Chapter 107: The Wedding Date (2)

After leaving the real estate office and resolving the house purchase, Yang Xiaofan took Qin Nanyu out to buy clothes. To avoid causing a scene, however, he stayed inside the car the entire time without getting out. Even so, quite a few people still peeked in. Some even took photos. After all, this was a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, worth millions or even tens of millions of dollars—a sight that was hard to find in major cities, let alone in this small county town, which made it an undeniable spectacle.

Fortunately, the Cullinan came equipped with privacy glass, making it nearly impossible for outsiders to see inside without pressing against the windows. Otherwise, Yang Xiaofan might have faced additional complications. The shopping was quick and straightforward. The Yang family took Qin Nanyu to the finest clothing stores in the entire county, buying the best without regard for cost. The styles and materials were excellent, rivaling or even surpassing luxury brands in quality, though the brands themselves could not compare.

One had to admit that having money made life easier. The family lived in harmony, with no shortages of essentials, and everyone enjoyed a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Moreover, Qin Nanyu truly embodied the ideal of a virtuous wife and loving mother. Today had been her first time meeting the Yangs, and Qin Nanyu had specially bought new clothes for Yang Xiaoying and Yang Xiaoyun. If it had not been for the parents’ repeated refusals, she would have chosen something for them as well.

More than an hour later, the family returned to the car laden with shopping bags. Yang Xiaofan called ahead and booked a private room at Zhang Shiyi’s hotel. The car drove straight to the underground garage, after which everyone took the elevator directly to the floor, sparing them the stares of pedestrians. Yang Xiaofan even considered learning to disguise himself, a plan that would allow him to blend in and avoid drawing attention in the future—a very practical idea. Tonight, upon returning home, he would splurge on something.

The afternoon had involved handling house paperwork and shopping, leaving everyone exhausted. When the meal arrived, each person ate with their mouth full of grease. It was unclear whether it was the hotel’s fine cuisine or the simple fact that they were all ravenously hungry.

After the meal, Yang father wiped his mouth and turned to serious matters. “Nanyu, regarding your wedding with Xiaofan, he has already spoken with me. Since you have no objections, we’ll arrange everything within the next one or two months. If you have any other preferences, feel free to tell me now.”

Qin Nanyu blushed faintly and lowered her head, nodding. “I’ll listen to Xiaofan.”

The shy, girl-like demeanor of the daughter made Yang Xiaoying and Yang Xiaoyun—the two mischievous little brats—burst into quiet giggles, as if they had just heard something hilarious. This only deepened Qin Nanyu’s embarrassment; she buried her head against her chest. Yang Xiaofan shot his sisters an annoyed glare. Xiaoyun, ever the obedient one, immediately fell silent, while Xiaoying stuck out her tongue in defiance, teasing her brother’s composure. Yang Xiaofan could only sigh helplessly at her cheeky nature.

Just as she was smirking, Yang mother suddenly clenched her fist and gave her a sharp rap on the head. “Ouch!” Qin Nanyu yelped, clutching her head with teary eyes, looking utterly wronged. Yang mother shot her a stern glance. “Always acting without manners—begging for a spanking.”

Yang father glanced at her without comment and continued, “As for the wedding, we’ll need to make some plans. First, we must meet your parents. We can’t wait until after the ceremony to introduce ourselves as your in-laws.” Qin Nanyu nodded. “That makes sense. I’ll call my folks and invite them over.” “That won’t do. You’re the bride’s side—wouldn’t it look as though we lack manners if your parents come to us? My wife and I should be the ones visiting.” “At the first meeting, we’ll set the engagement and discuss the wedding date. There will also be an engagement gift involved. We know your family is from a demolition household, with your parents being teachers and their circle being well-off. It wouldn’t be fair to compare them to our humble rural life. But you also know Xiaofan can earn now, so we’ll offer a six-figure deposit as the engagement gift. Before the wedding, there’ll be another payment that definitely won’t leave your family short of face.”

Qin Nanyu quickly shook her hands. “No need, Uncle and Aunt. Our area is more developed, and we don’t follow the exaggerated bride-price customs you see online. It’s just a gesture of sincerity. Our family may not have money now, but we’ll ensure your family keeps face. Now that we do, we won’t care about the amount.” “Thank you, Uncle Yang.” “We’re all family—there’s no need for such formalities. One more thing to consider: do you want to prepare wedding photos? The longer we delay, the harder it will be for you two to fit it in.” Yang father’s point was twofold. The wedding date was approaching quickly, and Qin Nanyu was already pregnant, making her figure more noticeable by the day and rendering wedding photography impractical afterward.

Yang Xiaofan nodded. “I’ll arrange it tomorrow. The vacation is nearly over too, so we’ll need to head back to school. For the wedding, let’s decide on a few time slots in advance so we can request leave easily.” “All right. I’ll check the almanac for auspicious days and discuss the details with you two then.” “Sounds good.”

After finalizing the wedding arrangements, the family returned to their old home. There was still no residence in the city, so they would have to stay at the county house for the time being. That evening, Yang mother changed all the sheets and bedding in Yang Xiaofan’s room to fresh new sets. Seeing that she was about to become a grandmother, she had specially purchased several silk and goose-down quilts to replace the heavy cotton ones, worried that the weight might press awkwardly on Qin Nanyu’s belly. A single cotton quilt could weigh several jin.

As for Qin Nanyu, the day had passed without issue, as she had not shared a room with Yang Xiaofan. Now that evening had arrived and she was to sleep in the same room, the thought left her feeling strangely shy. “Xiaofan, why don’t you sleep outside? I just arrived the other day and you already insisted on sharing a room. Uncle and Aunt, Xiaoyun, Xiaoying—they’ll think I’m that kind of woman, won’t they?” Yang Xiaofan blinked in confusion. “What? Class monitor, what era are we living in? We’re country folk, not that backward. We’re practically engaged—sleeping in the same room is normal, isn’t it? Or… are you holding back, afraid to marry me?”