Chapter 188: Promise

At the round dining table, Chen Mo was sitting properly. On his left was Xiaoyu, and on his right was Xiaoman, who was playing on her phone. He Zhenghua sat across from him, the whole family gathered around.

There were seven dishes and one soup on the table, still hot and steaming. Usually, this home had at most three dishes and a soup, but this feast was specially prepared for Chen Mo, the future son-in-law.

These were all home-style dishes, and the air was filled with the delicious smell of food. This feeling was incredibly warm, just like returning home.

Wang Lan looked at Chen Mo with a gaze that said the more a mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law, the more pleased she becomes.

She didn’t know much about Chen Mo before and worried that Xiaoyu might be deceived. After all, these days, they had heard stories about rich kids causing trouble everywhere.

After finding out Chen Mo was Old Zhang’s nephew and checking with Old Zhang, they now knew his background well.

She was very satisfied with this future son-in-law. He was young, had built a career on his own, had unlimited potential, a good personality, and handled things steadily. Nowadays, it’s hard to find such a good son-in-law anywhere.

Plus, he graduated from the same university as Xiaoyu, so they had common topics. Most importantly, he treated her daughter well. In her eyes, Chen Mo was the best choice for a son-in-law.

“Dad, Chen Mo knows you like to drink a little, so he brought two bottles of wine for you.”

Xiaoyu put two bottles of Maotai liquor on the table, fetched two small cups, poured one for her father, and then handed another to Chen Mo. “Have a drink with Dad.”

“Uncle, I toast to you.” Chen Mo raised his glass and spoke to He Zhenghua.

“Hmm.”

He Zhenghua raised his glass and smiled, which was rare for him.

Although he cherished his daughter, she would eventually get married. Earlier, he contacted Old Zhang and confirmed that Chen Mo was his old friend’s nephew. The young man was promising, and the two young people had a foundation of feelings. This was a very good outcome.

His daughter had found a good home.

“Xiaomo, do you usually like to drink?” He Zhenghua took a sip and set down his glass.

“I drink occasionally, not often, and I never get drunk,” Chen Mo said.

Chen Mo’s words made He Zhenghua nod gently. “Drinking a little now and then is fine for circulation. Since you’re in research, drinking too much isn’t good.”

At the table, the family ate and often asked questions. Chen Mo’s task was to answer them. As time passed, the atmosphere at the table grew more harmonious.

“Your uncle and I have known each other for over ten years. When his ship returns from sea, we still meet up for a drink. Last year, Xiaoyu went to his place for a classmate’s wedding banquet. He said he wanted to introduce his nephew to my Xiaoyu, but he told me they never met.”

“The girl Aunt Zhen mentioned last time was Xiaoyu. Xiaoyu and I were already dating at school, so I didn’t think about the blind date. Only later did I realize it was Xiaoyu.”

Chen Mo glanced at Xiaoyu, who was snickering beside him.

“That’s fate,” He Zhenghua said with a laugh. “Just treat Xiaoyu well from now on.”

Seeing her father’s attitude, Xiaoyu felt happy inside. It seemed her parents had accepted Chen Mo.

Before coming back, she was more nervous than Chen Mo, afraid her family would object.

At school, some of her classmates had relationships that reached the point of marriage, only to be torn apart by family opposition.

She had already met Chen Mo’s parents in Binhai City. His parents liked her, and Chen Mo had proposed to her. This was the final hurdle.

If her parents objected, she wouldn’t know what to do. Now that this hurdle was passed, her worries were gone.

Xiaoman watched the people at the table, her eyes darting around. Suddenly, she remembered something and spoke up. “Sis, Mom and Dad have agreed. When are you two getting married? Have a baby early so I can hold my little nephew…”

Before Xiaoman could finish, Xiaoyu stuffed a chicken leg into her mouth. Xiaoyu’s face was slightly red. This girl was used to causing trouble for her sister and dared to say anything. “With so much food, it still can’t shut you up.”

But the words were already out. He Zhenghua and Wang Lan exchanged a look, then looked at Chen Mo and Xiaoyu with anticipation.

They really didn’t oppose Chen Mo and Xiaoyu now, but they weren’t sure how to bring up the topic of marriage. Xiaoman’s question was just what they wanted. Getting married early and having a grandchild early would let them enjoy family happiness.

“I don’t plan to hold a wedding for now.”

Chen Mo’s words made He Zhenghua and Wang Lan’s faces fall. The harmonious atmosphere vanished. Xiaoman felt she had caused trouble, stuck out her tongue, lowered her head, and ate her chicken leg. The mood at the table became a bit strange.

Xiaoyu grew anxious and was about to speak, but Chen Mo stopped her. Seeing Chen Mo’s reassuring look, she calmed down.

“Xiaoyu and I plan to get our marriage certificate first, but not hold a wedding yet. Xiaoyu has always supported me. During my startup phase, she was with me, taking care of me. She is very important to me. I can’t rush the wedding. Later, I’ll give her the grandest wedding, let her wear the most beautiful wedding dress, and marry me in a glorious way.”

Chen Mo’s words stunned Xiaoyu. She thought he meant they would marry later, but it turned out to be this answer. Looking at Chen Mo, a gentle smile spread across her face.

“This is my promise to Xiaoyu,” Chen Mo said seriously.

“Oh, good, good. Xiaoyu’s dad and I support you. Your big event should be well planned. You have good conditions now, unlike us back then, who had to be hasty.” Hearing Chen Mo’s earnest words, Wang Lan’s smile returned.

“Hmm.”

He Zhenghua also nodded with satisfaction, and his favor toward this future son-in-law instantly rose.

They were really worried that Chen Mo would delay marrying their daughter. They had heard many cases where women married into wealth but ended up abandoned. They didn’t want their daughter to be like that, left behind when she was older.

Now, with Chen Mo’s serious promise, they felt relieved. He didn’t seem to be lying.

“Don’t just talk, eat first. The food is getting cold. Xiaomo, have more.” Wang Lan signaled Xiaoyu to put food in Chen Mo’s bowl.

The atmosphere at the table became harmonious again. Xiaoman secretly sighed in relief, almost scared to death by Chen Mo. Then she looked at her sister with envy. If a man gave her such a promise, she would fall for him without hesitation too.

After the meal, back in the room, Xiaoyu hugged Chen Mo without thinking, her face beaming.

“You scared me to death earlier. Thank you.”

“Thank me? Treating me like an outsider?” Chen Mo looked into her eyes and said seriously, “What I said earlier was sincere. That’s my promise to you. I’ll make you the most beautiful bride in the future.”

“Yes, I believe you.” Xiaoyu’s eyes were teary as she nodded firmly. She didn’t know when she had become so emotional.

“Don’t cry. Before I finished speaking earlier, your dad threw down his chopsticks and looked upset. If he knew you cried, he’d think I bullied you and come after me with a knife.”

Chen Mo’s words made Xiaoyu laugh through her tears.

“Your parents have agreed. Shouldn’t you change how you address me now?”

“Change what?” Xiaoyu stared blankly at Chen Mo, looking confused.

“The way you call me!”

Chen Mo leaned close to Xiaoyu’s ear and whispered softly. As soon as he finished, Xiaoyu looked at him shyly, her face bright red.