Chapter 1949

Chapter 1949

Afternoon.

It was already 1:30 p.m.

Upstairs in the Fang family’s villa, Dong Xuebing was the only one chatting away, talking so nonstop sometimes that he didn’t even catch his breath.

He just kept going on and on, bantering with the best of them.

Grandpa Fang had already expressed his stance, saying that Xiao Ling wasn’t ready to take on the responsibilities of marriage, which was effectively a polite refusal. Calling all the elders and younger family members into the room wasn’t a sign of respect for Dong Xuebing; it was just a courtesy. A junior like Dong Xuebing didn’t need such a big reception from the Fang family, especially since the relationship between the Fang and Xie families was already strained. A phone call from Senior Xie likely influenced Grandpa Fang’s actions, as Dong Xuebing was representing the Xie family that day, and this was an important proposal. Gathering everyone to discuss and then refuse the proposal was a sign of basic respect for Senior Xie, the former General Secretary, and his family. Although the two families harbored animosity, there had never been a full-scale, all-out confrontation. Politics and other factors wouldn’t have allowed for such a massive political struggle, so maintaining a facade of calm and handling matters gracefully was necessary.

Yet, Dong Xuebing didn’t seem to understand Grandpa Fang’s reasoning at all, as if he hadn’t grasped the point. He kept chattering on, still so cheerful, completely ignoring the hostile looks from the younger members of the Fang family and a few female relatives. “Grandpa Fang, everyone, I think this is the perfect time. Xie Ran is just stepping into his political role, and Xiao Ling is about to start working. Now is the perfect time for them to get engaged. If they wait until later, when Xie Ran is busier and Xiao Ling is caught up in her work, it will be even more exhausting.”

What is he talking about?

Didn’t you even listen to a word we said?

“I was saying, County Secretary Dong…” One of the younger members of the Fang family stepped forward, addressing Dong Xuebing officially, and indicated the apparent distance between them, “My grandfather has been very clear. My sister isn’t ready for marriage yet. We appreciate your family’s goodwill, but this matter…”

Dong Xuebing blinked, “I didn’t say marriage; I said engagement. It’s not the right time for marriage, so we’re getting engaged first. When the time is right, then they can get married. We’re actually on the same page here.”

What the hell!

Who’s on the same page as you?

The younger member of the Fang family was speechless.

Grandpa Fang’s oldest son spoke up, “Xiao Dong, please go back.”

Dong Xuebing was surprised, “We haven’t even set a date yet.”

Set what date? Can you even understand what we’re saying? You’ve probably heard all the rumors about County Secretary Dong, but seeing him in person still left them at a loss. After all this talking, it was like he wasn’t listening at all.

A female relative furrowed her brow, “Are you not understanding or just pretending not to? We’ve made ourselves clear. Xiao Ling isn’t going to marry into your family, so get lost!”

“Liu Er.” Grandpa Fang glanced at her, “How can you speak to a guest like that?”

The woman shrank her neck and said, "Dad, I’m sorry."

It was clear that the Fang family’s upbringing was very good. Apart from this, sister-in-law being a bit short-tempered, the other elders maintained a basic level of restraint towards this political adversary’s family. After all, they were high-ranking officials, and they had some decorum. As the saying goes, "one doesn’t strike a smiling face." Dong Xuebing came with genuine intentions, smiling and offering to propose marriage. They couldn’t be overly harsh, lest others take issue with them. Currently, they want to dismiss this matter politely. But the problem was Dong Xuebing himself—he seemed to pretend he didn’t hear anything, with an unbelievably thick skin and a bit of a rogue streak.

Look at that, Dong Xuebing was speaking again, directing his gaze towards Fang Shui Ling’s father and mother, “Third Uncle, Third Aunt, you should know about the kids’ wishes too. Xiao Ling and Xiao Ran are genuinely in love, and they’re very affectionate with each other. I’m even a bit envious of them. They’re truly made for each other. How about we set a date this month? I think it’s better to go for it than to wait for a perfect day.”

Third Uncle?

Third Aunt?

You’re being way too familiar.

One of the younger members couldn’t take it anymore, “Grandpa, Dad, Mom, I’m going downstairs.”

Dong Xuebing managed to drive someone away with his words. Just what a headache this guy is.

Xiao Ling’s mother snorted but held back from saying anything rude, given Grandpa Fang was there.

Xiao Ling’s father had a neutral expression, giving nothing away about his feelings on the matter.

In the end, it was the oldest of the Fang family who stepped in, “Xiao Dong, you know our position here. Please pass it on to your family. It’s getting late, and Grandpa Fang still needs his nap. If you'd like to stay for a cup of tea, you’re welcome.

Before he could finish his polite send-off, Dong Xuebing replied, “Okay, since you’ve invited me, I’ll stay for a cup of tea. I’ve got nothing else to do at home anyway.”

Fang family members: “......”

Just a formality, and you take it seriously.

This is the thickest skin I’ve ever seen.

One of Fang Shui Ling’s older sisters chuckled softly, finding this legendary Dong Xuebing to be quite amusing, indeed a character.

Dong Xuebing turned around and said, “Grandpa Fang, I won’t disturb you while you're napping.”

After saying that, Dong Xuebing left the room. Seeing no one greeted him, he went downstairs on his own.

Inside, only the Fang family members were left. Fang Wenping was still quietly reading a book in the corner, unmoving.

Everyone knew that this was Grandpa’s nap time, so they began to leave. Before they could all leave, however, Grandpa Fang looked in Fang Wenping’s direction. “Wenping, not a word from you? That’s not your style, haha. What do you think about this?”

Fang Wenping responded nonchalantly, “I don’t have any opinion.”

Grandpa Fang smiled, “Do you think I handled it poorly?”

Fang Wenping didn’t even look up from her book. “I didn’t say that.”

“You’ve always treated Xiao Ling like your own daughter. I know you want what’s best for her, but some things…” Grandpa Fang said.

Fang Wenping interrupted him. The only one in the family who dared to interrupt Grandpa Fang was Fang Wenping herself. She sharply closed the book in her hand with a snap, “You don’t need to say this to me. I don’t have any objections. You all can decide however you want. You can do whatever you think is right.” After a pause, Fang Wenping looked up at them, “But let me make this clear. If anything goes wrong with Xiao Ling and causes irreversible damage to her, don’t blame me for turning against you.”

The oldest’s face darkened, “Fifth, how are you speaking to Dad?”

Fang Wenping looked at him, “I’m not just speaking to Dad, I’m speaking to everyone.”

The younger generation watched as their little aunt blew up; no one dared to speak a word. Who didn’t know about their little aunt’s temper and character? She was a real tough cookie, and there was simply no reasoning with her.

The oldest said, “Who isn't doing it for the kids’ sake?” Do you think you’re the only one who cares about Xiao Ling?”

Seeing the two about to argue, the second oldest stepped in to smooth things over, “Older Brother, Fifth Sister, just say a little less, a little less.”

The sister-in-law also pushed the oldest a bit, “Why do you always shout at your sister? You’re not being much of a big brother.”

It was clear that everyone in the family was already accustomed to Fang Wenping’s temper. There were no surprises, even Grandpa Fang smiled a bit after listening, looking at Fang Wenping, “Wenping, so what do you think should be done about this?”

Fang Wenping calmly replied, “I don’t know.”

Grandpa Fang smiled, “You’re not making decisions yourself, and when others do, you’re not happy. That’s not being reasonable, is it?”

Fang Wenping put her book down on the table, “Many people have said that about me, but I always thought I was quite reasonable.”

Xiao Ling’s father sighed, “Xiao Ling has always been a child who follows us, it’s her first time making such a big decision. Xiao Ling may seem gentle, but she’s quite stubborn at heart, and I’m worried she might not be able to accept it.”

Hearing this, Xiao Ling’s mother also looked worried.

The oldest asked, “Third Brother, so do you agree with Xiao Ling’s relationship with Xie Ran?”

Xiao Ling’s father said, “I didn’t say that. I’m just worried that Xiao Ling might react too strongly. This decision still needs to be made by Dad.”

Grandpa Fang laughed, “Then let’s wait and see.”

The sister-in-law immediately said, “Dad, you…”

Just now, he disagreed, but now it’s become 'let’s wait and see. '

But thinking back, Grandpa Fang’s earlier words were filled with caution too; he didn’t say anything conclusive. He did this on purpose. Who knows what Grandpa Fang is thinking?

The oldest said, “What do you mean?”

“Alright, everyone, just disperse,” Grandpa Fang waved his hand. “I finally have a rest day and got a bit of free time. I should get a good nap.”

The things on Grandpa Fang’s plate were probably busier than all the people sitting there combined, given his status.

Everyone saw this and said little more, so they all bid their goodbyes and left the room, heading downstairs.

“What does Dad mean?”

“I don’t know.”

“Dad must have his considerations, let’s not guess for now.”

“I have some things to do here, Older Brother, Third Brother, I’ll head back to the office first.”

“I have to leave too. Let’s go together, you can drop me off somewhere. I won’t drive anymore.”

Everyone went downstairs, and then they saw Dong Xuebing sitting leisurely in the living room, sipping tea alone. He had served himself. He didn’t seem to think of himself as an outsider at all.

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