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He Ran stood up nimbly, seemingly without any serious injuries.
He looked apologetically at Jian Xi. “I’m sorry.”
Jian Xi ignored him and kept examining his body. “Where are you hurt? Does your hand hurt? Don’t hold back; if it’s necessary, we’ll go to the hospital.”
Tao Xing chimed in on her behalf. “Hehe, it’s alright.”
Jian Xi shot him a fierce glare, and Tao Xing hurriedly raised his hands. “I was wrong.”
He Ran took a deep breath and struggled to speak. “Looking like this, it’s not appropriate for me to meet your parents.”
“Absolutely not.” Tao Xing perked up upon hearing this. “Don’t even think about backing out. The Empress Dowager has personally cooked. I smelled the aroma—she stewed a big hen.”
Jian Xi didn’t say anything, her eyes flickering with hesitation.
He Ran, of course, knew that if he didn’t go today, there might never be another chance.
But if he went, how much better could the outcome be with his current disheveled appearance?
Tao Xing, being the clever one, excitedly proposed a bad idea. “How about this: pretend I beat you up. When we get home, sis, you complain, and I’ll act tough. My parents will definitely scold me and sympathize with Brother He.”
He Ran: “...”
Jian Xi: “...”
After some thought, Tao Xing felt this idea was brilliant. “Let me tell you upfront, relying solely on my superb acting skills won’t cut it. You two need to cooperate too. Sis, why are you looking at me like I’m trash? Hey, are you in or not?”
He Ran lifted his eyes. “In.”
Jian Xi: “...”
On the way home, Tao Xing quickly applied a “fighting makeup,” emptying Jian Xi’s eyebrow powder and eyeshadow.
“Tao Xing, can you apply less? This shade was specially brought from abroad for me.”
“No way, I need to make it look real.” Tao Xing blended the cosmetics on his face, even using rouge to adjust the color. The effect turned out great.
Tao Xing contorted his face, pointing accusingly at He Ran with a trembling finger. “You’re not allowed to bully my sister!”
Jian Xi got goosebumps. She smacked him on the head. “Idiot.”
“Hey, have you ever seen such a handsome idiot? You scold me and hit me! Let me tell you, if you make me explode, I won’t be able to control my mouth later. Don’t blame me if I say something wrong.”
He Ran pulled Tao Xing aside. “Alright, stop disturbing your sister while she drives. I appreciate you.”
Tao Xing was easy to please. He glanced at He Ran and said maturely, “You can be appropriately nervous. After all, you’re about to meet the mayor.”
It was meant as a joke, but unexpectedly, He Ran took it seriously. “Is your father easy to get along with?”
“Just a bit easier than my mother.” Tao Xing extended his right hand, pinching his thumb and index finger to indicate a centimeter. “See, just a tiny bit easier.”
He Ran swallowed hard, finding it hard to express his feelings.
Jian Xi glanced over. The usually arrogant and unrestrained man now seemed timid and hesitant, which made her feel pity.
She grabbed his hand and squeezed it firmly twice. “I’m here. Don’t be afraid.”
After an anxious drive, they finally arrived at the municipal compound.
This place was tranquil amidst the hustle and bustle, with a short narrow road, two lanes wide, flanked by tall, continuous sycamore trees.
The guards at the first gate stood straight, and patrol cars came and went. Jian Xi’s car license plate was registered, so they were smoothly waved through.
As the barrier lifted, Tao Xing exclaimed, “Only those with high颜值 are allowed in. This is affirmation for the three of us.”
Jian Xi almost burst out laughing and playfully ruffled his hair. “You’re the flower of the compound.”
“Of course! My颜值 upholds the sky of our city.”
Listening to their banter, He Ran’s mood didn’t relax much. Two kilometers further in, they reached the second gate. A squad of武警 patrolled the courtyard, lined with rows of old Western-style houses from the Republican era, simple in appearance.
After getting out of the car, Jian Xi increasingly felt that Tao Xing’s idea was flawed. “Maybe we should call it off. Forget the act and just meet them as we are.”
“Don’t talk nonsense, woman. Get behind the men.” Tao Xing rubbed his face and took out the keys to open the door.
As the door cracked open, Tao Xing instantly got into character, his face darkened, his eyebrows arched, and his eyes filled with a sense of grievance.
Following behind Jian Xi, He Ran heard Tao Xing’s loud cries from outside the door, followed by Tao Xihong’s voice—
“That’s enough. If you have a shoot, go back to the set. It’s impolite to receive guests like this.”
Tao Xing remained calm. “Mom! Don’t sympathize with me! I got into a fight with someone! So angry!”
Jian Xi and He Ran entered the house.
“Mom.”
“Hello, Aunt.”
Tao Xihong nodded politely in response to their greetings, her gaze landing on He Ran’s face, startled.
She first made way, welcoming He Ran into the house to sit down, then questioned Tao Xing. “What are you doing? You’ve been out for a while and caused trouble already.”
Tao Xing was spirited. “I couldn’t bear to part with my sister.”
“What kind of logic is that? You go and beat people up because of that?”
“My sister used to only care for me. Now they’re in cahoots, isolating and hurting me.”
Tao Xihong’s expression turned serious, and she scolded softly, “You’re making trouble!”
“I’ll keep making trouble.” Tao Xing became more animated. “My psychological age is twelve, right in the rebellious teenage phase. You don’t understand sibling bonds. Invading outsiders must be fought, no matter how handsome.”
According to the pre-rehearsed script, Jian Xi timed her intervention perfectly, standing up to mediate. “Stop arguing. You’re right, okay? Mom, this is He Ran.”
Tao Xing forcefully added drama, blocking Tao Xihong. “Don’t look at him, look at me.”
Tao Xihong was exasperated. “Xinglai!”
Tao Xing ended his performance, swiftly running upstairs and exiting the scene.
Headache induced by her son, Tao Xihong turned apologetically to He Ran. “Little He, don’t mind him. He’s always been spoiled by us. Are your injuries serious? Xiao Xi, go get the first aid kit.”
He Ran quickly stood up. “No need, Aunt. Just minor scratches, nothing serious.” He handed over the gifts with both hands. “These are for you and Uncle. I hope you like them.”
“Thank you for being so polite.” Tao Xihong smiled as she accepted the gift, opening hers and inspecting it carefully before looking up. “Thank you, I really like it.”
Jian Xi asked, “Where’s Dad?”
“He’s on a call with the Water Resources Department. He should be down soon.” Tao Xihong’s eyebrows were delicately drawn, her light makeup very fitting. She gently pushed the fruit platter towards He Ran. “Little He, have some fruit.”
He Ran didn’t refuse and picked up a slice of orange confidently.
Not long after, Jian Yanqing came downstairs from the study. “What’s wrong with Tao Xing again? I could hear him jumping and shouting in the bedroom from my study.”
“He’s causing a ruckus.” Tao Xihong turned to her husband. “He’s such a child. Look, he’s caused quite a bit of trouble for Little He.”
He Ran stood up and nodded to Jian Yanqing. “Uncle, hello.”
Jian Yanqing dressed casually at home in a linen jacket, which draped well over his tall frame, reducing his usual sternness and adding a touch of relaxed elegance.
He walked over and shook hands with He Ran. “Relax, there aren’t many formalities at home.”
Jian Yanqing sat on a single sofa, and Jian Xi obediently poured tea.
“I’ve heard Xiao Xi mention you many times, and she speaks highly of you. We could have met earlier, but I had to accommodate my schedule.” Jian Yanqing’s attitude was mild, without any airs.
He Ran maintained composure, neither humble nor arrogant. “Uncle, you’re busy with work, but you should also take care of your health.”
Tao Xihong placed her hand on her husband’s shoulder. “Little He is very polite. He even brought gifts. I’ll let you enjoy them first—it’s a box of Maojian tea. The aroma seeps through the bag.”
Jian Yanqing nodded to He Ran. “You’ve put thought into this.”
Tao Xihong continued, “Age brings maturity. Look at Xinglai—he’s turning twenty-four this year and still so flighty. Little He, sometimes he might offend you unintentionally. Please don’t take it to heart.”
He Ran responded, “There’s no offense. We’re all young people. Conversations and differing opinions are normal. Xinglai actually has very active thoughts.”
Tao Xihong’s expression brightened. “Where are you from, Little He?”
“My hometown is Yao Province.”
“Why did you move here?”
“I failed in business there. A few years ago, my mindset wasn’t stable, so I thought of changing places.” He Ran calmly stated, without hiding or concealing anything.
This honesty surprised Tao Xihong.
Silently, Jian Xi brewed a cup of tea for He Ran and pushed it towards him—a wordless comfort.
Jian Yanqing said, “People grow through experiences. That deserves admiration.”
Tao Xihong asked further, “How did you and Xiao Xi meet?”
“At a car wash.” He Ran replied, “Later, a friend’s spouse had an emergency, and Xiao Xi helped rush them to the hospital, ensuring the safety of both the adult and child.”
Jian Yanqing nodded. “She’s a doctor. Medical professionals should respect life. Xiao Xi, you did well.”
After chatting for about ten minutes, all the dishes were served.
Tao Xing conscientiously came downstairs. “No need to call me. I’m very punctual when it comes to meals.”
Jian Xi poured juice, not looking up. “No one called you.”
“I’ve been keeping an eye on the aroma. From upstairs, I could already tell what dishes were being served—stewed chicken, asparagus stir-fried with shrimp balls, steamed sea bass. See, I can tell just by smelling.”
Tao Xihong was annoyed by his chatter. “Even a dog’s nose isn’t as sharp as yours.”
“My nose could serve as a textbook example in a plastic surgery hospital.” Tao Xing sat next to He Ran, still in character. “Don’t worry, I won’t beat you up anymore.”
Jian Yanqing slightly raised his voice. “Xinglai.”
“How can you all gang up on me? Threatening and intimidating, siding with reason rather than kinship. Just crush me already.” Tao Xing’s long string of complaints still managed to warm the atmosphere.
The dinner proceeded smoothly, matching He Ran’s expectations.
No awkwardness, no forced politeness, and no veiled alienation.
Jian Yanqing exuded a steady and cool presence, while Tao Xihong was astute and capable yet reasonable.
He Ran secretly exhaled in relief.
After dinner, He Ran sat in the living room, continuing to chat with the elders.
Jian Xi brought up a bowl of cherries upstairs, where Tao Xing sat cross-legged on the wooden floor playing games.
Jian Xi popped a cherry into his mouth. “You did great tonight. Consider this a merit.”
“One merit equals one plate of braised pig’s trotters, right? You promised, no backing out.” Tao Xing chewed loudly.
“Alright, alright. I’ll queue up for you at six in the morning.”
Tao Xing was satisfied. “That shop limits 100 servings a day. If you can’t buy it, you’re done for. By the way, where’s Brother He?”
“Chatting with Mom and Dad.”
“You shouldn’t think you’re off the hook. During dinner, Mom’s gaze wasn’t friendly. She kept staring at your man, observing his every move.” Tao Xing wore a sorrowful face. “Strong women are scary, super imaginative.”
Jian Xi didn’t think much of it. “I’m very grateful to Mom already.”
“But seriously, Brother He isn’t afraid of tigresses. He’s very calm.” Tao Xing changed positions, lying on the floor to play games. “His aura doesn’t lose at all.”
Jian Xi felt subtly proud and popped another cherry into his mouth.
An hour later, He Ran bid farewell. “Uncle, Aunt, it’s late. I won’t disturb your rest.”
Tao Xihong stood up. “It’ll take time for you to get home, so I won’t keep you. Let Xiao Xi see you out.”
Jian Xi came downstairs. “Mom, Xinglai says he’ll sleep at home tonight.”
“Let him do as he pleases.” Tao Xihong took out a prepared return gift and handed it to He Ran. “This is some tonic I had someone bring back from Xiangxi. I heard from Xiao Xi that you have a grandmother at home. Give this to her as our regards.”
He Ran declined modestly but eventually accepted.
Once the car drove out of the municipal building, He Ran said, “Pull over for a moment.”
Jian Xi: “What’s wrong?”
Before the car stopped completely, He Ran eagerly pulled Jian Xi into his arms, kissing her fiercely.
Jian Xi’s tongue hurt, and she couldn’t catch her breath, pushing against his shoulders in vague refusal. “There are so many people on the street.”
He Ran’s hand lifted her shirt hem, finding her cleavage and inserting his index finger, moving up and down to simulate intimate actions, making Jian Xi’s mind dizzy.
He Ran didn’t dare go too far, controlling himself and lowering his voice. “What lipstick are you wearing? Like a seductive spirit. I’ve been thinking about it all evening.”
Jian Xi’s heart was sweet. She hooked her arm around his neck and leaned in voluntarily. “Kiss me again; you haven’t finished cleaning me.”
He Ran tilted his head. “No.”
Jian Xi pursed her lips, looking at him pitifully. “Big Brother He.”
He Ran pretended to be cold. “What big brother? Call me husband.”
Jian Xi straightened her back, placing her hands on the steering wheel, tapping rhythmically. “Give or not, it’s up to you.”
“Sneaky little devil.” He Ran laughed and scolded, quickly pecking her cheek. “You’re insatiable.”
They resumed driving. Just past eight o’clock, the city was bustling, the night lights mingling with the lingering warmth of the day.
“You’ve met my parents. Were you nervous?”
“Not anymore once I saw them.”
“I don’t believe you.”
He Ran’s craving for a cigarette kicked in. He took one out and bit it unlit.
“I thought it through clearly at the time. Whether they like me or approve, it doesn’t matter. If they dare marry you off to someone else, I’ll dare to snatch the bride—anyway, this woman is mine for sure.”
Jian Xi’s fingers trembled slightly.
He Ran bit the cigarette, slightly rolling down the window for ventilation. His crew cut was clean and neat, revealing a full forehead. With the wind blowing, he squinted slightly, calm and composed.
“Jian Xi.”
“Hmm?”
“Which place in this city do you like the most?”
Just as they hit a red light, the car slowed to a stop. Jian Xi turned her head. “What?”
He Ran said, “I want to buy a house, somewhere you like.”
This news was sudden, and Jian Xi didn’t know how to respond for a moment.
Pedestrians crossed the road, their shadows folding and casting faint reflections on the car windows.
He Ran’s face was highlighted with alternating light and shadow, his features soft yet sharp. He turned his head, his gaze burning like stars and fire.
“I’ll buy the house. You just move in and give me a home, okay?”
He Ran whispered softly—
“Jian Xi, let’s get married.”
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