After attending to all the tasks, Dong Xuebing finally managed to carve out some time. He immediately booked the earliest morning flight, rushing from the provincial city to Beijing. Dong Xuebing wouldn’t have been this concerned if it were someone else's issue. After all, he was busy too—though the Investment and Cultural Festival was over, there were still follow-up projects and other tasks in the county waiting for him. He didn’t have a lot of free time. But since it was about Xie Huilan’s brother and the family had designated him to help, Dong Xuebing couldn’t refuse. Family matters took precedence here.
Beijing, Capital Airport.
After getting out of the first-class cabin, Dong Xuebing called home. Han Jing answered.
“Hello, Mom, I just landed, I’m coming over now.”
Han Jing replied, “Okay, come on.”
Han Jing said, “Just go to Senior Xie’s place. Everyone is there, including Mom. I’ll join you shortly.”
“Alright, see you in a bit.” Dong Xuebing didn’t even bring his luggage; he walked out and hailed a taxi.
Dong Xuebing called Fang Wenping, wanting to greet Old Fang first. He also had some curiosity about the Fang family’s stance. However, after the phone rang for a while, it went unanswered. No one picked up. After a few minutes, Dong Xuebing called again, still no answer. He realized something. As a vice-provincial official, it was almost impossible for Fang Wenping not to pick up his phone unless he intentionally ignored it. Dong Xuebing felt annoyed. “Old Fang, can’t you tell me what’s happening? Not even picking up the phone?”
If he didn’t pick up, so be it.
Dong Xuebing decided to handle things himself.
He knew Fang Wenping disapproved of Fang Shui Ling and Xie Ran's relationship, so he didn’t call again and took a taxi directly to Senior Xie’s mansion.
The trip took a bit longer. Dong Xuebing didn’t arrive until nearly noon due to traffic jams.
At the mansion gate, the guards nodded to Dong Xuebing, allowing him to enter.
As soon as he entered the courtyard, Dong Xuebing saw Xie Ran, Xie Jing, and Fang Shui Ling standing outside. Xie Jing looked indifferent, while Xie Ran and Fang Shui Ling wore expressions of concern. Only Xie Hao, the youngest, was grinning and chatting cheerfully with them, oblivious to the tense atmosphere.
“Big Brother-in-law is back soon. With him here, what’s there to worry about? One move from him, and everything will be fine,” Xie Hao boasted about Dong Xuebing.
Dong Xuebing smiled and said, “You little brat, what are you blabbering about?”
“Ahahaha, my idol is back!” Xie Hao called out excitedly.
Upon seeing Dong Xuebing, Xie Ran and Fang Shui Ling both came forward together, “Brother-in-law, you’re finally here! We’ve been waiting for you for days.”
“Brother Dong.” Fang Shui Ling looked at him with hopeful eyes.
Dong Xuebing felt a bit embarrassed. I’ve been busy lately, so I haven’t had a chance to come over. Today is the only Saturday I can rest. Where are the others?”
Xie Jing pointed toward the mansion, “Everyone is inside. It was too smoky inside, so we came out.”
Xie Ran hurriedly said, “Did you hear everything, Brother-in-law?”
“Yeah, I heard. What’s the situation now?” Dong Xuebing asked.
Xie Ran sighed, "Still the same, I guess. The people at Fang Shui Ling's place aren't saying anything about this, not even mentioning it. My parents aren't particularly supportive either. Fortunately, Senior Xie spoke to my parents and advised me to decide for myself. Only then did my parents reluctantly agree."
Dong Xuebing looked at Fang Shui Ling, "Your family hasn't reacted?"
Fang Shui Ling lowered her head, "Not really. My aunt flew back yesterday, probably to discuss this matter again. However, they didn't discuss it with me, so I'm unsure.
Fang Wenping returned yesterday.
Old Fang didn’t even let me know.
Dong Xuebing said, "I tried calling your aunt, too, but she didn't pick up. I guess her attitude isn't very optimistic."
Fang Shui Ling sounded even more anxious, "Brother Dong, what... what should we do?"
Xie Hao patted Fang Shui Ling’s shoulder like a little adult, “Sis, my brother-in-law can handle anything. The family said to let him discuss the engagement with your family, so it’ll be fine. Even if it doesn’t work out, you can marry my brother directly. If your family tries to lock you up and keep you from leaving, let my brother-in-law handle it. No one is his match, even with all your family’s guards and security. My brother-in-law’s strength is legendary, you know. He doesn’t need to lift a finger; his name alone would be enough to scare them off.”
Xie Jing slapped Xie Hao’s head, annoyed, “What are you talking about with all that fighting nonsense? How can this issue be resolved with violence?”
Xie Ran bowed slightly to Dong Xuebing, “Brother-in-law, we’re counting on you this time.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll do my best.” Dong Xuebing said as he walked inside, “I’ll go in first.”
Xie Ran and Fang Shui Ling didn’t follow him into the room, knowing that the elders probably wanted to talk to Dong Xuebing alone. Xie Hao, however, tried to follow them in, bouncing along cheerfully, but was stopped by Xie Jing before he could enter.
Indeed, it was filled with smoke.
Han Jing looked at the others, “You all smoke less; look at how it’s making me cough.”
Ci Lifen covered her mouth and coughed a couple of times before opening a window.
The eldest sister-in-law spoke. Xie Guoliang and Xie Guojian quickly stubbed out their cigarettes. The eldest brother, Xie Guobang, was about to light a cigarette too, but put it back upon hearing the voice.
“Dad, Mom, Uncle, Aunt, Second Uncle, Second Aunt.” Dong Xuebing began to greet everyone as he entered.
Han Jing finally smiled, “Xiao Bing’s here. Come over here. Mom wants to see you. Oh, you’ve lost weight. Haven’t you been eating well over there?” She pulled Dong Xuebing over and started asking about his health.
Dong Xuebing laughed, “I’ve been eating well enough. I'm just busy with work, I guess. I don’t feel that thin; I’m about the same as before.”
Han Jing said, “How can you be the same? You’ve lost a lot of weight. It’s almost mealtime. Later, Mom will cook something special for you. Hehe, eat more, okay?”
Dong Xuebing replied, “Thanks, Mom. I’ve missed your cooking for so long. I’m craving it.”
The mother and son chatted for a while. Then, Xie Guoliang said, “Xiao Bing, you know what’s going on, right?”
Dong Xuebing became more serious, “Yes, Uncle, I heard about it from Huilan.”
Xia Yanjun looked at Dong Xuebing. " Calling you back must have been a hassle for you. Did it disrupt your work at all?”
Dong Xuebing smiled slightly, "It's not a big deal, Aunt Yan. Someone is keeping an eye on things in the county. It's no problem for me to be busy; Xiao Ran’s big life decision is the most important. No matter how busy I am, I have to come back."
Xia Yanjun sighed, "Oh, Xiao Ran is becoming more stubborn. He used to be so well-behaved, but he doesn't listen to us after just a year of working at the grassroots. Yesterday, he even slammed the table and glared at us." Saying this, Xia Yanjun also showed a rather complex smile. This might be the typical heartache of every parent; they want their child to be independent, but when the day comes, they feel sad about it, too.
Han Jing comforted, "Yanjun, it’s good that Xiao Ran can stand his ground ."
Xia Yanjun replied, "I know it’s a good thing; it shows he’s matured and can stand on his own. But why does it have to be someone from the Fang family? I think the daughter from the Sun family is also quite good."
Xie Guoliang also had a similar expression. The old couple was still reluctant, indicating that there had been direct conflicts with the Fang family, likely not small ones.
After silence, Xie Guoliang said, "Let’s go with what we discussed earlier."
Han Jing looked at him, "Let Xuebing handle it."
Xie Guoliang nodded, "Yes, I trust your ability to handle things, Xuebing. You can assess the situation and make decisions accordingly." The family members genuinely trust Dong Xuebing.
Dong Xuebing felt the weight on his shoulders increase, "But what if I don’t handle it well? What if they refuse?"
Xia Yanjun sighed, “If they refuse, then let it be. But if there’s a chance, you should try to negotiate. Senior Xie’s point is that Xiao Ran and Fang Shui Ling are a good match; it’s their decision. As elders, we should refrain from interfering too much. Also, there has been a longstanding tension between our family and the Fang family. Still, if this matter could help ease those relations, it would have a positive impact on the family politically. Senior Xie has given his tacit approval on this. There’s no issue on our end here; it’s just about how the Fang family responds. We would like you to represent our family and discuss this with them.”
Dong Xuebing pondered, “Alright, since everyone trusts me, I’ll do my best. However, regarding the bride price and other matters...”
Xie Guoliang’s father, Xie Guoliang, said, "Just take charge of it."
Xia Yanjun added, "Xuebing, don’t feel pressured. Just talk to them and see their stance. We can’t come forward, so you’ll fully represent us."
Dong Xuebing had no choice but to nod in agreement.