fun to watch.
As for whether the son comes home or not. Well, he’s a grown man. As long as he’s not out fooling around. Let him come home or not, whatever he wants!
Besides, he’s not out messing around. He’s with his girlfriend, trying to win her parents over! Any sensible parents from the South would totally agree and feel at ease.
Xia Zhilian gave him a clear message over the phone, “Son, no need to rush back home, okay?”
Xia Changyu: “Got it~”
Xia Zhilian continued, “I don’t really mind what you do. But you’re graduating next year, right? I hope the first gift you bring home after graduation… is Baiyi.”
Xia Changyu: “I promise.”
Xia Zhilian: “Good luck!”
The car was now driving on the main road of the town. Lin Yibai’s hometown was still quite lively.
There weren’t many people, but most lived in the town center. There was a light industry base that supported the area. But sadly, most young people had already been drawn away by bigger cities.
That was also why Lin Yibai left in the first place. For young people, staying in a small town like this meant just wasting time. It was more suited for retirees.
As they got closer to her home, Xia Changyu suddenly felt a bit nervous. He carefully asked,
“Um… I just want to check. Is there anything I should avoid doing when I meet your parents? Like, anything they really don’t like?”
Lin Yibai shrugged, “Relax! My family doesn’t follow any religion or belong to an ethnic group with special traditions. They don’t have the kind of strict customs you might be worried about.”
Of course, ancestor worship doesn’t count as superstition, right?
Also, no one would be dumb enough to visit someone’s house and start criticizing their statues of gods or wealth symbols, right?
Lin Yibai thought for a moment. Her parents were really just average people.
Those TV show plots where they created drama and made things difficult for the guy, even when they were just at home in a normal situation, were a bit too unrealistic.
After thinking for a bit, she said, “My dad might actually be more nervous than you.”
Xia Changyu was surprised. “Huh? Even my future father-in-law gets nervous?”
Lin Yibai rolled her eyes. “You’re allowed to be nervous meeting him, but he’s not allowed to be nervous meeting you?”
They finally arrived at the apartment complex. There were motorcycles everywhere, and lots of cars since it was the end of the year. Even though Xia Changyu thought of himself as a skilled driver, he was sweating all over by the time he managed to squeeze the car into a tiny corner spot.
Xia Changyu wiped his sweat. “Parking here is seriously tough!”
Lin Yibai laughed. “It’s an old neighborhood. Back then, no one expected every family to own a car. Luckily, we got here early. Otherwise, we’d have to park in public spots outside, and they charge nearly 50 yuan a day!”
Xia Changyu raised an eyebrow. “But aren’t public parking spots supposed to be for everyone?”
Lin Yibai shrugged helplessly. “It’s because the neighborhood is so crowded inside, so they started charging outside. But over at the newer neighborhoods nearby, there’s plenty of space, so their public parking is still free.”
That’s just how strange things work sometimes. It’s called a public service. But if you need it, you get charged. If you don’t need it, it’s free.
He was carrying a carton of Chunghwa cigarettes and holding a box of Wuliangye liquor.
Yes, the same kind that Lin Yibai’s dad collects. One bottle costs over 1,000 yuan!
Even before they reached her home, they could already smell the food coming from the stairwell.
Lin Yibai sniffed the air and said, “Chicken and pork stomach soup with red dates, mutton stew with cinnamon twig and tuckahoe, old duck soup with pickled vegetables and tofu… And my mom bought a bunch of chives too. All super healthy and great for the body. Do you know why she cooked all this?”
Xia Changyu sat up straight and shook his head. “I don’t know.”
Lin Yibai kindly reminded him, “My parents said you look really weak, like something sucked all your energy out… They’re wondering if maybe your kidneys aren’t doing so well.”
Xia Changyu: “……”
Um… can I say something here?
Isn’t it you, Baiyi, who’s been draining all my energy?
Finally, they arrived at the door. Lin Yibai took out her key and opened it.
The house was clean and bright. Her mom was busy in the kitchen making dinner, while her dad stood straight at the table, looking like he was just boiling water for tea. But actually, he was very nervous inside.
As soon as the door opened, her dad saw Xia Changyu for the first time.
His first thought: quite good-looking, seems like a decent young man.
Lin Shanwen (her dad): “You’re here!”
Right after saying that, he nearly bit his own tongue.
Why did I say that so flatly? I sounded so cold and unfriendly… What if the boy thinks I don’t like him? How awkward!
Lin Yibai didn’t think much of it. But Xia Changyu was already sweating a little from nervousness. “Uh, yes, I’m here.”
Lin Shanwen: “Want some tea?”
Xia Changyu: “Sure, I’ll have a cup.”
At this point, Lin Yibai couldn’t help but glance over. That’s weird, dad doesn’t usually act like this. And Xia Changyu’s normally pretty cheerful too!
Why are they both acting so awkward, like two shy kids?
Should she step in and break the ice?
She thought about it. Nah, let’s just watch. It’s kind of funny seeing these two act so stiff and nervous.
But men are practical. Once the tea was served, Lin Shanwen got to the point and asked, “I heard from Xiao Bai that you’re running your own business?”
Xia Changyu nodded: “Yes, I am.”
Lin Shanwen: “That’s not bad. Do you have any future plans?”
Xia Changyu: “My biggest plan in the next few years… Is probably figuring out when to marry Xiao Bai.”
He really didn’t have any big career changes planned. His startup company was just a way to learn and gain experience. Even if he didn’t want to, eventually he’d have to return home to take over the family business.
Of course, he didn’t say anything about inheriting a huge family fortune. Instead, he asked, “By the way, Uncle, regarding your side, I mean, if I were to propose, what would the bride price be like?”
Not far away, Lin Yibai perked up her ears. Wait, what are you two doing?
She thought they’d talk about hobbies or funny stories. But somehow, they jumped straight into the topic of bride price?
Should she stop them?
She walked over.
Lin Shanwen had already answered, “The bride price is 88,000 yuan. We’re not rich or anything. But after the wedding, we’ll give that money back to our daughter, as funds for your new life together.”
Xia Changyu was surprised: “Only 88,000?”
Lin Shanwen: “Only?”
Xia Changyu added, “And after the wedding, you’ll give it all back? You’re such a good man!”
Lin Shanwen scratched his head and said, “That’s just how we do it here. The bride price isn’t meant to take anything from the groom’s side. It’s to help the new couple get started.”
Xia Changyu: “You really don’t want more?”
Lin Shanwen shook his head, “What's the point? I'm marrying off my daughter, not selling her.”
At this point, it wasn’t even about money anymore. It was clear, this future father-in-law was truly respectable.
Honestly, someone should set up a little shrine and worship him already!