CHAPTER 206: CHAPTER 206: WEDDING PHOTO 4_1

Huang’s mother usually had the upper hand, but when her husband made a decision, she generally knew to back down. Even if dissatisfied, she wouldn’t say anything more. She would just clear the bowls and chopsticks and leave.

Only the father and son remained. Huang’s father finally spoke earnestly, "Xiaojue, are you absolutely set on Yan Xixi?"

Huang Xiaojue replied decisively, "I’m absolutely going to marry her."

Huang’s father pondered for a moment. "You’re not a child anymore. Marriage is a serious matter that requires careful consideration. Regarding Yan Xixi, your mother and I feel the same way—we aren’t particularly fond of her. However, if you insist, we will respect your choice. As for your mother, I’ll try to reason with her on your behalf."

Huang Xiaojue was genuinely grateful. "Thanks, Dad."

Huang’s father sighed inwardly. He was naturally more worldly-wise and composed in his dealings than his wife. He knew that a man head over heels in love was like an old house on fire; if you rushed in to put it out, you might just get burned yourself. It was better to wait and see how things unfolded.

"Xiaojue, I’m not against you two being together, but my advice is not to rush into marriage. After all, you’ve been apart for some time now. Perhaps both of you have changed significantly, and those changes might not be apparent in a short period."

"Thanks for the reminder, Dad. How about this: I’ll bring her home next week. I believe you’ll like her once you meet her. She’s extremely intelligent and hardworking. Honestly, she got into our company entirely on her own merit. I only found out when I saw the list of new hires..."

"Is that so?"

"Absolutely! And several of the key female managers in the company think very highly of her. Her performance is outstanding too. She was promoted just a few months after joining. They had no idea about our relationship. She truly achieved all this through her own hard work and has never benefited from my position in the slightest."

Huang’s father was only half-convinced. If this was true, then the girl really did seem to be self-reliant.

He agreed readily. "Xiaojue, you praise her to the skies, but seeing is believing. So, it’s settled: bring her home for dinner next Friday. I didn’t get to meet her last time, so this time I’ll personally assess her for you."

Huang Xiaojue’s eyes lit up. "Dad, will you help me convince Mom?"

"Don’t worry, leave your Mom to me. But, to be clear, if she isn’t as good as you say, I’ll remain neutral—I won’t oppose it, but I won’t help you either."

Huang Xiaojue was overjoyed. "Dad, you can rest completely assured!"

On Thursday evening, the two met at the designated restaurant. Huang Xiaojue’s face was alight with excitement. "Xixi, I need your help with something tomorrow evening."

"What is it?"

He replied mysteriously, "A banquet trap."

Yan Xixi’s heart sank.

"Come home for dinner with me tomorrow evening. My parents want to meet you."

She immediately grew flustered. "But... haven’t they met me already? Can I... can I not go?"

His smile faded. He reached out and took her hand. "Xixi, there’s no need to be afraid. You’ll have to come home with me sooner or later anyway. I’ve already spoken with my parents. They definitely won’t make things difficult for you, and they respect my choice."

Yan Xixi kept her head bowed, her heart pounding. She didn’t dare face Huang’s mother’s scrutinizing gaze again. What if she forced her to quit her job again? Even if they didn’t object to anything else, that one demand alone was more than she could bear.

"Xiaojue, do you want me to quit my job?"

She didn’t know why the words had tumbled out. The moment she said it, she felt a pang of regret. Yet, she steeled herself and continued to look at Huang Xiaojue.