The discussion inside was mostly finished, and the general sentiment from the family had been conveyed to Dong Xuebing. He absorbed the information, and although the parents of Xie Ran, Xie Guoliang, and Xia Yanzhen didn’t seem too pleased on their faces, they were probably still willing to see this marriage happen. If Xie’s family and Fang’s family were to unite, Xie Ran would inevitably gain some form of support from the Fang family, even if it was not direct help, simply by not obstructing. Xie Ran was the leading figure of the third generation in Xie’s family. However, he was still in the process of maturing and developing; in a few years or decades, he would undoubtedly become the core figure of the Xie family. From this perspective, Fang’s little granddaughter was indeed a very suitable marriage partner for Xie Ran—a reduction in enemies and fewer barriers, more friends, and more pathways. If Fang’s family could transform their state of hostility with Xie’s family into a relationship, it would be more than just 1+1 equaling 2. Now, it all depended on whether Fang’s family was willing to agree to this marriage.
Dong Xuebing thought it was unlikely.
The reasons were straightforward. Many political things weren’t purely about interests; they also involved face and emotions.
Xie’s family could agree to Xie Ran marrying Fang Shui Ling because Xie Ran is male, and Fang Shui Ling is female. Xie’s family was in a relatively advantageous position, as they were the ones who would be marrying into Fang’s family. Given that Xie’s and Fang’s families had been rivals for decades, Xie’s family had consistently held an advantage. Some things could naturally be put aside. But Fang’s family was different; they had always been under the heel of Xie’s family. Now, having to marry their little granddaughter to them was not purely an issue of interests; it was psychologically unpleasant. The matter of this marriage had many forces watching, so Fang’s family couldn’t just ignore their face. Even though they knew a marriage would benefit both families, they couldn’t quickly agree to it.
There were too many entangled issues.
Dong Xuebing was already getting a headache just thinking about it. If it were up to him, he wouldn’t willingly accept it, but now he had no choice; the family had already made their decision. Dong Xuebing had no choice but to comply. He couldn’t refuse.
Xie Guoliang pondered, “Go in the afternoon. The matter has already been made public, and Fang’s family is aware of it. It’s better to go earlier.”
Dong Xuebing nodded. “Alright, I understand.”
Han Jing smiled. “Let’s have the kids come in, then. I’ll go make lunch.”
Ci Lifen stood up, “Sister-in-law, let me help. Haha.”
“Sure. Then Yanzhen can come too. We three can chat while preparing. Haven’t had a good talk in ages.” Han Jing pulled Xia Yanzhen and Ci Lifen along to the kitchen.
Xie Ran, Xie Jing, and Fang Shui Ling all came into the room.
As soon as Xie Hao entered, he blurted out, “Brother-in-law, when are you going to make your move?”
Dong Xuebing said irritably, “What move? I’m going to propose on behalf of the family, not go and conquer an enemy’s position.”
Xie Ran earnestly said, “Brother-in-law, you’ve gotten us into trouble with this. Whatever happens with me and Xiaoling, it’s all down to you. If it doesn’t work out, it’s not your fault.”
Dong Xuebing patted his arm, “Leave it to me.”
Fang Shui Ling also exchanged a few polite words with Dong Xuebing, then with a wink, went over to chat with Xie Guobang, Xie Guoliang, and others. Despite Xie Guoliang’s previous negative impressions of Fang’s family and strong opposition to the marriage, he had no reason to hold a grudge against the younger generation. Perhaps he liked Fang Shui Ling as a person. They started chatting about trivial family matters.
Xie Guojian laughed, “It’s time to eat. Everyone, wash your hands. Your aunt made lunch herself today. The little ones are in for a treat!”
“I’ll help out,” Fang Shui Ling immediately volunteered, not missing a single opportunity to show her appreciation. Perhaps Fang’s family hadn’t taken a stance yet, which made Fang Shui Ling feel quite apologetic.
Dong Xuebing said, “I’ll help in the kitchen too.”
Xie Guobang stopped him. “Xiao Bin, go upstairs and call Senior Xie to eat, and check on his health while you’re at it.” You haven’t been home in a long time.” The last time Senior Xie was seriously ill, it was Dong Xuebing who treated him so effectively that within ten minutes, Senior Xie was able to get out of bed again. After that, everyone came to trust Dong Xuebing’s medical skills more.
Dong Xuebing agreed and went upstairs.
Upstairs, outside Senior Xie’s room, Dong Xuebing knocked on the door and opened it to find him alone, secretly drinking.
Seeing Dong Xuebing, Senior Xie smiled and waved, “Xiao Bin’s here! Come, have a drink with me.”
Dong Xuebing sighed, “Why are you drinking again? Your health just got better.”
Senior Xie laughed, “Just a little, not even a full shot. Come, sit down.”
Dong Xuebing sat down, “Grandpa, let me check your pulse and see how you’re feeling.”
Senior Xie didn’t say much, just extended his hand. “Since you treated me last time, I haven’t had any issues; I even go for a one-kilometer walk sometimes and feel better and better.”
Dong Xuebing quickly said, “Don’t push yourself too hard. No intense exercise, alright?”
Dong Xuebing checked his pulse, and as he did, he helped Senior Xie’s body ‘turn back the clock’, trying to restore it to its younger state. Senior Xie was the pillar of the family and had to remain in good health. “Grandpa, I have to go to Fang’s family in the afternoon to propose on behalf of the family and discuss Xie Ran’s matters. I’m not sure what to say, though. Any advice?”
Senior Xie took a sip of his drink and chuckled, “No advice. Just handle it with flexibility.”
“But I don’t know what to do,” Dong Xuebing said helplessly.
“You didn’t know what to do when you were trying to marry my Xiao Lan either. You convinced me then, didn’t you?” Senior Xie said.
Dong Xuebing was at a loss, realizing that Senior Xie was still holding a grudge from a few years ago when he had pointedly scolded him.
Senior Xie laughed, “If you can convince even me, dealing with those old guys at Fang’s family shouldn’t be a problem. You have the knack for it; otherwise, why would Guoliang and the others insist on having you represent our family to propose to them? When you’re mischievous, you’re mischievous; when you’re serious, you’re serious. Handling this matter suits you better than Guoliang.”
Dong Xuebing laughed, “I’ll just take that as a compliment from you.”
“It is a compliment,” Senior Xie replied, stroking his beard and laughing heartily.