Growing Fond of You, Mr Nian

Just the thought of the three of them spending the Lunar New Year together made Xu Zhengxuan incredibly happy. An old man’s wish was to be with his family. In the past, Xu Zhengxuan could only hope for such a reunion when he saw other families get together. Things had changed at that moment as he was with his family right there and then.

“I am not going. You two can go together,” Mo Liuxi said calmly.

Xu Zhengxuan’s face hardened as if someone had just thrown cold water at his face. “Liu… Liuxi, are you still mad me? I really wanted to have you before…”

“It’s not that,” Mo Liuxi stopped Xu Zhengxuan right away as soon as he realized that the old man was about to start the same old speech all over again. “I’ve got something going on.”

“Nothing is more important than being with your family,” Xu Zhengxuan tried to persuade his son. “It’s not like you are spending New Year with your in-laws like your sister…”

“Well, It’s exactly that — I am spending this New Year at my girlfriend’s house.” Mo Liuxi stood up and said, “So, you guys can spend it together.”

Although Mo Jin was kind of expecting that, she was still shocked that Mo Liuxi was going to have New Year’s dinner with their family.

Xu Zhengxuan jumped out of the chair, surprised. “You have a girlfriend? Why didn’t I hear anything when I was teaching in school? Who is it? I don’t think it’s a good idea. Having New Year’s dinner with their family while you are still in school? At least wait until you’re a bit older. And also, you should bring her to our house so your mom and I could meet her first.”

Mo Jin nodded. She had known about it for a long time anyway. She just didn’t tell anyone.

“You are not important. What’s important is for her parents to approve of us.” Mo Liuxi said with no emotion.

Mo Jin stayed silent.

Xu Zhengxuan felt a little hurt. “Why aren’t we important? We are your parents — we need to be in the decision of who you will spend the rest of your life with. If she isn’t a good girl, your mother and I will not approve.”

“You will approve. She is a wonderful girl — smart, nice to her parents, beautiful, kind, good at cooking, good with studying, and very capable. She is simply the perfect girl. You can spend this New Year yourselves. I’ll bring her to our house sometime next year and discuss the wedding. I am not planning on throwing an engagement party. I’ll give you a big red packet this New Year. You guys have fun.” Finishing his speech, Mo Liuxi waved at them and went straight upstairs.

Mo Jin and Xu Zhengxuan were stunned for quite a while until they finally processed what Mo Liuxi had just said. Xu Zhengxuan stuttered, “Jin, what did he just say? Getting married next year?”

“Yes, that’s what he said.” Mo Jin frowned, as she was also shocked by her son’s decision.

“But… he’s only 23 next year. Are boys getting married at such a young age now?” Xu Zhengxuan could not believe his ears. “I thought boys who grew up overseas want to be free for a lot longer. I asked him last year, and he said that he’s never getting married. This girl must be something. She’s got his head in the clouds. I am worried.”

“Don’t worry, he’s a grown man,” Mo Jin tried to calm Xu Zhengxuan. “There’s no way to stop him anyway. Just sit back and prepare to have a daughter-in-law.”

Xu Zhengxuan was speechless.

Some time had passed since then.

On the 29th, Mo Liuxi was busy packing his luggage. He could not go to his girlfriends’ house empty-handed when meeting his future in-laws. He must bring along some gifts for them; even more so for his daughter.

Mo Liuxi filled three suitcases full. Just as he was about to leave, Mo Jin could not help but speak her mind, “You’ve prepared quite a lot. I’ve never seen you being so nice to me though.”