Chapter 2135: Engagement Banquet

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

“How can it be seen as causing trouble for the Xia family? You’ve helped the Xia family a lot over the years. During the time when Xia He was not around, you must have also helped out at the photo studio. The Xia family’s own children are always not in the capital but you’ve always been there. They’ve long viewed you as their family member,” Qiao Mei said.

“But  I still feel shy about it. I’ve already troubled you enough with all the things that happened back then. I feel bad to have to trouble you again when I’m getting married,” Qian’e said embarrassedly.

“We’re a family! During dinner later, let’s bring up your engagement banquet with Han Chen for discussion,” Qiao Mei said.

“Alright, I’ll do as you say,” Qian’e said.

Qian’e took the account ledgers back to the factory to make some work arrangements while Qiao Mei contacted everyone and asked them to come to her house for dinner. Today was a rare day when Xia Mao was around, though Qian’e did not quite dare to look him in the face. She always felt that Xia Mao was very stern, unsmiling and not easy to talk to.

Qian’e tugged at Qiao Mei’s sleeve nervously and whispered, “I  Maybe let’s not talk about it ”

“No! This is about your marriage! Don’t worry, they will listen to what you say.” Qiao Mei patted Qian’e on the hand to reassure her.

Qian’e mustered her courage and stood up. She looked at everyone uneasily and finally closed her eyes before she said, “I  I’m getting engaged to Han Chen! I  I want to invite all of you to my engagement banquet in the capacity of my  my family members!”

The entire room fell silent. Qian’e did not even dare to breathe loudly. After a while, Xu Lan looked at Qian’e sternly and said, “Xiao’e, open your eyes and look at me.”

Qian’e looked at Xu Lan fearfully. This was the first time in so many years that she had seen Xu Lan look so serious. In the past, Xu Lan had always looked gentle and amiable.

“Xiao’e, do you remember how you address me?” Xu Lan asked.

“Godmother ” Qian’e whispered weakly.

“Godmother is also considered a mother. Since you address me as Mother, then you’re my daughter and also a member of our Xia family! In the future, just speak up confidently! There’s no reason for me not to attend my daughter’s engagement banquet!” Xu Lan said with a smile.

Qian’e felt a huge sense of relief and could finally feel at ease. This was the first time in nearly 10 years that she had experienced the warmth of having a home. The tears in her eyes slowly rolled down her cheeks.

“Why are you crying! A wedding is a joyous occasion! We should all be happy! I’ve met Han Chen a few times and feel that he’s a trustworthy boy. The two of you must have a good life together. If his family bullies you, just come back and tell us! We’ll back you up!” Li Gui said.

“That’s right. No one in the capital will dare to bully the Xia family’s children,” Xia Mao echoed.

The family finished the meal happily. The engagement date was fixed for three days later and the Han family was in charge of the arrangements for the entire event. The Xia family only needed to wait for the details.

Qiao Mei went to the storeroom and spent a long time inside, but she was unable to decide on an engagement gift for Qian’e. She felt that it would be best if she could give an item that came in a pair. In the end, she decided to give Qian’e a pair of jade pendants with dragons and phoenixes engraved on them. She hoped that they would have a blissful life in the future.

It was said that when people got married in the past, they would light a pair of red candles with dragons and phoenixes carved on them in the new house for a day and a night. The gesture was to ensure that the new couple would have a life of bliss and harmony. Such red candles could no longer be bought off the shelf and one had to find an old craftsman to make them.

During the past few years, Li Gui had met an old master by chance. She asked the old master for help and he agreed to work overtime to make the candles for her. They came to an agreement on the price quickly.

Over the past few days, Xu Lan and Li Gui had also been going around to look for a suitable gift for Han Chen. The two of them went out to shop every day and it looked as if they were going to buy everything in the entire capital!

On the day of the engagement banquet, the Han family sent cars to pick up the Xia family members to the restaurant. However, although there were supposed to be four cars, only three cars arrived.

“What’s going on? I thought we said four cars. Why is there one car missing?” Qian’e asked the driver of the first car.

“Miss Qian, we’re just following the Han family’s orders. They only told us to send three cars,” the driver said.

Qian’e was about to continue asking when Qiao Mei grabbed her hand and whispered, “Let Father and Mother and the rest go in the cars sent by the Han family. I’ll drive my own car and go with Xia You. It’s a joyous occasion today. Let’s ensure that everything goes smoothly.”