Chapter 16: Children Shouldn’t Interrupt When Adults Are Talking

“Hey, what are you doing? Let go of him at once.”

Mrs. Peng hurriedly spoke up when she saw the bodyguards treating Peng Jiaxin’s friend so roughly.

Peng Jiaxin smiled and stood up, walking over to Mrs. Peng and gently taking her arm, guiding her back to her seat.

“Grandma, don’t worry about him. He just ate too much and feels a bit uncomfortable, so he needs someone to support him.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. We were just about to take him to the hospital.”

The butler immediately understood Miss Peng’s meaning. Out of Mrs. Peng’s sight, he punched Xiao Sihe, who let out a painful groan.

“Feeling that bad, huh? Then you really should go to the hospital.”

Hearing the groan, the old lady tried to get up again.

“Shall we go together to see him off?”

It wouldn’t do to let a guest go to the hospital alone, especially since the problem happened at their place. Beyond anything else, it was a matter of responsibility.

“No worries, Madam Peng. We will accompany him.”

The old butler quickly reassured her.

“I guarantee there won’t be any problems.”

“Ah… very well.”

As long as someone would accompany him. The focus now was that the in-laws were arriving, and as hosts, they needed to show sincerity and warmly welcome them, making proper arrangements.

No one paid any more attention to the reckless Xiao Sihe, who was roughly thrown out of the villa by the bodyguards like a dead dog.

He rolled on the ground twice, his clothes covered with dust, looking utterly miserable.

Watching the butler walk away, he silently swore that once he won over Peng Jiaxin, the first thing he would do was to get rid of this guy!

What kind of attitude is that?

The butler left, but the bodyguards stayed, glaring fiercely at Xiao Sihe.

He stood up and stared back at them fiercely.

“A bunch of arrogant, bully lackeys! Just wait until I move in here—I’ll fire every one of you.”

Grumbling curses, Xiao Sihe walked off. He believed Peng Jiaxin’s earlier hesitation was a sign of her feelings stirring, and he planned to find another chance to have an open conversation with her.

...

Inside the villa, whether Xiao Sihe was there or not made no difference to the Peng family or Chen Fan—in fact, after he left, everyone enjoyed the meal even more.

Peng Guojun, who had been somewhat cold toward Chen Fan, softened his attitude after Chen Fan had bailed them out twice.

Not exactly acceptance, but at least he no longer showed a sour face.

Since they were discussing matters between the two families, Chen Fan took out his phone and made a video call.

At first, the parents on both sides were a little reserved during this first meeting, but thanks to Chen Fan and Peng Jiaxin mediating, the mood gradually loosened.

Once the conversation warmed up, the two youngsters were promptly sent to sit on the sofa, told that grown-up matters were no place for children.

Chen Fan and Peng Jiaxin exchanged glances, both trying not to laugh at the situation.

“Well, looks like I was worrying over nothing.”

Zhou Xuejing breathed a sigh of relief but felt a twinge of envy as she leaned against Peng Jiaxin’s shoulder.

“Xin Xin, now that you have a husband, you won’t abandon me, right?”

“Impossible. You’ll always be my best friend.”

Chen Fan received a triumphant look in return.

“...”

Looks like from now on, he’d have to win over not only his father-in-law but also this best friend.

“Shall we head to the next event?”

Zhou Xuejing had endured a lot on this long trip to the capital searching for love. With her uncle and aunt around earlier, she hadn’t dared complain, but now resting on Peng Jiaxin, her urge to vent suddenly surged.

“Maybe not.”

“It’s fine. Bring your husband along, and if anything happens, he can be your shield.”

“Can you two keep your whispers away from me?”

Chen Fan said helplessly.

“What’s the big deal? We’re family now. Later, you can help me figure things out.”

“But my phone is still with Auntie…”

From a distance, Bai Meilan seemed to overhear something and suddenly turned around.

Chen Fan quickly corrected himself.

“It’s still in Mom’s hands.”

Bai Meilan smiled kindly and said to Chen’s mother, Wang Juan, through the phone:

“Sister Juan, I’ve added your son on WeChat. Later, have him send me your business card so we can talk privately.”

“Okay.”

Meeting such pleasant in-laws made Wang Juan very happy. Hearing “our son” made her smile until her eyes nearly disappeared.

“Mother-in-law.”

Peng Guojun’s head suddenly popped out.

“Since you two are here, stay a few more days. Didn’t Old Chen just say he likes fishing? I’ll take him around to explore.”

“Good.”

Before Wang Juan could reply, Old Chen’s eager voice came through the phone.

Peng Guojun smiled contentedly.

After hanging up, Bai Meilan looked at Peng Guojun.

“Don’t go spoiling the father-in-law.”

“Not at all. I promise to come home on time every day.”

Seeing Bai Meilan not oppose his fishing plans, Peng Guojun smiled even more happily.

Bai Meilan rolled her eyes, unwilling to argue with him.

“All right, hurry and give the phone back to Xiao Fan.”

“Okay.”

Peng Guojun took the phone and, standing by the sofa, cleared his throat, putting on the airs of a father-in-law.

“Dad.”

Chen Fan obediently responded.

Peng Guojun nodded, about to show some more authority when he caught his daughter’s icy glare. He shivered and quickly changed the subject.

“I heard your dad likes fishing?”

“Uh… yes. My hometown is a small county. My parents run a small shop, so they have a lot of free time. My dad likes to fish alone by the nearby river, sometimes sitting there for half a day.”

Peng Guojun’s eyes lit up.

“There’s a river near your home?”

“Yes.”

“Are the fish big?”

“My dad’s best catch was an eight-pound grass carp, but I heard someone once caught one weighing over ten pounds, though they couldn’t bring it ashore.”

Peng Guojun’s breathing quickened. He thought it would be necessary to visit his in-laws more often.

“Here’s your phone.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

Chen Fan took the phone and saw Bai Meilan’s friend request. He accepted it immediately.

Peng Guojun lingered, hesitating as if he had something to say. Chen Fan suddenly had an idea.

“Dad, how about I create a family group chat for both our families?”

“Sure.”

Chen Fan looked at Peng Jiaxin, who nodded.

“It’s about time we greeted our parents.”

“Okay.”

[“A Loving Family” (8)]

“Hm? Why are there eight people?”

“I have a younger sister in high school. She should be in evening study now.”

“Oh, what grade?”

“Starting senior year this semester. She’s doing well academically. With hard work, she might get into a top university.”

“Good.”

The chat atmosphere was harmonious. Old Chen and Mr. Peng, Wang Juan and Mrs. Peng all chatted comfortably without interrupting each other.

Mrs. Peng typed slowly and rarely spoke, but she didn’t mind, smiling warmly as she watched them.

When the time felt right, Zhou Xuejing gave Chen Fan a knowing look.

“Shall I start?”

“Of course. You’re the star now. If you don’t speak, who will?”

Peng Jiaxin nodded in agreement.

“...”