Chapter 75: Becoming Mrs. Wang
Chapter 75: Becoming Mrs. Wang
When Wang Guocheng repeatedly promised in front of Rong Shaoting that wherever Fan Xiaoyao went, he would follow, Rong Shaoting finally felt at ease. He spoke earnestly to Wang Guocheng, “Guocheng, your grandfather is getting on in years. From now on, you must take good care of Xiaoyao. She might have a bit of a temper, but she has a kind heart.”
Wang Guocheng hurriedly assured Rong Shaoting, “Grandfather, please don’t worry. I will treat Xiaoyao sincerely!”
As they spoke, Fan Xiaoyang entered the room and said to Rong Shaoting, “Grandfather, the dishes are ready. Mother asked me to come up and call you, Sister, and Brother down for dinner!”
When Wang Guocheng came downstairs, Xiaoyao’s family was already seated at the table. The seat at the head of the table was empty—clearly reserved for Rong Shaoting. He took his place, and the room fell silent.
Rong Shaoting spoke first, “Today, I am delighted that Guocheng has come to our home as a guest. As the patriarch of this family, I feel truly happy. First, let us applaud and welcome Guocheng!”
Although Wang Guocheng was accustomed to grand occasions, meeting the elders of the woman’s family was a first for him, and the significance was different. For the first time, he felt restrained. Sensing his unease, Fan Xiaoyao grasped his left hand under the table, comforting him, “Don’t be nervous. My family is very nice.”
“Xiaoyao, what does Guocheng do for a living?” It was Rong Yinfeng, Xiaoyao’s third aunt, who asked.
Wang Guocheng politely nodded to her, “Third Aunt, I teach at Biancheng University, mainly IT courses.”
Rong Yinfeng turned to Rong Jinfeng, “Sister, your future son-in-law has a good job. Teaching at a university comes with good benefits and two holidays each year.”
After this, Xiaoyao’s eldest uncle, Rong Jinhua, continued, “Guocheng, how many people are in your family?”
Rong Shaoting had already asked this before, but Wang Guocheng patiently answered again, “To answer Uncle, there are five people in my family: my parents, elder brother, elder sister, and me.”
Rong Jinhua looked at Rong Jinfeng, “Jinfeng, although Guocheng’s family is uncomplicated, for Xiaoyao’s sake, it would be better to have him move from Biancheng to Kangcheng.”
This time, Rong Yinfeng sided with Rong Jinhua, echoing, “Second Sister, Elder Brother is right. Xiaoyao shouldn’t marry far from home. If they start a family, Guocheng should come to Kangcheng for Xiaoyao’s sake.”
Wu Jing, who herself had returned to Tongcheng from Biancheng, also agreed, “Biancheng may be rich in resources, but it’s so far from Kangcheng. If Xiaoyao marries there, we’ll always worry. So, once they’re married, Guocheng must accommodate Xiaoyao and live here.”
Wang Guocheng glanced at the elders around the table. Except for Rong Fenghua, everyone agreed that Xiaoyao should not marry far away. The consensus was for him to become a son-in-law living with the bride’s family.
To show his sincerity, Wang Guocheng raised his glass to the elders, “To all of Xiaoyao’s elders, today I promise you one thing: rest assured, I will never force Xiaoyao to marry far from home. Also, I have already started preparing to move to Kangcheng, so please don’t worry. I will handle everything in Biancheng as soon as possible and settle formally in Kangcheng.”
Rong Shaoting, hearing this, quickly said, “Come, let us raise our glasses. As Xiaoyao’s family, we welcome Guocheng into our big family.”
Fan Xiaoyao led Wang Guocheng in toasting Uncle Rong Jinhua, Aunt Huang Yun, Third Aunt Rong Yinfeng, Third Uncle Wang Yuancai, Younger Uncle Rong Fenghua, and Aunt Wu Jing. After one round, Wang Guocheng was already feeling tipsy.
Rong Fenghua laughed, “I’ve heard people from Biancheng are bold drinkers, but it seems Guocheng’s capacity isn’t so great!”
It wasn’t that Wang Guocheng couldn’t hold his liquor, but today’s wine was a high-proof original spirits brought by Rong Fenghua, over seventy degrees strong—anyone would be drunk!
Wu Jing nudged Rong Fenghua, a bit reproachful, “Fenghua, isn’t this wine a bit too strong? If Guocheng gets drunk, it won’t be good.”
Rong Fenghua replied leisurely, “A man’s drinking reveals his character. Let’s see what kind Guocheng is.”
Despite his words, Wu Jing was worried. Though northerners are known for their hearty drinking, this kind of strong spirit isn’t for everyone.
Wang Guocheng noticed the wine was problematic with his first sip but didn’t say anything out of pride. To escape further rounds, he feigned tipsiness to avoid being made to drink more.
Fan Xiaoyao supported Wang Guocheng, whose steps were unsteady. “Guocheng, are you alright? If you’re drunk, I’ll help you upstairs to rest for a while.”
Burping drunkenly, Wang Guocheng squinted his eyes, “Alright, Xiaoyao, help me up.”
Seeing Wang Guocheng drunk, Rong Fenghua signaled Wu Jing with his eyes. Wu Jing pretended to trip him, but Wang Guocheng avoided it.
He muttered, “Xiaoyao, I almost stepped on someone’s foot just now. Why did I see several pairs of feet?” He shook his head.
Fan Xiaoyao smiled at the now adorable Wang Guocheng, “It’s not that they have several pairs of feet. You’re drunk, so everything looks doubled.”
Suddenly, Wang Guocheng leaned closer, “Huh, why does your face look like several Xiaoyaos—not just one, but several, all identical—haha…”
Fan Xiaoyao, half amused and half exasperated, supported him, “Guocheng, you’re really drunk. I’ll make you a bowl of hangover soup later.”
Wang Guocheng, looking innocent, asked, “Xiaoyao, am I really drunk? But I feel like I’m walking just fine, see…” No sooner had he let go of her hand and taken a couple of steps, he fell to the floor.
“Guocheng!” Fan Xiaoyao shook her head helplessly and went over to help him up, asking with concern, “Are you hurt?”
Wang Guocheng had only been pretending at first, but now he realized the wine’s aftereffects were beyond his control. He shook his swollen head and looked at Xiaoyao, grinning.
“Xiaoyao, I’m fine, I’m not drunk… I’m so happy, so glad, everyone accepts me… your family accepts me. Xiaoyao, I want to marry you, to cherish you, to make you the happiest woman in the world—I want you to be Mrs. Wang…”