Siheyuan: The romantic and suave Xu Damao

"Big brother, do you want to have tea, eat, or stay in the hotel?"

While Xu Damao was in a daze, a service staff came over and asked with a smile.

"Um, give me a pot of tea and a plate of melon seeds and peanuts."

Xu Damao had no choice but to sit down and rest for a while since he was already here.

There was a hint of helplessness on his face.

"Forget it, I'll just listen to a story for a while."

Xu Damao stayed here for almost half an hour, but he was really not interested, so he paid and left.

……

Lou Xiao'e pushed open the door, looked at Xu Damao outside, and enthusiastically invited him in.

"What's wrong? Are you embarrassed yet? It's so cold outside, come in and warm up."

Lou Xiao'e said with a smile.

"Well, is your dad home?"

"No, she's at work, but my mom is home."

"Oh, good! It's a good opportunity to talk about our engagement. What do you think?"

Xu Damao said to Lou Xiaoe with some trepidation.

"Okay, time to tell my mom."

Lou Xiao'e replied with a smile.

Xu Damao took a deep breath and followed Lou Xiaoe into the house slowly. His steps seemed a little heavy, as if every step required great courage. After entering the house, Xu Damao sat on the sofa nervously, his eyes wandering, not knowing how to start.

The atmosphere in the house was particularly warm. Lou Xiao'e's mother was sitting by the stove, whispering to Xu Damao's mother. Their faces were filled with warm smiles, making people feel very kind.

Xu Damao's footsteps broke the silence in the house. Xu Damao's mother raised her head with a hint of surprise in her eyes, while Lou Xiao'e's mother stood up and greeted her with a smile.

"Da Mao is here, come and sit down. It's cold outside, right?" Lou Xiao'e's mother greeted him warmly, her tone full of concern.

Xu Damao gently rubbed his red, frozen hands, feeling the warmth from the stove. He sat down by the stove, leaning forward slightly, with a slightly uneasy look in his eyes. Finally, he mustered up the courage and said a little awkwardly: "Auntie, Xiao'e, I came here today to discuss something with you."

Lou Xiao'e and her mother looked at each other, and there was a hint of understanding and expectation in their eyes. Although they seemed to have guessed a little, they still smiled and motioned Xu Damao to continue.

Xu Damao took a deep breath, his chest heaving slightly, as if he had made a great decision, and finally said, "The New Year is just around the corner, I think, can we finalize the engagement?" His voice was filled with a hint of nervousness and anticipation, his eyes fixed on Lou Xiao'e and her parents.

When Lou Xiao'e heard this, her face flushed instantly, she lowered her head shyly, and her hands unconsciously fiddled with the corners of her clothes. Her heartbeat accelerated, and she felt complicated and excited.

Lou Xiao'e's mother frowned slightly, obviously a little surprised by this proposal. She was silent for a moment, thinking about how to respond. Then, she slowly said: "Da Mao, this is not a trivial matter. Although you and Xiao'e have been together for a while and have a good relationship with each other, engagement is a major event in life after all, and we must consider it carefully." Her tone was serious and she looked at Xu Damao firmly.

Xu Damao nodded quickly, expressing his understanding of Lou's mother's concerns. He said sincerely, "Auntie, I know. I really like Xiao'e and will take good care of her. I have made up my mind. After we get engaged, I will work harder to make Xiao'e live a good life." His eyes were full of determination and responsibility.

Lou Xiao'e raised her head, her eyes full of emotion. She whispered, "Mom, I believe in Damao." Her eyes fell on Xu Damao, revealing a deep trust and dependence.

Lou Xiao'e's mother looked at her daughter's determined eyes, and her worries were slightly relieved, but she still couldn't help but said, "Da Mao, it's not that I don't believe you, but Xiao'e is my dearest, and I hope she can have a stable and happy future."

Upon hearing this, Xu Damao quickly stood up, walked to Lou's mother with a sincere face, and said seriously: "Auntie, don't worry. I, Xu Damao, promise that I will spend my whole life protecting Xiao'e and not let her suffer any grievances." His voice was low and powerful, like a vow.

For a moment, the room fell into a brief silence. Xu Damao looked at Lou Xiao'e and her daughter nervously, his hands clenched tightly, his palms slightly sweaty, and he felt uneasy. He knew that this was a test from Lou's mother. If he could not satisfy her, then his marriage with Lou Xiao'e would probably become a distant dream.

Finally, Lou Xiao'e's mother broke the silence: "Da Mao, since you are so willing, let's discuss the details of the engagement. But there is one thing you have to promise me, no matter what difficulties you encounter in the future, you will not let Xiao'e down."

When Xu Damao heard this, he was delighted. He knew that Lou's mother had approved of him, so he nodded quickly and said, "Auntie, don't worry, I will do it!" After that, he looked at Lou Xiao'e with gratitude, his eyes full of affection.

Mother Lou smiled and said, "That's good. Let's talk about the date of the engagement first."

Xu Damao thought for a moment and said, "Auntie, I think the Chinese New Year is more appropriate. Everyone will be on holiday then, so we can have some fun."

Lou's mother nodded and agreed: "Well, it's really nice to celebrate the New Year. Then let's discuss the specific process and details..."

So, the three of them began to discuss various matters related to the engagement during the Chinese New Year. Xu Damao made many suggestions, and Lou's mother also expressed her opinions from time to time, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

Just then, Lou Xiao'e suddenly remembered something and said, "Mom, I'll go get you some snacks." As she said that, she got up and walked into the kitchen, took out some fruits and cakes and put them on the table, and then made a pot of tea.

Mother Lou smiled and said, "Xiao'e, you are really becoming more and more sensible."

Xu Damao also echoed: "Yes, Xiao'e, you are really capable."

Lou Xiao'e smiled shyly, then handed a cup of tea to Xu Damao and said softly, "How about trying this tea?"

Xu Damao took the teacup, took a sip, and praised: "Mm, it tastes very mellow and delicious."

After hearing this, Lou Xiao'e showed a happy smile on her face.

"Hey, Damao, engagement shouldn't be a big deal. You must know the status of our family. Just our two families will do. Xiao'e's father is being watched by many people." Lou Xiao'e's mother sighed and said to Xu Damao worriedly. She knew that her husband's identity was sensitive and any move he made could cause unnecessary trouble.